In my Rotary club, we often hear that growing membership is everyone’s responsibility, which gave me cause to reflect on this potentially wonderful gift.
Recently I needed to source an IT person to sort out some computer issues. I did the usual thing by speaking to three different providers and requesting quotations. I then made a choice, but it was when I thought about why I made my choice that I realised something, as I certainly didn’t choose on price! Rather, I went with the person who had impressed me from the outset as someone with whom I felt most comfortable, could trust and with whom I knew I could work well—someone who had values similar to mine, and, in fact, similar to Rotary’s.
This experience made me reflect on the rest of my network. My doctor is someone I naturally trust and have known for over 
twenty years; my chartered accountant (chosen after interviewing three firms) is also someone with similar values, as is his whole team; the local newspaper editor; the librarian; the owners of a restaurant I visit regularly; the other business in the building in which I work; the many clients with whom I work, some who have even sponsored different Rotary initiatives; the lady who runs the local bakery; the people I transact with weekly and monthly, and all of whom share something in common. I have them in my network because I trust them, they are great people, and they have strong, ethical values.
twenty years; my chartered accountant (chosen after interviewing three firms) is also someone with similar values, as is his whole team; the local newspaper editor; the librarian; the owners of a restaurant I visit regularly; the other business in the building in which I work; the many clients with whom I work, some who have even sponsored different Rotary initiatives; the lady who runs the local bakery; the people I transact with weekly and monthly, and all of whom share something in common. I have them in my network because I trust them, they are great people, and they have strong, ethical values.All these people know I have a passion for Rotary because of the badge I wear and because I tell them about Rotary. My friends and relatives also know about my passion for Rotary. I tell them about what Rotary is doing, and what I’m doing in Rotary. They know I have fun, that I’ve built great friendships, and have grown as a person through my Rotary involvement.
But what I hadn’t done is be proactive about asking them to join with me in Rotary.
We probably all know people that have said they have heard great things about Rotary, but have never been invited to join. If these are people in our networks, it’s most likely for the reasons outlined above, and if we truly care about them, we should want to share with them the benefits of Rotary…the benefit of new friendships; the benefit of giving back to the community; and, the benefit of developing skills and expanding horizons. What an amazing gift, and one that keeps giving, as those from your network will be able to inspire their friends and networks, making the community even stronger.Inviting our friends and networks to three or four meetings; encouraging them to get involved in something hands-on; to join
the conversation at Rotary, and become people of action by experiencing first-hand what the best kind of volunteering is like will strengthen our clubs. It will also ignite enthusiasm through the ideas that new members bring.
the conversation at Rotary, and become people of action by experiencing first-hand what the best kind of volunteering is like will strengthen our clubs. It will also ignite enthusiasm through the ideas that new members bring.Early discussions with potential members are not about fees or the time involved. If we do this, the real value of membership and its benefits don’t resonate with them. Once they get involved in Rotary volunteering, experience Rotary friendship and personal growth, cost becomes irrelevant, as it did with me when I selected my IT provider.
Please think about your networks and start inviting people to share the Rotary experience. After all, being a Rotarian is a gift that keeps on giving.
An annual membership could also be something you really do consider giving as a special occasion gift, knowing you will be giving something that will be treasured for a very long time.