INDUCTION OF NEW MEMBERS - THE 3 "I"S

It is important that we induct new members with the required formality and dignity. May I share the following suggestions with you. I call them the 3 "I"s - INFORM, INDUCT and INVOLVE.


Inform then Induct (Don't Induct then Inform)


I have seen many new members inducted into Rotary clubs without any real effort being made to inform them about what Rotary is all about. In some cases, they are misinformed - this is a recipe for failure in the future. Educating prospective members about Rotary membership contributes to the long-term retention of new members. Your club’s prospective member information program should provide a broad overview of Rotary International and The Rotary Foundation, with a focus on the benefits and responsibilities of membership in Rotary, including an overview of your club’s primary projects and activities.

Conduct group informational sessions for prospective members quarterly (or periodically). Organize them as special events separate from regular club meetings, either on weekday evenings or weekends, and schedule them well in advance so that club members are able to promote them to prospective members. Club members who invite prospective members to attend these events should also attend. Plan for the educational portion of the event to last approximately two hours, and encourage prospective members to bring their spouses. Host a lunch, dinner, or reception to accompany the event if your budget allows. Get senior members of your club to share their knowledge of Rotary and the club culture openly. If you need backup, contact your club MDR mentor or me directly. We are ready to assist you.

Ask attendees to complete an evaluation at the end of the event to obtain feedback on the educational program you’ve presented. Feedback is the key to knowing what you are doing right and also what you are doing wrong.

The session should focus on the following - you may require more than one session:

 

1. History and organization of Rotary International

2. Mission of Rotary

3. Benefits of Rotary club membership

4. Responsibilities of membership

• Attendance requirements and options for meeting make-ups

• Financial obligations

5. Club projects (past and present)

6. RI programs and opportunities for involvement

7. Club and district structure and current officers

8. The Rotary Foundation

• Humanitarian and educational programs

• Financial support

Induct them with dignity

A simple yet dignified Induction will show the member that we take his membership in Rotary seriously and that he is undertaking this obligation voluntarily. As PDG Paul Lee always says whilst you join Rotary voluntarily - once you are a member you must take your obligations seriously. If the member is married, make sure you invite the spouse to the ceremony and recognise the spouse as well.

A simple induction charge:Fellow Rotarians, it is my privilege and pleasure today to welcome into membership in our club Mr/Ms__________________, whose name was proposed by Rtn________ . The proposal has been reviewed in accordance with our club constitution and bylaws. I now ask (sponsor) to come up here with (proposed new member). __________, we now proceed to admit you into membership in the Rotary Club of __________ and to the friendship of Rotary throughout the world with more than 1.2 million Rotarians, serving in more than 34,000 communities around the world. 

It has already been explained to you that the ideal of Rotary is service. Our principal motto is Service Above Self and the object of this club and all Rotary clubs is to encourage and foster this ideal as a basis of worthy enterprise in every endeavour. You are to share in this effort because we believe that your possess the qualities of head and heart that make you worthy of this noble pursuit.

You have been approved for membership in this club because we believe you to be a worthy representative of your vocation, interested in the ideals of Rotary, and willing to do your share in translating these ideals into action. You have agreed to accept the obligations of membership in this club and to obey this club’s constitution and bylaws. You will be loaned the classification _______________.

Now I have the pleasure of asking your proposer to pin on the Rotary emblem, which we hope you will wear with pride. May I now invite the President to give you our Induction kit with some basic Rotary information.

Welcome to the Rotary Club of ____________. Fellow Rotarians, I am happy to present to you Rotarian _____________ , our newest member.

Involve the new Rotarian

The best way to keep members is to involve them in the club activities and make them feel that they are making a real and meaning contribution to the club.

Every new member should have a senior Rotarian as a Mentor. They mentor should:

• Monitor the new member’s comfort level and involvement in the club through periodic personal meetings.
• Accompany the new member to club meetings on occasion.
• Introduce the new member to every club member.
• Explain the various club committees and suggest a committee assignment that is compatible with the new member’s interests, if possible.
• Inform the new member about special meetings and Rotary social events held throughout the year. Attend as many of these events as possible, and act as an informal host to the new member and the member’s family, introducing them to other club members and making them feel at home.
• Ensure that the new member understands all club rules, including the attendance requirement and options.
• Monitor the new member’s attendance. Suggest make-up alternatives, when necessary, and accompany new members to meeting make-ups, if possible.
• Be readily available to answer questions and provide advice or guidance if asked.
   
Get the family involved
Participating in Rotary activities often conflicts with family time, therefore, family members should be informed about Rotary and understand the responsibilities and benefits of membership.