Rotary.org: Membership development

Membership development


 Finding and keeping members

 
 

Recognize members of your club who sponsor a new member with this pin. Pins can be ordered through licensed vendors.

T o be effective and relevant to a community, a Rotary club needs members. A club's ability to serve the community is directly related to the strength and size of a club's membership base. 

Finding members

It’s the responsibility of current Rotary club members to invite other qualified individuals to join Rotary. New members bring important benefits to the club, including an increased capacity to serve the community, future leadership, diversity, and fresh ideas, interests, and energy. To learn more about proposing an individual for membership in Rotary, visit Proposing a New Member .

Keeping members

Retaining good members is as critical to Rotary’s long-term success and health as the induction of new members. Current members who are dedicated, active, and motivated support the effective functioning of the club and are likely to attract new members. Successful retention strategies include educating members and keeping them involved and informed.

If your club is aware of a member who is moving but still wishes to maintain Rotary membership, encourage that member to complete the relocation form .

When a new member becomes involved and connected, both the club and the new member become stronger. Learn more .

When a new member becomes active, involved, and connected, both the club and the new member become stronger. Ideas for integrating a new member into your Rotary club include

  • Introducing the new member to other club members each week for the first month
  • Encouraging the new member to become involved in club service projects
  • Inviting the new member to attend meetings of sponsored Interact or Rotaract clubs
  • Encouraging the new member to get involved in international programs, such as Group Study Exchange or Rotary Youth Exchange
  • Inviting the new member to neighboring clubs for a make-up meeting so they can learn about attendance requirements and observe the spirit of fellowship
  • Asking the new member and his or her spouse to social activities, dinners, or other special events
  • Encouraging the new member and his or her spouse to attend the district conference
  • Appointing a mentor to help the new member become an active Rotarian

For more ideas, consult the New Member Orientation Guide .

New member video

Use this new member video to help acquaint new members with Rotary & Rotary International, show them what Rotary does, and tell them how they can make the most of their membership.

Membership presentations

All presentations are in PowerPoint format.

Completed presentations

Keys to Recruiting and Retaining Members

Recruitment Basics

The Membership Process

Presentation templates

Related resources (PDF)

Membership forms (PDF)