Rotary Zones 33 & 34 Membership Blog

Who are We?

2012-02-06T11:33:00.000-05:00

From the RI Web Site, "About Us":

What would it take to change the world? Rotary's 1.2 million members believe it starts with a commitment to Service above Self. In more than 34,000 clubs worldwide, you'll find members volunteering in communities at home and abroad to support education and job training, provide clean water, combat hunger, improve health and sanitation, and eradicate polio.

This is on the Rotary International website, so Rotary, to the non-Rotarian reader, is Rotary International. But I will bypass the fact that, in this context, Rotary does not have 1.2 million members, it has over 34,000 member clubs that have over 1.2 million members.

While this is important, my major question is this: Wouldn’t it be more effective, to the Rotarian and non-Rotarian reader, to say that ‘you’ll find local business, professional, and community leaders volunteering at home and abroad to support education and job training, provide clean water, combat hunger, improve health and sanitation, and eradicate polio?’

Doesn’t this do a more credible job at differentiating and identifying Rotarians? Excerpt from Jim Henry email 2/2012.

Rotary's Diversity Grande Addiction

2011-12-09T10:13:00.000-05:00

Proposition: Rotary's addiction to the elixir served up in Rotary's Diversity Grande has actually hindered diverse representation and contributed to our overall membership stabilization.

Click here to read more from Jim Henry.

Click here to visit Retention Central.

The Silent Rotary Killer

2011-11-13T15:29:00.001-05:00

This Silent Rotary Killer dictates more club and Rotarian actions than many are aware.

Click here to read more,

From Jim Henry at Retention Central!

Is Your Rotary Club Interconnected to It's Star?

2011-11-01T10:19:00.000-04:00

A Rotary Club should be interconnected with the gravitational pull of its STAR like our Earth is interconnected with the gravitational pull of its STAR.

Read the latest Jim Henry Rotatorial at Retention Central.

Hope is Not a Strategy

2011-10-28T19:09:00.000-04:00

Article by PDG Noel Trevaskis, Rotary Coordinator, Chairman Australian Rotary Health in Rotary on the Move Newsletter.

It is always interesting when I visit clubs and ask them about their membership and club strategy along with other things. Would you be surprised that a lot of clubs tell me that they hope to increase their membership? They hope to increase their fundraising, etc. Clubs are preparing to get ready to elect their leaders of the future; they will be hoping that they elect the right people for the leadership roles in their club.

Hope is not a strategy.

For clubs to be successful they need to have good strategies in place. Successful Clubs know what they are trying to achieve and how they are going to achieve it, they have plans. They know what the problems are and how they are going to solve them. They concentrate on solutions, they don’t focus on problems.

What does a club have to do to be successful? Value their members, fulfil their need. Put members into roles where they will be satisfied making them feel worthwhile and that they are a big part of the club. People need to know that what they are doing in a club is appreciated, they should be acknowledged for their efforts. Successful clubs always want to achieve success; in fact they expect to be successful. They always want to do more and are always improving and wanting to improve they are not satisfied with where they are now. They are focussed on the future. They talk about progress not change!

A club that is a successful club is a progressive club not a hopeful club, they develop their members. They have all their members involved in the club. They look forward to the future; they don’t hope to have a good future, they have solutions and plans they don’t just hope. Successful clubs know that hope is not a strategy.

RI President Kalyan Banerjee speaks on membership

2011-10-28T19:02:00.000-04:00

In a video message sent to 2011-12 club presidents, RI President Kalyan Banerjee says it’s time for clubs to take an honest look at who they are and how they need to change in order to achieve a sustainable Rotary. He urges clubs to highlight Rotary’s relevance to young professionals and to take active measures to engage both new and existing members.

"...as we begin the tasks we have set for ourselves, I remind you all that part of our goal is also to leave Rotary better at the end of the year than it was at the beginning, which means bringing in new members and working to keep the ones we have. For that reason, I have asked the RI Membership Development & Retention Committee, chaired by Past RI Vice-President Monty Audenart, to develop a three-year membership plan that includes the following elements:
Recognition of varying regional opportunities and challenges
A focus on diversity to bring in more young professionals and women and expand the range of professional backgrounds in our clubs
Improved retention efforts in all regions
More appealing, inviting, and flexible clubs"

Please click here to view the personal message from RI President Kalyan Banerjee.

Questioning MD-PETS (Multi-District President Elect Training Seminars)

2011-10-12T11:40:00.000-04:00

Have PETS slowed our North American Membership Decline?

Have PETS contributed to our North American Membership Decline?

Are PETS Focused on Presidents-Elect?

To read more, please visit Retention Central or click here to go directly to the article.

The next generation of Rotarians

2011-10-07T15:30:00.000-04:00

Rotary’s New Generations programs are a great resource for attracting young professionals and helping them to develop personally and professionally. Clubs are encouraged to increase diversity in Rotary by recruiting young men and women. Getting them involved in a Rotaract club or Rotary Youth Exchange can be the first step to a lifelong connection to Rotary.

Learn about these and other Rotary programs for New Generations, and find out how your club can benefit from involving youth and young adults in Rotary.

Read more. From Membership Minute, Oct 2011.

Climbing Out of the Ruts of Declining Membership

2011-09-16T10:49:00.001-04:00

Rotarians! Stop Digging!

For eighteen years, Rotary in North America has been mired in the captivating ruts of declining membership. Other regions of the world should be wary and steer clear or they, too, could become bogged down in similar ruts.

Consider reading Jim Henry’s Rotatorial on thoughts about getting out and/or staying out of these ruts in his most recent post on Retention Central.

Who Knew How Many Rotarians were Walking out of Clubs' Doors?

2011-09-07T17:00:00.000-04:00

Do Rotarians Know that Annually More Than 157,000 Rotarians Have Been Walking Out Clubs’ Doors Taking With Them Over US$7,500,000 Of Rotary International’s Dues Revenue.

To read Jim Henry’s Rotatorial, go to Retention Central by clicking on this link http://zone34retentioncentral.blogspot.com/

Foundation Trustees approve Horn of Africa Fund

2011-09-01T15:53:00.001-04:00

In response to the humanitarian crisis in parts of Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia, The Rotary Foundation has established the Rotary Horn of Africa Famine and Refugee Relief Fund, which will support recovery projects in the affected areas.

The worst drought in 60 years has gripped the Horn of Africa, leading to acute famine in parts of Somalia, where hundreds of thousands of people are now fleeing to Ethiopia and Kenya for aid. More than 10 million people are affected in the drought-stricken countries, including 3.7 million who are at risk of starvation.

Ways to Donate: Send a check payable to The Rotary Foundation, including the notation “Rotary Horn of Africa Famine and Refugee Relief Fund, #G10008” on the memo line, to:

The Rotary Foundation
14280 Collections Center Drive
Chicago, IL 60693 USA

If you or your district wishes to donate District Designated Funds (DDF) to the Rotary Horn of Africa Famine and Refugee Relief Fund, please follow the instructions on the [form attached to the Newsletter].

For more information, contact Jennifer Kordell at +1-847-866-3104 at The Rotary Foundation.

From the ZONE 33 THE FOUNDATION NEWSLETTER SEPTEMBER 1, 2011- DOING GOOD IN THE WORLD- RRFC Joe Mulkerrin

Generational Attributes Article Relevant for Rotary Clubs?

2011-09-01T15:29:00.000-04:00

"Generational clashes didn’t begin yesterday, but there was always a way out. You don’t like smart-mouthed kids or grouchy old fogies? Go where they’re not. In the second decade of the 21st century, though, there’s a new wrinkle. Some might call it a fault line. The workforce in developed countries is composed of multiple generations.

For the first time in history, four very different generations are working side-by-side,”...

Read more... click here for the online article by Keith Davis from IC View, the Ithaca College Magazine.

Click here for the magazine article with color illustrations.

Thanks to PDG Paul Frey, 7630, for pointing this out, although I currently pay tuition dollars to Ithaca College semiannually, saw the article a while back and thought "Rotary!"

Online Training Tool for New Members

2011-08-16T16:10:00.001-04:00

Looking for ways to orient new members?

Rotary Basics Online offers videos, audio presentations, and other materials to help new members understand what it means to be a Rotarian.

From Rotary Training Talk.

Three steps to help you grow your club

2011-08-12T15:31:00.002-04:00

Don't forget the water!

All Rotarians are ambassadors of Rotary and their clubs. This is especially relevant during Membership and Extension Month in August, when the focus is on building strong, vibrant clubs by inviting prospective members to join Rotary. Interested in growing your club but not sure how to get started? Here’s an easy three-step plan to bring to your next club meeting.

Click here for the details on the three step plan from Rotary.org News.

2011-08-08T17:01:00.000-04:00

“Every Rotary club in the world, no matter how big or small, has one thing in common: friendship. And it’s from this base of friendship that we serve our community.”

—KEMAL ATTILÂ, Rotary Club of Ankara-Tandogan, Turkey.

Women Power in Rotary Clubs!

2011-08-08T16:26:00.000-04:00

Enjoy this post by RID Betsy Demarest to the Rotary Zones 24 & 32 Rotary Coordinator's Website.

Rotary – Born by Commerce, 1905.

2011-07-11T20:54:00.000-04:00

Is Rotary in North America

capable and willing to avoid being

Buried by Commonplace

this century?

To read or download Jim Henry's Rotatorial, click here.

Thanks to Zone 34 Retention Central

Club Branding: Four Steps...

2011-06-18T18:29:00.000-04:00

Read the last Jim Henry article during his tenure as Rotary Coordinator.

The subject is "Branding", and Jim leaves us with 4 Steps for Clubs to take to engage in a valuable, no, essential ... look into who it is and who it wants to be...

Read at Retention Central.

RIBI's Branding Statement

2011-05-21T21:53:00.000-04:00

Zones 33 and 34 have emphasized branding significantly during the past year.

Click here to see how the Rotarians "across the pond" have considered branding and what their conclusions are... in their RIBI Branding Guidelines.

Inactive Rotarians- A Hidden Resource?

2011-05-16T18:14:00.000-04:00

Click here for the latest from the mind of Jim Henry! A "Rotatorial", indeed!

The Rotary Retention Fix

2011-05-09T09:14:00.000-04:00

Listed on a one page reference chart, a one paragraph synopsis of the membership retention crisis in Rotary, and then 10 easy-to-do ideas for your club targeted to address those retention issues and to meet the expectations of Newer Members.

Download The Rotary Retention Fix.

Why Wait to Improve Membership Retention?

2011-05-04T14:05:00.000-04:00

Click here for the latest in Jim Henry's Series which include a link to the tool for calculating your club's RGR Index!

Does Your Club Know It's a Rotary Club?

2011-04-19T13:37:00.000-04:00

Can your club's board of directors affirm that your club is really a Rotary club and have confidence that their affirmation adheres to the Four-Way Test?

Click this link to read more from Zone 34 Rotary Coordinator Jim Henry

Reversing Our Membership Freefall Series

2011-03-13T16:56:00.000-04:00

Last year RC Jim Henry published a series of eight articles on Reversing our Membership Freefall. After this year's Zone 34 regional and local seminars, we believe that the thoughts and concepts discussed can shed light on steps clubs and districts could take to improve Membership Retention. The easy-to-read articles could be most useful to all levels of 2011-12 Rotary leaders. Please consider forwarding this message to all of your district’s assistant governors and club leaders.

Click here to view and/or download the Reversing a Membership Freefall series and other related articles.

More on the series is available at Retention Central.

Thanks to RC 34 Jim Henry.

Re-Districting Explained

2011-03-08T10:24:00.000-05:00

Click here for an explanation of the why and hows of Re-districting in this month's Rotary Leader.

Getting a New Club Chartered

2011-03-05T17:11:00.003-05:00

See the full article here from Rotary Leader.

January 31 Membership Numbers Reported

2011-02-28T12:08:00.001-05:00

Click here for the latest Report by District. Zones 33 & 34 are at the end.

Happy Birthday- Rotary!

2011-02-23T09:45:00.000-05:00

Today marks the 106th birthday of the founding of Rotary in Chicago, IL USA, February 23, 1905.

Email your proudest Rotary accomplishment or moment in a celebratory email to your club's Rotarians!

Mine: Establishing over 37,000 friends during my past 22 years in Rotary, including all the Rotarians in Zone 33, Maryland to SC! I know I can pick up the phone and get advice, assistance, and action from any one of these VIPs in their community! What a great thing! And what a powerful tool for doing good in the world!

The Recruitment Death Dance

2011-02-21T08:20:00.001-05:00

"Dance of Life and Death"
Vijay Kochar

For as long as I have been participating beyond the club, RI Presidents and District Governors, with good intentions, have been recognizing clubs for gains in membership.

Excellent motives, but if one critically analyzes the custom, it becomes obvious that the practice is organization-centered, not member-centered. It comes from an inward point of view and may be a Recruitment Death Dance...

Click here for the latest Jim Henry installment.

Leadership in Rotary is not for the Timid

2011-02-21T08:04:00.000-05:00

Leadership in any organization is a challenge. But in most organizations the customers, suppliers, and in non-profits, beneficiaries, are relatively clear. How do we gain a better understanding of these concepts for our Rotary organizations? And, why is leadership in Rotary such a challenge?

Read more... Click here for the whole article.

Can Rotary Perfect its Brand?

2011-02-08T13:09:00.001-05:00

View the latest from the mind of RC Jim Henry. What's in a name? How does Rotary's credibility affect its membership and mission? Why should we look at "who we are" instead of "what we do"?

Click here for the article.

What is a Good Annual Retention Plus Growth Rate?

2010-12-28T19:47:00.000-05:00

What is a good annual retention plus growth rate?  My response to that question is anything above 93.4%.

Why?  Rotary International’s Strategic Plan calls for an 80% three year retention rate, which calculates out to be a 93.4% annual retention rate.  Anything over that percentage would be achieving the strategic plan objective.

But it is possible to achieve or better that rate and not grow.  That’s not all bad, but it does not represent growth.  As a reminder, Districts 7020 and 7030, for the years 2005-2009, achieved retention plus growth rates of 102.38% and 95.3% respectively, the highest in Zone 34.

RC Jim Henry, Zone 34

The Problem with Net Gain Membership Awards...a Further Explanation

2010-12-17T13:29:00.000-05:00

RC Jim Henry: Master of
Rotary Retention Statistics

In a previous email, I introduced a potential problem with net gain membership awards. In light of some questions raised, this is a more detailed explanation. You will be Governor next year. At the bottom are some questions you might consider discussing with your District leadership team.

In this example, all rates are annual and based on semi annual reports, not interim reports.

Club A, which has seventy members, brings in twenty new members but loses seventeen (net gain of three.) Their annual retention rate of 75.7%.Club A has a retention rate of 75.7%. Its growth rate of (3/70)*100 = 4.3%. Its retention plus growth rate is 75.7% + 4.3% = 80%.
Club B has twenty members. They bring in five new members but lose four. Their retention rate is 80%. The growth rate is 5%. Club B has a retention plus growth rate of 80% + 5% = 85%.
Club C has twenty members. It brings in one new member and loses one member. It has an annual retention rate of 95%. Club C has a retention plus growth rate of 95% + 0% = 95%.

Assume all three clubs are in your district. Consider discussing with your leadership team the following:

Which club(s) do you believe should receive the highest recognition? Why?
What types of recognition would you consider giving, if any? Why?
Which do you believe is the healthiest club(s)? Why?
Which do you believe to be the most problematic club(s)? Why?

RC Jim Henry

Video Short: How Can Rotary Attract New Members?

2010-12-15T13:16:00.002-05:00

The Whirlpool Paradox

2010-12-13T15:08:00.002-05:00

The Whirlpool Paradox for Rotary Club Members: Clubs become so intent on recruiting new members that they neglect membership qualifications and the purposes for having members causing existing members to leave and clubs to continue to recruit new members until the pool of qualified members runs dry.

The Whirlpool Paradox for Clubs: Districts become so intent on starting new clubs that they neglect helping all clubs advance the Object of Rotary which causes existing clubs to get older and smaller while new clubs struggle to recruit and keep new members until the pool of qualified members runs dry.

Quoting Christine Marcin of Stifel & Marcin – Advertising, Marketing & Design:

“Never forget the huge value of your current customers. Companies that continually target new consumers, while neglecting existing customers are sometimes referred to as having a “Death-Wish [ne' Whirlpool] Paradox.” They wish they had more sales, so they target new customers and spend a lot to try to get those new customers, but it only leads to financial “death.” Diversifying marketing efforts between past customers, current clients and new potentials will encourage buyers to return and can expand your customer base, while spending much less. You’ll have a bigger return on your investment.” March 3, 2009 White Paper.

Questions: (1) How can districts or clubs recognize that they may be caught in a Whirlpool Paradox? (2) If either is caught in a Whirlpool Paradox, what do they have to do to escape?

From RC Jim Henry

Thoughts on Membership Awards

2010-12-12T12:00:00.002-05:00

A problem with a net gain membership award is that it could be recognizing a club for a job well done even though that club is in trouble.

How could that be? Read more from the mind of RC Jim Henry.

Anarchy & Misalignment

2010-12-11T11:17:00.001-05:00

Want to avoid anarchy and mayhem in your club, district and our big Rotary organization, then you better pay attention to your alignment!

Brand alignment is more than designing and synchronizing the Rotary logos, annual themes, mottos, and creeds. Brand alignment means harmonizing the organization’s core essence with its brand promise (the thoughts, feelings, and images the organization’s brand delivers to its target audience.) This alignment is vital in ALL interconnecting relationships, but especially when interconnecting with target audiences...

Read more from the latest installment from the mind of Rotary Membership Guru, Jim Henry.

SC Rotarian Leads off Rotary Retention Article

2010-12-10T16:32:00.000-05:00

Diana Wood Howard, president of the Rotary Club of Spring Valley (Columbia), South Carolina, is featured in a recent Rotary News article about membership retention.

Click here to see Pres. Diana's comments, other Rotarians' ideas, or add your own.

From Rotary News.

2010 Membership Start Figures Here

2010-11-08T16:28:00.000-05:00

Rotary International has published the official 2010 District & Club Start figures. The figures are contained along with the 5 year membership history for each district and club.

You can access them here.

Rotary Leader: Ideas for Membership Growth

2010-11-06T15:40:00.000-04:00

Click here for an multimedia article from Rotary Leader on Ideas for Membership Growth.

View Rotary Leader online.

Branding Seminar Summary

2010-11-05T12:27:00.001-04:00

Assistant Governor John Scibal from District 7730 was a "SIG", significant invited guest" at this year's Rotary Institute for Zones 33 & 34 in Naples Florida. He was specifically invited to serve as a participant in a novel "Branding Seminar" conducted by leaders in the corporate branding world.

Read John's report to District 7730 here.

Focus Group Sheds Light on Recruitment Issues

2010-11-05T08:55:00.000-04:00

Old. Male. Inflexible. Elitist. Exclusive. Secretive.

Open participation. Visibility. Flexible. Creative Service Projects. Meet Local Needs.

Interested? Read more in Rotary's Membership Minute. View the Focus Group Results at Rotary.org.

Successful PAM Membership Program Shared

2010-10-31T17:51:00.001-04:00

The only +5% membership increase per year district in Zones 33-34 is the Northern Caribbean District 7020, led this year by Governor Diana White. At our urging she has shared the district's multi-year PAM Program.

There is a DG Award for various levels of accomplishment. Clubs, AG’s and District Chairs have the ability to earn “Bonus Points” throughout the year which can boost their score in the DG Award. They also employ a "Club of the Month" award.

The “Passport to Success” is given to all PETS attendees. Each year, all District Chairs are available with informational material and there are a couple of hour-long sessions where all the club Presidents and Secretaries can wander through the tables and ask questions – rather like a “Trade Show” for Rotary Information. This year, they gave the participants a “Passport” which they had signed by the tables they visited and these provide bonus points.

Click here for 2010-11 PAM Documents. Go to the PAM Website. Visit DG Diana Whites blog. Click here to contact DG Diana White.

7 Relationship Types Effecting Retention

2010-10-28T08:58:00.000-04:00

In yet another way to look at the retention dynamic in our Rotary clubs, Paul Kiser defines seven types of benchmark relationships and show they might impact membership retention in a Rotary club.

As you read this, think about how this influences, expands and challenges both a club's ability to provide for the needs of its members, and the opportunities available for vocational service, networking, professional development, and building acquaintance.

Click here for the article. Linked from Paul Kiser's Blog.

E-Club Guidance from Rotary International

2010-10-21T18:07:00.000-04:00

Click here for the hot off the presses guidance from RI regarding E-Clubs.

I can't even locate it at Rotary.org yet.

Step 1 of Helping Clubs Attract the Members They Want: Understand the Situation

2010-10-03T10:14:00.000-04:00

How can your Rotary Clubs position themselves to attract the Rotarians they want? Zone 33 District Governors in training for 2012-13 grappled with this issue during their training in Naples, Florida with Rotary Coordinator Bevin Wall leading the exchange. In this article, Step 1 of 3.

First Step: Know the Membership Situation and the Key Issues Highlighted in the RI Strategic Plan.

The Regional Numbers. Zones 33-34 comprise approximately 70,000 Rotarians in the southeast United States, Caribbean Basin and northern rim of South America. During the past 10 years, with the exception of 1 recruitment spike, the Zones together have lost approximately 800-1,200 Rotarians per year, net.

Retention is Key. Of those being lost, most are the "under 5 years in Rotary" category. (See Jan 2010 Zone 33-34 Membership Survey) Retention is poor. From 2005-2009 Zone 33 (SC north to Maryland) Lost 23,372 members and inducted 21,625 members for a 12.02% annual loss. At a 10% retention loss there would be modest growth.

RI's Membership Approach History. In 2001-02 a recruitment campaign occurred in Rotary, leading to a one year increase in members, although all the gains were lost the next year. Since then, the focus has been on retention, but only net loss/gain membership totals have been available from RI. Having the regional retention data for the first time gives us a clearer picture of where the membership battle is being won and lost.

New Emphasis. However, while a good measurement tool for progress, the new RI Strategic Plan shifts the emphasis from counting net Rotarians, to concentrating on strengthening Rotary clubs, focusing service and enhancing RI's public image. It is believed that an emphasis on quality will positively effect retention rates, and stabilize or increase membership numbers. The RI Strategic Plan uses a regional approach to deploy people, structural and materials resources for Governors to help them help their clubs.

Next Article: Step 2 of Helping Clubs Attract the Members They Want: The Key Issue.

Australians Recruit Women

2010-09-27T18:04:00.000-04:00

In the face of declining Rotary Membership numbers in Australia, their solution is... to recruit more women! The myth to be dispelled is that Rotary still doesn't accept women. A national movement to reverse this myth and trend is in the works.

Read more about Australia's novel plan. Article supplied by PDG Rick Garner, the RI Zone 8 Public Image Resource Group Coordinator, to Rotary on the Move.

Rotary's Challenge: Draw a Younger Crowd

2010-09-27T17:42:00.000-04:00

A great article in the mainstream media highlighting Rotary's membership challenges.

David Hanson, a fourth-generation Rotarian, is president of the Rotary Club in Chesapeake. The key to Rotary’s future, Hanson said, “is to bring in high-quality young members.”

See this article in the Virginian Pilot's Online resource: PilotOnline.com

Thanks to Bill Pollard for this submission.

Club in a Pub?

2010-09-24T19:33:00.001-04:00

How important is location and fun? The Rotarians of the Bricktown Rotary club would like you to know.

Read the Rotary News article here.

Zone 33 & 34 make Membership Advances

2010-09-11T18:35:00.001-04:00

The 2009-2010 Rotary Membership numbers are in. For the first time since 2001-02, Zone 33 Rotary clubs (States of DE,MD,NC,SC,TN,VA,WV) showed a positive membership growth of net +47, a growth rate of one tenth of one percent. Zone 34 saw an improvement, but still lost a net 85 Rotarians, despite having District 7020 post a record 120 Rotarian gain.

In Zone 33, this breaks a significant downward trend line over the past 5 years that reflected an average loss of 436 Rotarians per year, or about 1.2% per year. Zone 34 has sustained similar losses over the same time period.

Zone 33 Rotary Coordinator Bevin Wall attributes the gain to hard work by District Governors and Club Presidents, who are emphasizing the importance of strengthening clubs at the local level. Weak economic trends have been cited as a factor in Rotarian losses, but are being largely offset by new club development. Of continuing concern is the average club size, which continues to fall, while the number of clubs steadily increase. Retaining existing members, recognizing the importance of keeping those members, and instituting programs to strengthen the overall club program and activities are all keys to turning the numbers around.

Click here for the Final Comparison to Start Figures Membership Report for 2009-10.

Tips for Membership Retention

2010-08-27T20:20:00.000-04:00

See Tips for Membership Retention compiled during the "Closing the Back Door" :Membership Retention Plenary Session at the Montreal Rotary Convention, June 2010.

See also a Rotary.org News article on the session.

Novel District New Member Welcome & Orientation

2010-08-26T18:53:00.000-04:00

District 7610 leads the way with a novel approach to New Member welcome and orientation. Click here for the details.

Contact Scott Mills for more information.

Clubrunner 6 Membership Ideas

2010-08-26T18:17:00.000-04:00

Click here for a good synopsis of the I's of Membership!

From our friends at Clubrunner.

Latest Haiti Relief Update

2010-08-25T08:34:00.002-04:00

Click here for the latest Haiti Earthquake Relief Update.

"Club of the Month", Membership Newsletter Innovations in 7020

2010-08-25T08:03:00.000-04:00

A district continuing to experience membership increases in our region is District 7020 in the Caribbean. This growth happens because they innovate, keep fresh and fun ideas in front of their Rotarians, and they work their plan.

DG Diana White has again, this year, kept the momentum going with another innovative program.

See District 7020's "Club of the Month" concept overview. See also their promotion of the first month's criteria in their dedicated newsletter "PAM".

New Club Brochure Templates Available

2010-08-20T22:17:00.000-04:00

Download the new club brochure templates from the RI website.

These customizable templates are available in three formats, for clubs with varying levels of technical expertise and software.

Click here for the full article from Membership Minute.

Top Ten Membership Tips

2010-08-20T22:11:00.001-04:00

There are almost as many ideas for recruiting club members as there are Rotarians, which is not surprising considering Rotary’s diversity. While some universal strategies come up again and again, others capitalize on new technologies or aim to expand Rotary’s demographic reach.

Read the top 10 tips for increasing club membership on the RI website, and submit your ideas in the comments section.

From Membership Minute

Membership Ideas- Tried & True

2010-08-17T19:53:00.000-04:00

See a description of the 5 for 1 Membership Plan outlined by Pres. Ray Klingensmith for Membership Development.

See a description of the STAR Program.

Both courtesy of zones25-26membership blog.

Cliff Dochterman Speeches Available

2010-08-16T22:59:00.000-04:00

Cliff Dochterman

From one of the most dynamic and insightful speakers in Rotary today, and the author of "The ABCs of Rotary", come the speeches of Past RI President Cliff Dochterman, available now on DVD. The speeches include:

Vocational Service, Rotary's Original Idea
TRF Window to the World
If I Could be President Again
The Friendly Fire of Rotary
The Unwritten History of Rotary
Conversations with Paul Harris

The cost is $15.00 per DVD speech. The cost is $75 for all 6. Make check payable to "The Americas Foundation" and send it to:

Karl Stucki
1401 Grand Ave.
Piedmont, CA 94610

For more information contact Karl Stucki

New "No. Sponsored" Field on DaCdb Database

2010-08-15T18:24:00.000-04:00

The District and Club Database has added a new "No. Sponsored" field. The new field will require manual entry from Rotarians or Club Secretaries using the Four Way Test of the total number of new Rotarians sponsored by the member.

The field is located between the "Sponsor" field and the "Languages Spoken" field.

Sign in here with your user name and password to see.

Our Membership Motto!

2010-08-06T17:24:00.005-04:00

As we enter into August, which is specifically devoted to Membership & Extension, this is a wonderful opportunity to remember the concept or phrase the RI Board adopted a few years ago in support of membership: Each Rotarian: Reach One, Keep One.

This phrase emphasizes the importance of every Rotarian assuming responsibility for sponsoring new members as well as stressing the importance of retaining members.

Under the RI Strategic Plan ‘Improve member recruitment and retention’ is one of the underlying elements of the priority ‘Support and Strengthen Clubs’. Membership is a compilation, or final result, of a variety of different factors: prospective member outreach, stimulating and engaging weekly club programs, vibrant and relevant service projects and club sponsored programs, communication, effective and comprehensive training and information, fellowship, club assessment and planning, public relations, public awareness and public image. All of these factors work together in supporting member recruitment and maintaining retention. Strong, relevant, and vibrant Rotary clubs are more inclined to attract as well as retain members.

RI provides a number of resources for clubs to access and use depending on their need. An overview of resources available throughout the organization that can be used to support membership related activities is referenced in the catalog: Empower Your Rotary Club with RI Resources for Membership Development.

A variety of information related to statistics, trends, research and survey data can also be found at www.rotary.org/membershipresources.

Exerpted from an article by Donna McDonald, Manager, Membership Development & Research Division

The Basics...work!

2010-08-05T16:24:00.002-04:00

From Rotary 360, Zones 25-26 Rotary Coordinator Blog

From time to time, I find an excellent "best practices" idea. Following is a report from the Rotary Club of Springfield, Oregon (D511)) who had a spectacular year of bringing in new members in 2009-2010 and seems well on their w

King to Headline Maryland Membership Event

2010-07-26T23:57:00.000-04:00

The four Frederick County MD, District 7620, Rotary clubs have announced that Richard King, Past Rotary International President, will be the keynote speaker at a major Rotary membership kick-off, Monday evening, August 23, 2010. The address will be on the topic of the role of service based organizations in the global economy. King is known for his motivational speeches and uplifting commentary on community and international service.

Limited seating is available. Advance registration is required. On-line registration will be available soon at www.rotary7620.org For additional information contact PDG Paul Frey.

The Statistics- Why Rotarians Say They Leave Rotary

2010-07-26T14:50:00.001-04:00

Click here for the report summarizing the statistical reasons given on Semi-Annual Report Forms and Termination forms by Clubs as to why Rotarians leave Rotary.

Please note that "Death" is only 5 Percent of the total. And, of course, we all recognize that the statistics are only as good as the data, and that often, Rotarians do not give "real answers" to the questions, to keep from hurting feelings or burning bridges on the way out.

Rotary Coordinator: Strategic Planning & Creating Dynamic Clubs

2010-07-21T16:43:00.000-04:00

Link to article on Zones 25-26 Rotary Coordinator Site. The article lists some of the Rotary Coordinator priorities and encourages the exchange of club best practices on the topic of strategic planning and creating dynamic clubs.

Share your best practices with us at rcBevin@gmail.com.

2010-07-21T16:28:00.001-04:00

Do you want a simple, practical, common sense approach to analyzing your Rotary club's membership?

Click here to see one fantastic approach from Paul Kiser.

Club Builder Award

2010-07-21T16:05:00.000-04:00

At the January board meeting the Board approved the Club Builder Award. This new award honors those Rotarians who have made a significant impact in supporting and strengthening their Rotary Clubs, and fits in well with the goal of creating Bigger, Better, Bolder clubs.

District Governors may nominate one candidate from their districts each year. To be eligible a Rotarian must have be active and in good standing, with at least 10 years of membership, they must have served as a club president, and have been a member of a Rotary club with at least 30 members in the 3 years immediately preceding nomination.

The specific criteria for the award are as follows:

Personally recruited at least five members who are active Rotarians at the time of nomination
Participated in Rotary training in their club
Participated in at least one meaningful club-level vocational service project
Attended at least two district meetings in the three years immediately preceding nomination

Eligible candidates must be recommended by three past club presidents of their own club (or of a past club if they are members of a new club). District governors should form a selection committee of three past governors to select the district nominee. The district governor may endorse one candidate and must submit a nomination to Rotary International by 1 November.

Information regarding the Club Builder Award has been sent to the district governors, and the nomination form is available online at www.rotary.org/awards.

Thanks to Amanda Runge, Program Coordinator, RC Program Support

Clubs and District Top Changes for 2010

2010-06-27T11:21:00.001-04:00

Access two quick handouts digesting the recent COL (Council on Legislation) Changes. These are a MUST READ for Club Presidents, Club Secretaries, and District Governors:

Changes Affecting Rotary Clubs

Changes Affecting Rotary Districts

Click here for a previous article detailing the top 50 COL Changes: Rotary Changes at COL.

Membership, Your Club & The RI Strategic Plan

2010-06-27T10:41:00.000-04:00

The revised RI Strategic Plan focuses on strengthening Rotary at the club level and provides the framework for clubs and districts to craft a successful future. This back-to-basics plan, with its revised vision and three targeted priorities, affirms that Rotary’s future lies in strong, focused clubs that are well known for their accomplishments.

So why is the RI Strategic Plan important to your club’s membership? Click here to find out!.

Thanks to RI Membership Minute.

A Graphic: The Interconnecting Relationships of Rotary

2010-06-27T10:28:00.000-04:00

During the Zone 34 Membership Event in Evanston IL earlier this month, the Zone 34 Membership Team, with the guidance of RRIMC Jim Henry worked on the question of "Who is Rotary's customer?"

From that search they developed a graphic representation of the Interconnecting Relationships of Rotary. It is quite interesting and, I am sure, will be the start point for much more conversation!

Districts- GROW Your Club Membership!

2010-06-27T09:58:00.000-04:00

District 7620 Governor, Paul Frey shares the following information about the GROW Membership Program used successfully in his district, District 7620.

"The GROW membership training booklet was developed by Darrell Nevin, Membership Chair for District 7620, for use in training club membership committee members and Rotarians in general. His analysis and techniques have proven successful when adopted by clubs of all sizes. He has conducted dozens of entertaining half-day training seminars in Maryland, Pennsylvania and Virginia utilizing the concepts outlined in this GROW booklet. He also has run seminars for smaller, struggling Rotary clubs entitled “Extreme Makeover – Small Club Edition."

Download the GROW Program booklet here.

Click here for more information about implementing the GROW program in your club or district.

Rotary Happy New Year!

2010-06-27T09:21:00.001-04:00

As the "new" Rotary year begins, some great thoughts by Paul Kiser on our culture of "new year talk" versus real change in a Rotary club!

Click here to read Paul's article.

Photo courtesy Mark du toit.

Young? Network? ... Nahhhh....

2010-06-14T08:43:00.000-04:00

Is Rotary a young professional's networking club? Should it be?

Read the insightful article from Paul Kiser's Blog.

New Club Brochure Template is Available from RI

2010-05-16T16:06:00.000-04:00

Does your club need a brochure? Sure it does!

Don't have time to make on from scratch? I know you don't!

Now, you don't have to do it yourself. See the announcement for the new kit and links to download it at this Rotary News article!

Is The Rotarian magazine doomed to fall in the Social Media Onslaught?

2010-05-13T08:15:00.002-04:00

Traditional media sources, newspaper and magazines included, are reeling from the changes in the marketplace caused by internet social media.

As action at the recent Council on Legislation shows, Rotary's magazine, The Rotarian, while a "required circulation" magazine for members, is not immune from this pressure.

Read more here from Paul Kiser's Blog on how these changes may effect you!

Legal Thriller Author Has His Distinctive Voice! Do Rotarians have one?

2010-05-12T15:32:00.004-04:00

Author John Grisham, master of best-selling legal thrillers, told an estimated 5,630 newest graduates at Commencement at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill that writing is like life and that it’s important for each person to find his or her voice in order to be heard. “Each of you has a distinctive voice. When you find it, your story will be told. You will be heard. The size of your audience doesn’t matter. What is important is that your audience is listening.” For links to Grisham's speech, a YouTube video, a slideshow and more, see uncnews.unc.edu.

Now, there is a lesson in that for Rotary and Rotary Clubs as well. Rotary has a distinct voice and place in the market of civic advancement. We need to celebrate that voice and those who are qualified and impassioned by it will come!

Mother's Day Requiem: Our First Examples of Leadership

2010-05-10T17:49:00.000-04:00

We knew it deep down all along... what Mothers can teach us about leadership!

1. A leader never loses sight of their vision
2. A leader demonstrates patience in waiting for the desired outcome
3. A leader encourages their team to be self-sufficient
4. A leader knows how to inspire others

Thanks to Tanveer Naseer's Blog.

Rotary Changes at the COL!

2010-05-04T10:35:00.000-04:00

Rotary's legislative body, the 2010 Rotary International Council on Legislation, recently completed its week long deliberations in Chicago, IL USA. As usual there are a number of surprising actions, including the approval of e-clubs, adding a Fifth Avenue of Service, and more...

Bevin Wall, COL Representative for District 7730 in Southeast North Carolina was a delegate and submits the following synopsis: The Top Fifty 2010 COL Actions.

For a summary article on the Council, click here. The vote counts can be accessed here.

Membership Awards Time!

2010-05-02T13:44:00.000-04:00

Click here for Membership Awards Info. Due May 15.

Remember, hard working Rotarians get "paid" with recognitions!

Earth Day - Yes, Rotary Supports That!

2010-04-22T16:59:00.001-04:00

Rotary has had "environment" as one of it's key areas of support for many years. Lots of Rotary clubs have a "green-thumb" and it especially shows up around Earth Day.

Click here for a story on an "Eco-Club" that is appealing to younger members in Minnesota.

Story courtesy of RI News. By Arnold R. Grahl, Rotary International News -- 21 April 2010

Newly Revised RI Membership Strategy Released

2010-04-20T09:26:00.001-04:00

Hot off the presses from Rotary International. Click here for the newly released RI Membership Strategy.

Is Your Rotary Club Accessible?

2010-04-20T08:20:00.000-04:00

Where is your Rotary Club the other 166.5 hours per week? Answering this key question may determine whether your club's public image needs help.

Click here for the full story that includes a reflection on the public image of the automakers, the vantage point of the viewer, the impact of one-on-one Rotary education, the social media generation, and the one (very basic) tool that Rotary clubs are overlooking in public imaging!

Another great blog post from Paul Kiser's Blog.

Recognition of Membership Development Initiatives

2010-04-18T22:24:00.001-04:00

Governors can nominate up to 3 clubs for Recognition of Membership Development Initiatives. May 15 deadline.

See the links in the below email or on the RI Website at http://www.rotary.org/en/members/generalinformation/awards/Pages/Awardsforclubs.aspx scroll down midway for MDI.

Innovation Made Easy?

2010-04-15T13:09:00.000-04:00

To innovate is to introduce something new or make changes in anything established. Innovation is key to ensuring that your club remains strong for years to come. Is it time for your Rotary club to be innovative? Here are a few ideas to get started:

Survey all your club’s members to see what they like and don’t like about the club, and what suggestions they have for changes.
Ask your club board members to attend at least one other local club meeting this month as a guest and discuss what they observed.
Participate in LinkedIn or other social networking forums (see article above) to get ideas from Rotary club members around the world.

Thanks to Rotary Training Talk

Do Some Rotary Networking in Montreal!

2010-04-15T13:05:00.001-04:00

Rotarians from all over the world will be attending the RI Convention in Montréal, Québec, Canada, 20-23 June.

The convention is a great way to network with fellow Rotarians and find out what clubs are doing around the globe.

Register online through Member Access, or download a registration form.

My name's Rotary, James Rotary!

2010-04-14T14:09:00.000-04:00

Is Rotary like James Bond?

Posted: 13 Apr 2010 05:56 PM PDT

Don’t Know How to Use Facebook? You’re Fired!
Tuesday, April 13, 2010 7:49 PM
By Jessica Ramirez
"According to the Daily Mail newspaper, the British intelligence agency MI5 has rolled out plans to lay off workers (including spies) who do not know how to use social-networking tools like Facebook and Twitter."

Okay, so admittedly this is a bit of a stretch -- but..... the real fact is, if Rotarians (that's you and me) don't embrace all resources and technologies -- if we "just keep doin' what we've always done" -- we're going to get left in the dust.

Please be assured that Rotary International is indeed using (very successfully) Social Media including Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. To truly reach our members and those outstanding younger professional, business and community leaders that we hope to invite to Rotary, then our clubs and districts also need to be using every available new communication tool available to us.
Just because we're 105 years old and the oldest service organization, doesn't mean we have to act like it!

To read the whole article go to:http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1265219/MI5-pensions-spies-use-I-T.html

Thanks to: RI Zones 25-26 Membership News

New RI Strategic Plan Information Available

2010-04-10T17:58:00.000-04:00

The RI Board recently revised the Plan in November 2009 and March 2010. Available now are the Plan, Core Values, a Poster, and a Power Point show explaining the changes.

Click here for the Strategic Plan Information.

Membership Video Set Available from RI

2010-04-10T17:33:00.000-04:00

Membership Video Set
(427-MU)
Last revised: 2008

$10.00USD

Club Presidents & Curious George

2010-04-08T12:15:00.000-04:00

Most of us remember the series of children's books highlighting the adventures and misadventures of a monkey named Curious George.

For an insightful look at how The Man in the Yellow Hat might be the ideal Rotary club president, click here.

Thanks again to Paul Kiser at Paul Kiser's Blog!

So, What Do Rotarians Want out of Rotary?

2010-04-06T15:33:00.000-04:00

It may not be what you think it is!!

Click here for excerpts from Director Elect John Smarge's presentation to Rotary Coordinators during their March training event in Chicago. Agree or disagree?

Thanks to Zones 25-26 Membership News blog.

Youth Football Rules Apply to Rotarians! Who Knew?

2010-04-06T12:02:00.000-04:00

Michael Josephson, a frequent commentator on ethics through his Character Counts and The Josephson Institute website, and a past R.I. Institute Speaker, published a recent article on Five Coaching Mistakes to Avoid, taking the tips from Erik Saunders' The Youth Football Coaches Handbook. As you read this very short article, think about how these five things, that can negatively affect practices, game management, and overall success, apply to leading volunteers of all ages.

Click here for the article, scroll down and it's on the left side.

Who Uses Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, & LinkedIn? � Paul Kiser's Blog

2010-04-03T17:56:00.001-04:00

Get the scoop on who is actually using what social media. Is it who you thought?

Who Uses Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, & LinkedIn? � Paul Kiser's Blog

Spiderman & You

2010-04-02T10:41:00.000-04:00

What can the travails and triumphs of a webslinging superhero tell us about Rotary leadership?

Click here to view a powerpoint program with notes from a recent presentation by RRIMC Bevin Wall to Rotary President-Elects at the Chesapeake Multi-District PETS held near Washington DC.

Slogan Builds on Rotary's Strength: Its Members!

2010-04-01T09:39:00.002-04:00

Rotary's new membership slogan "Each Rotarian: Reach One, Keep One" emphasizes the need to stress both recruitment and retention.

Also, enjoy the online Rotary Leader format (may require a free brief software download) Click here to read more.

It's time for Membership Awards!

2010-03-30T11:04:00.000-04:00

Just a reminder about year-end awards for your clubs and district. In addition to the Presidential Citation, there are some other Membership Awards for which many of your clubs will qualify. The dates for submission are just a few weeks off -- if you haven't done so already, it’s time to gather data and submit them.
RI Membership Development and Extension Award -- MDEA
Nominators: District governors. Deadline: Beginning 15 May, district governors submit recognition forms to RI.
This district-level certificate program recognizes membership growth in existing clubs, retention of current club members, and the organization of new clubs. Districts that meet their membership goals are also recognized.
RI Recognition of Membership Development Initiatives -- MDI
Nominators: District governors. Deadline: District governors must receive submissions from clubs by 15 April. RI must receive submission forms from district governors by 15 May. This district-level certificate recognizes clubs for the development and implementation of a creative plan or strategy to support one of the three primary foundations of membership growth and development: retention, recruitment of qualified new members, or the organization of new Rotary clubs.

Though “similar” to the Presidential Citation – the accomplishment of RI President Kenny’s 2009-10 membership goals will result in a special recognition – perhaps even on the stage at the Montreal convention! Here are the club recognition requirements:

- A minimum of one net member increase
- A minimum of 80% retention rate (80% of the same members who were on the roles July 1)AND certification by the district governor of two of the following achievements:
- Increased percentage of qualified women
- Increased percentage of qualified younger professionals (under age 50)
- Induction of at least one alumna or alumnus of RI or the Rotary Foundation
- Increased diversity of membership (e.g., classification, gender, age, ethnicity)
Deadlines: Clubs should submit their goal results to their district governor by 15 May 2010. Districts should certify the results and submit them to RI, along with their district results, by 22 May,2010.

All Rotary PR is Local!

2010-03-29T11:23:00.000-04:00

Rotary PR efforts are in their infancy. Find out why we need to develop our PR strategy at the club level, and how...

To find out more, click here.

Credit: Paul Kiser's Blog

Chile Disaster Relief

2010-03-29T11:03:00.000-04:00

The Rotary Foundation has established the Rotary Chile Recovery Fund to help aid the tens of thousands of people affected by February's massive earthquake.

Click here for more information on how to contribute.

Rotarians Pack Over 100,000 Meals in Sarasota FL

2010-03-29T08:56:00.011-04:00

The Rotary Club of Sarasota and other community sponsors held a community Food Packing Day at the local Boys and Girls club gym. Over 200 people showed up, paid $20, and came in to assist with packing over 100,000 meals. The local Food Bank will warehouse the food and deliver it to local families in need. Many local companies helped sponsor the event, including the local Whole Foods Market.

In the background you will see someone in shorts, a blue shirt and white hat. RRIMC Jim Henry in action!

Click here for video of Food Packing Day.

Also see the event website.

Why Did Hiram Drop Out?

2010-03-29T08:51:00.000-04:00

Why did one of the esteemed "first four" of Rotary drop out of his Rotary club?

Click here to see the rest of the story. Story on Paul Kiser's Blog.

West Virginia President-Elects Get Charged Up for Membership Challenge

2010-03-29T08:04:00.003-04:00

Over 60 President-Elects from 2 West Virgina Districts met over the weekend to train for their upcoming club leadership role in Flatwoods, West Virgina. They were treated to a weekend of excellent presentations and discussion, many echoing the importance of membership development to their club.

Regional RI Membership Coordinator Bevin Wall led a "Perfect Rotary Club Meeting" during the Saturday luncheon, followed by a discussion of meeting "best practices". Wall continued the membership theme through the afternoon session with Developing Your Membership Plan (photo above), and a session on The Rotary Leadership Institute conducted by PDG Dave Cavender.

Click here for the Developing Your Membership Plan slideshow and notes.

Click here for the pictures from the event.