More Ideas on Membership from The Chairman

Jim Coleman, a longtime member of the Rotary Club of St. George and Past Governor of Rotary District 5420 (2000-01), has assumed responsibility for increasing membership to a net 150 in clubs throughout Utah.  The 2006 GSE Team Leader to India (District 3420) brings years of Rotary experience to this position, having served previously as a Club, District and Zone Membership Coordinator.

Jim has already established some goals in his new assignment.  For instance, the goal for the Saturday, November 3 District Membership Seminar @ Westminster is for 100% of Club Membership Chairs to attend. Presidents – please follow-up to ensure their attendance. 

Soon he will meet with the 10 southern Membership Chairs and communicate his goals and direction for growth with Assistant Governors throughout the district.

Growing Rotary clubs know membership attraction and retention requires constant and consistent attention at every meeting and between meetings.

Tips from a successful Utah Rotary club . . .September membership success tip: treat your new member as though she is your best new customer!

*  Be a ‘high touch relationship’ club. New members who build relationships quickly will want to stay. Introduce your new member to everyone and vice versa. Ask her to be the greeter for the next month.

*  Your new member wants to be ‘a part of’ your club. She wants to be an insider who understands what Rotary International is - as well as your history, the jokes, terminology and what is going on at the meeting and club level. Help her feel comfortable ASAP. Orient her within a week of her induction.

*  Reinforce the importance of attending every meeting. Make sure she sits with different members each week. Help her select a committee that interests her AND introduce her to the chair, so she can start participating immediately.

*  Presidents, check in with your new member and see how she is doing. If she misses a meeting, call her! Speak with her periodically – do not leave this to chance. If she knows you and your club care, she will keep coming back and be active.

Membership is job #1 and it is every member’s job. As a ‘high touch relationship’ club, you will have enduring success in attracting and retaining members.

In the meantime, are you working your plan?  Holding a prospective member meeting?  New member orientation?  Mentoring? Review what your club decided to do in your Planning Guide For Effective Clubs.