Some frequently asked questions about RI, The Rotary Foundation and other international support programmes
Q: What is The Rotary Foundation and what does it do?
A: As distinct from Rotary International which is the administrative organisation the Rotary Foundation is a large Charitable Trust, managed by Rotary International through a separate Board of Trustees on behalf of all Rotary Clubs, spending over $US1 billion since 1947 on educational and humanitarian programmes. It works for world understanding and peace in support of Rotary International’s fourth object. A Board of 13 Directors, many of whom are Past World Presidents, governs it. The Foundation was established in 1917 but nothing much happened until the death of Paul Harris in 1947 when the Foundation gave it a focus of recognition for Rotary's founder.
Q: What other international support programmes can be used?
A: The Rotary Foundation is only one avenue through which clubs can participate in international humanitarian projects. Clubs can use direct contacts, work through other charitable organisations or support projects listed in the World Community Services Directory. They can take advantage of the subsidies available through the NZ Government’s VASS scheme. They can participate in the Emergency Box scheme. The principal advantage of using The Rotary Foundation and VASS schemes is the ability to multiply available funding many times over.
Q: How is The Rotary Foundation different from other charitable organisations?
A: The Foundation is “owned” and managed by Rotary International to support the programmes of Districts and Clubs worldwide. Its programmes benefit people throughout the world - even in non-Rotary countries. It has a wide variety of programmes available to support Club and District projects. It has global membership. Projects are created and managed by Rotarians. Its financial support comes from Rotarians. 100% of Annual Programs Gifts are spent on programmes. Projects are planned and implemented by volunteers.
Q: What does The Rotary Foundation have to offer Clubs?
A: The Foundation provides an opportunity to participate in and contribute to programmes that make a real difference in the lives of people around the globe. Through meaningful cooperation with other Clubs around the world, there is a chance to increase world understanding and peace. This applies equally to clubs within New Zealand.
Q: What do my Club President and I need to know about The Rotary Foundation?
A: You should know about the programmes that exist. You should know that Rotary Foundation programmes offer opportunity for involvement and membership retention and that the annual contributions of Rotarians are the lifeblood of The Rotary Foundation. You should know about the resources that are available to help them participate in Foundation programs and the District target, set by the Governor, for annual contributions. Rotary Foundation Humanitarian Programmes
Q: What are the basic criteria for all Humanitarian Grant Programmes?
A: All projects must meet the following basic criteria to be eligible for a humanitarian grant - internationality, significant Rotarian involvement and financial stewardship. Rotarian involvement makes these programmes unique among international exchange programmes. Each humanitarian grant programme has specific eligibility criteria and application forms that are available through the publication order services, the Rotary web site www.rotary.org or from the District Rotary Foundation committee.
Q: What is financial stewardship and why is it important?
A: The responsibility of project participants is to manage funds received from The Rotary Foundation responsibly and with full transparency. The funds that support Rotary Foundation grants were donated by thousands of Rotarians. Rotarians thus have a responsibility to demonstrate that grant funds, contributed by fellow Rotarians are used in a manner that is consistent with The Rotary Foundation's mission.
Q: What is the source of funding for The Rotary Foundation?
A: You and I, and fellow Rotarians around the world who give generously to The Rotary Foundation to meet a wide range of humanitarian, cultural and educational needs. Effective fund development is the key to financing these programmes. Since its founding in 1917, more than US$1 billion has been contributed.
Q: What happens to the money that is donated?
A: The Rotary Foundation invests it for three years on a rolling basis. The income generated covers the Foundation’s overheads and returns some surplus to the fund. This means that every dollar given is spent on Foundation activities.
Q: Do we have any say in how our contributions are spent?
A: Yes – it is called SHARE. 50% 0f the contributions go to the World Fund and 50% to the District Designated Fund [DDF]. The World Fund provides for major international initiatives and funds, among other things, the Group Study exchange programme. Districts can decide how DDF funds are spent, e.g. on outwards Ambassadorial Scholarships, Humanitarian Grants and Community Assistance programmes. Clubs will be given the opportunity to suggest how future DDF funds will be allocated.
Q: How does our Club set an Annual Giving Goal?
A: Goal setting is essential in supporting The Rotary Foundation. Worldwide goals are an accumulation of District goals. District goals are the accumulation of Club goals. Club goals should be established in harmony with District goals.
Q: How do we achieve the Club's Annual Giving goal?
A: Challenge all members to make an annual gift. Inform members about how their contributions to the Annual Programmes Fund support Foundation Programmes that achieve good in the world. Recognise Rotarians who support The Rotary Foundation. Ask them to explain why they choose to support The Rotary Foundation. Identify those members who have not supported The Rotary Foundation and encourage them to do so.
Q: How do we establish the momentum to achieve the club goal?
A: Foundation support should be a regular part of club activities. An enthusiastic member should be appointed to provide Foundation information and ensure that targets are being achieved. The club representative will receive support from the District Area Foundation Coordinators. Inform club members regularly of specific projects that demonstrate the work of the Foundation and show that individual contributions have accumulated to help make a difference.
Q: How can we be effective when the New Zealand Dollar is so weak?
A: The funds we provide, particularly when used for humanitarian aid, are typically spent in countries where the currency is worth a lot less than ours. For example $NZ100 will furnish a classroom in Africa or give sight to three people in India.
Q: Why should we support The Rotary Foundation when there are needs in our own community?
A: Our community is worldwide. It is the health, welfare and understanding of the citizens of the third world countries, which is the best chance for long term stability in the world to be inhabited by our children and future generations. Rotary is making its contributions to these goals. But, through the Community Assistance grants programme money can come back to your local community too. Generally the value received back to New Zealand exceeds our giving. This is realised through funding of GSE teams and the fees and living expense of inward Ambassadorial Scholars who are funded from their home Districts’ contributions.
Q: Why can’t close relatives of Rotarians participate in Rotary Foundation educational programmes?
A: Because The Rotary Foundation is a charitable trust subject to the tax laws of USA its status would be threatened if close relatives of Rotarians were seen to benefit from its funds. This restriction does not apply to programmes organised by Rotary International such as International Student Exchange.
Q: Where can I find more information about the process?
A: There are a number of very good publications available free from RI Parramatta office. A recommended publication is “A Guide to Matching Grants for International Humanitarian Projects” Catalogue No. 125-EN Q. How are Matching Grants relevant to NZ?
A: Clubs in our district can benefit from Matching Grants provided by the Rotary Foundation. The answer lies in recognizing the international requirement of projects. Major local club community projects can be organized to seek an international partnering Rotary Club. The key is for our own local clubs to organise their own projects and seek an international partner. The project can then be included in the list of projects on The Foundation web site. Alternatively, contacts with Rotarians in other clubs you have met either personally, through friendship exchanges, student exchanges and Group Study Exchange are a good starting point.
Q: How can available funds be multiplied to maximize benefits?
A: Other Districts, particularly in USA, often have surplus DDF funds, which can only be used for humanitarian projects in other countries. These are transferable. Also surplus DDF funds in our own district can be added to the pool. Club and district contributions are matched 1:2 and contributions from DDF [SHARE funds] are matched 1:1. Thus, the value of a club’s contribution can be multiplied many times
Q: Why is it so complicated and why are so many rules involved in gaining a grant?
A: The Foundation gets thousands of requests every year, for many worthy projects, from all over the world. There has to be a fair process that allocates the available funds across all Rotary regions. The process ensures the projects offered meet the goals of the Foundation and that every Rotary region is given an equal opportunity. In addition, all the funds in the Foundation are from Rotarians who believe in the objective of the Foundation. Many of us have heard of or had experience of funds designed to help a community being diverted away. It is therefore in our own interest that the rules are designed to ensure that 100% of funds allocated to a project are spent on that project and rely on Rotary’s core strength in its grass roots communication and involvement with its community. This means Rotary can be sure the projects deliver the outcomes they set to achieve.
Q: What are some of the accomplishments of the Polio Eradication campaign?
A: It is Rotary's global campaign and top priority to eradicate polio. It is expected that the world will be certified Polio-free in the year 2005, Rotary's one-hundredth anniversary. It has demonstrated the tremendous fund-raising capability of The Rotary Foundation. Rotary volunteers contributed over US$240 million for the PolioPlus programme in its first three years. More than one million Rotarians worldwide have contributed to the PolioPlus programme. The estimated number of polio cases worldwide has declined 90% from 1985. There are now only 20 polio endemic countries compared to over 125 when PolioPlus started in 1985. Rotary changed the paradigm in dealing with world partners, such as the World Health Organisation, UNICEF, the US Centers for Disease Control and Governments of the recipient countries. This global partnership now serves as a model for other public/private cooperative efforts. Rotary's early commitment and involvement towards the eradication of polio allowed other international organisations to take up the cause. The ‘Plus' refers to other diseases included under the umbrella of the programme - measles, tuberculosis, diphtheria, tetanus & pertussis (whooping cough). These are all global killers - and vaccine preventable.
Q: Why is Polio Eradication especially important right now?
A: PolioPlus is at a critical stage and continued support is needed to ensure the final stage of the project is successfully completed. Otherwise all is lost. We will succeed.
Q: What is World Community Service?
A: The purpose of World Community Service is to raise educational and living standards and to increase international understanding in other countries. Clubs are encouraged to provide aid to communities in other countries, through another Rotary club or an agency with proven experience in the field. Other Humanitarian support programmes
Q: What is Rotary New Zealand World Community Service?
A: This committee was established to recognize the need, at times, to take a New Zealand wide view of World Community Service and each of the 6 New Zealand Districts are represented on this committee. Of particular importance is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFAT) requirement to have a single New Zealand interface when accessing VASS funds. RNZWCS is recognised by the New Zealand Government as an Aid Agency Non Government Organisation (NGO) and has an Administrator and a qualified subcommittee to deal with VASS funding and related matters. All clubs seeking VASS funds must work through the Administrator [see District Directory]. In addition the Committee provides opportunities for Rotary clubs throughout New Zealand to be actively engaged in projects mainly in the Southwest Pacific and elsewhere in the world. Each year, in conjunction with Rotary Australia World Community Service, the committee produces a handbook giving valuable information on WCS projects. This can be found at: http://intranet.rotary.org.au/rawcs/rawcshandbook
Q: What is the Voluntary Agency Support Scheme [VASS]?
A: VASS was established by the NZ Government in 1974 to support non-government organisations with World Community Service projects. The agency recognizes the expertise that Rotary has in working effectively at grass roots level. The partnership between Rotary and VASS complements the partnership between clubs and the Rotary Foundation. Developmental, rather than welfare, projects will qualify for a VASS 2:1 grant rising to 4:1 for projects specifically empowering women in development. All enquiries and applications need to be made through the RNZWCS Committee
Q: What is the Donations in Kind committee?
A: This is a sub committee of the national World Community Service Committee, which advises on, warehouses and co-ordinates distribution of goods particularly to the Pacific Islands.
Q: What is the Emergency Boxes scheme?
A: The objective is to provide a ready stock of boxes containing useful items in standard containers for use as survival kits in emergencies, within New Zealand and the South Pacific. Items may be pre-used, but still serviceable. Contact the District Emergency Boxes Coordinator for the supply of boxes and a list of the recommended contents. Alternatively the Coordinator can arrange for a club to purchase boxes already filled. Rotary Foundation Educational Programmes
Q: What is the Group Study Exchange Programme?
A: Group Study Exchanges allow teams of young professionals, usually between the ages of 25 and 40, from one country to go to a second country and study their host country's institutions, economy and lifestyles. The Programmes give young professionals the chance to observe their own professions in a host country. Catalogue ref. 165-EN
Q: How can Clubs participate in the GSE Inwards Programme?
A: As Club members, you can offer home stay to Group Study Exchange team members visiting in your District and provide interesting experiences and vocational visits for visiting GSE team members. However, it is the Foundation Committee’s task to determine the balance of the final programme.
Q: How do we get to participate?
A: Advise the GSE Inwards Committee early of your interest in hosting and what you can offer by way of special interest in your area including vocational experiences relative to the incoming team’s needs.
Q: What are the key issues when hosting a team?
A: Read and digest the handbook prepared for each visit. Try to stick with the District programme and avoid the temptation to add in extra events as they frequently repeat other planned events. Give the team members time out and allow them to catch up with each other. If possible include people of their own age group in functions. It also serves as a good way to bring younger people into the Rotary circle.
Q: How can Clubs participate in the GSE Outwards Programme?
A: Clubs can encourage qualified individuals from the community to submit applications to participate in the Group Study Exchange program and can publicise the exchange opportunity and the activities of the visiting team. You can invite GSE team members to share their experiences with your Club.
Q: Where do we find suitable candidates?
A: Word of mouth is the best advertisement for the programme. Clubs that make an effort typically come up with several suitable candidates. You should be looking for motivated candidates in the 25 – 40 age group. They exist in private companies, central and local government offices and community organisations. Many potential team members miss out because nobody tells them about the opportunity.
Q: What happens if our nominated candidate is selected?
A: There will usually be about 4 – 6 months before the selected team leaves. Invite your team member to club meetings and other events as often as possible so that they will get to know you and be comfortable in the Rotary environment. When they return welcome them back to the club and encourage them to join. After all they are in the right age group. They should also be encouraged to join the Alumni Association.
Q: Do we have a financial commitment?
A: It has been traditional, but not compulsory, for the sponsoring club to fund the cost of their team member’s uniform jacket.
Q: What happens if our nominated candidate is not selected?
A : Don’t lose contact with them. If they are at the younger end of the age range encourage them to apply again. Regard them as potential club members.
Q: What are Ambassadorial Scholarships?
A: This is the oldest programme of The Rotary Foundation. It is supported by the contributions of Rotarians around the world. It helps send almost 1,200 scholars from approximately 60 countries to study in another country every year. Ambassadorial Scholarships help develop scholars who can address humanitarian needs of the world community, increase awareness and respect for cultural differences and the Rotary ideal of "Service Above Self".
Q: What is special about Ambassadorial Scholarships?
A: In addition to being academic scholarships there is an added ambassadorial role, hence the name. The scholars are expected to structure their studies so that they also have the opportunity to be ambassadors for their home country and the Rotary Foundation
Q: How are the scholarships funded?
A: Scholarships are funded from the District Designated Fund and cost up to $US 25,000. If District 9940 is offering scholarships, Clubs can nominate qualified students for the Ambassadorial Scholarship programme. District 9940 typically receives more inbound scholars than it has funds for outbound scholars. The latter are funded by their sending district.
Q: How can we benefit from inbound scholars?
A: They will be typically studying at Victoria or Massey Universities and find their own accommodation. However a host club and counsellor are appointed and the scholars are encouraged to become an active participant in their host club. Scholars make great guest speakers and clubs are encouraged to invite them to speak and, when speaking out of town, to host them for say a weekend. Contact can be arranged through the District Committee. Clubs near the universities can offer a counsellor, which can be a rewarding experience. Finding out more about the programmes
Q: Where can we find out more information on the programmes and activities of The Rotary Foundation?
A: The Rotary Foundation page on the Rl web site, www.rotary.org, The Rotary International Catalogue [contains a specific section on the Foundation Publications], District committees and subcommittees, your Assistant Governor and Area Coordinators. The District Directory lists the various personnel available to assist clubs.
Q: How do we get started?
A: The Foundation programmes are based on individual Club and Rotarian involvement. So the starting point is the Rotary Club and wanting to do something. Then, every Club needs a champion to help provide a focus and to get information on programmes and ideas, and if you haven’t done it before, the essential steps. The District committees can only help if they are asked. They cannot do things for clubs. In the 2002-03 year, the arrangements changed to help clubs with that support through Area Coordinators and more accessible information. But at the end of the day, the trigger has to come from a Club or Rotarian who wants to do something.
Q: How do I arrange for an information seminar at my club?
A: Contact your Area Coordinator. You will find details among the ‘Area Co-ordinators’ under ‘International Service – Rotary Foundation’ in your District Directory.
Q: How is the web site useful with respect to The Rotary Foundation?
A: It provides detailed information on all the programmes of The Rotary Foundation. It contains application forms necessary for participation in various programmes. It lists important contacts who can help answer questions you may have and also help facilitate your participation in Rotary Foundation programmes. It contains the World Community Service project database that can be used to find an international project partner. Some frequently asked Questions and Answers about Working with the District
Q: What is the purpose of the District?
A: “The activities and organisation of a Rotary District shall exist solely to help the individual Rotary Club advance the object of Rotary - “1998 Manual of Procedure, p.23.
Q: How can the District help Clubs to become or remain effective?
A: It provides guidance to Clubs on various issues such as membership or service projects. It introduces Clubs that have similar issues or projects. It serves as a resource on a wide variety of topics. It provides an opportunity for Rotarians to serve on District level committees. It shares detailed Rotary information with Club committees and members.
Q: Who should our Club contact about nominating a local student to become an ambassadorial scholar?
A: Contact the District Scholarship Subcommittee Chairman or your Assistant Governor, District Rotary Foundation Committee Chairman, or the District Governor. You would find the contact information in the District Directory, the District web page or via the Assistant Governor.
Q: What is the role of the District Governor with respect to our Club?
A: The District Governor acts as a resource, provides inspiration, and motivates members to help Clubs become more effective. The District Governor keeps Clubs and their officers appraised of District activities and opportunities.
Q: Who, other than the District Governor, can assist us at the District level?
A: Assistant Governors, District Committees (see District Directory).
Q: How can Assistant Governors support effective Clubs?
A: Assist Presidents-Elect in identifying Club goals using the Planning Guide for Effective Rotary Clubs document. Periodically review progress made towards goals, and provide guidance as necessary. Visit each Club at least once every quarter. Hold regularly scheduled meetings with Club presidents and secretaries to discuss Club business and related issues. Help plan and coordinate the District Governor’s Official Visit. Represent the District Governor at Club assemblies. Act as a liaison between the District Governor and Clubs. Assist Clubs on service projects. Some frequently asked Questions and Answers about Effective Service Projects
Q: What is Rotary’s motto?
A: Service Above Self.
Q: How can our Club put this motto into action?
A: By implementing effective service projects, Clubs can benefit the community and communities around the world. Implementing successful service projects that address real community needs is one of the elements of an effective Club. Rotary provides Rotarians with the opportunity to serve their communities and the world. Service by individual Rotarians and their Clubs makes a real difference. The District, Rotary International and The Rotary Foundation provide mechanisms for achieving project goals. As Club President, you must ensure that your Club and its members are developing effective service projects, and are aware of the resources available from the District, Rotary International and The Rotary Foundation. The development of effective projects will maintain enthusiasm and encourage members to initiate new projects.
Q: What was Rotary’s first service project?
A: Rotary’s first service project was constructing public restrooms in an urban community. It was not a glamorous project, but it addressed a real community need.
Q: What are the basic elements of an effective service project?
A: Clearly defined and measurable goals. A realistic and manageable scope – determining what can be achieved – and divide the project into smaller segments if necessary. A reasonable timeframe to plan and complete the project – projects may extend past a single Rotary year. A planned budget. Effective use of available resources to help plan and implement the project. A solid working relationship between the Club and the community you are helping. Positive promotion of the project. Effective projects are responsive to community needs and are carefully organised. Club members have a stake in the project’s success.
Q: What are the four phases of an effective service project?
A: Needs assessment, Planning, Implementation and Evaluation. Developing a service project consists of conducting a thorough needs assessment that can help determine the most pressing needs and concerns of a community.
Q: What are some necessary steps in conducting a needs assessment?
A: Effective needs assessment is comprised of two parts – internal evaluation and external evaluation.
Q: What is the purpose of an internal evaluation?
A: An internal evaluation can help identify a Club’s strengths and weaknesses. Determining Club strengths and weaknesses can help Clubs choose the types of service activities that can be successfully pursued.
Q: What factors should be examined as part of an internal evaluation?
A: Club membership (number, diversity, level of involvement, etc.). Success or failure of projects previously undertaken. Skills and talents of Club members.
Q: What is the purpose of an external evaluation?
A: Conducting an external evaluation can help determine a community’s greatest needs.
Q: Which aspects of the community should we look at to determine possible needs?
A: Economic situation, geographical setting, educational strengths and weaknesses, demographic profile, political conditions.
Q: What organisations or people in the community would be helpful in determining the community’s needs?
A: Educators, social service agencies, police, firefighters, religious leaders, local government officials.
Q: What steps must we take to implement an effective service project?
A: Goal setting – set well-defined and measurable goals. Timeframe – establish a realistic timeframe to plan and implement a project. Share information – pass on relevant information, contacts and material to incoming Club leaders if the project continues past a Rotary year. Identify the people responsible for accomplishing each task. Develop a budget. Remember to use public relations to promote the project and the Club’s role in the project. Use available resources. Communicate with Rotarians, community members, and those benefiting from the project to keep everyone well informed.
Q: What resources are available to Clubs?
A: Accessing Rotary and community resources can significantly improve service projects. The best resources are people, information and financial support.
Q: What resources are available to Clubs to help them plan, implement and evaluate service projects?
A: Financial resources, including funds from individual donors or local businesses, Rotary Foundation grants and grants from other foundations. Human resources, including Rotarians and their family members, District Committees (particularly the World Community Service and The Rotary Foundation committees), community members, Foundation Alumni, Youth Exchange students, Rotaractors, Interactors, Rotary Community Corps and other Rotary Clubs. Materials, including the World Community Service Handbook (742), A Guide to Matching Grants for International Humanitarian Projects (144), Rotary Community Corps Handbook (773), Humanitarian Grants Programs (130) and Rotary’s website at www.rotary.org
Q: Can two Clubs work together on a single project?
A: Yes. By working together, Clubs can combine both their financial and human resources to increase their impact upon a community.
Q: How are international projects different from other service projects?
A: Basic strategies for international service projects are the same as for local service projects. Communication is critical to the success of international service projects.
Q: What is World Community Service (WCS)?
A: World Community Service is an excellent way to participate in service internationally. World Community Service occurs whenever a Rotary Club in one country assists a Club in another country with a service project.
Q: How does a Club find international partners?
A: Explore the World Community Service Projects Exchange on Rotary’s web page or consult the World Community Service Exchange printed publication (745). Speak with the District’s World Community Service Chairman. Contact your District Rotary Foundation Committee Chairman and explore Rotary Foundation grants programs. Use the Official Directory to find members of various RI Committees or Task Forces to contact for project ideas. Network with fellow Rotarians at District and international meetings. Observe what other organisations are doing around the world. Reach out to fellow Rotarians on the Internet and World Wide Web.
Q: Why is it important to perform an evaluation for every Club project?
A: Performing an evaluation will allow the Club to ascertain the effectiveness of a project. The lessons learned from an evaluation can help guide the Club for future projects.
Q: What should you consider when evaluating the effectiveness of Club projects?
A: Review the needs assessment and confirm that the project is meting the community’s needs as envisioned. Ensure opportunities for broad participation by Club members. Confirm that the project is well balanced between financial and hands-on assistance. Ensure media coverage of the project. Verify that the Club’s finances meet the financial demands of the project.
Q: Our Club is preparing a matching grant application. Who do we call to find out if the District has any funds available to support the project?
A: Contact the District Rotary Foundation Committee Chairman or the District Rotary Foundation Grants Sub-committee Chairman, Assistant Governor or District Governor. You would find the contact information in the District Directory, the District web page (when it is updated) or via the Assistant Governor.
Q: Our Club would like to do a world community service project but we do not know how to find an international project partner?
A: Contact the District World Community Service Committee Chairman or District Rotary Foundation Committee Chairman, Assistant Governor or District Governor. You would find the contact information in the District Directory, the web page or via the Assistant Governor.
Q: Where would we look for a speaker for our Membership and Extension month programme?
A: Contact the District Membership Development Committee Chairman or the Assistant Governor or District Governor. You would find the contact information in the District Directory or via the Assistant Governor. Some frequently asked Questions and Answers about Developing your Membership programme
Q: Why is membership important to me as Club President?
A: The Club cannot exist and thrive without a solid membership base. Your success as Club President and the overall success of the Club are integrally linked. A Club President’s success is often measured on changes (or lack thereof) in membership.
Q: Why is membership growth important for Rotary?
A: New Rotarians bring fresh ideas, new interests and increased energy to Clubs. It increases your capacity for service. It increases the capacity for programme participation and contributions to the Rotary Foundation. Younger members provide for the long-term continuity of Clubs and the organisation.
Q: How can we make membership growth a Club priority?
A: Complete a new classification survey as early in the year as possible. Review the five-year membership profile of your Club with your District Governor or Assistant Governor and determine a realistic membership development goal and plan for growth. Visit the Membership Development Corner at www.rotary.org for ideas that have worked in other Clubs.
Q: What is a classification survey?
A: A classification survey seeks to identify potential new members among leaders in different professions represented in the community.
Q: How does conducting a classification survey relate to developing a Club’s membership?
A: A classification survey can help to identify potential new members for the Club. It can illustrate economic and employment trends in the community that could influence future Club and membership development efforts.
Q: How can this be important to a Club?
A: A broad range of professions represented in a Club means wide-ranging types of experience and knowledge. A Club with leaders representing many professions in a community enables a Club to use its members’ expertise to be more effective in its many activities.
Q: What are some of the challenges to attracting new members?
A: Perception that Rotary is antiquated and boring. Lack of free time. Lack of awareness of the Club’s presence and activities within the community. Competition for membership from other civic organisations. The generation gap. The high cost of membership beyond RI dues. The attendance requirement. Rotarians failing to ask others to join!
Q: How can our Club address these challenges and attract new members?
A: Keep costs down. Try alternative meetings times (breakfast, evening or weekend Clubs). Work to ensure that the service and other activities of your Club are recognised within the community. Actively seek young professionals as members. Assess your Club’s meetings and social events and make them more appealing to younger members. Ask younger Club members to plan meetings and social events. Involve family members when possible. New members will only join if they are invited. Emphasise each Club member’s responsibility to identify and invite new members. To ensure the future success of Rotary Clubs, we need to make Rotary meaningful and attractive to the next generation of Rotarians starting at the Club level.
Q: How can we draw on the strengths of our Club’s members to help facilitate membership development?
A: Work with the District Membership Taskforce to help oversee the orientation of new members. Oversee the programmes of the Membership Development Committee to ensure its effective operations. Work with the Public Relations Committee to help develop and maintain a positive image of the Club within the community. Plan activities in observance of Membership Development and Extension Month (August).
Q: What membership growth ideas have worked in other Clubs?
A: Implement the Five for One Plan (five Rotarians join together with the goal of recruiting one new member). Hold a Club forum to discuss sources of new members. Bring Rotarians from new demographic groups (e.g. different age groups, gender or race) in groups of three. Access the Membership Development corner at www.rotary.org to learn ideas that other Clubs have used successfully. Use your community service projects to identify and involve potential members. Such projects are also essential in developing effective public relations and enhancing the image of Rotary in your community. Make it a point of honour to present a new member. Recognise the proposer in the Club bulletin or at the weekly meeting. Lead by example. Encourage Club leaders – particularly those responsible for membership – to bring in one new member during the first month of the Rotary year. Make use of the “additional active” classification by asking every active and senior active member to invite an outstanding leader from their business profession to become a Rotarian.
Q: Why is it important to educate new members?
A: Knowledgeable members can become involved immediately in Club activities. Educated members will feel more comfortable interacting with experienced Club members.
Q: What are the three key elements in an effective orientation programme?
A: Benefits of membership, responsibilities of membership and opportunities for service. In order for Rotary to grow, we need to retain the members that we bring into our organisation. Providing an effective orientation for new members through education is vital to their growth as individual Rotarians and will enable them to participate effectively in Club activities.
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