It was wonderful recently to see the Rotary float in the Rose Bowl parade to begin this new year; the commentators were very kind to speak of the fantastic work of Rotary around the world. As 2023 is upon us, we need to ask, “Is our club friendly and welcoming?”
Sometimes our clubs just need to slow down and take stock of where we are. Most of us think of Rotary clubs as a clubs that meet for an hour at the same time every week of the year. It might be time to ask a few questions such as: Is this the best day and time to meet? Is the menu helping or hurting our attendance? Are our programs inspiring or challenging? Are we building better friendships? Are we inviting others to join our club or at least visit a meeting? Are we welcoming our visitors? Is our service to the community and the world meaningful?
As we listen to our answers, we might consider doing some things a bit differently. Your club might change their meeting day or time to better suit the members. Some clubs are offering a happy hour or evening social in place of a weekly meeting. You could do a project in place of a meeting. You might periodically do a joint meeting with another club. We can partner with another club in order to do a global grant or a local project. You might partner on a non-Rotary project to make an impact. We don’t have to do it all alone, or like we have always done in the past.
For many members, our situations change and new can no longer make the regular meetings; some might work out of town or longer hours or even from home, or retire and decide to travel more or share second home part of the year. We just can no longer make those regular meeting times. Our district now has several options for our members so they do not feel they have to leave Rotary. Passport Clubs that meet less often and at different times and still do service projects and have speakers. The E-Club has been meeting monthly via zoom since long before the pandemic. These options allow a person to stay in Rotary! Our goal is to offer those needing a change to remain a part of Rotary.
Rotary is the greatest service organization in the world and it is wonderful to be part of it. Our energy and enthusiasm must reflect that. If our District Membership Committee can be a resource for your club, please call on us.
District 5870 Membership Team
Kent Bohls