where’s the line - rotary2127.comrotary+membership+phamplet.d… · web viewpresidents, kelly...

Growing Membership in Rotary Clubs

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kelly C. Atkinson, PDG, was elected in 1970, at the age of 19, as a President of the Granite Classified Employees Association (GCEA). As President, he negotiated bargaining contracts with Terrel H. Bell, who later served as U.S. Education Secretary. As President of GCEA, Kelly, increase the organization’s membership substantially.In 1975, his work with the GCEA caught the attention of the Utah School Employees Association (USEA), and he was hired as a field representative. Kelly was the top recruiting field representative for the USEA during those years, moving its membership from 2000 to 4100 members. In 1989, USEA promoted Kelly to the position of Executive Director. The USEA Executive Board believed that membership in the organization had reached its pinnacle. During the next eight years, under his leadership as Executive Director, membership increased from 4100 to 6500 members. Kelly retained his position as a number one recruiter for USEA during his years as the Executive Director. He retired from the USEA in 1997. In 1986, recently elected State Legislator Kelly Atkinson was approached by Bob Ladenburger, a hospital administrator, to help charter a Rotary Club in West Jordan. Kelly and the Chamber of Commerce President Craig Dearing helped Bob recruit members, and in 1987 the West Jordan Rotary Club was founded. Kelly loves Rotary, and its youth & humanitarian missions and his passion for Rotary shows when he speaks. A sought-after motivational speaker, Kelly has addressed countless youth groups, and hundreds of Rotary Clubs as well as serving as a speaker at Zones and acting in the capacity of a Rotary International Presidential Representative. In 2007 during the Rotary International Salt Lake Convention, Kelly was the chair of the House of Friendship. He is a Paul Harris Society member as well as a Major Donor to The Rotary Foundation. He was elected as the Governor of Utah Rotary, District 5420, during Rotary’s Centennial year. Working with his 40 Rotary club

1 | P a g e ( S e c o n d E d i ti o n A p r i l 2 0 1 4 )

Growing Membership in Rotary Clubspresidents, Kelly increased foundation giving to The Rotary Foundation by 139%, the most substantial increase in the District's history. He also increased membership, held the largest All Clubs Day in the district's history, and had record numbers of Rotarians attend the annual District Conference. He is currently serving as District 5420 Membership Chair. In 2010, Penny, Kelly's wife, was elected as the first woman Governor in the history of District 5420. Kelly and Penny are among a small group of Rotarian couples in the world that have both served as District Governors. The Atkinsons are the first couple in District 5420 to do so. During Penny’s year, Kelly was the architect of a program that reversed a 5-year downturn in membership. The Atkinson's have hosted 26 Exchange Students from all over the world. Kelly and Penny have two sons and three grandsons.

SPECIAL NOTE

Mr. Atkinson wishes to express his profound gratitude to Rotarian Dwayne Woolley of the West Jordan Rotary Club. Dwayne is an extremely talented, gifted Rotarian, who was instrumental in the editing of this pamphlet.

Also, much appreciation is expressed to Ms. Mykel Serverson for her work in reviewing the document and its content. Thank you.

2 | P a g e


A resource guide for Rotarians

FOREWORD

Rotary clubs are first and foremost membership clubs. The validation of this statement is proven by the fact that funds raised for The Rotary Foundation, service projects performed in our district or globally, and meeting attendance at clubs are all performed by Rotarians (members of a Rotary clubs). Without Rotarians, there is no Rotary service! Yet, even given this obvious fact, little is done by most Rotary clubs harbored in the United States to recruit and retain members.

If everything Rotary does rest upon members, then the recruitment and retention of those members ought to be Rotary job one! All other functions and services should take a secondary position to membership growth and retention. Failure to elevate membership recruitment and retention to this status will result in Rotary Clubs becoming “ROMEO” clubs – Really Old Men Eating Out.

This booklet is intended to provide Rotary officers and Rotarians with a comprehensive plan for membership growth and retention. The methods taught within these pages have been field tested by its author during a lifetime of recruiting in member-based organizations. Those that diligently apply the techniques and methods explained within this booklet and consistently put these methods to use shall see membership grow and retention improve in their clubs.

3 | P a g e

“Without Rotarians, there is no Rotary

service!”


Chapter OneCLUB MEMBERSHIP GROWTH

Growing and retaining a club’s membership is one of the hardest challenges any club faces. Excitement abounds in a club to do service projects, or to raise money for The Rotary Foundation, or

to plan a celebratory event, but few Rotarians jumped to their feet with hands raised high in the air to volunteer to become part of the membership committee. There is no other way around it - recruiting and retaining membership is hard work. It requires a plan of action, consistency, diligence, work, and effort.

Successful clubs embed membership into the culture of the club. Successful clubs do not meet without reminding every club member of the importance of membership. Successful clubs have every member engaged in some way in promoting and maintaining membership. Successful clubs do not see recruitment and retention as an occasional occurrence in their club. Successful clubs recognize membership growth is the very foundation of a vibrant, healthy club from which all things good spring forth in abundance.

4 | P a g e

“Successful clubs recognize membership

growth is the very foundation of the

vibrant, healthy club…”


A resource guide for Rotarians If indeed membership recruitment and retention is a foundation

of the club from which all good things spring forth in abundance, then this work is the most important work the club performs and thus is job one! To elevate membership and recruitment to this status within a club, the club must have a plan and work the plan diligently. Most clubs will hold an annual membership event, after which Rotarians pat themselves on the back and congratulate each other on a job well done touting “we’ve done membership for this year.” But to be successful, clubs must put a membership plan in place and then consistently and diligently use the plan to increase membership.

As Figure 1 below indicates, in 2002, District 5420 experienced a sustained level of membership growth cumulating in 2007. The sustained growth was a direct result of increased training of presidents at the President Elects Training Seminar (PETS). However, in 2008, following the excitement of the 2007 Rotary International Convention, membership in district 5420 experienced a sustained downward trend which continues until 2014 when the trended changed upward slightly.

1600

1650

1700

1750

1800

1850

1900

1950

2000

2050

1850

1820

1825

1808

1858 1910

19391934

2014

1919

1818

1747

1768

17451740

District 5420 Membership History

Figure 1

5 | P a g e


Seeing this trend, Governor Penny Atkinson, PDG, implemented a membership program in 2010 in District 5420. A third of the Rotary clubs used the program. The program resulted in the highest net membership growth in five years and was fondly referred to as the “Penny Program.”

Another equally successful program is a targeted approach called Two on One Recruitment. This approach focuses on key individuals in the community with a team of Rotarians going two or three-on-one with each prospective member.

Both approaches are outlined in detail in this chapter, and both have been thoroughly vetted.

TWO ON ONE RECRUITMENT

One of the most effective ways to recruit a person to join a cause is through two or three-on-one contact. While this approach is labor-intensive, the method is among the most effective ways to recruit new members into Rotary. This approach is especially effective for achieving the critical mass necessary for initiating a new Rotary club in a community or expanding an existing club.

A Strike Team

A strike team is created with a Chair at its helm. A strike unit exists within a strike team and consists of a minimum of two highly motivated and knowledgeable Rotarians. The more strike units within a strike team, the greater the community saturation and the faster membership growth is achieved. When starting a new club, strike units should always include an influential member from the club who is known in the community.

The strike team should establish a specific membership goal - the number of new Rotarians who will be recruited into the club. When forming a new club, the number is 20 members. In

6 | P a g e


A resource guide for Rotarians existing clubs, the club leadership should sign off on the specific membership goal. There is power and energy created by setting a specific goal and announcing that goal to the club. The more prospective Rotarians visited by a strike unit, the greater the opportunity for club membership to grow. A chart can motivate the club to assist in reaching the goal. See figure 1.

Figure 1

Gather a list of Prospective Rotarians

7 | P a g e

Member Goal

New Members Needed

Commitments

0 5 10 15 20 25

20

18

2

CLUB MEMBERSHIP GOAL STATUS


A prospective Rotarian membership list is created by using the membership classification listing to identify prospective Rotarians. The classification list will help stimulate thoughts on the part of club members of who in the community should be approached to join Rotary. (See page XXX for a sample list).

Calling the Prospective Rotarian to Set Up an Appointment

Once a potential membership list is created using the classification listing, the chair of the strike team should assign strike units to contact individuals on the potential membership list. The responsible strike team unit then goes to work setting up personal appointments for their assigned potential members. It is always preferable that the call to set up an appointment with the prospective member be initiated by someone in the club who knows the prospective member. However, if the club member that nominated the prospective member is uncomfortable in making the initial contact, the strike team unit should ask the referring member if they may use his/her name and the strike team unit should initiate the call. It is also recommended the strike team unit, when visiting the prospective member, includes the member in the club who knows the prospective member even if that Rotarian is not a permanent member of the strike team unit. (See Addendum xx for a suggested conversation log).

The One on One meeting with the prospective Rotarian

Once an appointment is established with the prospective Rotarian, the strike team unit follows a very specific meeting format intended to result in the commitment of the prospective Rotarian to join the Rotary club at the end of the visit. Following a very specific, regimented agenda which is sensitive to the time of the prospective member is critical. The two-on-one meeting

8 | P a g e


A resource guide for Rotarians with the prospective Rotarian should take no longer than 20 minutes. The following agenda is recommended:

MEMBERSHIP MEETINGAGENDA

0:00 Introductions

0:05 Purpose of the Meeting

0:07 Video

0:10 Meeting dates, Expense, Service Project

0:15 Questions

0:20 Adjournment

Below is an overview of how a successful meeting will flows.

Introductions

Early on in the meeting, a copy of the agenda should be provided to the prospective Rotarian so that everyone understands the time frame of the meeting.

NOTE: This is critically important. First impressions mean something. In the telephone conversation to set up the meeting you promise the meeting would be 20 minutes. By distributing an agenda, the strike team unit validates their commitment to their promise. The team could say something like, “We know how valuable your time is, so we put together this agenda to keep our commitment to you that we would only use 20 minutes of your valuable time.”

9 | P a g e “Remember, first impressions mean


The lead member of the strike unit introduces himself and their Rotarian strike unit partner(s) whose accompanied them to the appointment.

In the introduction phase of the meeting, a few questions of the prospective Rotarian is a great way to ease tension and build trust. Examples of such questions include:

Tell us a little bit about your company?

Where did he go to school?

Family?

How long have you owned (worked) for the company?

The strike unit does not need to ask each question, but asking a few questions is recommended. The purpose of this exercise is to get the CEO speaking and feeling at ease.

Purpose of the Meeting

The lead member of the strike unit (this may be a member of the community desires to start a Rotary club, a member of the strike unit that knows the prospective Rotarian, or any other strike unit team member) says something like: “As I explained to you on the phone, a group of like-minded businesses are working to create a service club to make our community a better place to work and live. We feel this is the price we pay for making our living in this community. We would like businesses like yours to be a part of our efforts. We have decided that the first thing we would like to do is to raise awareness and funds for after-school outreach programs. We believe that through these efforts it will make our community better and safer. Let me be clear. We’re not here today asking for money for this project, we are here to ask for your

10 | P a g e

“Remember, first impressions mean


A resource guide for Rotarians company to become part of the solution. Once we are organized as a club (it takes 20 members to form a Rotary Club), we will decide how best to raise funds to support these programs and decide what other things we may do to make this community a better place to live and to work.

If a Rotary club already exists, the suggested conversation format would go something like this: “As I explained to you on the phone, a Rotary club is a group of like-minded businesses working to make our community a better place to work and live. We feel that this is a price we pay for living in our community. We’re here today to ask your business to be a part of our effort. Over the last year we have accomplished providing six college scholarships for our local high school students, sponsored a community baseball league for severely physically and mentally challenged children, sponsored three high school juniors to attend a three-day leadership development training course, and hosted an exchange student for an academic school year. We believe that through our efforts were making our community a better, safer place to live and work. Let me be clear, we’re not here today asking for money for these projects. We’re here to ask your company to become a part of our Rotary club. As a member, your company will have a decisive role in helping to decide how we can strengthen and improve our community.

At the end of the conversation explaining the purpose of the meeting, the lead strike unit member says: Does that sound like something you’d be interested in being involved with if you knew the time and financial commitment required to belong?”

(NOTE: Wait for the answer and respond accordingly.)

Prospective Rotarian Response One: Yes.

Prospective Rotarian Two: Not sure.

Prospective Rotarian Three: No

11 | P a g e


Lead Strike Team Response One: Great. Let me tell you more about what we have in mind.

Lead Strike Team Response Two: Well let me tell you more about what we have in mind.

Lead Strike Team Response Three: Well, I’m sorry to hear that. We appreciate your time have a GREAT day.

Video:

At this point of the meeting, the strike unit member shows a brief video and informs the prospective Rotarian it will take about four minutes to show. The strike unit member says, “May we show you that now?” and waits for response.

While showing the video “Why Rotary” which can be downloaded from YouTube by copying the link to your URL line on your browser:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1xjqH43Wq8

the Rotarian distributes the “Why Join Rotary” list (See Addendum 4 xxx for a suggested conversation log).

When the video ends, the lead strike unit member asks: “Do you think that maybe something you or a member of your company may be interested in doing for this community?” (NOTE: Wait for a response, and answer appropriately).

Prospective Rotarian Response One: Yes.

Prospective Rotarian Two: Not sure.

Prospective Rotarian Three: No

Lead Strike Team Response One: Great. Let me tell you more about the time and financial commitment.

Lead Strike Team Response Two: Well let me tell you more about the time and financial commitment so you have more information from which to base a decision.

12 | P a g e

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1xjqH43Wq8


A resource guide for Rotarians Lead Strike Team Response Three: Well, I’m sorry to hear you not interested. We appreciate your time have a GREAT day.

Meeting dates, Expense, Service Project

The lead strike unit member then says: “The commitment to strengthen this community so that it is a better place to work and live is:

1. Attend Rotary meetings. Our club will meet on Wednesday from Noon to 1 pm over the lunch hour. Everyone who attends the meeting is invited to bring their own lunch – brown bag. This is to hold down the dues associated with membership.

We realize businessmen and women have hectic schedules, so we ask that members attend as often as possible.

2. Pay the annual dues of $300 dollars ($25.00 a month) which will be billed quarterly.

a) Dues Breakdown (Tentative subject to club adoption)

$120 per year for Rotary International Dues

$36 Utah Rotary Dues $144 Valley West Club to run the

club (rent room, speaker gifts, etc.)

TOTAL $300.00 annually

13 | P a g e


b) Every member is encouraged annually to contribute an additional $100 to the Rotary Foundation (501 (c) 3 organization) which is transforming the world.

3. Participate in our service projects when you can.

QUESTIONS

Then the lead strike team member says, “How does this all sound to you?” (NOTE: Wait for answer and respond accordingly).

Finally, the lead asks: “Can we count on your company’s to support our efforts to make this community a better place to work and live?”

If the prospective Rotarian says yes, the lead strike unit member asks the prospective Rotarian to fill out the commitment form.

COMPONENTS OF THE “PENNY PROGRAM”

The components of the Penny Program are:

Gather a List of Prospective Rotarians

Two months before the proposed members’ recruitment meeting, gather names of prospective Rotarians in the community by using the membership classification list (See Addendum One) to identify prospective Rotarians. The

14 | P a g e


A resource guide for Rotarians classification list will help stimulate and provoke thoughts on the part of current Rotarians as to who they know in the community that may make good Rotarians.

The classification list is general in nature. To customize the list for a specific club, simply remove the classifications that are not available in your area and add those classifications not on the list. It is suggested that clubs use a Chamber of Commerce business list or headings in local yellow page phone directory to help modify the Rotary Classification list. Once this is accomplished, reformat the classification list and show your member's name after their classification. The classifications with no club member listed are the positions to recruit.

Create a Spreadsheet of Prospective Members

Enter the list of prospective members on a Microsoft Excel® spreadsheet (see figure #2)

CLUB PROSPECTIVE MEMBERSHIP LIST

PROSPECTIVE MEMBER’S FIRST NAME

PROSPECTIVE MEMBERS LAST NAME

STREET ADDRES

S

CITY ZIP NOMINATED by:

PHONE NUMBE

R

Joe Rotary Abc st.

Town 84096

Kelly 801-673-2861

Jane Doe 123 St Rotary City

84123

Kelly 801-673-2861

15 | P a g e


Figure 2

Mail a Personalized Letter to the Prospective Member

Approximately 3 to 4 weeks before the proposed membership recruitment meeting, submit the “Club Prospective Membership List” to the District Governor Steve Skinner at [email protected] or to Membership Chair Kelly Atkinson at [email protected]. Once received a special membership letter to will be mailed to all prospective members on the list. Enclose a club brochure with the letter. (See figure #3 & 4).

IMPORTANT NOTE:

The names of all prospective Rotarians submitted must be approved by the club prior to the submission of the names. The club must sign-off on the names of the individuals going to receive letters.

SAMPLE MEMBERSHIP LETTER FROM DISTRICT GOVERNOR

16 | P a g e

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]



Figure 3

17 | P a g e


Figure 4

18 | P a g e

SAMPLE CLUB BROCHURE


A resource guide for Rotarians Personally Invite the Prospective Member to the Meeting

Two weeks out from the membership recruitment meeting date, the Rotarian who submitted the name of the prospective new member follows up on the Governor’s membership letter by personally inviting the prospective new member to the membership recruitment meeting. (See Addendum 2 for an example of a conversation log).

Prepare an Agenda for the Prospective Member Meeting

One of the most important aspects of the membership recruitment meeting and the one which is most frequently violated is the important component of having an agenda that

clearly outlines to attendees what is going to take place at the meeting. Follow the agenda religiously including the time frame. Starting the meeting and ending the meeting on time is essential. Remember, first impressions are important. You can’t inspire and move people to action by promising attendees that the meeting will be one-hour long and then not keeping the meeting to one hour.

19 | P a g e

Rotary meetings should make people laugh, make

people cry, and make people feel important – every single meeting.


Equally as important is to ensure that the meeting makes the attendees laugh, cry (feel passion), and feel important (for more on this see Chapter Two).

SUGGESTED MEETING FORMATWEST JORDAN MEMBERSHIP

MEETING AGENDAHometown Buffet

Noon, April 12, 2013(One-hour Meeting)

12:00 – Pray or thought – by Invitation12:03 - Pledge – by Invitation12:05 – Four-Way Test – A Rotarian12:07- President speaks on the purpose of the meeting which is to introduce the subject of joining Rotary to those assembled. S/he introduces the speaker 12:30 – Video Presentation (Go to UtahRotary.com for suggestions)12:35 - President or designee talks about club projects which have been accomplished over the history of the club. The list of club accomplishments should be printed. 12:45 – Club Secretary distributes commitment list and costs associated with joining 12:50 – Questions12:55 – The Rotarian who invited the prospective member asks the individual if they may present the prospective members’ name before the club for consideration? If the prospective member says yes, the Rotarian should immediately announce at that time that the prospective member has committed to join Rotary and the Rotarian states aloud to the club, “I will be submitting the name of Jack Freemont at our next club meeting for your sustaining vote.” By announcing that prospective member has committed, a halo effect will occur and others will join on the spot. (See Addendum Three for a sample of a conversation log). 1:00 - Meeting adjoins

20 | P a g e


A resource guide for Rotarians At the end of the meeting, the person who invited the

prospective member asks the individual to join. Personally asking each prospective member to join will produce the best chance for increasing the club’s membership. (See Addendum 3 for a sample conversation log).

Mail a Thank You Card to the Prospective Member

Immediately following the meeting, a self-addressed stamped postcard should be prepared by the membership chair with the prospective member’s address already handwritten on the card. The back of the card should be left blank for the Rotarian who invited the prospective member to write a heartfelt thank you for his/her attendance (See Figure 5 below).

SAMPLE POSTCARD – Side One & Side Two

Figure 5

21 | P a g e


Hold a Club Feedback Meeting

A club feedback meeting to receive input from the Rotarians who attended the prospective membership meeting is a key component of the program. It is in this meeting that the membership program can be tailor-made to suit the needs of the club. At the meeting the following questions should be asked and answered:

How did the meeting go in your judgment? What parts worked? What parts didn’t work? What feedback did you receive from your prospective

member in regards to the meeting? Which prospective members indicated they wanted

some time to think about joining Rotary? Which prospective members indicated they were not

interested? Of those prospective members saying that they were not

interested in joining, what was the rationale?

22 | P a g e

“…remember when it comes to membership

the old adage that ‘if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again’ applies.”


A resource guide for Rotarians By holding a meaningful feedback meeting, future

prospective membership meetings will become more successful in subsequent tries. From the follow-up meeting, the program should be tweaked to address the specific needs of the club. Recruiting members is a challenge. Regardless of the success, or lack thereof, remember when it comes to membership the old adage that “if first you don’t succeed, try, try again” applies.

Follow-Up with Prospective Members Who Stated They Desired More Time to Think About Whether to Join Rotary

Ensure that those prospective members who indicated they wanted time to think about joining Rotary receive a follow-up phone call by the Rotarian who nominated the individual. The follow-up call should be made no sooner than 7 days and no later than 10 days after the prospective membership meeting. The Rotarian who invited the prospective member should initiate the call. Once the call is made, the Rotarian should inform the club membership chair of the outcome of the call. (See Addendum 3 for a sample of the conversation log).

Schedule a Meeting with Those Prospective Members Who Stated They Would Attend the Prospective Membership Meeting but did not

Finally, call all prospective members who indicated that they would attend the prospective member meeting but didn’t. Set up a short meeting (no more than fifteen minutes) with the prospective member in their place of business if possible. The prospects of recruiting a new member increase significantly when a prospective member agrees to attend the prospective member meeting, but fails to do so. (See Addendum 4 for a suggested conversation log).

23 | P a g e


Follow a Meeting Format When Meeting With the Prospective Member

If the prospective member agrees to meet, follow a meeting format to ensure the meeting is kept to the fifteen minutes.

SUGGESTED MEETING FORMAT (Fifteen Minutes)

11:30 – Introduce the Rotarian who accompanied you. 12:32 – State how sorry you are that the prospective member was not able to attend the meeting. Ask the prospective member if they would be willing to watch a short video. 12:33 - Video Presentation (Go to UtahRotary.com for suggestions). 12:38 – After the video presentation, tell the prospective member that Rotary is changing the world and the Rotary club is changing the community. Inform the prospective member what the club has done to make the community better. 12:40 Ask the prospective member if you may leave a sheet that explains the commitment and cost of joining Rotary. Ask them to join Rotary. Wait for the answer. (See Addendum 3 for a suggested conversation log). 12:45 – Thank them for taking the time to meet with you and remind them that you kept your commitment to take only 15 minutes of their time.

24 | P a g e


A resource guide for Rotarians Follow-Up with a Phone Call to the Prospective Members Who Stated They Would Attend the Prospective Membership Meeting but did not

A follow-up call should be made no sooner than 7 days and no later than 10 days after the fifteen-minute meeting is held with the prospective members. The Rotarian who met with the prospective member should initiate the call. Once the call is made, the Rotarian should inform the club membership chair and provide feedback regarding the outcome of the call. (See Addendum 3 for a sample conversation log).

Frequently Run the Program

For the Penny program to be successful and yield results, prospective member meetings must be run frequently. In an organization where its members are an integral part of its success, membership recruitment should not be relegated to a “one and done” program approach. You will see results if the program is run frequently. (See Figure 6 below for suggested program frequency).

25 | P a g e

“For the Penny program to be successful and

yield results, …it must be run frequently.”


PROGRAM FREQUENCY CHART

Figure 5

26 | P a g e

“Only by having a plan to grow membership and by diligently using the plan will your club

membership grow continually.”



Chapter TwoCLUB MEMBERSHIP RETENTION

Each year, Rotarians recruit hundreds of thousands of new Rotarians to the ranks of Rotary International. Yet Rotary’s membership internationally has remained at 1.2 million members. Retention of Rotary members is as big a problem in Rotary as recruitment of new members. If the Penny program brings new members through the front door, Rotarians and their clubs must stop members from exiting Rotary via the back door.

ROTARY MEETINGSThe number one problem in the retention of our members

is that most Rotary meetings are boring. Most Rotary meetings failed to accomplish the following:

1. Make those in attendance laugh!2. Make those in attendance cry!3. Make those in attendance feel important!

Making Rotarians LaughIf a Rotarian wants to be bored, he/she can stay at work.

Most Rotary clubs fall into a cadence similar to a marching band or a trooper procession. A prayer, a pledge, the four-way test, Sergeant-at-arms duties, a speaker, and finally, the merciful ringing of the bell. After a while, attendance at Rotary can seem like a reoccurring nightmare. Does this describe your club?One goal of every Rotary meeting should be to make every Rotarian present have a good belly laugh. In the texting era, the

27 | P a g e


acronym LOL means “laugh out loud.” That’s the type of laugh the program director should strive towards at every Rotary meeting. In the connected era, a plethora of opportunities exist to produce such moments. YouTube, Vimeo, and any number of appropriate hilarious stories may be found on the Internet. These materials should provide more than enough ammunition to accomplish the objective of having a humorous moment at each club meeting. (See Addendum 5 for an example of a humorous story).

Making Rotarians CryThe goal expressed in “making Rotarians cry” is to say make

every Rotarian attending a Rotary meeting feel something deeply. Too often Rotarians attend meetings and walk away not feeling anything. Judge each weekly meeting based on this barometer - did our Rotarians & guests laugh, did our Rotarians & guests feel something passionately, did our Rotarians & guests feel important. Most of the time clubs are so entrenched and mired in their ruts that the best part of Rotary meeting is

28 | P a g e

“Only by striving each week to make the Rotary experience

different than the work experience will retention of

members be achieved.”


A resource guide for Rotarians the meal. The best part of the Rotary meeting should never be the meal. The best part of the Rotary meeting should be how the meeting made those in attendance feel. By ensuring a moment which inspires those in attendances, Rotarians will look forward to their weekly respite from the monotony of their day in day out work schedule.

Ample material exists in order to accomplish this objective if the program director for the club will spend a small amount of time searching for materials that create such a moment. The internet is a great resource for just such material. (See Addendum 6 for a sample of an inspirational story).

Make Rotarians Feel ImportantRotarians are members of clubs. Clubs differ dramatically

from work or other work pursuits. The purpose of the club is to create a fraternity of like-minded individuals to accomplish goals or objectives. Rotary’s objective is to transform the planet. Men and women, who join Rotary, join because they wish to make a difference. When a Rotarian misses a club meeting, is ill, is going through a life crisis, or trials and tribulations, these events need to be acknowledged by the club. Every Rotary meeting should highlight several members, recognize several members, and/or share appropriate challenges, trials, and tribulations being experienced by club members. Failure to be proactive in these areas will severely impact retention in your club.

A few suggestions for making Rotarians feel important include:

Recognize the anniversary date when the Rotarian joined the club

Recognize the Rotarian’s birthday Inform the club when a member is hospitalized or is

seriously injured or ill and encourage club members to drop a note to a missing Rotarian

29 | P a g e


Send a note to a club member if they miss more than a couple of meetings in a month. Share with the Rotarian that s/he has been missed. Write that you hope their schedule permits them to rejoin the ranks of the club very soon. If a member goes more than one month without attending a meeting, a phone call to the member telling them they are missed will work miracles in retaining that member.

In large clubs, a table facilitator to make sure that every member is introduced and acknowledged and made to feel welcome is important.

Only by striving each week to make the Rotary experience different than the work experience will retention of members be achieved. Too often clubs rush through their weekly meeting, mindlessly ticking there to do list off; prayer, done; pledge, done; speaker, done. Rotary meetings must be about engaging Rotarians in a meaningful way. Strive each week to make members laugh, to inspire members, and to make members feel like their attendance each week at Rotary is recognized and considered by other Rotarians to be important. When these objectives are accomplished, your meeting attendance will increase, Rotary retention will be sustained, and club membership will grow.

NOTES:

30 | P a g e



Chapter ThreePROMOTING CLUB MEMBERSHIP

Clubs that are successful in growing their membership recognize they must continually remind Rotarians to recruit new members. In the greatest commercial society ever known to mankind, a way to continually remind members to recruit is through the use of what is commonly referred to in our society as a “sales gimmick.”

The Round Tuit or Free Lunch Card The idea of a round tuit or free lunch card (See Figure 6) is

meant to be a creative way to engage Rotarians in recruiting members. The concept is to make it easy for a Rotarian to invite a Prospective member to a Rotary meeting. In the first meeting in July, the membership chair should be given 10 minutes to distribute to all Rotarians two “free lunch cards” and one “round tuit wooden coin.” The purpose of these promotional items is to have a reason to talk about membership each week.

NOTE: Club presidents were provided these promotional items at PETS.

Rotarians shall distribute the “free lunch card” or “round tuit wooden coin” to Prospective members during the week. At the beginning of each Rotary meeting throughout the year, the membership chair should be given a “membership minute” to ask the Rotarians if anyone distributed their coin or free lunch card that week. If a Rotarian did distribute the coin or card, the member is given a minute to tell who received the coin or card and any other pertinent information the Rotarian may wish to share with the club about the experience.

31 | P a g e


ROTARY MEMBERSHIP PROMOTION ITEMS

Figure 6

32 | P a g e

Tuesdays at Noon

Hometown Restaurant

West Jordan


A resource guide for Rotarians In addition, the Sergeant-at-arms should be trained to give a

“fined credit” to individuals who handed out the Rotary cards or coins, and to fine Rotarians who didn’t distribute a card or coin. Once a member has distributed all their cards or coins they become exempt from being fined for noncompliance to the membership program promotion (These membership promotion rules should be explained during the initial meeting in July).

NOTE: It is imperative the Rotary clubs build into their budget free lunches for the year in the event that Prospective members accept the challenge of a Rotarian to attend the Rotary meeting and collect on their “free lunch.”

Rotarians should be trained on the use of the sales promotion cards & coins at the beginning of July (See Addendum Seven for suggested training format).

NOTES:

33 | P a g e


Chapter FourPROMOTING MEMBERSHIP THROUGH SERVICE

When Rotarians think about membership growth, they usually do not think in terms of service projects. The clubs in District 5420 run excellent service projects continually. Clubs throughout the district excel in performing meaningful and significant service. Unfortunately, Rotary clubs do not see service projects as an opportunity to recruit new members. What better way to determine if an individual will fits in your club than by prequalifying that person based on their willingness to participate in a service project. Every club service project is an opportunity to increase membership. Every club member should always invite at least one individual to the service project. (See Addendum Eight for a sample conversation log).

At the club service project, make sure Rotarians introduce themselves to the Prospective member, profusely thanking them for participating in the project. Each Rotarian should take

34 | P a g e

“Every club service project is an opportunity to

increase club membership.”


A resource guide for Rotarians a genuine interest in the individual, asking them what they do for a living, asking them about their family, and complementing them on the willingness to provide service.

After the project, the name of the individual should be placed on the proposed membership recruitment meeting list, and the prospective member should be invited to the next membership recruitment meeting. The prospective member should also receive a thank you note from the Rotarian who invited them to the service project.

NOTES:

35 | P a g e


Chapter FiveTEACHING ROTARY TO INCREASE MEMBERSHIP & IMPROVE RETENTION

NOTE: The material in this section of the pamphlet is taken directly from the ABC’s of Rotary written by Cliff Dochterman, PRIP

Another reason Rotary clubs do not retain their membership is members lack understanding of Rotary’s programs, objectives and goals. Rotarians need to gain a basic understanding of Rotary early on in their Rotary experience.

Governor Skinner has stated this year if he had a theme it would be “teach Rotary.” Rotarians that truly understand the mission of Rotary maintain their membership. Each Rotary club should initiate a “Rotary University” course curriculum. An outline of a proposed curriculum with 3 three lessons geared towards making “RINO” (Rotarians in Name Only) into Rotarians is found in Addendum Eleven. The president of each club should select a dynamic club member to teach the course. The course should be 30 minutes long and focus on the following three areas:

What is Rotary? The programs of Rotary? Me and my Rotary club?

Every member of your Rotary club should attend and graduate from the class. Smaller Rotary clubs may wish to initially dedicate the first meeting of every month to Rotary

36 | P a g e

“Rotarians need to gain a basic understanding of Rotary early on

in their Rotary experience.”


A resource guide for Rotarians University. Larger Rotary clubs may wish to have members come 30 minutes in advance of the regular Rotary club meeting day. Rotarians should be expected to answer three of the five questions after each lesson in order to demonstrate mastery of the topic presented. Setting lower expectations just diminishes the importance of the materials.

Graduation from Rotary University should be accompanied by an official ceremony held in the presence of all club members. This is especially true for new members joining Rotary. A certificate of completion should be awarded along with a congratulatory handshake by the president of the club and the applause of all Rotarians present.

Rotarian University is meant to educate all members on important aspects of Rotary. But the real importance of Rotary University is getting a new member actively involved very early on in the Rotary process.

SummaryWorking to create a culture of membership cultivation and

retention in your club will be hard work. The attitude of “one and done” when it comes to membership will not result in growth or prosperity in your club. Only by appointing an active membership committee, getting every Rotarian in the club involved in recruiting members, holding regular membership recruitment meetings, inviting prospective members to participate in your service projects, enlivening your weekly Rotary meetings by making members laugh, members cry, and members feel important; will you see your trends in membership grow and move upward.

37 | P a g e

“Rotarians need to gain a basic understanding of Rotary early on

in their Rotary experience.”


AddendumADDENDUM ONE ROTARY CLASSIFICATION LISTINGAccounting Service-Commercial Accounting Service-Management Accounting Service-Personal Addressing Service Advertising, General Advertising, Direct Mail Advertising, Outdoors Advertising, Periodical Advertising, Radio Advertising, Specialty Advertising, Aerial Aircraft-Maintenance Aircraft-Sales Airport Management Airport Services Airport Transportation Alcohol & Drug Programs Answering Services Antique Sales Apartment, Rentals Appliances-Retail Appliances-Service Appraising Service-Commercial Architecture-Building Architecture-Landscape Artists Materials-Retail Asphalt Products Association Management Athletic Club Athletic Teams Auctioning Services Audio Visual Services Auto-Body Auto-Care Auto-Clubs Auto-Customizing Auto-Leasing Auto-Rentals Auto-Sales New Auto-Sales Used Auto-Sales Foreign Auto-Servicing

Auto-Towing Auto-Wrecking Baking-Commercial Baking-Pastry Baking-Retailing Banking-Commercial Banking-Retail Banking-Services Barbering Bath Fixtures-Sales Bath Fixtures-Refinishing Beauty Salon Beauty Salon-Supply Beverage-Distribution Beverage-Retailing Bicycle-Manufacturers Bicycle-Retailing Bicycle-Service Blueprint Services Boat-Services Boat-Sales New Boat-Sales Used Book-Distribution Book-Publishing Book-Sales Bookkeeping Services Bottle Gas Distribution Bowling Centers Broadcasting-Radio Broadcasting-Television Building Construction Building Materials-Retailing Building Services Burglar Alarm Services Business Forms & Systems Business Services Bus Transportation Cable Television Services Camera-Rental Camera-Repair Camera Sales-Retail Candies-Retail

38 | P a g e


A resource guide for Rotarians Carpet-Cleaning Carpet-Sales Catering Services Cemeteries Chamber of Commerce Check Cashing Services Child Care Services Chiropractic Services Cleaning Services-Home Cleaning Services-Commercial Clock-Sales Clock-Service Closet Organizer Systems Clothing-Children Clothing-Collectible Clothing-Men Clothing-Women Clubs & Associations Cocktail Lounges Coffee Distribution Collection Services Communications-Paging Communications-Systems Computer-Consulting Computer-Furniture Computer-Hardware Computer-Retail Computer-Services Computer-Software Computer-Supplies Computer-Training Construction-Commercial Construction-Remodeling Construction-Residential Contractors-Electrical Contractors-General Contractors-Grading & Paving Contractors-Masonry Contractors-Painting Contractors-Roofing Contractors-Supplies Copier-Sales Copier-Services Copier-Supplies Copywriters Cosmetics-Retail Counseling Services Courier Services Credit Card Accounting

Credit Card Services Credit Union Services Cycle Accessories-Retail Dance Studio Data Processing Day Care Decorating Materials-Retailing Delicatessen Dental Lab Dentistry-General Dentistry-Oral Surgery Dentistry-Orthodontics Dentistry-Preventative Department Stores Desktop Publishing Developers Direct Mail Services Draperies-Retail Drug Stores Dry Cleaners Dry Goods-Retailing Education-Primary Education-Commercial Education-Community College Education-Private Schools Education-Secondary Education-Special Education-University Educational Services Educational Supplies Electrical Supplies-Retail Electrical Supplies-Wholesale Electronic Manufacturer Electronic Products-Retail Emergency Services Employment Agency Employment Skills Training Engineering-Audio Engineering-Civil Engineering-Communication Engineering-Electrical Engineering-Industrial Engineering-Marine Engineering-Petroleum Classification List Engineering-Professional Entertainment Services Environmental Consulting Event Planners

39 | P a g e


ADDENDUM TWOCONVERSATION LOG INVITING PROSPECTIVE ROTARIAN TO THE MEMBERSHIP MEETING

Rotarian: Jane?

Jane: Yes.

Rotarian: This is Kelly. (Your full name if appropriate)

Jane: Oh hi Kelly.

Rotarian: Jane, I don’t know if you remember but we met at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new wing of the hospital.

Jane: Yes, Kelly. You are truly unforgettable!

Rotarian: Recently you should’ve received a letter from Rotary District Governor Steve Skinner. You recall receiving the letter?

Jane: Response one: Yes Kelly, I remember receiving the letter.

Response two: Mmmm, I don’t recall.

Rotarian: Response one: That’s great. I was so impressed with you during the brief time we talked at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. I would be so honored if you could spare one hour of your schedule to attend this meeting which is by invitation only. It will be held two weeks from today on May 3rd at noon. We meet at the

40 | P a g e


A resource guide for Rotarians Hometown Restaurant. Do you know where that restaurant is located?

Response two: Oh! I’m so sorry. Our Rotarian District Governor has sent out letters to key shakers and movers in our community to invite them to a one-hour meeting to talk more about how you can assist us in our efforts to make a difference in the world. I nominated you as a person to attend this meeting which is by invitation only. I just sensed from chatting with you at the ribbon-cutting ceremony that you and your company may be interested in working with our Rotary club to make a big difference in our community. I would be so honored if you could spare one hour of your schedule to attend a meeting two weeks from today on May 3rd at noon. We meet at the Hometown Restaurant. Do you know where that’s located?

Jane: Response one: Yes, I do know the location.

Response two: No, I do not know that location.

Response three: Yes, I know where the restaurant is located, but the day or time does not work for me.

41 | P a g e


Rotarian: Response one: Could I swing by and pick you up for the meeting?

Response two: The restaurant is located on the corner of 4500 S. and Redwood Road. Could I swing by and pick you up for the meeting?

Response three: Oh, sorry to hear the time does not work. Jane, would you mind if in the future I invite you to a similar meeting? Maybe another time or date would work better?

Jane: Response one: Sure swing by and pick me up for the meeting. Let’s say around 11:45 AM?

Response two: No, I have an appointment right after the meeting so I will drive. I will meet you there.

Response three: I wouldn’t mind that at all Kelly.

Rotarian: Response one: I will pick you up right at 11:45 PM.

Response two: That sounds great. I will meet you there. I’m looking forward to visiting with you again.

Response three: Thanks so much Jane. Next time we hold one of these meetings we will invite you. We also meet every Tuesday at noon. Jane, feel free to drop in on us at any time. When you do drop

42 | P a g e


A resource guide for Rotarians in, lunch will be on me. You have a great day now!

ADDENDUM THREECONVERSATION LOG AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE PROSPECTIVE MEMBERS MEETING OR FOLLOW-UP PHONE CALLS WITH PROSPECTIVE MEMBERS AFTER THE MEETING

Rotarian: Well Jane, what did you think?

Jane: Interesting.

Rotarian: Jane, membership in Rotary is by invitation only. I would be so honored to place your name in nomination before our club. Would you allow me to do that? (Once the membership question is asked, the Rotarian must remain silent until the prospective member answers the question).

Jane: Response one: Yes.

Response two: I’m pretty busy right now; I’d like to get back to you.

Response three: Not right now.

Rotarian: Response one: Thank you so much. I am honored. If this occurs during the prospective member meeting, the Rotarian stands up and makes the following announcement. “Club

43 | P a g e


members, I have an announcement to make. Jane has indicated she is willing to join Rotary and I will place in nomination her name as a new Rotarian. I’m giving the club notice today that we will vote on this action at our next Rotary meeting! Thank you Jane for the privilege of being your sponsor!” (By announcing to those gathered that a prospective member is going to join, the statement creates “halo” effect encouraging others who have gathered to join also).

Response two: It’s been my experience that the busiest people get the most accomplished. That is exactly why I would like to nominate you. Jane, you get things done. Would you mind if I called you in a couple weeks, after you’ve given my proposition some consideration?

Response three: Well Jane I really want to thank you for your attendance today. I hope you felt the meeting was worthwhile and productive. Perhaps sometimes in the future, when your circumstances change, you may be up to see your way clear to becoming a member of our Rotary family. Once again, it’s been a pleasure.

44 | P a g e



ADDENDUM FOURCONVERSATION LOG REQUESTING A MEET WITH THE PROSPECTIVE MEMBERS WHO AGREED BUT MISSED THE PROSPECTIVE MEMBER MEETING.

Rotarian: Hi Jane. This is Kelly.

Jane: Oh hi Kelly. I have been meaning to call you. A small family emergency made it so I was unable to attend the meeting.

Rotarian: I suspected that something like that must have occurred. Is everything okay with your family?

Jane: Oh yes.

Rotarian: That’s great Jane. The membership meeting was really well attended. My reason for calling is I am wondering if I may drop by and leave the material that we distributed at the meeting with you for your perusal. I promise to take no more than 15 minutes of your time. Would that be possible? (Fall silent).

Jane: Response one: Yes, when would you like to come to my office?

Response two: No, I’m really not interested.

Rotarian: Response one: I can come next Tuesday just before my Rotary

45 | P a g e


meeting - say 11:30 AM? Does that time work?

Response two: Well thanks Jane for your time. I hope I haven’t been too much of a bother? I joined Rotary to help change my community and the world and what I discovered was that Rotary changed me. It may not be a good fit for you right now, but perhaps in the future. You have a good day now.

ADDENDUM FIVEA SAMPLE HUMOROUS STORY

I was in a public restroom and had just sat down when a voice from the next cubicle said “Hi! how are you?” Embarrassed, I said, “I’m doing fine.” The voice said, “So what are you up to?” I said, “Just doing the same as you, sitting here!” From next door, “Can I come over?” Annoyed, I said, "rather busy right now.” The voice said, “Listen, I will have to call you back, there’s an idiot next door answering all my questions."

ADDENDUM SIXA SAMPLE INSPIRATIONAL STORY

In WW1 an English soldier watched in horror as his lifelong friend fell under gunfire. All the soldiers had to retreat. The soldier went to ask permission from the lieutenant to go and fetch his friend from the no-mans-land.

The lieutenant gave permission, but added: "It is hardly worth it. Your friend is probably dead and you may die too."

46 | P a g e



The soldier did not care about the warnings and miraculously he did reach his friend, lifted him to his shoulders and stumbled back. He was wounded in the process.

The lieutenant helped them to safety and noticed the soldier´s friend was dead.

"I am sorry for your friend - but I told you it was not worth it. Your friend is dead and now you are also seriously wounded."

"I have to disagree with you. It was worth it", the soldier answered.

"Whatever do you mean?" the lieutenant wondered.

"It was worth it,” the soldier repeated. "When I got to my friend, he was still alive and said ´Jim; I knew you would never leave me.´”

ADDENDUM SEVENTRAINING ON THE USE OF THE MEMBERSHIP PROMOTION ITEMS

MEMBERSHIP CHAIR: Rotarians have you ever been out and about, wearing a Rotary logo, or your Rotary pin and asked by someone, “What is that pin, or what does that logo stand for?” Well, today I am providing you with “a free lunch card” and a “round tuit” coin. I’m going to suggest that when someone asks you “What is that pin,” The Object of Rotary that you turn that moment into an opportunity to recruit a new Rotarian. Here’s what I’m suggesting. When someone says “Hey, what is that?” you say:

47 | P a g e


Rotarian: Thanks for asking. Have you ever said to yourself, “Self, one day when I get around to it, I’m going to make a difference in my community?”

Member: Response one: Yes, why yes I have.Response two: No. No, I have never thought that!

Rotarian: Response one: Well today is your lucky day. Today, I’m prepared to give you a round tuit. Never again, if you accept this tuit, will you be able to say “when I get a round tuit I’m going to make a difference in my community.” Right here, it says that it is good for one free meal at any Rotary Club in Utah. Every Tuesday, at the Hometown Buffet, located on Redwood Road and 5400 South, a group of men and women meet for the sole purpose of making our community better. If you accept this tuit and show up at noon, I’ll buy you lunch. It’s just that simple. By accepting the round tuit you’re committing to show up for lunch. Are you prepared to accept this round tuit?

Response two: Well, then I guess you’re really never going to know what this pin represents. Because those who wear this pin want to leave the world a better place. Please have a great day.

The purpose of these promotional items is to have a way to talk about membership each week before the club. The membership minute need not be long, but should occur weekly and focus primarily on the distribution of the coin or free lunch.

48 | P a g e



ADDENDUM EIGHTCONVERSATION LOG ASKING AN INDIVIDUAL TO ASSIST WITH A SERVICE PROJECT

Rotarian: Jane, it is Kelly. How have you been?

Jane: Fine Kelly and you?

Rotarian: Great Jane. My reason for calling is it next Tuesday I will be working on a service project at our local elementary school. As a member of the Rotary club, we hand out dictionaries to all third-graders in our school district. My problem is I need help handing out dictionaries because we just don’t have enough Rotarians to assist in the project. Would you be willing to spend an hour of your time next Tuesday from 10 o’clock to 11 o’clock to assist me in handing out dictionaries? (The Rotarian falls silent and does not speak again until the Prospective member responds).

Jane: Response one: Yes I think I could do that.

Response two: Gee Kelly I’m sorry, I’m out of town next week.

Rotarian: Response one: That’s great Jane. Can I swing by about 9:45 AM and pick you up?

Response two: Oh, then I guess that’s not going to work. Thanks for taking my call, would you be open in the future to maybe assisting us if another opportunity comes up?

Jane: Response one: That works just fine.

49 | P a g e


Response two: Yes I’ll be more than happy to help if my schedule allows me to do so.

ADDENDUM NINESUGGEST CURRICULUM FOR ROTARY UNIVERSITY

COURSE NAME: ROTARY

Instructor Information: Kelly Atkinson, PDGJoined Rotary 1986Positions held:Club SecretaryClub PresidentDistrict AG

Description of Course: Three lessons, 30 minutes each, on Rotary.

Expectation and Goals: To ensure that each member of Rotary has a basic understanding of Rotary and its objectives.

Course material: ABC of Rotary®

LESSON PLAN ONE OUTLINE: WHAT IS ROTARY?

Definition of Rotary:"Rotary is an organization of business and professional

persons united worldwide who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations and help build goodwill and peace in the world."

Those 31 words are worth remembering when someone asks, "What is a Rotary club?"

50 | P a g e


A resource guide for Rotarians Rotary Founder

The world's first service club, the Rotary Club of Chicago, was formed on the 23rd of February in 1905 by Paul P. Harris, an attorney who wished to capture in a professional club the same friendly spirit he had felt in the small towns of his youth. The Rotary name derived from the early practice of rotating meetings among members' offices.

Rotary Emblem

A wheel has been the symbol of Rotary since our earliest days. The first design was made by Chicago Rotarian Montague Bear, an engraver who drew a simple wagon wheel, with a few lines to show dust and motion. The wheel was said to illustrate "Civilization and Movement." Most of the early clubs had someform of a wagon wheel on their publications and letterheads. Finally, in 1922, it was decided that all Rotary clubs should adopt a single design as the exclusive emblem of Rotarians. Thus, in 1923, the present gear wheel, with 24 cogs and six spokes was adopted by the "Rotary International Association." A group of engineers advised that the geared wheel was mechanically unsound and would not work without a "keyway" in the center of the gear to attach it to a power shaft. So, in 1923 the keyway was added and the design which we now know was formally adopted as the official Rotary International emblem.

The Object of RotaryIn some areas of the world, weekly Rotary club meetings

begin with all members standing and reciting the Object of Rotary. This statement, which comes from the Constitution of

51 | P a g e


Rotary, is frequently seen on a wall plaque in Rotarians' offices or place of business. The Object of Rotary is "to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise." The statement then lists four areas by which this "ideal of service" is fostered: through the development of acquaintance as the opportunity for service; the promotion of high ethical standards in business and professions; through service in one's personal, business and community life; and the advancement of international understanding, goodwill and peace.

The Four Way TestOne of the most widely printed and quoted statements of

business ethics in the world is the Rotary "4- Way Test." It was created by Rotarian Herbert J. Taylor in 1932 when he was asked to take charge of the Chicago- based Club Aluminum Company, which was facing bankruptcy. Taylor looked for a way to save the struggling company mired in depression-caused financial difficulties. He drew up a 24-word code of ethics for all employees to follow in their business and professional lives. The 4-Way Test became the guide for sales, production, advertising and all relations with dealers and customers, and the survival of the company was credited to this simple philosophy. Herb Taylor became president of Rotary International during 1954-55. The 4 -Way Test was adopted by Rotary in 1943 and has been translated into more than 100 languages and published in thousands of ways. The message should be known and followed by all Rotarians. "Of the things we think, say or do:

1. Is it the TRUTH?

2. Is it FAIR to all concerned?

3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?

4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?"

52 | P a g e


A resource guide for Rotarians The Rotary Motto

The first motto of Rotary International, "He Profits Most Who Serves Best," was approved at the second Rotary Convention, held in Portland, Oregon, in August 1911. The phrase was first stated by a Chicago Rotarian, Art Sheldon, who made a speech in 1910 which included the remark, "He profits most who serves his fellows best." At about the same time, Ben Collins, president of the Rotary Club of Minneapolis, Minnesota, commented that the proper way to organize a Rotary club was through the principle his club had adopted--"Service, Not Self." These two slogans, slightly modified, were formally approved to be the official mottoes of Rotary at the 1950 Convention in Detroit--"He Profits Most Who Serves Best" and "Service Above Self." The 1989 Council on Legislation established "Service Above Self" as the principal motto of Rotary, since it best explains the philosophy of unselfish volunteer service.

Some Rotary Firsts

The first Rotary club meeting was in Chicago, Illinois, on February 23, 1905.

The first regular luncheon meetings were in Oakland, California, chartered in 1909.

The first Rotary convention was in Chicago in 1910. The first Rotary club outside of the United States was

chartered in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, in 1910. The first Rotary club outside of North America was

chartered in Dublin, Ireland, in 1911. The first Rotary club in a non-English-speaking country

was in Havana, Cuba, in 1916.

Upon completion of 30 minutes of instruction, the instructor should administer a test to each student. In order to graduate from Rotary University the student needs to successfully answer 3 of the 5 questions at the end of each course to pass and be

53 | P a g e


eligible for graduation (See Addendum Ten for a suggest test upon completion of course one).

LESSON PLAN TWO OUTLINE: ROTARY’S PROGRAMS

Rotary International is known for many different programs. Among the most prominent are:

The Rotary Foundation The Rotary Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation

that supports the efforts of Rotary International to achieve world understanding and peace through international humanitarian, educational, and cultural exchange programs. It is supported solely by voluntary contributions from Rotarians and friends of the Foundation who share its vision of a better world.

The Foundation was created in 1917 by Rotary International's sixth president, Arch C. Klumph, as an endowment fund for Rotary "to do good in the world." It has grown from an initial contribution of US$26.50 only to more than US$55 million. It is one of the largest and most prestigious international foundation programs in the world.

Every Rotarian is requested to give $100 each year to The Rotary Foundation. The program is called EREY – Every Rotarian Every Year.

Membership Rotary’s current membership is more than 1.2 million

members worldwide in over 187 countries. Clubs Rotary currently has more than 34,000 Rotary clubs.

Polio Plus

54 | P a g e

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rotary_International

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corporation

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Not-for-profit


A resource guide for Rotarians The most notable Rotary current global project, PolioPlus, is

contributing to the global eradication of polio. Since beginning the project in 1985, Rotarians have contributed over US$850 million and hundreds of thousands of volunteer-hours, leading to the inoculation of more than two billion of the world's children. Inspired by Rotary's commitment, the World Health Organization (WHO) passed a resolution in 1988 to eradicate polio by 2000. Now a partner in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) with WHO, UNICEF and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Rotary is recognized by the United Nations as the key private partner in the eradication effort.

In 2008, Rotary received a $100 million challenge grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Rotary committed to raising $100 million. In January 2009, Bill Gates announced a second challenge grant of $255 million. Rotary again committed to raising another $100 million. In total, Rotary did raise $200 million by June 30, 2012. Together, the Gates Foundation and Rotary have committed $555 million toward the eradication of polio. At the time of the second challenge grant, Bill Gates said:"We know that it’s a formidable challenge to eradicate a disease that has killed and crippled children since at least the time of the ancient Egyptians. We don’t know exactly when the last child will be affected. But we do have the vaccines to wipe it out. Countries do have the will to deploy all the tools at their disposal. If we all have the fortitude to see this effort through to the end, then we will eradicate polio."

Ambassadorial ScholarshipRotary Foundation's oldest program, the popular

Ambassadorial Scholarships provides scholarships for more than 38,000 men and women from 100 nations who have studied abroad under the auspices of Ambassadorial Scholarship, and today it is the world's largest privately funded international scholarships program. In 2006-07 grants totaling approximately

55 | P a g e

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scholarships

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ambassadorial_Scholarships

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Gates

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_and_Melinda_Gates_Foundation

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Centers_for_Disease_Control_and_Prevention

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Centers_for_Disease_Control_and_Prevention

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UNICEF

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polio

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Health_Organization

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Health_Organization

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inoculation

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eradication_of_polio


US$15 million were used to award some 800 scholarships to recipients from 69 countries who studied in 64 nations.

Rotary Peace Scholarship ProgramsStarting in 2002, The Rotary Foundation partnered with

universities around the world to create the Rotary Centers for International Studies in peace and conflict resolution. Rotary World Peace Fellows complete two-year masters level programs in conflict resolution, peace studies, and international relations. The first class graduated in 2004. As of August 2006, the Rotary Foundation had spent $18 million on its "peace and conflict" Centers and the average grant was about $60,000 per enrollee in the two-year program.In 2004, Fellows established the Rotary World Peace Fellows Association to promote interaction among Fellows, Rotarians, and the public on issues related to peace studies.

Literacy ProgramsRotary clubs worldwide place a focus on increasing literacy.

Such importance has been placed on literacy that Rotary International has created a “Rotary Literacy Month” that takes place during the month of March. Rotary clubs also aim to conduct many literacy events during the week of September 8, which is International Literacy Day. Some Rotary clubs raise funds for schools and other literacy organizations. Many clubs take part in a reading program called "Rotary Readers," in which a Rotary member spends time in a classroom with a designated student, and reads one-on-one with them. Some Rotary clubs participate in book donations, both locally and internationally. As well as participating in book donations and literacy events, there are educational titles written about Rotary Clubs and members, such as Rotary Clubs Help People and Carol is a Rotarian by Rotarian and children's book author Bruce Larkin.

56 | P a g e

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bruce_Larkin

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Classroom

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Literacy_Day

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Literacy

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Rotary_Foundation


A resource guide for Rotarians Rotary Youth Program

Rotary offers four youth programs to promote and develop young people to foster international humanitarian hearts. These programs include Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA), Youth Exchange; a program for high school students to study for one academic year abroad; Interact, a humanitarian service club for kids ages 12 through 18; and Rotaract, a college-age humanitarian service club. (See Addendum Eleven for a sample test for Course Two).

LESSON PLAN THREE OUTLINE: ROTARY’S PROGRAMS

The lesson outline for this segment of Rotary University should be established by the club. Rotarians should be schooled on when the club was chartered, who were key players that established the club, club traditions, club projects, club’s organizational structure, the current club officers, and club finances.

A five-question test should be developed for these courses with the student passing 3 of the 5 question to successfully complete the course.

ADDENDUM TENSUGGEST TEST QUESTIONS FOR COURSE ONE - ROTARY UNIVERSITY

(To complete course one successfully and to graduate a member must answer 3 of the 5 below correctly)

1. Rotary was founded by Paul Harris in 1905? T OR F

Rotary’s founder was a: (circle one)A Los Angeles Labor consultantA New York BusinessmanA Chicago lawyer

57 | P a g e


A Texan

2. Rotary’s current motto is: (Circle One)Do It to Others before They Do It to You He Profits Most Who Serves BestEat Drink and Be Merry for Tomorrow You may DieService Above Self

3. The Rotary emblem is: (Circle One)An eagleA gear A wheelMickey Mouse

4. The first tenant of the four-way test is “Is It the Truth.” T or F? (Circle One)

ADDENDUM ELEVENSUGGEST TEST QUESTIONS FOR COURSE TWO- ROTARY UNIVERSITY

(To complete course one successfully and to graduate a member must answer 3 of the 5 below correctly)

1. The Rotary Foundation is: (circle the correct answer)a) the foundation that the Rotary Office Building

was built upon. b) It’s a philosophical concept that everything that

happens in Rotary is built upon the shoulders of those that came before.

c) A nonprofit foundation to foster the humanitarian efforts of Rotarians

58 | P a g e


A resource guide for Rotarians 2. The current membership of Rotary is approximately 1.2

million members. T or F? (circle the correct answer)

3. PolioPlus is a name of Rotary’s campaign to eradicate polio from the face of the earth. T or F? (Circle the correct answer).

4. Which of the following youth programs is not a Rotary-based program? (Circle the correct answer)

Interact & RotaractRYLA Rotary Youth ExchangeBoy Scouts of America

5. Rotary sponsors peace scholarships to promote conflict resolution across the globe. T or F? (Circle the correct answer)

59 | P a g e

where’s the line - rotary2127.comrotary+membership+phamplet.d… · web viewpresidents, kelly...

Documents