|
Zone 25/26 Membership Conference Report
Bob Frakes – D5750 Membership Coordinator
A few weeks ago, I attended one of the best conferences I’ve ever attended in my time in Rotary. From the time I arrived until I left Denver, I found each and every person I talked to had one goal in mind – Increasing Membership in Rotary. Since the Membership Conference was only the second true membership event that Rotary International had ever done, the expectation by most people was that it was going to be just another Rotary meeting.
It was far from that. I elaborate…
One of the most important parts of any Rotary meeting is getting to know other Rotarians from different parts of the country. The sharing of ideas, whether it is for membership, foundation, or any other Rotary item, is invaluable. I had the privilege of having breakfast with Past RI President Cliff Docterman on the first morning. Cliff Docterman is one of the most down to earth Rotarians I’ve ever met. His presentation on “Friendly Fire” during the Saturday evening dinner was amazing.
For a meeting that was considered going in, “Just another Rotary meeting”, there was never a time that I considered it boring or old hat. Rotary President Wilf Wilkerson has made Membership the cornerstone of his year as Rotary President. Every speaker was interesting and shed new light on the matter.
The whole theme of the event was - 1) Attracting quality new members that will stay in Rotary for the long haul, 2) Retaining existing membership by providing members with interesting and innovative new approaches to Rotary and 3) Chartering new clubs concentrating on three segments of the population that Rotary has had some difficulty in doing.
The first segment we need to concentrate on is women. Sadly, Rotary is still seen as the rich white guys organization. We need to change that perception.
Secondly, we need to concentrate on brining in ethnic groups like African-American, Hispanic and Asian. One very good presentation by PDG Greg Podd from Arizona was about him chartering an all Hispanic club in the Phoenix area. His recount of the trials and tribulations of starting this club were very humorous. The point is, we need to take the initiative and do it.
Third, we need to concentrate on young adults. Rotarian average age is climbing. The challenge in attracting young adults was highlighted very well by several of the speakers. Our very own Lance Phillips was part of a three person panel on this topic. For those of us not considered “young” any more, their advice and humor made a lot of sense. We need to as a district make a concerted effort to attract the young adults in our communities.
I will be doing a presentation at my Heartland Rotary club this month on the “Friendly Fire” speech that Past RI President Cliff Docterman presented at the conference. While I will never be able to present it like he did, I think it will start my club members thinking about how the little things we do in our clubs can really discourage prospective members from joining and can cause existing members to leave. I will be happy to do this presentation at your club meeting if you like. Just let me know…
This year DG Marty Postic has challenged us to have a net 20% gain in membership. I have included below a Membership Report Card for D5750 so far this year. As you can see, we have a long way to go to obtain the 20% net gain. Please talk to your Area Membership Chair or Assistant District Governor for help in increasing your membership. Better yet, ask your neighbor, your friend, your work associate, or your clients to come to a meeting. Make it easy, offer to pick them up from their home and bring them. The 20% net increase is not out of the realm of possibility, but YOU have to ask.
Don’t make your club the best kept secret in town…
Bob Frakes
Heartland Rotary of OKC
bob@sysdesgn.com
CLICK HERE FOR REPORT.
|
