Posted by Phyllis Winnington-Ingram on Jul 26, 2020
There are many Rotarians within our clubs who feel uncomfortable planning and executing membership ‘drives’. They feel that potential new members will (or should) see the values and accomplishments of our stellar organization through our ‘good deeds’. Many struggle with the idea of ‘selling Rotary’.
 
However, this is the perfect time to highlight the valuable contributions our Rotary Clubs have made locally and internationally to the health and well-being of our planet. 
 
During this worldwide pandemic, highlighting Rotary’s commitment and success to end Polio should be ‘top of mind’. Rotary International has the infrastructure, international connections and experience to assist in a mass, worldwide inoculation program once a safe vaccine is identified. It also has business and professional leaders to assist with local, regional, national economic and health challenges created by the pandemic. Finally, Rotary is committed to future disease prevention, through clean water and sanitation programs, maternal and child health initiatives, as well as education and literacy. 
 
Where to start…
  1. Invite local health professionals to speak who may be on the front lines dealing with this current pandemic. They may be doctors, nurses, dentists, health or long-term care administrators, just to name a few. Many of them may already have had international work experiences that they may want to share.
  2. Prepare a ‘nutshell’ statement that highlights the work that Rotary has accomplished nationally and locally, that is read out loud before any guest speaker begins. This is an opportunity to highlight the good works of Rotary International and the local Club.
  3. During the question and answer portion of their presentation, ask them if they see a role for Rotary International or their local club in assisting to solve some sort of challenge they have presented.
  4. After their presentation, ask them to stay for a moment so that you, or a small group, can reflect on the presentation and personally thank them for their time. If they have identified a challenge, ask them if they would be willing to sit down and talk to a small group of interested Rotarians to brainstorm options. This could be members of the local club or, additionally, interested members from nearby clubs as well.
  5. Also, invite them to your next social, and if they are not able to attend, the next social after that.  You can also ask them to bring their partner or a friend as people sometimes feel more comfortable with others they know. 
Remember…THINK AHEAD. Always have upcoming events and activities to invite potential new members to. Have a mixture of service projects, fun socials and brainstorming opportunities as we know from past membership surveys, new members are drawn into the organization through many pathways.
If you or your club is interested in brainstorming membership recruitment ideas or wishes a presentation, please contact your District 7010 Membership Director at Phyllis Winnington-Ingram
phyllis@winnington-ingram.com or 705-645-0754.