Table of Contents

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 (PDF or online).

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 .