The New ‘AMC’ Membership Committee Model

As any Rotarian knows, we communicate best in Rotary using acronyms (DG; PETS; RYLA; WCS; RI to name a few). It is in that same spirit that I introduce you to a new acronym for our District….. the AMC. The next time you are asked to take a Rotary Acronym Test, remember the title of Area Membership Chair.

So exactly what is an Area Membership Chair? In sterile terms, these are individuals who have made a commitment to serve on the District Membership Committee. However, the role of the AMC is much more far reaching and critical to our district than simply serving on a committee. In the structure of the District 5110 Membership Committee, AMC’s are recruited and primarily managed by the Deputy District Membership Chair. All take direction from the District Membership Director. Their primary responsibility is to offer support and assistance to a designated handful of clubs in their local area. A few of their responsibilities include:

 Assist clubs in setting Club Membership Goals.
 Provide assistance with New Member Orientations, Inductions & Red Badge process.
 Raise awareness of Rotarian membership benefits and responsibilities
 Review Attendance reports for your clubs.
 Encourage participation in training opportunities.
 Provide Membership related club programs when requested and appropriate.
 Coordinate efforts with Assistant Governors.
 Attend and participate in District meetings.
 Connect and follow up with Rotary International membership referrals

Although it is the goal of AMC’s to offer assistance, Area Membership Chairs are sensitive to the fact that all clubs are autonomous and each has its own personality.

The transition to an AMC model for the Membership Committee began three years ago through the hard work of District Membership Director Helen Lucas and Deputy District Membership Chair George Lewis. After attending the Presidential Membership Conference and other Zone membership events, and sharing/gathering information from membership peers in other districts about how to better serve and assist clubs with the issues of membership retention and growth, it became apparent that offering a local contact who would have knowledge, access to materials and resources and who may even have a personal relationship with key club leadership members could have a positive impact and influence on membership benchmarks.

The dedicated AMC’s who have made the commitment to serve the Membership committee are making a difference. Now, any club in the district who is in need of help and/or assistance with membership issues has an AMC who lives in their neighborhood, whom they can call, meet with, or even invite to make a presentation. These are individuals who are having a powerful impact on Rotary by offering their time to help preserve and grow its membership.

Past District Governor and author of The ABC’s of Rotary Cliff Dochterman (Rotary Club of Moraga, CA) observed: "Rotary International leaders keep emphasizing membership growth and extension because Rotary's very survival depends on it. If Rotary is to grow, we all must take action." In our district, the Membership Committee comprised primarily of 18 amazing AMC’s is available to help clubs do just that.

Submitted by D5110 District Membership Chair, Helen Lucas

NOTE: Nearly half of the districts in Zones 25-26 now have Assistant Membership Chairs. Though they may have slightly different titles, the job descriptions are essentially the same. Often the AMC is coordinated with the same region as the Assistant Governor. We are seeing a difference in terms of membership growth and Rotary knowledge in those districts who are providing the personal service of an AMC.