2019-2020 RI PRESIDENT MARK DANIEL MALONEY MESSAGE
Impact starts with our members
People like you who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change — across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.
Connecting during the COVID-19 response
For more than a century, Rotary has connected the world through fellowship and service. The COVID-19 pandemic has altered our daily routines and forced the cancellation of many in-person Rotary and Rotaract club meetings and events. But even when we can’t hold our usual events, members have lots of ways to stay engaged, connect with one another, and serve their communities.
Clubs can meet online using services such as Zoom, Skype or GoToMeeting. All three platforms offer robust support, from their directions for setting up an account to helping with technical issues. Rotary and Rotaract members get a discount on Zoom through Rotary Global Rewards. Members can also connect with each other on social media and with services such as FaceTime, Google Hangouts, or WhatsApp groups.
Connecting during the COVID-19 response
Learn how Rotarians and Rotaractors are staying in contact and keeping members engaged during these difficult times:
Read how the Zone 34 Rotary coordinators are maintaining membership engagement (hint: ingenuity and adaptability) and download their COVID-19 response guide.
See how Big West Rotaract, a multidistrict information organization in the western region of North America, is connecting Rotarians and Rotaractors who are experiencing difficulties with others who can help. Look at its Rotary and Rotaract COVID-19 Mutual Aid form.
Read advice from Charlotte Ahlberg, past chair of the Rotary International E-Club Committee, on taking your club online.
Visit Rotary’s website to get more tips and guidance for holding online club meetings.
Develop a Membership Plan
The easiest and most successful way to attract new members to your club while retaining your existing membership is to develop and implement a membership plan. A well thought out plan will ensure that your club is vibrant, flexible, appeals to prospective members and actively engages existing members. Whether your plan is one page or a dozen pages, make a plan to fit your club’s culture.
Review Suggestions of ‘what works’ to retain and grow membership from Utah clubs that have net growth over the last 12 years
Create a Vibrant Club
People have a limited amount of time, money, and energy in our hectic world. For Rotary to grow membership, we need to be immediately relevant, approachable, and worth people’s investment. Take time to make your club vibrant and flexible enough to appeal to the people in your community. Use these resources:
The top two reasons people join Rotary are to meet new people and get involved in their communities. Many non-Rotarians you know are looking for the same things. Invite them to help with a service project, attend a networking night, or participate in a club gathering so they can see for themselves how Rotary connects leaders to make positive change.
Make sure your club’s online presence has current information about where and when you meet, accurate contact emails and phone numbers. If prospective members can’t contact your club, they won’t be joining your club. Check the map in the About section of this website to make sure your club information is correct. If it isn’t, email your updated info to questions@utahrotary.org
Retain Existing Members
Keeping current members is a sign of a club’s stability and overall success. Be sure your club is making an effort to engage and hold the interest of your current members. When members are engaged, they are more likely to have a positive experience and renew their membership.
A great tool to assess the health of your club is the Rotary Club Health Check. By using this health check, you’re taking a step to maintain your club’s health and preserve its value for members and the community.
Here is another great tool to improve member retention by examining the reasons club members might leave: Improving your member retention.
Attract Younger Members
Learn from 11 Utah clubs who experimented with new ideas to attract younger members through the District’s U40 (Under 40 years of age) Citation Initiative, and earned $1,000 each in social media marketing consultation. Click to read all about their efforts, and try some of the strategies in your own club.
Thank you to the Rotary Clubs of Cedar City, Dixie Sunrise, Kaysville, Layton, Midvalley, Millcreek, Ogden, Roosevelt, Salt Lake, Tooele, and West Jordan for their participation in this Initiative to grow Rotary in their clubs and in our District.
Handle Rotary Leads
From time to time your club will get membership leads from Rotary International. The membership leads are from people who have gone to the
RI website and filled out a form expressing their interest in Rotary. Here is a quick summary of how to process those leads when you get them:
