August is Membership Month on the Rotary International Calendar. In 2022, more than 78,000 Rotarians participated in our All Member Survey and the results are clear – the number one driver of member satisfaction is a member’s experience within their club. Just as taking care of customers is crucial for the success of any business, our survey showed that an inclusive and caring club experience is the primary reason that our members stay in Rotary. Conversely, members leave our clubs when they don’t feel connected, and expectations are unmet.New members join for a multitude of reasons – community service, friendship, international service, and professional connections. And we can’t underestimate the power of asking – most new members join our Clubs because another Rotarian asks them to. However, they stay for two main reasons – community service and friendship.
Our most successful clubs are intentional about their membership development. They take the time to understand the needs and expectations of each member. They strive to be diverse and seek to identify groups within their communities who are under-represented in their club. They conduct exit interviews to understand why each member leaves. They develop strategies to keep people engaged and involved.
RI President Gordon McInally urges us to take care of our members as part of his focus on mental health. When we prioritize the care and wellbeing of our Rotary members, we create clubs that are not only sustainable but also more impactful.
Where to start? Take a look at Rotary’s Membership Assessment Tools. This guide contains a number of surveys and exercises designed to help Clubs assess their members’ needs, create strategies for attraction and engagement, and to ensure your Club offers an experience that feels safe and welcoming for all.
Finally, talk to us. Send an email to dg@rotary7910.org with your questions or concerns. You’ll reach our entire leadership team, and we’d welcome the opportunity to help design a welcoming and inclusive strategy for your Club’s growth.
Yours in Rotary & Service,
DG Elliott
Our most successful clubs are intentional about their membership development. They take the time to understand the needs and expectations of each member. They strive to be diverse and seek to identify groups within their communities who are under-represented in their club. They conduct exit interviews to understand why each member leaves. They develop strategies to keep people engaged and involved.
RI President Gordon McInally urges us to take care of our members as part of his focus on mental health. When we prioritize the care and wellbeing of our Rotary members, we create clubs that are not only sustainable but also more impactful.
Where to start? Take a look at Rotary’s Membership Assessment Tools. This guide contains a number of surveys and exercises designed to help Clubs assess their members’ needs, create strategies for attraction and engagement, and to ensure your Club offers an experience that feels safe and welcoming for all.
Finally, talk to us. Send an email to dg@rotary7910.org with your questions or concerns. You’ll reach our entire leadership team, and we’d welcome the opportunity to help design a welcoming and inclusive strategy for your Club’s growth.
Yours in Rotary & Service,
DG Elliott