Associate and corporate memberships, passport, satellite, and hybrid clubs — these are just some of the innovative, flexible models that clubs have used recently. Can your club benefit from them too? Our panelists will share highlights and challenges from the process, and provide resources to help make your meetings interactive and engaging.
View the recording: https://vimeo.com/123234534 This webinar focuses on member engagement as a path to member retention. Clubs that keep existing and new members involved in club leadership, decisions and activities are much more likely to have members that feel connected to the club and as a result, have higher retention rates.
Be part of a conversation about Rotary’s future — in 2020 and beyond. What new opportunities lie ahead for Rotary in light of the new strategic plan? We’ll discuss the charge of the Strategic Planning Committee as it works to bring this plan to life and communicate it to the Rotary world.
Revitalize + Rethink Your Rotary Club: Crafting Your Member ExperienceRotary International
Join District Governor Haresh Ramchandani (District 7020) to learn ways your club can create an engaging and rewarding member experience you will want to share with others. Many clubs are already embracing new rules and flexibility for their members, now is the perfect time to revitalize and rethink your Rotary Club and breathe new life into your club's membership!
Part 5 of 5 in the Membership Matters! webinar series. This webinar will focus on growing and strengthening clubs by inviting new and diverse groups of professionals to club meetings, asking friends and colleagues to participate in a service project and reaching out to Rotary Program Alumni.
View the recording: https://vimeo.com/123234534 This webinar focuses on member engagement as a path to member retention. Clubs that keep existing and new members involved in club leadership, decisions and activities are much more likely to have members that feel connected to the club and as a result, have higher retention rates.
Be part of a conversation about Rotary’s future — in 2020 and beyond. What new opportunities lie ahead for Rotary in light of the new strategic plan? We’ll discuss the charge of the Strategic Planning Committee as it works to bring this plan to life and communicate it to the Rotary world.
Revitalize + Rethink Your Rotary Club: Crafting Your Member ExperienceRotary International
Join District Governor Haresh Ramchandani (District 7020) to learn ways your club can create an engaging and rewarding member experience you will want to share with others. Many clubs are already embracing new rules and flexibility for their members, now is the perfect time to revitalize and rethink your Rotary Club and breathe new life into your club's membership!
Part 5 of 5 in the Membership Matters! webinar series. This webinar will focus on growing and strengthening clubs by inviting new and diverse groups of professionals to club meetings, asking friends and colleagues to participate in a service project and reaching out to Rotary Program Alumni.
Rotary clubs are exploring change and flexibility in new and
creative ways. Come get ideas to strengthen and engage your
members. From different meeting designs to nontraditional
venues and schedules, clubs are embracing a new Rotary, and
you can, too.
Presentation given by Mitty Chang and Holly Ransom at the 2013 Rotaract Preconvention in Lisbon, Portugal. Solomon Victor was unable to attend the live presentation but aided in the planning of the presentation.
The Public Image/Public Relations session will provide you with a quintessential mix of fact and fun, inspire you to share your club’s Rotary stories and how best to convey Rotary’s image to the public at large, primarily focusing on Rotarian-centric needs to optimize and enhance your club-speci c achievements and initiatives. Emphasis will be on “Brand Rotary” tools, aka Rotary Brand Central Station, Mastering the Art of “Social Media” and Expediting and Enhancing Your Digital Public Image using your Club’s Website, then via District 6970’s website “calendar”, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram et al.
Understand the role & responsibilities as your Club’s Secretary. Learn the various tools used to maintain membership records, maintain club officer records, access membership reports, and record attendance. Learn step by step instructions on finding your club’s electronic invoice and how to pay electronically. Review the common challenges your club may face and the resources to solve them.
Rotarians are leaders. Yes.
However what are the specific roles of leaders of Rotary Clubs?
This is a presentation I gave to my club, Sunyani-Central on the subject.
RID 3211 - A brief presentation on the Role and Responsibilities of Trailblazer Assistant Governors of Rotary International. Presented by Rtn N Shine Kumar, Chairman AGTS, in the Rotary Assistant Governors' Orientation Meet held at Kumarakom, Kerala, India on 1st & 2nd February @ Lake Song Resort held under the leadership of District Governor Elect Rtn. Dr. Thomas Vavanikunnel and District Trainer Elect PDG Rtn.P G Muraleedharan - RID 3211 By the beginning of January every year, Incoming District Governors of Rotary starts planning and implementing their training programmes for the Assistant Governors. There are countries where Assistant Governors Training is conduct along with PETS and DTTS. But in India it is customary that training of Assistant Governors is conducted separately and almost turn out to be a curtain raiser to the incoming year's various training programme.
Associate and corporate memberships, passport, satellite, and hybrid clubs: These are just some of the innovative, flexible models that clubs have designed recently. Our panelists talk about the challenges, benefits, and lessons of designing a club experience that works for every member.
Join us if you believe your club could benefit from becoming more flexible and you:
• Want to host some meetings online but aren’t sure how
• Have heard about corporate memberships and want to learn more about how they could benefit your club — and community
• Are wondering how a satellite club might allow more prospective members to engage with and expand Rotary
Rotary clubs are exploring change and flexibility in new and
creative ways. Come get ideas to strengthen and engage your
members. From different meeting designs to nontraditional
venues and schedules, clubs are embracing a new Rotary, and
you can, too.
Presentation given by Mitty Chang and Holly Ransom at the 2013 Rotaract Preconvention in Lisbon, Portugal. Solomon Victor was unable to attend the live presentation but aided in the planning of the presentation.
The Public Image/Public Relations session will provide you with a quintessential mix of fact and fun, inspire you to share your club’s Rotary stories and how best to convey Rotary’s image to the public at large, primarily focusing on Rotarian-centric needs to optimize and enhance your club-speci c achievements and initiatives. Emphasis will be on “Brand Rotary” tools, aka Rotary Brand Central Station, Mastering the Art of “Social Media” and Expediting and Enhancing Your Digital Public Image using your Club’s Website, then via District 6970’s website “calendar”, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram et al.
Understand the role & responsibilities as your Club’s Secretary. Learn the various tools used to maintain membership records, maintain club officer records, access membership reports, and record attendance. Learn step by step instructions on finding your club’s electronic invoice and how to pay electronically. Review the common challenges your club may face and the resources to solve them.
Rotarians are leaders. Yes.
However what are the specific roles of leaders of Rotary Clubs?
This is a presentation I gave to my club, Sunyani-Central on the subject.
RID 3211 - A brief presentation on the Role and Responsibilities of Trailblazer Assistant Governors of Rotary International. Presented by Rtn N Shine Kumar, Chairman AGTS, in the Rotary Assistant Governors' Orientation Meet held at Kumarakom, Kerala, India on 1st & 2nd February @ Lake Song Resort held under the leadership of District Governor Elect Rtn. Dr. Thomas Vavanikunnel and District Trainer Elect PDG Rtn.P G Muraleedharan - RID 3211 By the beginning of January every year, Incoming District Governors of Rotary starts planning and implementing their training programmes for the Assistant Governors. There are countries where Assistant Governors Training is conduct along with PETS and DTTS. But in India it is customary that training of Assistant Governors is conducted separately and almost turn out to be a curtain raiser to the incoming year's various training programme.
Associate and corporate memberships, passport, satellite, and hybrid clubs: These are just some of the innovative, flexible models that clubs have designed recently. Our panelists talk about the challenges, benefits, and lessons of designing a club experience that works for every member.
Join us if you believe your club could benefit from becoming more flexible and you:
• Want to host some meetings online but aren’t sure how
• Have heard about corporate memberships and want to learn more about how they could benefit your club — and community
• Are wondering how a satellite club might allow more prospective members to engage with and expand Rotary
View a recording of this webinar: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/973978592
Ten tips from Rotarian experts and New Generations Programs staff to ensure a successful year as Interact, New Generations, Rotaract, RYLA, or Youth Exchange district chair.
Looking at recent Rotary membership trends both locally and internationally, the need to balance our recruitment initiatives with retention concerns, and a few insights from various breakout sessions at the recent International Convention in Sydney. Members' needs analysis activity and "The Ripple Effect", building our membership network
Tracking and Scoring Engagement for More Effective DevelopmentPaul Ramsbottom
Strategic University Advancement Conference - Sydney 14-15 August 2013
- An introduction to scoring models and management of engagement with various stakeholders
- Doing more with less: Utilising data to identify opportunities to target your resources effectively
Paul Ramsbottom, Managing Director, ASI Asia-Pacific
Sources noted
What's your path to success? Network with fellow presidents-elect and Rotary leaders as we exchange experiences to help accelerate your club through a successful year. Scale up to greatness as we share a common vision and strategies for innovation during your year and beyond.
Driving Member Engagement by Showing #VolunteerLoveBillhighway
Mark your calendars: National Volunteer Week is April 19-25th! It’s the perfect opportunity to start thinking about ways to show your chapter volunteers the appreciation they deserve all year-round. Volunteering is one of the stickiest forms of member engagement, and happy volunteers can keep your association chapters on track for years to come. Given that 20-25% of staff labor in associations come from volunteer members, it’s a worthwhile effort to utilize recognition in creating a supportive environment. Let’s draw from research and our own community for a dynamic discussion on ways to spotlight association volunteers and celebrate volunteering in all aspects!
Guatemala Literacy Project: A Successful 20-Year PartnershipRotary International
The Guatemala Literacy Project has established a successful formula for supporting literacy programs that enable indigenous communities to break the cycle of poverty. Learn how this project has evolved in mission and scope over the last 20 years. We will emphasize strategies to create an effective partnership between Rotarians and outside nonprofit organizations, advantages and challenges in working with a partner NGO, and suggestions for creating a high-impact, scalable program
New Club Flexibility: How Can It Attact and Keep MembersElizabeth Toms
How can your club be more attractive to prospective
members, and what can you do to keep your members? How
can Rotary remain a priority when everyone has limited
time? This session will explore club successes and consider
what “flexibility” means. You’ll learn how your club might
benefit from increased flexibility and get ideas for the
coming year. You’ll also hear about changes you may need to
make to your bylaws to accommodate your innovations.
How can your club be more attractive to prospective
members, and what can you do to keep your members? How
can Rotary remain a priority when everyone has limited
time? This session will explore club successes and consider
what “flexibility” means. You’ll learn how your club might
benefit from increased flexibility and get ideas for the
coming year. You’ll also hear about changes you may need to
make to your bylaws to accommodate your innovations.
Rotary’s members are our greatest assets. When our membership is strong, our clubs are more vibrant, Rotary has greater visibility, and our members have more resources to help communities flourish. During this session, we will look at the state of Rotary’s membership: how we got here, who is joining, who is leaving, and the opportunities for us all to make membership a top priority.
During this webinar we will cover:
• How to encourage giving to Annual Fund, PolioPlus, and the Endowment Fund
• Setting goals for giving on Rotary Club Central
• Accessing & understanding information from key Foundation reports in My Rotary
Similar to Membership Models for the Future of Rotary (20)
Presentation by Jared Jageler, David Adler, Noelia Duchovny, and Evan Herrnstadt, analysts in CBO’s Microeconomic Studies and Health Analysis Divisions, at the Association of Environmental and Resource Economists Summer Conference.
Jennifer Schaus and Associates hosts a complimentary webinar series on The FAR in 2024. Join the webinars on Wednesdays and Fridays at noon, eastern.
Recordings are on YouTube and the company website.
https://www.youtube.com/@jenniferschaus/videos
Monitoring Health for the SDGs - Global Health Statistics 2024 - WHOChristina Parmionova
The 2024 World Health Statistics edition reviews more than 50 health-related indicators from the Sustainable Development Goals and WHO’s Thirteenth General Programme of Work. It also highlights the findings from the Global health estimates 2021, notably the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on life expectancy and healthy life expectancy.
Understanding the Challenges of Street ChildrenSERUDS INDIA
By raising awareness, providing support, advocating for change, and offering assistance to children in need, individuals can play a crucial role in improving the lives of street children and helping them realize their full potential
Donate Us
https://serudsindia.org/how-individuals-can-support-street-children-in-india/
#donatefororphan, #donateforhomelesschildren, #childeducation, #ngochildeducation, #donateforeducation, #donationforchildeducation, #sponsorforpoorchild, #sponsororphanage #sponsororphanchild, #donation, #education, #charity, #educationforchild, #seruds, #kurnool, #joyhome
Donate to charity during this holiday seasonSERUDS INDIA
For people who have money and are philanthropic, there are infinite opportunities to gift a needy person or child a Merry Christmas. Even if you are living on a shoestring budget, you will be surprised at how much you can do.
Donate Us
https://serudsindia.org/how-to-donate-to-charity-during-this-holiday-season/
#charityforchildren, #donateforchildren, #donateclothesforchildren, #donatebooksforchildren, #donatetoysforchildren, #sponsorforchildren, #sponsorclothesforchildren, #sponsorbooksforchildren, #sponsortoysforchildren, #seruds, #kurnool
ZGB - The Role of Generative AI in Government transformation.pdfSaeed Al Dhaheri
This keynote was presented during the the 7th edition of the UAE Hackathon 2024. It highlights the role of AI and Generative AI in addressing government transformation to achieve zero government bureaucracy
3. A. Change your meeting schedule
B. Meet online
C. Relax attendance requirements
D. Offer multiple membership types
E. Invite Rotaractors and Alumni to join
FLEXIBILITY OPTIONS
F. All of the above
7. “This is a
changing world;
we must be
prepared to
change with it.”
Paul Harris, 1935
8.
9. BEST PRACTICES:
Invest in technology
Prioritize engagement
Develop protocols
for speaking
Test to learn
10. “What good is an idea if it
remains an idea?
Try. Experiment. Iterate.
Fail. Try again.
CHANGE THE WORLD.”
Simon Sinek
11. CORPORATE & FAMILY MEMBERS
Dan Ryan
District Governor-elect
Indiana, USA
dryan@netdsb.com
12. A PAGE FOR BIG BOLDBULLET ITEMS
BENEFITS
TO CLUBS TO MEMBERS
New members Flexible attendance
requirements
Expanded impact of projects Professional development
New networks, skills and
expertise
Corporate social responsibility
13. A PAGE FOR BIG BOLDBULLET ITEMS
CORPORATE MEMBER TYPES
OPTION 1 OPTION 2 OPTION 3
CORPORATE
MEMBERS
Primary Senior
Member
Additional
associates
(max 3)
Primary Senior
Member
Additional
associates
(max 3)
Max 4 employees
per company
ATTENDANCE
Flexible Flexible Flexible
DUES
Senior Member
pays full dues
Associates pay
cost of meals
Senior Member
pays full dues
Associates pay
$10/month
Dues to be
determined by club
All pay same
amount
REGISTERED
WITH ROTARY
Senior Member
ONLY
All members All members
14. A PAGE FOR BIG BOLDBULLET ITEMS
FAMILY MEMBERS
• One additional family member listed as an “active member”
• Shared attendance requirements, minimum 50% of meetings
• May opt for the cost of just one Rotarian magazine monthly
Primary Member Family Member
Pays annual dues One-time initiation fee, TBD by
club (often 25$ if implemented)
Donation to the Foundation
(if a club policy)
RI and District dues
Donation to the Foundation
(if club policy)
17. ONE PATH TO STRONG CLUBS
Having involved “parents” avoids a
lot of problems in the early years
SPONSOR CLUB
SATELLITE CLUB
18. OUR CHALLENGE
• Declining membership
• Millennials looking to volunteer
• Existing structure was time and cost prohibitive
DID YOU KNOW?
31% of former members worldwide
list cost and time restraints as the
main reasons for leaving Rotary
19. SOLUTION
• 8 charter members
• Aged 30-45
• 2 meeting/month
Relaxed meeting location and culture
Joint socials and service with
sponsor club
26. This presentation and others
from throughout the convention
are available through the
convention mobile app and on
SlideShare at
www.SlideShare.net/Rotary_International.
27. Rate this session in the Rotary
Events app, available in your
Apple or Android app store.
Good Afternoon and welcome to our session Membership Models for the Future of Rotary. Are you all enjoying the convention?
Wonderful! It is always an exciting time to be together and share Rotary with fellow members from around the world.
I hope that you are taking every opportunity to reunite with old friends and meet new.
When we talk about the Future of Rotary, what comes to mind?
“The best way to predict the future is to create it.” US President Abraham Lincoln
“The past cannot be changed. The future is yet in your power.” Actress Mary Pickford
My name is Chris Etienne. I am from Michigan, USA and am currently serving as Rotary Coordinator for Zone 29 in North America.
As a Rotary Coordinator. I provide support and expertise to help create stronger, more dynamic and more effective clubs. Rotary Coordinators focus their activities on supporting and strengthening clubs, including innovative engagement of members and new member attraction strategies. In addition, our focus is on volunteer activities, networking, and support for youth programs, young professionals and Rotary Alumni, as well as emphasis on diversity including women and ethnic groups.
Today we have a team presenting to you on various membership models that are in place now and are the focus of membership for the future of our organization. It is necessary in many of our communities around the globe to change-up our Rotary clubs to become more attractive and relevant. Don’t you agree?
It is exciting that this is one of the sessions that is being livestreamed for Rotarians around the world that were unable to join us in Toronto. Welcome to all!
Our goal today is to provide a unique perspective on innovative and flexible membership models for our Rotary clubs.
It is a pleasure to facilitate this session along with my colleagues:
Jodie Sparks, Past District Governor from Australia
Dan Ryan, District Governor Elect from Indiana, USA
Mike Darragh, District Governor Nominee from Florida, USA
Let’s see how much you already know about flexibility. Which of these changes is your club allowed to make:
Changing your meeting schedule, as long as you’re meeting at least twice per month
Meeting online, or a combination of in person and online
Not require members to attend every meeting, providing them more flexibility depending on their schedule
Create new membership categories, that might have different dues and requirements
Invite existing Rotaractors and other Rotary alumni to join your club
Or, all of the above?
Today we will share about three models that we most hear about in expanding our Rotary membership, and consider how a modified membership model could boost membership in your Rotary club. But aside from these three, please understand that there are hundreds of innovative ways for Rotary clubs to meet and operate, consider the opportunities! Put on your thinking cap, be creative, think outside the box, or better yet, throw the box away! In other words, there are so many new ways to do Rotary, which we will share with you today. And we will leave time in this session for your questions.
Please recognize that no club has to make any changes, “some of you are sitting here and thinking my club is not going to change.” And that’s ok.
However, many of you may wonder, “how can our club embrace changes and become more attractive and relevant?”
What are your options? Please know that you have many options. Be open to change and embracing new ideas!
Maybe your club could start a satellite club, or your club could sponsor a new club, or look at Rotaract in a different way.
So now you see a photo of a passport. What’s that all about? Have your heard about the concept of a Passport Rotary Club. You ask, what is this?
There are various Passport Clubs that have been chartered around the world. One example is the Rotary Club of Greater Sacramento Passport One in California, USA. This is a group of local individuals who want to make a difference in their community in a way that fits within their time, talent and finances, as well as with their family, work and life commitments.
To do this, the Club only holds a minimum of four "in-person" meetings each year, once per quarter.
Instead of weekly meetings, members are encouraged to engage in humanitarian service - however that works best for them. The founding principle of the Rotary Passport Club is to make Rotary fit your life. The Passport Club members are full Rotary members, with the same privileges and rights as Rotarians in traditional clubs.
Membership in the club provides a passport to visit and work with any other Rotary Club in the world and to take part in activities, programs and service projects that interest and engage you. This Club is designed for former Rotary members, youth, alumni and others who find a traditional club doesn't fit their life.
The Rotary Club of Greater Sacramento Passport One meets “in person” once per quarter, but there are other passport clubs that meet once per month. So…there are many options and many opportunities to do what works for your community. So the Passport concept is one innovative way to change up the Rotary. Now let’s hear about some others…
It is my pleasure to introduce our next presenter, Jodie Sparks. A past Rotaractor, Jodie was Governor of District 9465 in 2011-12. Jodie has vast training experience, including serving as a training leader at the 2018 International Assembly. Jodie has been a part of her zone training team since 2016, and will take on the role of Zone Training leader later this year.
Jodie is passionate about ensuring that people have equal access to opportunity, both in the work she does with Wheels for Hope, an organization dedicated to changing lives through mobility, and in Rotary, by working to sponsor and mentor a club that meets online. Welcome Jodie.
We have certainly seen a lot of changes, since Paul Harris and his 3 colleagues started Rotary in 1905…and we know need to continue to evolve to stay relevant and attractive to future Rotarians.
If we could pay a visit to every one of Rotary’s 34,000 plus clubs, we’d see members from all different backgrounds, speaking just about every one of the world’s languages, attending a meeting unlike any other in the Rotary world – as our diversity, our adaptability and our flexibility is what keeps us relevant.
We hear a number of reasons why people don’t join Rotary – but how can we make Rotary more accessible and attractive to more people?
So what are some of the barriers to people joining (and staying in) Rotary??. It may be
Location/ Accessibility
No Rotary Club/too small to support a Rotary Club
Mobility Issues
Cost – weekly meal costs
Both younger people and Retirees
Husband/Wife/Partners
Time – When Clubs Meeting
FIFO / Shift Workers
Parents of young children
Examples
Grey Nomads
Frequent Work Travellers
Work relocation – want to
How can we make break down the barriers and make Rotary accessible to more people?
One option is to embrace some of the tools that are now available to us –one being the ability to meet online.
There are a lot of similarities between traditional and online meetings:
Host/Chairperson – should be there first and the meeting ‘set up’
Interesting and Engaging meetings
Things to Consider
Technology
Compatibility across all formats
What do you want it to do – presentations/share files for Guest Speakers/Committee Meetings
Many programs/tools offer free trials
Equipment
what are the minimum requirements that your members will need (Computer and Internet)
Webcams and Noise Cancelling Headphones
Protocols/Training/Guidelines
Avoid checking your emails, surfing online, texting, making side conversations/outside distractions (children/pets/phones/doorbell).
Eating/drinking
Wear appropriate outfit
The Mute Button is your friend
Communication outside of meeting (ie Facebook Group/E-Newsletter – Rocket Chat)
Opportunities to meet/be involved/engaged
Social meetup – rotate location/days/times
Hands on Projects – Tree Planting
Joint Meetings/Scatter Meetings/Joint Projects (Tag Along)
District, Zone and International Events
Funding
Fees…do they need to be higher as you are not meeting in person
How will you cover the costs for the technology and other general costs with no raffle or fines
Just think….your next Rotary Club meeting may be from your lounge room, office or Dining table at home. It may be your office at work. It could even be an airport lounge, local café, the bus/train or a community centre.
Just as many clubs are changing the time or day of one meeting per month you may wish to think about holding one online meeting per month, or even look at holding your Board or committee meetings online as an introduction.
We go to Rotary because we want to be there…because meetings are interesting, because the projects are fulfilling, and because we know our work will make a difference.
No matter what your Rotary meeting looks like – there is one common denominator - meetings need to be enjoyable, engaging and fulfilling – and provide flexible options to meet the changing world we live in.
There is no right or wrong type of meeting and nor does one size fit all
Not everything you try will work – but that doesn’t mean you should not try something different!
Your future Rotary meetings may look exactly as they do today…or they may look totally different. They may be a hybrid of types, locations, times and styles…..the way your club meets is entirely up to you.
I would like to leave you with a thought from Past RI President Sakuji Tanaka from our Zone Institute in 2011
"As Rotarians we look for the opportunities in difficulties, not the difficulties in opportunities"
Thank you
Chris:
By show of hands, which of your clubs is already offering an alternative meeting type?
Which of your clubs are considering a new membership type? (comment)
Two models that have become very popular are Corporate Memberships and Family Memberships, both of which enable a Rotary club to offer a more flexible membership experience. Both of these membership types can increase the club’s membership and expand the club’s network in the community.
It is my pleasure to introduce to you Dan Ryan. Dan is currently District Governor Elect. He has served as District Membership Chair, and perhaps more important to this discussion, has also served as the New Club Chair for the past few years, re-forming two new clubs, and forming two others. He has found that flexibility with membership models has been key to growing membership with new clubs, and his own club has established a model for corporate memberships, gaining several members, and growing to 45 members (from around 30, with 7 corporate members) #)?
Please welcome Dan!
Corporate and family memberships provide the opportunity to gain members a club wouldn't normally get. The best example of this was in the formation of a new club. They, along with any other new club I have helped to form, were anxious to have the local school represented, but the school superintendent stated she could only make one weekly meeting due to other responsibilities, but could the assistant school superintendent attend in her absence?
The members were excited to have two dynamic school leaders in their club. It was an easy decision to allow corporate memberships.
The primary incentive is in regard to attendance. Given the example of the school superintendent, between the two of them, they only have to attend two meetings monthly. However, we note that although the attendance requirement is less, the value the member gains is tied to their participation, which can include club projects, committee meetings or club social events.
When I first approached a local company regarding a corporate membership for my club, the senior executive advised they had not joined when previously asked due to attendance. When I advised of the corporate membership, he became interested and said the company was looking for an avenue for younger executives to learn social responsibility and giving back to the community. I also pointed out that his employees would get to know the movers and shakers in town as they were Rotarians. Not only did that company join with two members, but they also owned a subsidiary, a car dealership, that sent four members. And our club went from a club size of 35 to about 50 by having 6-7 corporate memberships.
As the District Membership and New Club Chair, I attended a Zone Membership Seminar where the traditional corporate membership was being utilized as a pilot program. This option, the first shown here, had a Senior Executive as the Rotarian, and as many as three Associates as part of the corporate membership. However, this option did not allow for the Associates to be known outside of the Club; they were not listed as members by Rotary International.
The advantage was that there were identified members, usually younger, to meet attendance requirement, and for succession. There were also more hands for club projects and fundraisers, and perhaps donations. It also opened the door for mentoring - both ways - the new member learning about Rotary, and the established member learning what is important, of value, to the new member, to make the club more attractive.
The disadvantage was that the Associates were not know to Rotary, so the second option has the Associate paying District and Rotary International dues, and therefore has the rights and privileges of any Rotarian - to receive the Rotarian magazine and attend District and International events, but limited to not being able to be an officer of the club.
The final option has each corporate member paying regular dues, with flexibility for attendance and meal costs. Each is a Rotarian with full rights and privileges of membership.
The family membership also came about, coincidentally, at the same new club meeting as the school superintendent. A young married man expressed interest, but due to his children's activities, knew he could not make more than one monthly meeting. The same was true of his wife, but if they could have a family membership, each could attend once monthly. Since the club had already exercised flexibility regarding corporate memberships, this was an easy option for them to endorse. And that is the key to both of these membership models: flexibility.
CHRIS:
Thank you Dan! As you can see, in one District, they have figured out how to accommodate the members by developing several new membership types, all with varying levels of access and opportunity. And every club who is looking to make a change should start by asking themselves a set of questions:
What membership issues do we expect this membership type to address?
What are the potential drawbacks to this type of membership?
Are members who hold this type of membership active or honorary Rotarians?
What club dues will members of this type be expected to pay? If you think your club can’t afford to offer adjusted dues consider this: A recent survey conducted with members indicates that the dues charged by Rotary International are on average 4% of what a member pays to belong to a club each year, and “cost” is one of the reasons given by resigned members when they leave. This could be a great opportunity to look at the dues structure in place in your clubs and districts and to make sure you’re delivering continued value.
For more information, including sample bylaws, visit Rotary.org/Flexibility
CHRIS:
Another membership model that clubs are experimenting with is Satellite Clubs. Satellite clubs provide another option for creating new Rotary clubs. Mike will talk more specifically about his experience, but, a satellite club functions as a short-term, transitional step on the way to becoming a full, independent Rotary club. This allows interested persons to become Rotarians without meeting the requirement of having at least 20 persons to organize a separate Rotary club. Rotarians who are absent from regular Rotary club meetings can make these up by attending satellite club meetings.
Mike Darragh is District Governor-Nominee, and a member of the South Jacksonville Rotary club since 1992. Mike is dedicated to improving the value that clubs offer to members, and in 2015 was instrumental in establishing a satellite club for 30-45 year-old leaders, with the otary Satellite Club of South Jacksonville.
Please welcome Mike Darragh.
Satellite Club stays as part of the Parent Club for a while
Only needs 8 members to start
Adds to the members of the parent club (until it spins off)
Gets guidance from the Parent club—and that guidance can be crucial to avoid the 30% drop in membership in year 2, when many new clubs lose momentum
What was our situation?
60 year old traditional club—second club in Jacksonville
Meet at lunch
Have mayor and other leaders in club
Adding members, but not enough to avoid 3-4 member net decline each year: dropped from 175 members to below 90 over 25 years
Millennials in our Rotaract club great at volunteering, but not joining our club
Focus group showed two biggest constraints for 30-45 year-old:
Taking almost two hours for lunch once/week
Paying $1600/year in costs (lunch, charity, etc.)
And we match much of the world: about one in 3 members leave because of time and cost constraints
Satellite
Age 30-45 years old, with demonstrated leadership
2 meetings/month
Meet in a bar restaurant during happy hour (discounted drinks)
Gather around one big table—no one left out
Original idea: Satellite has own socials and service, a chance to lead
Now:
Satellite is part of all service and socials, and does just a few events on their own
Satellites get a chance to mix with “gray-hairs” (experience), and lunch club members get a LOT more fun at socials and projects…and mentoring
[Picture of Satellite constructing site of Gingerbread House fund-raiser]
Facilitated Q&A With Panelists
CHRIS:
There are so many resources available to you for LEARNING MORE. Here are just a few:
Engaging Younger Professionals — Welcoming younger professionals into Rotary is essential for us. Our digital kit will help you rethink membership and bring emerging leaders into your club.
Rotary Club Health Check — Identify your club's problem areas and make changes to help it stay relevant for members and the community.
Be a Vibrant Club — Learn 10 best practices shared by vibrant clubs worldwide, along with regional versions featuring local success stories.
(If you plan to have a question and answer portion during your session, please read the following announcement before you begin. Remember to put your headset on so you can hear the translated question.)
“Now is your time to ask questions of our panelists– we ask that you speak slowly and clearly and wait for the microphone.
If you wish to ask a question in a language other than English, please announce the language before you begin your question. For example, I will speak in <insert language> for my question. Then state your name, country and your question.”
Note to speaker: Encourage participants to write down a couple things they plan to do as a result of this session.
August is Membership and New Club Development month, and to celebrate, Rotary International is hosting a webinar– everyone is invited! Chartering new clubs allows you to attract a more diverse membership, explore new ways to incorporate flexibility, pursue new project possibilities, hear ideas from new leaders, and grow Rotary. Visit Rotary.org/webinars to register.
[Keep this slide at the end]
[Keep this slide at the end, and read this suggested text]
“Thank you for attending this breakout session. If you have downloaded the Convention mobile app, please complete a brief evaluation for this session in the app.
You will also find links in the app to download presentations and resources from this session.
If you have not downloaded the app yet, search for “Rotary Events” in your Apple or Android store.”
Membership Assessment Tools — Analyze your member profile to identify prospective members and diversify your membership.
Rotary Club Health Check — Identify your club's problem areas and make changes to help it stay relevant for members and the community.
Understanding Membership Reports: Getting Started — Learn how to use membership data to determine where to focus your membership efforts.
Connect for Good — Encourage members to get involved in their club, community, and the Rotary world for a more meaningful experience.
Is Your Club Healthy? — Take this Learning Center course to help your club improve its member experience, service and social events, public image, and club operations.
Connect to Membership Leads — Find prospective members who want to get involved.
Engaging Younger Professionals — Welcoming younger professionals into Rotary is essential for us. Our digital kit will help you rethink membership and bring emerging leaders into your club.
Discover Rotary — Show this presentation to prospective members or at your club's public events. Add content and images specific to your club, and have prospective member brochures available.
Customizable club brochure — Design your own club brochure using the template on Rotary's Brand Center. Choose images and wording to best represent your club.
Introducing New Members to Rotary: An Orientation Guide — Find ideas for engaging new members, getting them involved, and giving them a meaningful Rotary experience.
Rotary Basics — Give this comprehensive overview of Rotary to new members or order it for club reference.
Creating a Positive Experience for Prospective Members — Working with prospective members is a delicate task. Find tips and ideas to determine whether membership would match their needs as well as your club's. Learn what you can do to ensure that prospects have a positive experience, regardless of whether they join.
Be a Vibrant Club — Learn 10 best practices shared by vibrant clubs worldwide, along with regional versions featuring local success stories.
Leadership in Action — Develop skills such as teamwork, communication, and innovation in your club, with the session guides and ideas in this resource.
Strengthening Your Membership: Creating Your Membership Plan — Develop a long-term strategy for boosting membership.
Starting a Rotary Club — Learn what you need to do to form a club.