Membership Talk Pt 4

Posted by Ian Forbes 
 
 

Induction:

 

Make it special; give the ceremony the time it deserves.

 

A member is your most valuable asset

 

Be professional, be organized, have a proper script

 

I like the words: we welcome you and your partner into the family of Rotary

 

Membership committee should prepare everything

 

The president is busy and can easily forget

 

Have the full package ready:

 

Pin

 

Name badge

 

Certificate signed and framed

 

4 way test

 

Sponsor must be properly prepared with the bio in advance, not scribbled on a napkin

 

Never make it look like a chore

 

Invite the family .a must

 

We are taking the Rotarian away from their family from time to time

 

They must see why

 

Invite a work colleague or boss

 

They too must see why you might have to leave a little early or come in a little late once in a while

 

Invite the DG or Assistant governor to show the importance of the event.

 

Make a little business announcement in the local paper

 

Make that first $100 donation to the Foundation

 

Let them say a few words or even their classification talk then.

 

Everyone greets the new member before they leave

 

Make it a professional lasting impression

 

Educate

 

You have a new member

 

Don't forget about them after induction.

 

You have to start the process of changing them from simply a Rotary member to being a Rotarian. There is a huge difference.

 

Immediately involve them on a committee

 

Have the sponsor involved

 

A mentor (other than sponsor) can give a different perspective

 

Go to a make up together

 

Make them the greeter for a couple of meetings

 

Fireside or follow up meeting in 2 to 3 months

 

Discuss expectations, concerns

 

Get feedback on what they need to know.

 

Retention:

 

Remember 40% leave within 3 years

 

You invest the time to recruit and educate, now retain

 

Your most valuable asset

 

Protect it, nurture it and it will grow and bring huge dividends

 

Keep member involved, but be balanced

 

Do not overwork or financially over burden the member

 

Younger members cannot always contribute money, but they can give their time.

 

Watch out for burnout:

 

At assembly I heard a new member say they joined just over a year ago and they are now secretary and on stream to be president.

 

At the District Conference, a Rotarian of 18 months said she was thinking of resigning. Chair of three club committees and had about 4 functions at the district conference.