SOME IDEAS ABOUT KEEEPING MEMBERS

Retention is an important part of membership development. How can we develop members into good Rotarians if they keep leaving. This year's Presidential Citation recognises and emphasizes this element. Clubs must retain 85% of their existing members to qualify.

In the many years I have been a Rotarian, I have observed that there are several issues that are pertinent to retaining existing members and it is my hope that by sharing my views I will help you troubleshoot better.

• Rotary education for new members and continuing education of Rotarians – It never ceases to surprise me how we take the inculcation of Rotary ideology in new members for granted. Rotary is a dynamic organization and there is constant change within our great organization. It is the responsibility of the club leadership to keep all members informed and abreast of these changes. Contiunuing education lies at the heart of any living organization. Secondly, Rotary education must not be shared in a ‘preachy’ fashion. Rotarians and accomplished individuals and what is required is a dialogue. I would encourage the transmission of Rotary knowledge in an interactive and fun setting – for example, a Rotary quiz. Alternatively this information can be shared through the bulletin. The bulletin editor can be given one or two fining sessions to ascertain who is actually reading the bulletin!!
• Dignified induction ceremony for new members – This is most essential. The dignity we profer to those whom we are inducting into Rotary membership is an indication of how highly we value our Rotary membership. If we share the view that Rotarians are important people and have an important contribution to make to society, then this should be reflected in the manner we induct and treat every new Rotarian. Because they are now members of this important fraternity. 
• Good assimilation of members – Spare no effort in assimilating new members into the club immediately. Get them involved in club projects directly and open our hearts and minds to them. Allow them to experience the great fellowship of Rotary. Just don’t talk about it. Invite them to your homes and share Rotary with them.  There some clubs where certain members tend to be in cliques. The Past Presidents’ clique, the lawyers’ clique, the District Officers’ clique, etc. etc. etc. It is natural to be close to those who share common interests with us – but make an effort to open you hearts in the interest of building a strong club.
• It also important for younger members to be given leadership positions within the club to show them that their participation is an integral part of the club. Don’t keep them out until they get fed up and leave. RI has challenged clubs around the world this coming Rotary year to induct a Rotarian under the age of 35 into the club.
• Have a life outside of Rotary. Try to share fellowship around non-Rotary and hobby activities. Like bowling together or mountain climbing or karaoke.

Rotary needs every hand it can get. As Rotarians we are aware of the enormous problems that afflict human society. You need to look into your hearts and search for the reasons that made you a Rotarian and more importantly, kept you a Rotarian. SHARE this with the new Rotarians and our organization will prosper and grow strong. And our communities will benefit from your inspiration. YOUR WORK IN ROTARY IS THE INSPIRATION THAT MANY ARE LOOKING FOR.

“Rotary summons men to respond to their best impulses. ..their best selves… [to] lift up their heads in every land. The best things in us are not confined by national boundaries. ” - Allen D Albert, The Tree That Is Rotary, THE ROTARIAN, December 1934