From Your District Governor
Member Engagement is the Foundation of Membership Growth
By: Michele Bois-Gilbody, Freeport RC
Welcome to August in New England—and in the Rotary year, Membership and New Club Development Month.
On the surface we all know what this focus represents, and the one descriptive sentence makes it seem like it should be easy. Well, we all know that if it were “easy” our club sizes would be quite different. So, what do we do?
I have one suggestion; what if we start August by strengthening the connections that unite us and then we commit throughout the coming year to work to ensure our Rotary Clubs remain engaging, vibrant, welcoming, and relevant for generations to come. Sound any easier? Probably not, so better keep reading.
Member engagement is the foundation of membership growth. People stay where they feel connected, valued, and empowered to make a difference. Engaged members become our greatest ambassadors because enthusiasm is contagious. When people see Rotarians who genuinely enjoy serving together, they want to be part of that story. Are you a member of your club that shows enthusiasm when you work on a service project? Do you help to empower the ideas of others?
As our communities evolve, so must we. We want to be looking for innovative ways to collaborate with community organizations, businesses, schools, and neighboring Rotary clubs. We have seen that these partnerships increase our visibility, introduce us to new audiences, and remind our communities that Rotary is not just a meeting—it is a movement of people creating lasting change. If you want to see a grand example of this kind of movement, check out the Dover, NH Club. Just watch what they do for a week or two through their events, Facebook posts, and speaker roster.
At the same time, growing Rotary means caring for the members we already have. Before we ask others to join us, we want to ask ourselves some honest questions. Are we collectively (not just the President) creating experiences that energize and inspire our members? Do our meetings foster meaningful relationships, engaging conversations, and opportunities for service? When someone offers a different perspective, do we listen with a willingness to try something new? The ability to keep members and gain new members is found in inviting those people to experience the fellowship and purpose that define Rotary but reduce the restraints of how “Rotary” has been historically viewed and sometimes “done.”
Every community is filled with individuals who share our values of service, leadership, and integrity—they simply may not know there is a place for them in Rotary yet. It is our opportunity to meet them where they are, tell our story in meaningful ways, and create openings for people to connect with us. So, how do we do this? We can wear our Rotary swag, t-shirt, hats, and caps if you have them! Be visual and let people know we are proud Rotarians! Make sure you have some signage at service projects and events so people can approach and ask the question, “What’s Rotary?” Then -- be ready to answer their question.
I keep a journal—actually, I write in several journals—but there is one that is especially meaningful to me. It's called "Letters to My Daughters." My intention is to share my life experiences, the lessons I'm learning, the joys, the challenges, and the hopes I have for my girls. At the very least, it will leave them with a piece of me when I eventually pass into the hinterlands.
But another reason I write is that it is part of my legacy.
Legacy matters.
Each of us is building one every day—not just in our families and communities, but also in Rotary. We are all stewards of Rotary's legacy. Every guest we welcome, every new member we mentor, every partnership we cultivate, every project we undertake, and every decision we make—individually and collectively—shapes what Rotary will become for those who follow us.
As we focus on membership this month and beyond, let's remember that success isn't measured only by the number of new members we welcome. It is measured by the culture we create—one where people of every generation and background feel they belong, where members remain engaged because they find purpose and friendship, and where innovation is embraced as a way to strengthen, not replace, our traditions.
The legacy we leave is being written every day. Let's make it one that opens Rotary's doors wider, leaves a lasting impact and inspires others to join us in service.
One final note, I invite you to share with me your thoughts and ideas on engagement, innovation, leadership and communication. I will continue to post a video mid-month, where I will share your thoughts and ideas with our Rotary community. Until then.
Yours In Rotary Service,
Michele