It is always a good day when an individual decides to join our Rotary Club and is welcomed to become part of our “Service Above Self”. We strive to have them become Rotarians, and not simply members, and join in the club culture of making a difference in our community and in the world. We celebrate with them as they become Paul Harris fellows and move into leadership positions.
Our history also shows us that some members decide to not renew their membership at the end of the Rotary year. Often this is done silently by just not paying dues and there are no conversations about why the decision is being made. Sometimes the club culture is just not the right fit. For others their position in life changes. Folks retire and don’t have the expendable finances; some decide to travel more or even move to a new location away from their club. In the new setting, they may choose to take a timeout and decide they can live without Rotary. For some it is too many meetings. The first hope is for a conversation to determine how we as a club can choose to respond. Sometimes an “exit interview” or a simple conversation can help the club in their direction. Is the meeting time a right fit? How is the food? Has the club culture changed or gotten stagnant? Is there space for creativity? Can we do a new kind of service project? Can we work jointly with a mother club on a project? Are the programs inspiring, challenging or flat and low key?
We don’t want to have men and women leave Rotary! District 5870 offers options to consider. 1. Is there another club nearby that would provide a better fit? 2. We now have satellite club within our district that meet less often and still gather to do service projects. 3. The E-Club of Central Texas was created about ten years ago to offer an alternative to the regular meeting style. E-Club meets once a month via zoom. The club encourages members to participate with clubs in hierarchy area individually. E-Club has honed in on doing Global Grants with is a good fit. The E-Club currently has members in 9 states and 9 counties in Texas. Dues are kept low and the club loves collaboration with other clubs and organizations to make a difference in the world.
Rotary has been in existence for 120 years and there are 1.4 million Rotarians around the world. We are focused on the future to touch lives everywhere. We need you all to continue this great tradition. Let’s be sure everyone is welcome and there is an option for each individual to find a Rotary home.
The District Membership committee is ready to be of support to your club and to individuals who may have an interest is something different.
Kent Bohls
District Membership Committee