The District Membership Committee is highlighting those clubs that are growing their membership. Have fun reading why the Rotary Club of Carson City is so successful.
Carson City Rotary Club Membership Approach
Our club, over the past several years, has made a concerted effort to increase our membership with emphasis in several areas. We start with a TEAM! Not one person-- a team with at least 3 members. The team constantly reviews our membership materials (applications, orientation, rules, costs, etc.) to ensure we are "hitting" our targeted audiences. This includes: younger members, women, ethnic groups, corporations, and leaders in our community. Our No.1 recruiter is our membership chair who has taken the initiative to bring folks to meetings.
Current members are our most valuable recruiters. It is a duty of membership for ALL members to make an effort to bring new members into the club.
Our club has hired a MEDIA person to provide news items to our local on-line paper, print media and on our social media pages. We publish a weekly notice on these platforms, informing the public about our upcoming speaker with topic and short Bio. We get an interested "client list" to work from. We welcome the guest/visitor and offer an application and contact information with an invitation to return.
Hold at least one "Gathering" a year in a member's home... relaxed to hear about Rotary. We are successful because our members step up and bring "potentials" to this event. At our last Gathering, we had 23 in attendance and garnered 5 new members from this event.
A potential member comes to a formal Orientation: normally a one-on-one or with several members - usually at a restaurant. We provide a take home FOLDER filled with info about Rotary. This includes: the scope of Rotary (RI) with a magazine, our club Process sheet (expectations,) a cost/dues sheet, info about our Club committee and activities, and projects. This also helps the Rotarian who does the orientation--Gets to know the individual, has the opportunity to share the breadth of Rotary, and what we do both AT HOME AND IN THE WORLD. We call it a "two-fer" help at home and in the world. Everyone likes this information. We also share our own club Foundation and how we use these monies in our community.
The candidate usually decides to join. The club secretary forwards the application to our Board for approval and posting to the entire membership for 7 days.
We schedule an Induction and ask the person to choose an area of interest and a committee to join. Getting folks involved is a KEY. Induction day -- Welcome, lots of clapping, the "microphone" to share their info. Usually on a minute or two.
IMPORTANT Next, the new member meets with his/her MENTOR (typically from the Membership Com) whose role is to be an Ombudsman and help the new person meet members, answer questions and offers support for 6 months or as needed.
We send a post card to folks missing three consecutive weeks. "Did You Think We Don't Miss You?” Then follow up.
The final key for membership is having FUN! Have occasional meetings away from the normal
weekly meeting place and fellowship doing projects. Most clubs are small. However, now lots of prospects want connections with their community. Club members can assist in seeking members’ prospects and bring them to hear interesting speakers, help with service projects, activities and friendship. Publicity is the KEY.
Carson City's membership growth is due to the dedication of club members and especially the Membership Committee. Our goal- HAVE FUN - adherence to our "5th" part of the 4 Way Test- "IS IT FUN?"
Now shorter Bullet points:
1. ENGAGE TOTAL MEMBERSHIP- Explain membership and its importance
2. Form a MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE -- AT LEAST 3 PEOPLE.
3. Then a SUBCOMMITTEE—MENTOR PROGRAM with a job description,
4. REVIEW -- all forms: application, process for membership, cost/dues sheet, club activities, scope of Rotary International with printed materials.
5. WELCOME GUESTS - offer an application and contact info. Include speakers and student parents,
6. ORIENTATION - include a "takeaway" Folder with the above information (hear & see
about us)
7. BOARD APPROVAL and posting to the entire membership for 7 days,
8. INDUCTION - New person pays DUES at Induction - pro-rate based on time of the year. Make it special, stand, clap, etc. New member shares info about themselves (a couple of minutes). WE eliminated the red badge program. Now a (NEW) sticker on their blue badge.
9. HOLD A GATHERING – event at a members' home. Current members brought folks - 23 attended and we garnered 5 new members. Relaxed, fun and interesting.
10. MENTOR gets to know the new member and provides follow up for 6 months,
11. ONGOING - field trips, excellent speakers, fun activities, service projects, etc. Follow up!!
12. NEW MEMBER adds their info into our Club Directory.
13. ENJOY!!
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