Retention “Keeping the member in Rotary – Keeping Rotary in the member”

Key Messages  It is easier (and more cost effective) to keep an existing member than to find a new one  If we know why they leave it is easier to design a plan to keep them  Six key strategies well executed will dramatically improve retention  A strong club membership committee can make a difference  We have an important responsibility as district leaders for retention

Attrition Attrition of Rotary members is a fact of life Every year, Rotary clubs in our zone lose approximately 10% of their members If clubs in our zone retained at least half of that number, our zone would increase by 1650 members There will always be reasons that people leave Rotary that are beyond our control However….

When we examine reasons why people leave, NOT ALL ARE BEYOND OUR CONTROL

Especially serious is the loss of members who have been in Rotary fewer than 3 years 10+ years<1 year 1-2 years 2-3 years 3-5 years 5-10 years 20% 10% 14% 18% 20% 18% 42% of lost members had less than three years of membership

Easy Solutions to Some Problems For attendance pressure – encourage transfer to an EClub! For moving or business transfers – facilitate the transfer to a new Rotary club

Understanding the Problem If we know what they want, it is easier to keep them coming back –Membership Satisfaction Questionnaire If we know why they leave, it is easier to design a plan to keep them –Termination profile Identify who is leaving Take a longer term look (i.e. 3 years) –Resigning Member Questionnaire

Using the Data Reasons for leaving vary by Rotarian tenure Different members may require different strategies Six key strategies well executed will dramatically improve retention

Six Strategies InformInviteInductOrientEducateInvolve

Inform Develop a club profile outlining the club’s service efforts and responsibilities of membership Include a recent copy of Rotary Basics (595-EN) Present to prospective members

Invite Personal visit by proposer and member of membership committee Communicate –Club’s efforts and successes –International scope of Rotary –Rotary’s emphasis on character –Responsibilities of membership (financial and attendance) Understand motivation of potential member Match goals of the member with goals of the club

Induct Special ceremony with spouse Standing ovation! Provide (options) –Four Way Test –Certificate of membership –Pin, Badge, Banner –Publications –Club bulletin How can you make the induction ceremony special?

Orient Benefits of membership Responsibilities of membership Opportunities for service Checklist of opportunities for learning about Rotary Set up formal mentoring program

Educate Most members leave because they were never Rotarians in the first place 80% of a club’s membership know very little about Rotary Programs (Red Badge, STAR, etc.) for new members Continuing education policy in place –Club programs –District Assembly –District Conference Use the RI E-Learning tools at

Involve Club committees Fund Raisers Board Meetings Club Social Activities “Commencement” events Ask the new member to “sell” Rotary to a friend Assign member to a district event

A new member needs A friend An assignment Nourishment – make them feel wanted, needed and appreciated!

Retention of Existing Members Identify members at risk Survey members on club issues Make family members part of Rotary Regular change of committee and board assignments Become active in district activities and roles

Our responsibility as District leaders Develop effective District membership committees to support club membership chairs Conduct District membership seminars which encourage the sharing of best practices Encourage larger club membership committees Encourage focus on six strategies Know, refer to and use RI membership development resources

Membership Development Resources R.I. materials –Membership Development Resource Guide –10 Easy Ways to Attract and Retain –A Guide to Membership Retention –Strategies for Member Education –STAR program –Mentoring Worksheet –Membership Survey –E-Learning – Power Point presentations

Who is responsible for Membership Retention?

Every Rotarian ! Every Rotarian !

William B. Boyd William B. Boyd RI President RI President