… Membership is the lifeblood of Rotary… Without Rotarians, who provides the service to our local communities and the world?

DISTRICT 5550 MEMBERSHIP GOALS FOR  Minimum—Net one new member per club  Focus on Retention  Aim for quality members

Baby Boomers

Younger Boomers

Generation X’ers

Polio Plus A program to immunize all the world’s children against polio by 2005 – Rotary’s centennial Some countries are in conflict and our goals have yet to be met. The program has committed more than 2 billion US dollars to the protection of more than two billion children in 122 countries polio plus partners have contributed over 1.5 billion dollars to a polio-free world

PolioPlus-Rotary’s gift to the children of the world.

ROTARY YOUTH EXCHANGE PROGRAM   year olds are exchanged world-wide.   Part of a 7,000 students/year program.   Rotarians host these young people in their homes for one month to one year.   Students become part of the family.   District 5550 has hosted students from South America, Europe and Asia.   We have sent students to most democratic countries in the world.

Qualify New Prospects Interview at a time the partner can attend Interview at a time the partner can attend Can they attend your meeting times? Can they attend your meeting times? Have to attend 50% of meetings Have to attend 50% of meetings Annual dues and socials approx $1000 Annual dues and socials approx $1000 Are they willing to be educated in Rotary? Are they willing to be educated in Rotary? Do they like working in a group environment? Do they like working in a group environment?

Are they willing to attend social functions? Are they willing to attend social functions? Will they give time to community work? Will they give time to community work? Sustaining member $100 us per year Sustaining member $100 us per year Introduce your roster and club brochure. Introduce your roster and club brochure. Qualify New Prospects

 Promote - Via the media – radio, newspaper & TV  Appoint club chairpersons who work in the communications field  Know the media in your area  Offer knowledgeable Rotary spokespeople  Identify newsworthy story angles HOW TO ATTRACT ROTARY MEMBERS

■ Arrange for Rotary displays in local libraries, banks, city halls, etc. ■ Promote Rotary’s work with and for young people ■ Seek opportunities to speak at community events and in schools HOW TO ATTRACT ROTARY MEMBERS

WOMEN IN ROTARY  Are important  Now are making a huge contribution  Will be and can be leaders of tomorrow.

“World Peace through Understanding” The Rotary Foundation

 The Annual Programs Fund  The Permanent Fund  The Polio Plus Fund

Keys to Recruiting and Retaining Members

Recruit New Members Set a challenging goal for your club: –H–H–H–How do you feel when you see a low or no growth goal? –D–D–D–Do you feel energized and really challenged? –H–H–H–How about a goal of 3%? 6%? 9%? 12% 15% more??

Recognize the urgency of Rotary Membership Utilize pre-induction orientation gatherings to brief entire family before induction

Retain Your Current Members Members are the life blood of a Rotary Club Your club’s most valued asset is its members Nurture and grow your membership!

Orient the new member properly Member and spouse if possible Evening of Rotary orientation Club History and Projects Four Avenues of Service Rotary International The Rotary Foundation

Induct new members properly Significant ceremony with spouse Provide (options) Four Way Test Object of Rotary Rotary Basic Library Certificate of Membership Pin, Badge, Banner Publications

Educate the New Member Rotary program once a month Good Rotary speakers Slides and videos about Rotary Mentorship Program Ambassadorial Scholars, youth exchanges, RYLA participants, GSE, Rotaract, Interact

Involve the Rotarian in: Club Committees Fund Raisers Board Meetings Club Meetings Club Social Activities

Ask the new member To find two or three other new members from among his/her peer group

Why Join Rotary? 1. The Opportunity to Serve 2. Professional Networking Personal Growth and Development Friendship Cultural Diversity

Why Join Rotary? 6. Good Citizenship 7. World Understanding 8. Entertainment. 9. Family Foundations 10. Ethical Environment

Public Image Maintaining a strong positive public image in your community increases your ability to attract potential members. Tips and tools for your public relations efforts can be found on RI’s Web siteRI’s Web site

MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT  Recruit quality members  Fully inform the prospective member and partner  club history  Present programs; local and international  Educate members on Rotary programs  ABCs of Rotary  Mentor new recruits for six months  Involve new members in all of your programs  New members need to attend at least one executive meeting  Have new members join our Rotary Foundation by starting their Paul Harris sustaining membership in November of their first year

Focus on Rotary service and membership will grow in response.

Additional resources are available at