TOGETHER we see a world where PEOPLE unite and take action to CREATE lasting CHANGE across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.

By: Peggy Belanger, Kennebunk Portside RC and Lorraine Faherty, Damariscotta-Newcastle RC
District 7780 Membership Co-Directors
 
“EVERY ONE BRING ONE”, a poignant message from RI President Shekhar Mehta.  Lorraine and I would like to expand on this messaging by President Shekhar.
 
We ask each of us to think about “What could I do to support my Rotary Club, my Rotary District, Rotary Int’l”? One way is to consider members of your communities, people who are vibrant, philanthropic, who already do good work in their communities, who like to have fun.  We encourage all of us to take the opportunity, anytime we can, to explain how Rotary works, share Rotary stories and especially the projects you as a Rotarian or your club have done, doing, going to do!
 
Have you considered reaching out to your “alumni”, might they be ready to return?  If members from your club left because they were unhappy, felt unappreciated or overworked, then ask how to make it better for them.  Would they be interested in creating a new club?  Please let us not look at starting a new club as “competition”, but a wonderful opportunity to better serve our community both locally and internationally.

Are our partners/significant others ready to join?  Does your club have a dues rate for “family”? 
 
Membership Growth is also about more than growing one member at a time.  It is about offering other options.  Not everybody fits into an existing club.  Is your club too comfortable with your current membership? Have you looked beyond the club to see who the people are in the community who are not in the club?  Find members who are interested in establishing their own club. A current Rotary Club can help a new club to take root and thrive; it can assist in establishing a solid foundation.
 
There are a lot of people, young and not so young, who want to serve.  Let Rotary International be the organization they choose.
 
“TOGETHER we see a world where PEOPLE unite and take action to CREATE lasting CHANGE across the globe, in our communities and in ourselves"