TO BREAK THROUGH THE GLASS CEILING
Each One, Bring One
Grow More, Do More
Serve to Change Lives
Rotary International President Shekar Mehta has thrown us a challenge, to have Rotary finally break through the glass ceiling of 1.2 million in members which has plagued Rotary for years. The problem is that many come in, but just as many leave. How can we slow down that revolving door?
GOT TO START RIGHT. Rotary is not for anyone and everyone. Screen carefully and recruit only those who are good fits for Rotary. Values Matter. Do they share the Rotary values - Integrity, commitment, passion for service, empathy and team spirit? Do they walk the talk, i.e., keep their promise?
Money Matters. Inform the newcomers upfront the financial obligations of every Rotarian – the RI dues and district, country and club fees and paying for own expenses during Rotary activities. If not, then the RI invoice will comes as a rude shock. Some may quit, others struggle for a while then also quit. It is important to openly discuss their ability and willingness to meet these financial obligations before induction. Some join Rotary to gain personally from externally funded projects. When they discover there is no such opportunity since strict accountability rules in Rotary, they quit. With early screening such individuals should not even get near the Rotary door.
CLUB EXPERIENCE MATTERS. For prospective Rotarians initial club experience matters. In this, all club members play a role.First
Impression Matters. The sponsor Rotarian should accompany the invitees to the first and subsequent visits to the club to introduce them to fellow Rotarians. Plan to arrive early to give time for friendly exchange of welcome and chitchats which put the invitees at ease. Meeting
Experience Matters. Invitees, being well-placed professionals and entrepreneurs, expect Rotary meetings to be well structured and prepared, and for Rotarians to actively engage in discussions, interact with each other with respect and with a touch of humour. That makes the club appealing.
Feeling Connected Matters. After two or three visits, invite the newcomer to give a talk about oneself. That will make everyone more relaxed with each other and connecting easier.
Understanding Rotary Matters. Assign a senior Rotarian to share, over two or three one-on-one sessions, basic knowledge about Rotary, how it was formed and what it does. That too increases the newcomer’s comfort level, making it easier for him/her to connect.
Engagement Matters. Invite the newcomers to join in community service and sit in committee meetings. That will increase their feeling of being part of the club. Those are the very actions which make clubs vibrant.
MAKE CLUBS VIBRANT
MAKE ROTARY GROW
Young Kimaro
District Governor, 2021-11