|
Appreciation
The Membership Task Force appreciates the opportunity of serving in the
critical area of membership and thanks President Jim Lacy for the invitation to support District Governors, districts
and clubs in developing programs and strategies for recruiting new members, educating and retaining existing members
and exploring opportunities for the extension of Rotary through new clubs.
It has been a pleasure to be associated with significant group of Area and Zone Coordinators in the 34 zones, as
well as the coordinators who have a special responsibility to explore the extension of Rotary in Moslem countries.
The first half year has been productive in extending the simple message of promoting service by responding to community
needs. As a consequence, in many areas there has been an increase in the number of quality Rotarians. Clubs also
are recognising the need to have strong strategic plans to retain members. We believe that, to date, the Task Force
has been successful in Following the Rotary Dreams established in the goals and objective.
Owen McDowell
General Coordinator |
Barrie Davis
Assistant General Coordinator
|
Semi-Annual Report
For the past six months the Membership Task force has been actively working towards its goals.
Regretfully, it must be noted that many District Governors do not promote membership at their District Assemblies
and show little interest in discussing membership with clubs during their club visits. It is recognised that Governors
are very busy at the start of their year, which reinforces the need to have all preparation done well before the
year starts.
Communication
Effective communication is the key to healthy membership and the success of the action depends on the efficiency
of the district geography, distance and culture plus interest of the individual Rotarians involved are important
factors in establishing good lines of communication.
Most Zone coordinators suggest that communication is the single greatest problem in promoting membership. In general,
communication between RI, General coordinators, Area Coordinators and Zone Coordinators has been very good. IN CONTRAST, THE GREATEST FRUSTRATIONS HAVE OCCURRED THROUGH THE LACK
OF RESPONSE FROM DISTRICT AND CLUB COORDINATORS.
There is no doubt that letters written, unless by the RI President, rarely bring responses. It is clear that facsimile
transmissions are very effective, whilst e-mail is superior, obtaining very quick responses from the majority.
Electronic communications are imperative if results are needed, particularly when statistics are required, certainly
for the l July and l January club membership returns.
Problems
Many District Governors do not recognise the importance of membership development nor do they understand methods
of achieving better retention and education. there is an apparent reluctance to appoint dedicated and skilled district
coordinators who can promote membership at district assemblies and throughout the year.
Issues For RI Board Attention
1. Recognise that membership development (recruiting, education, retention, extension) is a fundamental and essential
component for the existence of Rotary and therefore it is a continuous and long term challenge to all Rotarians,
including the RI President, RI Board, District Governors, Past District Governors and Club Presidents.
2. Recognise that membership development is an essential component of training and information at the International
Assembly, Rotary Institutes, District Assemblies and PETS, and that adequate time be allowed for the training of
the relevant officers.
3. Recognise that there should be continuity in the appointments of RI Task Force Coordinators (or equivalent)
District Coordinators and others associated with training and supervising membership development teams.
4. Recognise the need to amend the constitution affecting the transfer of Rotarians, territorial limits and the
definition of entry qualifications for potential members.
5. Recognise the need to maintain at all times high standards of entry for new Rotarians.
6. Recognise the need to support clubs with less than 20 members through incentives and assistance in the formation
of special membership development strategic plans.
7. Recognise the need to develop a suitable electronic data base for club membership number transfers and the use
of e-mail as a communication tool.
8. Recognise the need to promote Rotary as a vibrant and essential service organisation.
What Are Your Dreams?
 President Jim Lacy has invited all Rotarians to 'Follow Your Rotary Dreams'...
He has reminded us:
"Rotarians can be proud that, through our 94 year history, we have succeeded
in making our dreams of better lives come true. Still, as we face the future, there is still much to do to make
the world a better home for everyone... we must dream new dreams and work to make them come true. Join me this
year in our journey to the new century, the new millennium. Follow Your Rotary Dream and shape the world anew.
 The Membership Task Force is privileged to respond to President Jim's challenge...'
to shape the world anew ', but before we do any shaping, we need enthusiastic and dedicated Rotarians who are prepared
to serve their communities. Our job as a Task Force is to establish a PACE that is in keeping with our goals; a
PACE that can be maintained; a PACE that produces results... a membership level that can serve the needs
of the world.
How Can The Membership Task Force Respond To This Challenge?
Our Pace can be expanded as...
Promote - We need to
dream up methods of obtaining new Rotarians, and extending Rotary into new territories.
Assimilate - We need
to dream up methods of ensuring new Rotarians are introduced to Rotary purposefully.
Communicate - We need
to dream up methods of having the best communication of information and inspiration.
Educate - We need to
dream up methods of educating and continually educating our members.
President Jim has given us a
message of inspiration...
"But Rotarians are not just dreamers. We are achievers who join our hearts and hands to forge our dreams
into reality."
Are You A Model Member?
All task force members should have received their copies of 'Model Members'.
This is our guide for our task force service, but more importantly it highlights the responsibilities of being
a member of the task force.
The Area Coordinator met in Evanston at the end of April to share time together
and formulate our aims and goals for our year together.
It is easy to be philosophical and declare operational objectives, but the real
purpose of the task force is to be leaders, and to show positive leadership. Our MODEL describes this perfectly
through translation.
Membership
Opportunities
for
Development and
Education
Leadership. |
We have every confidence that the 1998-9 Membership Task Force Team will be true
leaders in membership development and education.
Rotary International Award For Membership Development And Extension
The guidelines for the 1998-99 Award are set out in the RI publication 901. There
are four aspects that District Governors and Club Presidents need to know...
Goals
All district governors should have announced their district goals at the 1998
district assembly.
Time Frame
This is set for the period 1 July 1998 to 15 May 1999.
Recognition
After 15 May 1999 each district governor will report...
- the club in the district with the highest growth rate
- the club that brought in the most new members
- the club with the highest retention rate
- those clubs that sponsored a new club
Promotion
Please promote the Award at every opportunity... clubs will need every encouragement.
Our Goals
- All Clubs to have a mission that reflects growth.
- Emphasize the importance of retention and education of members.
- Establish targets of positive membership growth.
- Plan for the future and recruit the type of Rotarians that clubs need.
- Emphasize involvement in service.
- Extend Rotary service opportunities through the formation of new clubs.
Some Suggestions From The 1994-95 Presidential Committee on Membership
Trends
The following can be considered...
- Programs that are attractive to younger members.
- Marketing to attract younger members of both genders.
- Information to have local 'flavor'.
- Younger members to determine the future of Rotary.
- Better public relations.
- The necessity of meals.
- Examine real costs carefully.
- Hold meetings at the best times to suit the most.
- Promote exciting Rotary programs.
- Question the wisdom of allowing old and non-active clubs to continue.
- Adapt membership balance to local changing circumstances.
- The importance of good club leadership.
|
