Who would wish to become a member of your Club?

Contributed:

Every time that membership growth and retention is discussed by Rotarians a plethora of reasons are quoted as to why it is difficult to attract potential new Rotarians to join our wonderful organization.

Rarely if ever do those who quote the reasons ever consider the question: “Who would wish to become a member of your Club”

In other words most Rotary Clubs are in denial and are unaware of how unattractive their Clubs are to a potential new member.

The question to be asked is:

“What has happened to our Clubs to not make them attractive for membership?”

I have been a member of Rotary since 1977 and I strongly believe that Rotary is still relevant in today’s society, actually more than ever.

So where have we gone wrong?

Firstly each Rotary Club should have a long hard look at themselves and where needed make changes to their Club which will benefit their attempts to attract new members.

Secondly implement the THREE Fs Principle:

·         FUN

·         FELLOWSHIP    (better FRIENDSHIP today?)

·         FUNDRAISING

Regrettably in all Clubs the main topic of discussion at regular meetings is FUNDRAISING. We have become obsessed with fundraising and forgotten how to have fun and fellowship.

FUNDRAISING is important BUT it is a bi-product of fun and fellowship.

I assure you that if Rotary Clubs return to basics of fun and fellowship then FUNDRAISING will be even more successful than before and at the same time you will attract new members.

Harold Sharp
Rotary Club of Crows Nest, NSW, Australia 
Past Governor (2002-03), District 9680