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Membership MattersSeptember 2009,Volume 9, Number 2
Zones 24 & 32 Newsletter
Membership Matters is a newsletter for Rotarians and non-Rotarians in Zone 24 - Alaska, Canada, the Russian Far East, Siberia, St. Pierre and Miquelon, and parts of the northern USA.Zone 32 - the northeast USA extending into Quebec and Maritime Canada and Bermuda.Zone 25 - north west USA and southern British Columbia.Zone 26 - south west USA and Hawaii.
www.rotaryzones24-32.org
District #Clubs 1 Jul 08
#Members 1 Jul 08
#Clubs 30 Jun 09
#Members 30 Jun 09
%age Change
7210 66 1899 66 1934 1.84
7230 47 1548 47 1544 -0.26
7250 40 929 38 962 3.55
7260 34 1087 33 1053 -3.13
7350 45 2071 45 2049 -1.06
7370 35 970 35 939 -3.20
7390 49 2501 49 2554 2.12
7410 44 1086 44 1129 3.96
7430 48 2140 49 2159 0.89
7450 55 1862 55 1845 -0.91
7470 54 1339 55 1366 2.02
7490 51 1325 53 1376 3.85
7500 40 1359 40 1327 -2.35
7510 43 1232 43 1251 1.54
7620 71 2685 70 2593 -3.43
7630 40 1797 39 1780 -0.95
7640 54 1367 56 1374 0.51
816 27197 817 27235 0.14
Zone 32 Membership Figures2008-09
Reach One, Keep One is Working!
"The slogan is a gentle reminder to do it!" notes John T. Capps III, "Keep a 3 x 5 card handy at all times to record that moment in time when the name of a potential member flashes in your thoughts."
William Pollard, past governor of District 7600 (Virginia, USA). "We all have a responsibility to grow our Rotary family so that we can continue to provide service to our local and international communities."
"'Reach One' reminds us that because Rotary membership is by invitation, it's essential that each Rotarian reaches out and invites someone to join," says PRID Paul Netzel."'Keep One' reminds us that it's not sufficient to simply sponsor someone into Rotary; we must also see that new members become active and involved Rotarians. We know this is an essential element in membership retention."
Membership Increases in 2008-09In a year of economic havoc that rocked global markets and shook consumer confidence, Rotary International’s most important asset – its members – steadily grew.
As of 30 June, the end of the 2008-09 RI year, there were 1,234,527 members in 33,790 Rotary clubs. That’s an increase of 3,044 members and 520 clubs from the previous year!
“I will simply rely on you, as responsible people, to see to it that we have more qualified members, true Rotarians, at the end of the year than we had at the beginning. And I will rely on you to do your best to see to the mentoring of our newest members, for retention is no less important than recruitment,” RIP John Kenny
Retention in Membership-Knowledge through Education-
A Key Component
To me, an educated Rotarian is a happy Rotarian. If a Rotarian is happy, they are going to stay in our organization and contribute much. They are going to feel good about themselves and the good deeds they accomplish for others in need.
There is a proverb that says; Give a man a fish and he eats for a day. Teach him how to fish and he eats for a lifetime.
This has a lot to do with Membership Retention. Do we actually TEACH our Rotary Club members what Rotary is all about, or do we keep it to ourselves? There is so much to learn about this great organization called Rotary. What is lacking is the time to teach and share knowledge about Rotary at our weekly club meetings. A person who is interested in Rotary can almost become a student of Rotary. I know I learn something new about Rotary everyday!
I am always amazed at how many Rotarians tell me that they do not need to go to PETS, the District Assembly, the Membership Seminar, or the Foundation Seminar. Most times they tell me that; I have been in Rotary for many years and there are nothing new I can learn about Rotary!?As a Past District Governor who has attended much training for my positions in Rotary, I still do not know everything there is to know about Rotary, as it is such a diverse organization in its’ many programs and projects.
Back in 1991, a District Governor from New Jersey named David Linett noticed during his official visits that his clubs were lacking something. That something was a lack of Rotary knowledge, and a lack of leadership skills. David thought that this also had a drastic impact on Membership Retention. He thought that it would be his mission to initiate a training program, for Club Rotarians that would focus on both Rotary knowledge, and Leadership training. This would allow for more informed and engaged leaders of our clubs, and prove to increase retention of members in our clubs.
In 1992, David Linett started the first Rotary Leadership Institute in District 7510. A three part program designed to provide an educational opportunity for Rotarians identified as potential leaders by their club presidents. Course methods reflect the most innovative and participatory methods possible. Methods include discussion groups, (no lectures), role playing, problem solving workshops, and group planning exercises.
Since 1992 from the one district in New Jersey, the Rotary Leadership Institute has grown to 208 member districts, in 51 divisions, in 96 countries. Thousands of Rotarians have been educated and participated in the RLI. Many members did not even know anything about Rotary beyond the walls of their Club meeting place. Many who have participated said just the fellowship alone, and the interaction with Rotarians from other clubs, was reason enough to participate in the RLI.
Many senior leaders believe in the mission of the RLI, even though it is not a RI Program. Past RI President Bill Boyd said, “Poor club leadership is a major cause of membership looses”. The Rotary Leadership Institute aims to close that gap. As PRID and International Chair of the RLI David Linett said, “Strong Rotary Clubs invariably have strong leadership and weak Rotary Clubs invariably have weak leadership”. The RLI has a standard of excellence in building strong future leaders for our Rotary Clubs, and our Districts.
Two of the topics in the curriculum deal with Membership Retention and Membership Recruitment. The RLI Curriculum committee views Membership issues as a very important connector to building the future of Rotary. Many members in clubs do not realize that Membership Recruitment and Retention is every Rotarians obligation and responsibility.
The 20th President of the United States, James A. Garfield, (1831-1881) said, “In order to have any success in life, or any worthy success, you must resolve to carry into your work a FULLNESS of KNOWLEDGE……not merely a sufficiency, but more than a sufficiency. Be fit for more than the thing you are now doing. Let everyone know that you have a reserve in yourself; that you have more POWER than you are now using. If you are not too large for the place you occupy, you are too small for it”.
The more power we give our Rotarians, the more engaged they will be, and the longer they will stay. The more knowledge our Rotarians gain about Rotary, the more they will love Rotary and what Rotary stands for. Happy Rotarians have a reason to retain their membership, and they also will feel compelled to tell others that we are a worthwhile organization to join.
For more information in the Rotary Leadership Institute and to include it in your Membership Retention Toolbox, please visit www.rotaryleadershipinstitute.com
The Future of Rotary is in Your Hands
RRIMC Zone 32 Dan Spencer
ROTARY INTERNATIONAL FINAL FOCUS GROUP FINDINGS - 2008
To support the RI Strategic Plan’s membership priority and goals, focus groups of non-Rotarians were conducted on two specific demographic groups: • professional women 30+ years of age, and • professional men 30 – 45 years of age.
RI Statements Also tested within these groups were RI’s presentation of its Mission Statement, an explanation of its Membership Requirements, and Benefits of Membership. The following feedback was received. Mission of Rotary International The mission of Rotary International, a worldwide association of Rotary clubs, is to provide service to others, to promote high ethical standards, and to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through its fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders, known as Rotarians. Though the mission statement was perceived to be noble and honorable, it was also perceived to be somewhat generic, non-descriptive and lofty. There were concerns expressed around the terms ‘community leader’, ‘ethical’, and ‘service to others’. The statement, ‘business, professional and community leaders’, was interpreted as exclusionary and implying positions that are beyond the average business manager or professional – assuming more of an elitist position. In Argentina, particularly among women, there was an appreciation for and an acknowledgement that professionals are those who can accomplish and get things done.
Benefits of Membership The benefits of being a Rotarian include serving the community, networking and friendship, international involvement, and promoting ethics and leadership skills. The benefit statement was also interpreted as being somewhat generic with the following questions and concerns being expressed. • How do Rotarians serve the community? • Networking and friendship is something that can be achieved easily outside of a
Rotary Club, so it is unclear how this is a benefit of being a Rotarian. • How are ethics and leadership skills promoted, and what ethics and leadership skills
are being promoted? • The benefits do not outweigh the perception of an elitist group. Benefits are neither
attractive nor inviting.
Membership Requirements Rotary clubs meet weekly and members of local Rotary clubs are expected to attend at least 50% of the meetings. If a member is traveling to another part of the world they are allowed to attend the meetings of other clubs to make up for their absence. Also, club members are expected to participate in either local, and if interested, international volunteer projects. Without exception the time requirement was considered to be the most critical. Whereas the perception of Rotary continues to face a significant challenge with respect to women being allowed to join clubs, time was a significant hurdle around requirements. After some discussion there was a basic understanding that the time requirement ensured and encouraged dedication and commitment, and was needed to get projects organized and accomplished. However, the majority of respondents were suspicious and hesitant they could make this type of commitment.
This concludes the articles on the Focus Group Findings. While the findings may appear negative, they are the true representation of the groups we are trying to recruit. The good news is - Rotary recognizes the challenge but it is up to each of us to meet the challenge. Editor.
It should be noted that many of Rotary’s messages are targeted to and for Rotarians. However, these messages must also be relevant and ‘speak to’ the non-Rotarian, prospective member sector. This is a primary means of communicating what Rotary International ‘stands for’ and what it hopes to accomplish through its local Rotary clubs. And, as noted within these group discussions, an organization’s mission statement is something that is often times looked at and considered when a person is making a decision to further explore or get involved in an organization.
“You don’t need to join Rotary to help your
community.”
“No that scares me off, that’s like a second job.”
…most of our respondents believed that their time was stretched beyond acceptable levels already.
The following suggestions, in random order, are from participants at the Membership Retention Breakout Session RI Convention, Birmingham. Club Membership Champion - Important to have a club champion who drives membership with a committee to ensure all aspects of club membership are covered. Economy /Cost - District website advertises job seeker /vacancies to help Rotarians find jobs. - Club support: keep the connection between meetings by personal contact with non-attending Rotarians and their families. - Club find ways to keep costs down o Change meeting to a time that requires no meal o Have a less costly meal – e.g. one course only o Provide club support in ways not to diminish Rotarian’s self-esteem. o Check if cost is the real reason for leaving the club? If not and if possible do something about the reason. - Downturn in economy can provide opportunities to support fellow Rotarians, their families and community members. Involvement - Actively involve new Rotarians from the outset and keep them involved. - “Horses for Courses” o Make sure there is a good match between the Rotarian and club being considered with regard to the club culture, meeting day/time. o Jobs assigned to the Rotarian meet vocation /interest – consultation needed. - Rotarians need to know what they are in for before they join a club. - Club visioning encourages new Rotarians to contribute; provides for future planning; new ideas / up-dates projects/ club members make decisions, not outsiders. Mentoring: a range of ideas to mentor new Rotarians included o The importance of mentoring members well despite the challenge of keeping track. ! Make sure the forms are filled out. ! Use a checklist so that the new member and mentor can track progress of Rotary knowledge. ! Accompany new member to other club meetings. o Coloured badge will identify new members and allow seasoned members who miss meetings to make sure they make new members welcome. ! “Small clubs don’t have this problem as you can’t hide in a club of 30.”
The Reality of Retaining MembersCourtesy of Australian Membership Newsletter Article by RRIMC Sylvia Byers, Zone 8
Sadly this is one issue that still lingers for some clubs and
will continue to do so. When single gender clubs decide to
include the other gender they need to induct a minimum of
three or four at the same time. If a club inducts just one of
the opposite gender they can feel lonely and not really part
of the club.
Clubs that are dual gender should be aiming to have a
balance of both genders within their club.
What is disturbing though is when members from dual
gender clubs constantly have “digs” at single gender clubs
about being single gender. No amount of cajoling will
make clubs become, or even want to become dual gender
clubs. Clubs should be encouraged to become dual gender
by the District Governor and assistant governor by
extolling the pluses of becoming dual gender.
Overcoming single gender Clubs
Alumni Matters
Rotary Down Under
Thank you to Rotary Down Under magazine for
publishing two great membership development
tools in the August issue.
On pages 18-19 is Rotary’s Membership
Satisfaction Questionnaire, a survey form which
every Club should ask each member to complete
every year. Club Membership Directors can copy
this form from RDU, or download it from
www.rotary.org. Members can complete the form
anonymously if they wish, and return it to the
club secretary or other person designated to
collect the results. This will provide a
documented list of items needing attention in your
club, which can be discussed at a Club Assembly
or by the Club’s board of directors.
In the middle of the magazine (page 37) is an 8-
page lift-out of Rotary Basics. This is also
available on www.rotary.org or can be ordered
from Rotary’s Parramatta office. A wonderful
summary of what Rotary is about, it makes a great
handout leaflet for potential or new Rotarians.
The Club Vision Facilitation program, a multi-
District program to assist Rotary Clubs with their
long range planning, is working well since its
introduction to Australia in November last year.
Thirteen Districts have formally adopted the
program, District teams are reporting on Club
Facilitation events completed in seven of
Australia’s eight states and territories.
Districts wishing to expand their facilitation
teams or to join the program have an opportunity
to send selected Rotarians to a Facilitator
Training Workshop to be held on 12-13
September in Canberra, hosted by District 9710.
Attendance on each day is limited to 30
participants, trainees can choose to attend on
either Saturday or Sunday providing numbers are
sufficient. For details contact Lynne Duckham at
or
Rotary Club Visioning
Is it fair to all concerned? If your club has nominated promising young people
for Rotary Foundation programs such as Group Study
Exchange, Ambassadorial and Peace Scholars,
consider the importance of record keeping at club
level as the first step in staying connected with those
who were interviewed.
To date the need to invite only successful applicants
to stay connected with Rotary has been addressed, but
to be fair to all concerned, how about considering
keeping records and maintaining contact in some way
with all who apply? Each applicant has the potential
to be ambassador for your club and for wider world of
Rotary. What do you think?
RRIMC Sylvia Byers
The benefit to each
applicant and to your
club, regardless of the
outcome, can be beyond
expectations. If the job
of record keeping is part
of your overall club plan,
being fair to all
concerned can be met
by this one step in the
process a club takes to
ensure Alumni
applicants are not only
connected, but stay
connected
Know YOUR RRIMCZone 32
Dan Spencer was born and continues to reside in Gloucester City, New Jersey, where over five generations of Spencer’s have lived. He is the father of one son, Daniel T. Spencer, III, who is fifteen years old. Dan is most proud of his ice hockey enthusiast son, who plays goalie for the Flyers Youth Hockey Club in Voorhees, NJ, and the Gloucester Catholic High School Rams Hockey Team. PDG Dan attended St. Mary’s Grammar School, Gloucester Catholic High School, Camden County College, and the former Glassboro State College. He currently serves as the Division Director for Administration and Finance/Consumer Affairs for the Camden County Department of Health and Human Services. He is directly responsible for personnel issues and oversees finances involving Federal, State, and County funds. He began his Rotary life in 1987, he was sponsored to the Gloucester City Rotary Club by the late Frank Carr, Jr. His many Rotary accomplishments are: Club President 1994-1995 District Governor 1998-1999 District Trainer 2000-2004 (4 Years) District Foundation Chair 2003-2006 (3 Years) Zone 32 Coordinator Education & Training 2001-2002 Delegate 2004 & 2007 Council on Legislation
RI Membership Zone Coordinator 2004-2006 Co-Founder/Executive Trainer Mid-Atlantic PETS 2004-2006 President’s Representative 2005, 2007, 2008 Rotary Leadership Institute, Chairman, 2005-2008 General Chair, Zones 31-32 Institute 2005, Boston Zone 32 Coordinator, Family of Rotary 06-07, 07-08 GETS Training Leader 2006, Hershey PA RI Training Leader – 2007 & 2008 San Diego TRF APF Strategic Advisor-2007-08, 2008-09 GETS Chair, 2007 in Mystic, CT, and 2008 Philadelphia, PA. Regional Rotary International Membership Coordinator, 2008-09, 2009-10
Dan is also a very accomplished Drummer and Vocalist, entertaining crowds since he has been eight years old. He is a thirty-year member of the Philadelphia Mummers String Bands, and played his last thirteen years in the Award Winning Ferko String Band, where he served as President, Vice President, and Secretary.Dan is also the Chairman of the Gloucester City Planning/Zoning Board, and has been elected to serve on the Gloucester City Council in January 2010 for a three year term. Dan also previously served a six year term on the Southern New Jersey Ronald McDonald House Board of Directors, and is a member of the St. Mary Catholic Church Finance Council. Dan also is the Chairman of the Development Committee for St. Mary’s Grammar School.
Dan Spencer
!
PDG Dan Spencer
Member sponsor and retention recognition
At its January meeting, the RI Board adopted a New Member Sponsor and Retention Recognition program, which became effective 1 July. The program, also part of the long-term membership strategy, allows Rotary club presidents to nominate and recognize individuals for sponsoring new members while focusing on retention. There are several award categories:
• Gold pin and certificate: For Rotarians bringing 25 members into any Rotary club, with 20 still active after six years• Silver pin and certificate: For Rotarians bringing 10 members into any Rotary club, with eight still active after four
years• Bronze pin and certificate: For Rotarians bringing five members into any Rotary club, with four still active after two
years
2009 - 2010Zone 24 Membership Coordinators
Alana Bergh Dean Rohrs H: 907-488-2243 H: 604-516-0955 C: 907-460-8646 [email protected] [email protected] Mike Cooksey Elaine Toussaint Bus.P: 416-927-6052 P: 418-653-2243 Res.P: 416-266-3287 F: 418-653-2243 F: 416-927-6330 [email protected] [email protected]
DiaryDates
September8‐13,2009 Zone32Institute NiagaraFalls,Ontario,Canada
September14‐20,2009 Zone24Institute Edmonton,Alberta,Canada
January17‐24,2010 InternationalAssembly SanDiego,California,USA
June20‐23,2010 RIConvention MONTREAL,CANADA
2009 - 2010Zone 32 Membership Coordinator
Membership Matters EditorZone 24/32Bryn Styles
Rotary = FellowshipWhen asked by my friends why I belong to Rotary it makes me think of the amazing number of benefits that have come to me and my family.
I believe in the need for fellowship, this is one of the major components that Rotary started with when Paul Harris founded our great organization in 1905 and continues today. We need to share the concept with our friends, business and neighbours.
What is fellowship? I think if you asked the average Rotarians for an answer you would get many different responses as it is personal to each of us.
Fellowship can be:- Your weekly Rotary meeting- Your club group and/or committee meetings at a Rotarian’s home.- It can be a group outing to the theatre or golf club.- It can be the District Conference or a Zone Meeting.- It can be a club or District trip to the Rotary International Convention.- It can be a Rotarian’s visit to one of the hundreds of Rotary Fellowships.- It can be a make up meeting at another Rotary Club.
It is like minded people participating in like minded activities for the common good of world peace and understanding. Rotary is the launching pad for individual fellowship which is what the vast majority of the human race crave!!! People meeting People !!!!
That’s why Each Rotarian is being asked to
Reach One and Keep One !!!!
by RRIMC Zone 24E Mike Cooksey
