Creating a welcoming and engaging club environment is truly the “secret to success” for Rotary Clubs of all types. A Club Health Check is one way to check your club’s “vitals” and to determine how effectively your club engages its members. This resource, as well as many other helpful assessment tools, can be found on the Rotary International website at Membership | My Rotary.
Recognizing the need to provide Rotary opportunities through alternative and flexible club types, District 5870 recently approved the charter application for a community based Rotaract Club sponsored by the Austin Cosmo Club. These new Rotaractors are looking for opportunities to engage with companion Rotarians through service projects.
Another innovative action that is underway is a plan to convert the Austin North Metro Passport Club to a Satellite of the Round Rock Sunrise Club. Combining these clubs under one administrative umbrella will allow the member base of both the host and satellite units to focus on service and member engagement. Below are some of the features of these club types:
Rotaract Clubs
A Rotaract Club is a service, leadership, professional and community service organization for young adults aged 18 and over. It takes 12 members to start a Rotaract Club instead of the 20 for a traditional club. Rotaract clubs may be community based or university based. Rotaract clubs decide how to organize and run their club, manage their own funds, and plan and carry out activities and service projects aligned with causes that are important to the community. Rotary club sponsors offer guidance and support as partners in service.
Rotaract clubs hold formal meetings in person or virtually, usually every two weeks, which feature speakers, special outings, social activities, discussions, or visits to other clubs. Club members get together on designated days for service project work, social events, or professional/leadership development workshops.
Satellite or Service Companion Clubs
A Service Companion Club is a satellite of its host club. It only takes 8 to start a Satellite/Service Companion Club. It is committed to engaging in community service, offers an alternative membership option for people who are unable to attend regular meetings, eliminates the need for typical club meetings, and promotes inclusivity. A service companion club may operate by its own bylaws that provide a different (lower) dues structure than its host club. Meetings can be held in person or by virtual platform. Service companion club members are fully vested members of their host club and may attend the host club meetings as well.
Member Types
Another opportunity that your club may want to explore and consider is the modification of club bylaws to provide for other member categories, such as family or corporate memberships.
For more information about flexible club options and/or membership types, please contact District 5870 Membership Chair Jim Henry at jhenrydg1920@gmail.com.
PDG Dian Edwards
District 5870 Membership Committee