Message from DG Murph
Posted by District Governor Tim Murphy, 2015-16 (Edina)
Greeting 5950!
We’re off and running in our Be a Gift to the World Rotary year. August is Membership month; membership is a focus of my program at club visits.
I tell my “Rotary story” as an example of how to become a real Rotarian and not just a Rotary member.
Worldwide, Rotary membership has remained around 1.2 million members for the past 12 years. In the U.S., our issue
is not attracting individuals; it is our inability to retain them.
On average, 100,000 members slip through our hands every year. We acquire members -- but do not integrate them into the culture of our clubs or mentor them into becoming real Rotarians.
is not attracting individuals; it is our inability to retain them.
On average, 100,000 members slip through our hands every year. We acquire members -- but do not integrate them into the culture of our clubs or mentor them into becoming real Rotarians.
Awarding a Rotary pin does not make a new member a Rotarian! As in business, if we take really good care of our customers (Club members), they become raving fans and our best marketing tools. Once someone joins Rotary, we are responsible for transitioning that member into a real Rotarian. Rotary calls this sponsorship. It may take months or years,
but be there for that person.
but be there for that person.
Our Support and Strengthen Clubs district chair, Steve Solbrack (St. Louis Park), has a team ready to help your club. RI president Ravi and his club support team in Evanston also compiled “A Dozen Ways to Make a Difference” to help you. It's a good article in case you missed it.
Be a Gift…by being an effective sponsor!
--DG Murph