Effective Membership - lessons from RC Kampala Day Break
Posted by Aggrey Kankunda
on Jul 12, 2012
I made my maiden visit to Kampala Day Break this morning (12 July 2012). We were about 12 visiting Rotarians and there were about 6 club members and the reason for poor attendance was put down to CEOs who travel a lot!
My advice is that they widen their recruitment scope beyond CEOs. The CEOs can also bring in their deputies and PAs. Rtn Martin Ogang from RC Kampala made a good presentation on club administration, finances, membership etc. He stressed a point on Rotarians being inducted only after settling dues. This reminded me that I recently inducted a member in our own club and when I asked whether she had settled her dues I got blank stares (Rtn Angela I am sure you have since made good with PHF Geoffrey).
Following up on this matter of membership, as we in Kampala South approach 50 in number I think we need to stress some of these basic procedures on membership admission. The procedures are clearly laid out in our updated club by-laws (available on the website).
In terms of developing a quality member, we are supposed to ensure good mentorship. The mentor passes on as much Rotary information as is accessible, takes the prospective member to other club fellowships etc. The prospective member is expected to have visited at least one club project as part of commitment.
Then the club organizes formal training once the board feels that the person being mentored is ready to take the next step. The training is normally about three- four hours and conducted in a conducive environment by seasoned club members. As part of this training emphasis is laid on the benefits one stands to gain from membership to Rotary and also obligations. As part of fulfilling these obligations one is supposed to settle club dues before induction. I actually recall that at some point we used to insist on presentation of receipts.
Following up on this matter of membership, as we in Kampala South approach 50 in number I think we need to stress some of these basic procedures on membership admission. The procedures are clearly laid out in our updated club by-laws (available on the website).
In terms of developing a quality member, we are supposed to ensure good mentorship. The mentor passes on as much Rotary information as is accessible, takes the prospective member to other club fellowships etc. The prospective member is expected to have visited at least one club project as part of commitment.
Then the club organizes formal training once the board feels that the person being mentored is ready to take the next step. The training is normally about three- four hours and conducted in a conducive environment by seasoned club members. As part of this training emphasis is laid on the benefits one stands to gain from membership to Rotary and also obligations. As part of fulfilling these obligations one is supposed to settle club dues before induction. I actually recall that at some point we used to insist on presentation of receipts.