Innovate To Recruit

Increasing Rotary’s membership is not a new concept. It’s an ongoing process, says RI Director Elizabeth Usovicz, “but we’re bringing fresh ways of thinking about it.” The emphasis now is on encouraging innovative new clubs, and “each person can bring someone to that effort,” she says.

From starting new clubs that are focused on a cause or interest to promoting a sense of belonging in existing clubs, an effort to embrace flexibility and prioritize the needs of members — both current and potential — can help Rotary grow.

With a goal of reaching — and sustaining — a global membership of 1.3 million Rotary club members and 300,000 Rotaract members, the Each One, Bring One initiative is a call to action for every member. Read on for ideas on how to introduce someone you know to Rotary.

Each One,Bring One (back)
Former members — as well as current members who may have lost their passion for Rotary — can be a valuable resource. To learn how to best engage all members, talk with people who haven’t been attending club meetings to find out why, and ask former members what was missing from their Rotary experience. Then look for ways to meet those needs.

Be flexible 
Rotary offers a variety of ways to create a club experience that appeals to new and potential members. From corporate and alumni-based memberships to e-clubs and satellite clubs, you can choose when, where, how, and why you meet. “Flexibility is key,” says Usovicz. “Shake up the time you meet and where you meet. Look beyond your inner circle to your secondary circle. You’re more likely to find a greater representation of your community.”

Start a cause or interest-based club
Clubs everywhere are looking to engage members by focusing on their passions. In District 5030 (Washington), Governor Howard Cohen has helped charter two cause-based clubs — one focused on environmental sustainability and another on ending sex trafficking — and is planning others that will pull in members who are veterans, part of the LGBTQ+ community, or involved with the Muslim Association of Puget Sound. (See the “Resources” box on how to start a new club.)

 

Contact your Innovative Club advocate
In North America, each zone has two Innovative Club advocates who can help you create new clubs, explore new meeting formats, and discover different membership options. Zone 34 and District 7030 are both fortunate to individuals dedicated to this position. Contact Debbie Roopchand - ICA for District 7030 for more information and assistance

Hold an Each One, Bring One event
Club events that focus on service, or simply on fun and fellowship, are a great way to introduce new people to Rotary and show them how your club is making a difference in the community. When you organize such events, encourage each member to bring at least one new person along. And make sure you follow up with attendees to let them know about the different ways they can become involved in Rotary.

Get into the action
When members are involved in Rotary Action Groups and Fellowships, they’re more likely to remain in Rotary, says Jacque Howard, a past governor of District 6080 (Missouri). Find out what your members’ interests are so you can connect them with like-minded people. Or get the whole club involved: The Rotary Action Group for Peace, for example, can help set you up as a peacebuilder club.

 

Know someone who would make a great member but need help
determining which club is right for them? Rotary members can use the Refer a Member tool to help match a potential member with the right club. Find it at my.rotary.org/member-center.

Visit my.rotary.org/membership to find a variety of tools to help your club engage members. Learn how to: