Membership Thought from D5190

Thanks to Michael Hix, District 5190 Membership Chair, for sharing this motivational reminder.

Congratulations on getting through the first six months of your Rotary year!

As a past Rotary Club President, I remember getting through the first half of my Rotary year with a sense of accomplishment and relief. If it hasn’t already happened, it is often during these next few months that most Presidents begin to enjoy their position as they get used to the meetings, administrative demands and the feeling of their own skin as the President of the Club.

As the feeling of fun and enjoyment begins to seep in, it is important to remember what can make those feelings grow during the next six months. It is important to remember that a growing, thriving club will only enhance those feelings as they bring you and your club greater success.

District Governor Jan’s number one priority this year has been, and will continue to be, membership! Is it your priority?

Despite the economy and other challenges, our District 5190 has grown by a net 24 members from July 1 to December 31, 2009. As DG Jan recently put it “Membership is an area where our District is holding its own comparatively and considering the economy. We have the addition of Reno New Generations Club that has helped keep our overall numbers up. Don’t wait until April or May to try to attract or retain membership. It is so important this year to hold onto every single member we have.”

Re-examine the membership goal as directed in the Presidential Citation. How far off is your club from a net increase of one member by March 31, 2010. It’s not too late.

Concentrating on the five elements of membership development; Recruiting, Orientation, Education, Introduction and Retention can help you achieve this goal – even in the next couple of months.

Understanding why people join Rotary; (Friendship, Business Development, The Desire to “do something useful,” Personal Growth and Leadership), and examining whether your club provides the opportunity to achieve these aspirations will help you with retention and growth.

Get inspired to continue your great year with growth and fulfillment. Your inspiration will inspire your fellow Rotarians and they will ask others to join.

As DG Jan has said, “At mid point, the clubs should assess and capitalize on their strengths (i.e. If you are good at attracting new members, focus on membership…or literacy, polio fundraising, kids at risk, seniors etc. – again, focus on and publicize those areas where you excel.)”

By focusing on membership you will continue to achieve greatness and so will your club.

This "to-the-point" message can be adapted for your district -- add, subtract, personalize, or write your own mid-year reminder -- make it an "attention-getting" message to the clubs in your area.