This week’s Rotary speaker was District 6420 Governor Melissa McCormick who provided a video message encouraging increased membership and community impact. McCormick, who is a communication coach by occupation, outlined specific steps clubs can take to achieve these goals. McCormick said her message is prompted by the steadily declining membership trend in the District and the absence of clubs in some key towns within the District. She said she chose the use of a video to reach out to all clubs in a more timely manner since the large territory of District 6420 means she may not be personally able to visit each club until near the end of her Rotary year. Her goal is for each club in the District to add one net new member and for the District to add one net new club during her term as President.
McCormick called membership growth “Job One” for local clubs. She noted there is low-hanging fruit to work from. For starters, there are Rotary Youth Exchange participants who are already knowledgeable about Rotary and its worldwide footprint but may not currently be in a local club. The Rotary school programs, already a key part of the Sycamore Club activities, were singled out for developing long-standing relationships to build membership. College Rotaract Clubs were also mentioned as a resource for traditional club membership.
Besides attraction, McCormick spoke about the importance of member retention. She said the “networking” aspect of Rotary is as vital as formal meetings. McCormick stressed involvement in area activities is a way to bring your Rotary family and your personal family together in a special kind of fellowship. She noted the same thing is true for friends and business associates who can learn about a club through invitations to be part of community events where Rotary has a presence. McCormick added that she has a two-sided business card to help with Rotary awareness where one-side has her business contact information and the other side is all about Rotary.
The final part of McCormick’s message was about succession planning. New rules put a two-year term limit in place for Club Presidents. She noted how rotating leadership roles means new ideas are bound to come out. To help make transitions easier, a video modular training program is in place allowing a more gradual tutorial on club operations and responsibilities than previously possible.