The Rotary Club of Vashon Island - a study in Club culture

Rotary Club of Vashon Island – Club Culture Our Vashon Island club is informal and fun, and has a reputation for a strong and active membership, unique and meaningful service projects, and ambitious undertakings. The dress code is typical Vashon, but unlike that casual style, our meetings are on-schedule, efficient and to-the- point. Members refrain from overtly promoting their businesses, yet we recognize everyone’s vocations, endeavors and other volunteer projects. Personal announcements are held for “Happy Bucks” and club business is conducted in the portion of the weekly meeting just prior to the speaker, or at board meetings. The President should be made aware of club- related announcements just prior to each meeting.

Not only Rotary Clubs

Not only Rotary Clubs, nor Employers

Why Evaluate Club Culture? Organization culture is the key to much that happens (or does not happen) in a business or any other organization. Culture pervades all the relationships which underpin the organization and influences all its decisions

Ideal Club Culture Mission clarity Membership commitment Strong trust & relationships Effective leadership Performance-based programs Flexibility/Adaptability Transparency/Accountability Innovative Members support leadership Everyone knows what is going on Customer focused Emphasizes recruitment & retention Uses modern technology Members see each other as Family Members’ skills and interests are utilized New members are engaged right away Members participate in Rotary activities outside their own Club Active in both local and international projects

Unacceptable Club Culture Cliques No or little fellowship Apathy against participating in Club activities Club involvement not considered important Members uninformed Skills & interests among members are not utilized New members are ignored Long-term members are grumpy No Club interest in Rotary opportunities No polling of members’ ideas Members only tolerate Club leadership

Affecting Club Culture Change Changing mindset Resistance Communication Consistency Vision aligned to goals Club wide acceptance Opinion leaders Recognize and reinforce