DG Claire's Corner - August 2010
August 2010
DG Claire Little
Greetings Generators. Because August is membership month, I have extracted a portion of a study on membership compiled by Rotary International Director John Smarge last March. It bears serious consideration.
Over the last few years there have been numerous surveys conducted regarding member satisfaction. Though in most cases the questions were posed in different manners, for the most part, overall, the responses have garnered the same results.
Members who had been in the club less than five years want personal growth, business and professional development skills, and networking opportunities. This group wants to be involved, yet is very often not finding the outlet in our clubs to do so. Think of the opportunities that experienced members have to mentor the newer members. Not just in offering Rotary knowledge, but in providing professional development skills.
Those members who are in the club 5 to 20 years are looking for opportunities to connect with their communities through hands on projects and secondarily to make a difference in the world. Worldwide studies will tell you, if you can get a member to the 5-20 year period, you’ll keep them.
Members in the club more than 20 years want the social aspect, fellowship, staying in touch and connected with their Rotary friends, having a place to come each week where they feel comfortable.
Look at Rotary under a business module with the philosophy that the service we provide is to satisfy the needs of our customers…in this case, our members. Rotary has internal customers, our members, who have varied needs. If we ignore these needs, it could be the reason we are losing members. What is the answer to getting Rotarians involved?
- It’s not just about providing opportunities for members to network and achieve personal and business development…
- It’s not just about providing opportunities for serving their communities or international humanitarian service…
- And it’s not just about fellowship and providing older members with an opportunity to have comfort in remaining close to their friends…
We have the greatest services in the world. Our programs give our members an unlimited opportunity to serve those less fortunate in our communities and the world. Our classification system and the Object of Rotary position us to afford an uncompromised networking platform and first class business and personal development, while our weekly meetings and fellowship events help us provide a comforting place for old friends to remain connected. Let’s be sure that we understand these unique services to assure multiple levels of involvement and market them properly both inside and outside of our clubs.
Yours in Rotary,
DG Claire
Submitted by Claire Little
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