Background

• There are approximately 1.2 million Rotarians around the world. 

• Rotary clubs total 32,000 clubs throughout the world. 

• Rotarians are in 200 countries and geographical areas. 

• The three essential elements of membership growth are recruitment, retention, and organizing new clubs.

• One of the seven goals of the RI Strategic Plan is to expand and integrate membership globally through the following objectives: 

- Create and implement a plan that provides for the recognition and preservation of cultural diversity within the organization.  

- Develop and implement a comprehensive plan for membership development and retention based on assessment of current practices.  

- Develop and implement a comprehensive plan for the extension of Rotary to all countries and communities able to sustain a club.

- Emphasize the importance of relevant weekly meetings that provide members with opportunities for business and personal development.

• Two membership goals have been set by RI President-elect Lee:

1. A minimum of 10 percent net increase in membership per club

2. A minimum of 2 new clubs per district

Recommended Action

• Invite at least one member to be a Rotarian by 31 March 2009.

• Motivate your club or district to achieve the president-elect’s membership goals.

• Ask club members to attend the district Membership seminar.

• Encourage alumni from Foundation programs to join Rotary.

• Promote diversity and balance of membership within each club.

• Identify prospective members by evaluating local business leaders.

• Retain relocated members by helping them to join clubs in their new community.

• Encourage colleagues to join Rotary clubs in their community.

• Use Member Access to report new members on a monthly basis.

• Provide an orientation program for new members.

Resources

• Regional Rotary International Membership coordinator

• District Membership committee

• 2008-09 Presidential Citation Brochure

• Membership Development staff at World Headquarters

• RI Membership resources on www.rotary.org 

• The Rotary E-Learning Center

• RI Strategic Plan