Membership – So What?
 

On July 1^st, 2011, our District had 2,767 Rotarians. On July 1^st, 2024, we started this Rotary year with 1,948. That’s a loss of 819 Rotarians in 13 years! Yes, 212 of those losses occurred during the COVID-19 years (Rotary Year 19-20 through 21-22), but we can’t continue to use COVID as an excuse – we’re down an additional 208 members over the past two post-COVID years. Last year alone, our clubs brought in 138 new members…but lost 172 existing members.

 

So what? If this trend continues and we don’t do something to right the ship, our clubs may be subject to redistricting within the next 5-10 years. A District in Nebraska is dealing with that right now – they must increase their membership by more than 200 Rotarians by June 30^th, 2024, or their clubs will be split up among other Districts, and their District will cease to exist.

 

So what? Many of our Clubs already have to do more with less due to declining membership. Fewer members mean fewer volunteers for service projects. Fewer members mean asking more of each Club member when supporting The Rotary Foundation. Fewer members mean less participation in social events. Fewer members result in Clubs not functioning efficiently or serving their communities effectively.

 

So what? If you’ve been around Rotary for more than a day or two, chances are that you remain in the organization because you believe in its values, want to make a difference in your community and the world, and have made some great friends. Help your Club, our District, and Rotary International continue to be the organization that positively changes lives – the organization that you enjoy. Do your part by bringing a friend to Rotary and encouraging your friends to remain in Rotary.

 

PDG Bob Crouch

District 5870 Membership Committee