Rotary E-Learning Center – Membership Retention A Guide to Membership Retention

Rotary E-Learning Center – Membership Retention Retention of members is critical to Rotary’s ability to meet the growing demand for humanitarian needs and volunteer services throughout the world.

Rotary E-Learning Center – Membership Retention “In the final analysis, Rotary exists for the purpose of developing the individual member and thereby increasing his capacity to serve.” -Paul Harris, 1922

Rotary E-Learning Center – Membership Retention Retention Action Steps 1.Identify 2.Inform 3.Invite 4.Orient 5.Induct 6.Educate 7.Involve

Rotary E-Learning Center – Membership Retention Step 1 - Identify Identify well-qualified members of your community. Prospective members should have strong ethics, a commitment to service, and represent the professional diversity of the community.

Rotary E-Learning Center – Membership Retention Step 2 - Inform Inform all non-Rotarian visitors or prospective members about RI’s programs and club activities by distributing: Current club profile T HE R OTARIAN or a regional magazineT HE R OTARIAN This is Rotary

Rotary E-Learning Center – Membership Retention Step 3 - Invite Invite a prospective member to join your club with a personal visit. Bringing along another club member ensures that the prospective member has more than one contact in the club. Highlight potential areas of involvement in the club and RI based on the prospective member’s personal interests.

Rotary E-Learning Center – Membership Retention Step 4 - Orient Prior to induction all prospective members should receive orientation that includes the following three key components: Benefits of membership Responsibilities of membership (including financial obligations) Opportunities for service

Rotary E-Learning Center – Membership Retention Orientation Topics The following content should also be included in prospective member orientation: RI history and current topicsRI history District history and current topics Club history and current topics Mentoring Opportunities for discussion

Rotary E-Learning Center – Membership Retention Step 5 - Induct The induction of new members is an occasion to instill enthusiasm for Rotary in the new member and reaffirm the commitment of existing members. If possible, invite family members to share in the occasion.

Rotary E-Learning Center – Membership Retention Induction Underscore the benefits and responsibilities of being a Rotarian during the induction ceremony. Each inductee should be provided with a: Rotary lapel pin Membership identification card Name badge

Rotary E-Learning Center – Membership Retention Step 6 - Educate There are two approaches a new member can take to acquire a Rotary education: self-education and continuing education offered by the club.

Rotary E-Learning Center – Membership Retention Self-education Self-education activities include: Informational reading such as –The ABC’s of Rotary (363)The ABC’s of Rotary –2002 Rotary Foundation Facts (159)2002 Rotary Foundation Facts –T HE R OTARIAN or regional magazinesT HE R OTARIAN Exploring club, district, and RI Web sitesRI Attending a board or committee meeting Attending a district meeting, such as a Rotary Foundation Seminar

Rotary E-Learning Center – Membership Retention Continuing Education A continuing education plan offered by the club includes: Frequent communication of Rotary news and information Club programs focused on continuing education District-level seminars on continuing education

Rotary E-Learning Center – Membership Retention Step 7 - Involve Just as important as educating members is getting them involved and keeping them involved by: Integrating new members into club activities and administration Assigning a new member to be a greeter or introduce a speaker Sending new members to the district conference as delegates

Rotary E-Learning Center – Membership Retention Resources The following resources are available on the RI Web site: Membership development section RI Programs The Rotary Foundation T HE R OTARIANT HE R OTARIAN Rotary World Rotary E-Learning Center