Steve Busalacchi is working as an editor for a previous MSR member, Lyn Kenney, who is writing a book re: Women In Rotary.
Steve arranged a zoom call with RI President, Stephanie Urchick, to get her perspective on keeping clubs vibrant and adding new members.
Stephanie suggested thinking about gender diversity and how we could bring in more women and other groups of people who can relate to each other. Retention is gained by making the club irresistible and giving members a feeling that they belong here and fit here. If members feel comfortable, are having fun, are participating in meaningful service, find value in social and service activities, they are likely to stay members. It is not a duty to be at meetings or do service.
It is exciting! The club members and leaders have a youthful outlook. It is the Magic of Rotary to create wonderment and change people's lives with passion, energy, and a good attitude. Rotary has changed with the influence of Paul Harris and with time. Rotary is seeing eclubs, cause based clubs, passport clubs in order to be a fit for more people and mirror the diversity of the community. It is not Romeo(rich old white men eating out) who started Rotary in 1905. Women were accepted as members in 1989.
Members have built on their depth of knowlege and risen to leadership positions. We are different now. The club then discussed these ideas and what is the GOLD of our Club - fellowship, fun, humor, love, diversity - as well as what we heard today - needs to be fun and look like our communities. Irresistible!