Building Strong and Thriving Rotary Clubs. Membership is everyone’s responsibility.
Change is needed to re-vitalise Clubs and move away from traditional Rotary models of adding one new member at a time, and where meetings can take over from service and impact. A focus on great Club experience and meaningful service for membership growth is improving, but the long-term trend remains challenging.
Great Club experience is central to retention.
Important Membership Strategy is to retain members longer, especially when a new Club is tied to a cause people are passionate about. Meaningful causes attract younger members because they can design a Club around their needs and schedule. Reaches further into the community and increases partnership opportunities – especially for cause-based Clubs.
Flexible Club models create new pathways into Rotary.
Often formed by current members who want a different Club experience.
Satellite clubs are easy to establish – minimum 8 members. Have flexible meeting times and locations. Focus on service rather than meetings. Can have a different Club culture and a distinct value proposition. Satellite club must have a Host Club, which provides the overheads and administration. The Satellite Chair sits on the Host Club Board.
New clubs can grow and reach new communities if they are cause-based – focused on a specific community need or cause.
Interest-based – for example, professional development.
Corporate-based.
Alumni-based – such as RYLA alumni.
Language or cultural inclusion-based.
International project-based – for example, modern slavery.
Other examples cited: wildlife protection, homelessness, empowering women and girls, music makers and e-Clubs.