The Theme For August is:
 
 
 
Membership Revitalises Rotary Clubs
The energy of Rotary comes from the collective energy of its members. In large and small ways, how we support one another and work cooperatively on projects is how we ‘do good in the world’. New members provide energy, enthusiasm, skills and passion, which drive Rotary clubs forward. 
Across Australia and New Zealand, Clubs recruit 12% new members every year, but lose 15% of members every year. This is not a path to the future, added to which our club membership is ageing. We simply must change our model to be relevant in a world which has changed dramatically. Another alarming statistic is that 40% of new members leave within their first two years.  Why?
During the current health crisis, every corner of society is rethinking its priorities, core values and future directions. It is essential that each Rotary club reassesses and reimagines what it should be like in the future.
 
Here are some suggestions on how to revitalise our club:
  • Discuss our club plan in a club forum. Use Zoom breakouts to allow smaller group discussions, as well as whole club discussions
  • Modernise our meeting format and schedule in variety: 
    • Face-to-face/hybrid with some in person, some online, projects, events and vocational visits.  Mix it up.
    • Do Rotary business online for efficiency, but have social events for members and families.
  • Investigate new membership categories of Corporate (for businesses wishing to support Rotary and provide development for their younger leaders), Associate members and Family members (clubs can use these as a volunteer resource as supporters, and as a transitional role into active membership) and retention of members facing major challenges.
  • Develop a wider view of Rotary participation that includes regular and ad hoc volunteer activities, making them part of the broader Rotary family.
  • Reach out to support or start Rotaract. Approach students in secondary schools so as to develop an interest in being involved.
  • Investigate event-based, hands-on projects to engage potential volunteers and members. Get started with something local and build on it over time, with local government, other clubs, and stakeholders in your community.
  • Investigate project partnerships with organisations where the club is under-represented, e.g. local Indian, Chinese or other ethnic groups.
  • Investigate personal and club opportunities to engage in the internationality of Rotary through Rotary Action Groups, Fellowships, sister-club relationships, etc. Find a speaker to present to our members on these aspects.