Rotary.org: Rotarians and alumni - Tips for staying connected

Rotarians and alumni


 Tips for staying connected

 
 

R otary programs have a way of forging bonds between alumni and Rotarians that can last a lifetime. Former Ambassadorial Scholars, Group Study Exchange team members, RYLA participants, Rotary Peace Fellows, and Interact club members are often interested in joining a Rotaract or Rotary club. Many Rotaract and Rotary clubs, in turn, are interested in inviting former program participants to become members.

  • Invite alumni to visit or speak at club meetings.
  • Enlist their help with club service projects.
  • Encourage alumni to help recruit future participants.
  • Host an annual alumni event.
  • Invite alumni to serve on selection committees for programs with which they are familiar.
  • Add alumni to your club’s newsletter mailing list.
  • Create a New Generations alumni committee.
  • Include alumni as part of an orientation session for current year outbound participants.
  • Invite alumni to annual club celebrations.
  • Add an alumni section to newsletters and websites.

New Generations: Interact

  • Encourage Rotaractors to mentor Interactors.
  • Plan celebrations to recognize Interactors who are graduating from high school.
  • Ask Interactors to attend your district RYLA event.
  • Help graduating Interactors find Rotaract clubs near their colleges or universities -- or help them start new clubs!

New Generations: Rotaract

  • Talk to Rotaract clubs about how members can join your club after they leave Rotaract.
  • Plan celebrations to recognize Rotaractors who are graduating from college.
  • Recruit for a Group Study Exchange team.
  • Assign Rotarian mentors to Rotaractors.
  • Get your club energized through a Rotaractor-led workshop on social media, innovative service projects, or club diversity.

New Generations: Rotary Youth Exchange

  • Invite Youth Exchange students to speak to your club about their home countries or their experiences abroad.
  • Help students connect with local Interact or Rotaract clubs.
  • Sponsor students to attend a local RYLA event.
  • Encourage Rotarian host families or Rotary clubs to stay in touch with their former students through birthday or holiday cards.

New Generations: RYLA

  • Ask alumni to serve as RYLA counselors, facilitators, or support staff.
  • Plan a reunion for RYLA alumni.
  • Help alumni get in touch with local Interact or Rotaract clubs.

Educational: Ambassadorial Scholarships and Rotary Peace Fellowships

  • Use the Internet to locate past participants of Rotary Foundation programs.
  • Contact alumni@rotary.org for help finding alumni in your area.
  • Visit a local Rotary club and talk about your experience studying abroad.
  • Organize regular alumni networking “meet and greet” events.
  • Join your local Rotary Foundation alumni association, or start one in your area.
  • Advocate for Rotary Foundation programs:
    • Help recruit future scholars and fellows.
    • Participate in inbound and outbound orientation sessions.
    • Act as an adviser to Rotary clubs or districts.
    • Mentor local scholars or fellows, as well as other program participants.

Educational: Group Study Exchange

  • Use the Internet to locate former team members.
  • Contact alumni@rotary.org for help finding alumni in your area.
  • Join your local Rotary Foundation alumni association, or start one in your area.
  • Organize regular alumni networking “meet and greet” events.
  • Advocate for Foundation programs:
    • Help recruit future program participants.
    • Participate in outbound orientation sessions.
    • Organize vocational visits for inbound teams.
    • Mentor newly returned GSE alumni, as well as other program participants.