Membership Services

 The latest Zone 17/18 Membership Newsletter has just been published.  Of particular note is the Regional Membership Seminar in Chester on 10th October at Chester University.  More details will be circulated when they are available.

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 IS YOUR CLUB ATTRACTIVE?

Was just one of the questions asked by Past RIBI President John Hockin a District Membership Seminar

District Governor Graham welcomed close to 50 delegates representing 21 clubs from the district by reminding them that Rotary is a Service organisation and that all Clubs should look to their local community to fulfil their service obligations.   "Successful clubs" are recognised by the local community and attract members who wish to be part of that success.  All our clubs should conduct a self-appraisal to make sure they meet the requirements of Rotary in today's environment.

"Is your club ready for the challenge?" was another searching question posed by John Hockin.  In today's environment Rotary has to compete with a host of leisure time activities, not to mention family commitments, so if we are to survive we need to change our attitudes and activities to attract new members.

For the second half of the seminar, we split into discussion groups to debate our clubs' position.  Four key issues were raised

1. Meal and Venue

• Is the venue and quality of food up to standard
• Is the cost of membership prohibitive

2. Fellowship

• Are our members friendly and do they mix with visitors or do they stay in their own groups
• How are new members integrated and involved in the club

3. Service Programme

• Are our service projects reviewed and updated annually and is every member involved
• Do committee members change
• Are projects reported locally

4. Weekly Meetings

• Are meetings interesting and well organised
• Are speakers given enough time
• Is your club available to all or do outdated prejudices restrict new members.
• Are visitors made welcome
• Would you want to join your club if you were not a Rotarian and visited your last meeting
  
  Challenging questions for every Rotarian and Club to consider.  Everybody recognises that something needs to be done but solutions are not easily found.

Rtn. Tony Cotton, RIBI Extension (New Club Formation) Officer completed the presentations with a justification of why new clubs are needed.

• Areas of population where no club currently exists
• Areas where existing clubs fail to meet the needs of the community
• Time of Meeting
• Venue
• Where the profile of an existing club is not attractive to new members because of
• Age
• Gender
• Activities

 

The seminar succeeded in raising awareness and generating debate.  Of course, not everybody agreed with every sentiment – our job would be easy if that was the case – but it is hoped that the members present would take the message back to their clubs and begin the process of re-evaluation.

The District Membership Services Team would like involvement with all the clubs in the District.  We acknowledge that some clubs are very successful at recruitment while others tend to struggle.  Sharing the best ideas from successful clubs will help the smaller clubs to develop and we are there to help spread the message.  Similarly, smaller clubs may feel that they have limited resources to address this issue - again we can help.

Having gained new members, retention and development are equally important.  80% of new members leave within the first 3 years.  Every club needs a new member development programme to integrate new members in to the club and give them every opportunity to fulfil their potential in Rotary Service.  A New Members Seminar is planned for the new year.  It will be aimed at mentors and new members and if you would like any specific topic included in the programme, please let me know.  Details of the date and venue will be announced well in advance.


Finally, my thanks go to everybody who participated in the seminar and contributed to its success.  If anybody has a particular interest in membership, the District Committee would welcome some additional members to support clubs during this period of change and development.

Nigel Danby
Membership Services Chairman