4/6/2011

Apr 6, 2011

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Cindi Blansfield,

Membership Chair, opened the membership kick-off.

• Celebration: we have inducted 10 new members since July 1, 2010; and currently we have 3 prospective members.  
• Recognition: She asked that the 2010-2011 new members and sponsors stand and be recognized.
• Incentives: If a club member brings in a prospective member who completes the enrollment paperwork, the club member will get a Starbucks gift card. Additionally, the club member’s name will be placed in a raffle to draw for a wine basket on 4/27.
• Tools: She assigned new members to report back at the 4/27 meeting what made them want to join Rotary; and sponsors to report to the Club on 4/13 on what they did to get the new members interested and involved. “You Are The Missing Piece” cards were made available to club members to be used in membership recruitment. The card tells about our project involvement and invites prospective members to lunch. Postcards that can be mailed to prospective members are also available for membership use. We will be asked to share information on how we are using these cards.

Kathy Johnson

Past District Governor and current District 5030 Membership Chair, spoke on the importance of membership. She prefaced her remarks with “always wear your pin”; it opens the door to communication is recognized throughout the World. Her message for membership - “Rotary today is not your father’s rotary”.

• Paul Harris started Rotary as a social and business networking club; Rotary expanded to humanitarian activities nationally and internationally.
• In 1910 there were 60 attendees to the national conference; in 2009 the international conference hosted 16,000 Rotarians from 150 countries.
• Clubs were originally all male, very traditional and formal; meetings now include men, women and youth with meetings less formal and held in several venues from restaurants/bars to meeting halls.
• Members used to join at an older age, now they are joining in their 20’s and 30’s.
• Communication and rules have changed; we have computers (e-mail, Face Book, twitter) and make-ups can be done through an E-mail club.

When considering membership growth

• Ask who you want as members taking into consideration, age, gender, employment (diversified classifications).
• How can you make your club more flexible in the new business environment to attract new members?
• When recruiting be prepared and know your stuff – carry invitations with you, make sure your club knows how to welcome visitors, follow-up.
• Adjust thinking - age 60 is the new 40! Age down, tech –up and engage all ages in club activities. You are never too old to become young.
• Clubs should look, friendly, attractive and warrant a second look from a prospective member.
• Rotary has lots to offer a prospective member - opportunity for growth, public speaking, ethics, leadership skills, global understanding.

We disconnect because we think it is not our job to get new members, and have no sense of urgency; however North
American clubs are losing members at a rate of 5%; and the club membership is getting older and not replacing
members. Only 10% of Rotarians have invited new members.