Three ways to recruit alumni

 

 

A 2006 survey found that about 3 percent of all Rotarians are past participants of the Interact, Rotaract, Rotary Youth Exchange, Group Study Exchange, or Ambassadorial Scholarships programs.

Every Rotary alumnus is a potential Rotarian, and RI President-elect John Kenny wants every club to reach out to this group in 2009-10.

A 2006 survey found that about 3 percent of all Rotarians are past participants of the Interact, Rotaract, Rotary Youth Exchange, Group Study Exchange, or Ambassadorial Scholarships programs.

At their February training seminar in Chicago, regional Rotary International membership coordinators (RRIMCs) heard from a panel of alumni who shared how clubs can better connect with these potential members.

Put together a list of alumni living in your area

Don Garner, a former Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholar, said that while he was president of the Rotary Club of Chicago in 2006-07, 64 new members joined – 10 of whom were alumni. Garner’s club worked with the Foundation to compile a list of local alumni, then hosted a wine and cheese reception for them, which was an easy way to remind them of Rotary’s role in their accomplishments.

“Everyone likes free drinks,” Garner said, noting that alumni need an invitation to join a Rotary club, just like any other prospective member.

Emphasize networking

Returning scholars and other alumni are often in the early part of their careers, so show them how Rotary can help them develop professionally. The Chicago club appointed a director of networking to help. In his club, Garner said, networking had become a dirty word.

 “To get back to that -- to bring it to the forefront – would encourage younger members to join,” he said. And if your club meets at lunch, consider keeping meetings to an hour: It can be hard for people just starting out to be away from the office for long stretches.

Start a group for former Rotary Youth Exchange students

This strategy can keep returning students involved, supported, and socially connected, and transition them to Rotaract or Rotary.

“They can feel like they’re still a part of the program and giving back,” said Carl Jackson Jr., 25, a former Youth Exchange and Rotary Youth Leadership Awards participant who is now active in Rotaract. The RRIMC program trains a network of Rotarians to help clubs and districts achieve membership growth. The 64 RRIMCs, all past district governors, are appointed by the RI president-elect to a three-year term.