Your voice, your solution for recruiting younger members

At 4:21PM on 3 December 2009, Mike Norton wrote: You must have clarity around the ideals , goals and aims and communicate this using the tools now available . Mike dist 9970 nz

At 4:21PM on 3 December 2009, Jack Marden wrote: I am 24 years old and have been a member for about 8 months. I am still in school and I'm still working on establishing myself in the world. The financial requirements are more of a challenge for me. My club has been very flexible with my participation and makes me feel like I belong. They value my input and give me jobs when I have the time. I really enjoy the hands on projects because they are usually in a more convenient time frame and don't require the monetary commitments as much. I get to feel like I'm making a difference and staying active in the club. I think it also helps when the club makes meetings and events fun and not too formal and "stuffy".

At 11:28AM on 2 September 2009, Ferdinand Bernabe wrote: As I am a young, that is my comment. The pore young club that who want to raise there club that should give attention of all club of the wold.They should help them of other rich club can they contain and no need fenancial support.

At 8:58AM on 31 December 2008, Kathi Smith wrote: At a time when young members (especially in North America) are used to flat line organizations where their opinions count and they "just do it" an organization that is based on the old style of management seems cumbersome to them. Many of our foundation alumni appreciate Rotary but don't understand the top down method of organization. They don't understand some of the "old" ways of doing things. They love the four way test and love the activity - they don't understand the "cumbersome "methodology and process followed. Rotary is an incredible organization but we need to change - not just talk about it but really believe it and live it in all that we do. Listen to and respect new member, don't always fall back into that's the way we always did it. RI President Carl Stennhammer told a great story at his convention about skiers versus snowboarders. It is time to stop resenting the snowboarders and to incorporate some of their ideas.

At 10:20AM on 22 December 2008, Prakash Saraswat wrote: Our Club (www.rcvasco.org) has sponsored a new club Rotary Club of Dabolim getting many of the rotaractors who crossed the age of 30 and also encouraged them to get young people. It was easier to get them in one NEW club than try to mix them in our own club. Having joint meetings with such members can get some young members to our club also. The main issue of mixing up with people older is easily taken care of by this approach.

At 10:25AM on 27 October 2008, Laura Day wrote: shorter meetings, less cost, snacks--not meals, younger program topics, offer ways for them to promote their business, more spontaneity at meetings, young members want to be around other young members.....

At 8:37AM on 9 October 2008, Steve Bell wrote: I have a few points I think can help grow Rotary. As a brand new member to rotary and I just turned 31 makes me 7 years younger then our next youngest member and about 20 years younger then our average. -Rotary needs to be more visable in different circles. -I went to three different rotary groups till one asked me to join. -I believe head hunting younger members to help grow your rotary group would be key -co-host events with youth organizations like Junior achievements and youth business organizations. -get involved in pr events with schools and universities to grow the youth rotary -use social media to get the word out I'm sorry but I have never seen a brochure or any marketing materials. The list goes on and one but that is just a few that I wanted to cover. By the way I love Rotary so far!!

At 8:34AM on 6 October 2008, salie wrote: in my opinion rotarians should be in touch wit their sponsorin clubs as this will give rotaractors and intaractors a sense of belonging.however the songs should not be put aside as it brings about fun and most of them make sense.9120,nigeria.

At 9:09AM on 26 September 2008, Shanice A. Fyzool wrote: hi,im shanice and im 15 and was introduced to the rotary club today by one of its rotaracters,Ms. singh of trinidad, she did a great job educationg my school and I about this club!!! which we are willing to join,not to benefit but to make a difference in this crazy world!!!!so in the next week i would really like to be an interacter and make a positive change in our society PEACE,LOVE AND HAPPINESS...

At 3:24PM on 17 September 2008, PDG RTN DR MUHAMMAD AYUB wrote: Actually all of know that Every Rotary club sponsor a Rotaract club ,but we find that the relation between Rotary and Rotaract are not good.its our duty to involve the rotaractors in each and single project or programe ,so the gap will be finished and Rotaractors feel happy to join the Rotary after the age of 30 .Rotaractors feel that they are not fit with the Rotarians coz not involment.So it will be better we involve the youngers in every project.Like as exmple of Rotary club Nawabshah District 3270 pakistan.We involve the rotaractors in pur each project and programe,so now we have 8 Potential rotaractors to be a Rotarians.

At 8:57AM on 16 September 2008, Rtn.S.B.Sukumar R.C.Dharmavaram M T wrote: Every Rotary Club should sponser a Rotaract club, from there we can retain youngsters and one more thing we have to take the programmes we did to the public through media or some other way. Also have some family meets and entertainment programmes in clubs.

At 8:58AM on 16 September 2008, PP Rey Abellada wrote: Before we can recruit young members, we must have a club that is attractive to them. Programs should be innovative and should be fun without violating any of the tenets of Rotary. They should be able to identify themselves with the club and should be allowed to participate in all the programs. Their suggestions should be given due consideration and older Rotarians should learn the art of listening. Our club, the Rotary Club of Baguio Sunrise register about 50% of young members in their roster of members and they are very active.

At 2:41PM on 15 September 2008, PDR Tunde Ojo wrote: I think Rotary clubs should be more involved with activities of their sponsored Rotaractors, this create cordial relationship among the two parties. Rotaractors wants to belong to a group that respects and appreciates them. Until this is done, Rotary will continue to lose pool of Rotaractors that ordinarily should graduate to Rotary.

At 3:40PM on 15 September 2008, Betsy Demaray wrote: Many of the younger professionals are working for companies who do not cover their dues and who expect them to be 'on the job' throughout the day. Forming or converting to a breakfast club can help overcome both of those problems. 1) the breakfast meal generally costs less than lunch or dinner and 2) they can get to a meeting before the work day begins.

At 1:08PM on 15 September 2008, Terry Bass wrote: 1. Can't do it one at a time. Have to get a group to join at the same time, so that they don't feel alone. 2. Have active projects...helping local shelters, schools, etc. 3. Many clubs simply don't talk about business. Just not done. But that's what Paul Harris did and the younger people are deeply in it. Have the more senior members mentor, share experiences, offer support. 4. Engage and listen. Allow that the present "Rotary way" is not necessarily the "only" way.

At 1:07PM on 15 September 2008, nancy corliss wrote: I have a good example of a problem. One of my very good young employees just got back from a wonderful experience in RYLA. She likes to help in the community and meet new people. There was hesitation about RYLA due to her not being an "executive or manager." She will be in a few years, very likely, but not now. She was so excited after RYLA that she went to the Rotary website herself and realized she was not Rotary material. I think the emphasis needs to be about community interest and finding fun things for these younger members to be involved in. Her employer will pay the dues for her, so that is a plus. I want to make our club and Rotary International understand that this a a good potential member. I think we need to find a different emphasis than the idea of being an "executive" as it says on the website.

At 9:29AM on 15 September 2008, Greg Hill wrote: At the Downtown Topeka (KS) Rotary Club, we have begun live streaming our meetings to our website. Our members that cannot make the meetings can watch our meetings live or watch them later. While not aimed specifically at young people, it is the young people in many cases that use the internet for their connections to Rotary.

At 10:03AM on 15 September 2008, PDRR Moataz Sharmy, District 2450, EGypt wrote: THe best way to recruit Young members in Rotaract is by promoting youth program, espicially GSE, between the youth. All those who join GSE , coem back with interest to join Rotary Moataz Sharmy DRR 2007-2008 District 2450

At 10:07AM on 15 September 2008, Simone Carot Collins wrote: How about ASKING younger people to join Rotary, and if they say no, ask them what would prevent them / what they dislike about Rotary? I'm 31 and a past Rotaractor. I haven't joined Rotary yet, although I have been invited to join a few, for many reasons. As a parent with 2 young children, a big mortgage, multiple jobs and very little disposable income, what I want from a Rotary club is at odds with what all the existing clubs offer (including the singing! The previous comments that it is a huge turn off to younger members is very true!). However, I do believe in the great things Rotary does, and my husband and I plan to start a new Rotary club next year.

At 4:41PM on 11 September 2008, Debbie Corbett, NC, District 7680 wrote: 1) Be real, be efficient, dare to dig deep with projects, laugh, relax, have FUN, and sing! If its hokey, do the hokey-pokey. Even though people have busy lives, a Rotary meeting can be a positive energetic high point for the week. 2) projects that focus on youth, education, and the environment 3) 4 way test essay/illustration contest on elementary/middle/and high school level. This educates and involves the parents of school aged children 4) sponsor and strengthen Interact Clubs; host appreciation /awards night for Interact inviting parents 5) multi-task... a community project that involves the families (including young children) where members can actively engage in the work while socializing and doing good for the community 6) happy hour fellowships 7) softball/kickball/volleyball game against other local rotary clubs (if you can't play, you can still cheer) 8) Rotary Idol...

At 8:55AM on 11 September 2008, ROTR ONYENWOKE ESTHER wrote: craete more awayness to the younger once that are coming up futuer and let youth hand some important post in the club.am from District 9140 nigeria a

At 10:05AM on 9 September 2008, Penny Saurino wrote: When Rotary becomes involved with local universities through Roterac, we are opening the door to younger members joining upon graduation.

At 9:17AM on 9 September 2008, Penny Saurino wrote: I have two solutions for recruiting younger members. First, begin a Rotarac club at your local University. Once Roterac members graduate, invite them to join your club. Second, invite new professors to join your club. Service is a job requirement for professors and Rotary membership meet s that requirement.

At 10:24AM on 8 September 2008, Barrie Davis wrote: Do new members dislike singing at Rotary? Why? Singing is one of the best features of club fellowship. If you can't sing good, then sing loud! My observation is that once newcomers learn the words, they join in with great enthusiasm in belting out "Rotary, My Rotary" and the "Get Together Song." Most Rotarians dislike leading the singing but they truly enjoy singin with enthusiasm if not with skill.

At 9:26AM on 8 September 2008, Larry Johnson wrote: The Cedar Rapids West Rotary Membership Committee is struggling with this very question this month. We find that (1) younger members in our market are already involved in service projects through other organizations (2) the weekly time commitment is often a struggle (3) corporate support to allow time for Rotary service/involvement has diminished over the years (4) younger famillies are involved in children activities. We will give more effort to greet our visiting guests and follow-up after they attend a meeting, not once but continually for some time. We will include them in our weekly e-mail from our Club President. We believe the appeal to younger members must first come from our active members by asking guests, then showing value to the guests.

At 10:32AM on 8 September 2008, sundararajan wrote: in our Rc of Nanganallur, we developed a close friendship with all new and old members. This is helping us to control and retain the membership.

At 10:34AM on 8 September 2008, Dale Roberts wrote: Our club (Comox, BC) is currently embarked on an attempt to bring in a group of young members in one cohort. I have seen this work in the past. I joined Rotary at the age of 23. The average member in that club (Fairview, Alberta) at that time was in the 60s. Those members had the foresight to bring in about 10 new members in their 20s and 30s, all within a short period of time. It allowed us to feel comfortable, since we had other people who shared our age group, our interests and our concerns. Be warned- it will change your club. We did get rid of the song books. We did change from writing checks to getting our hands dirty. There is a club (sorry, can't remember which one) in California that started a RIOT (Rotarians in our Twenties and Thirties) in their club and they have become a very dynamic group. If you would like some ideas about how to bring in a group of new members at one time, go to www.clubinaclub.com

At 9:27AM on 8 September 2008, RTN. SYED AZMATULLAH RC: CHENNAI PHOENIX RD: 3230 wrote: The club should get involved in activities that build public image. Community Programs for Poverty Alleviation, Health and Literacy require priorities. 'Do more and Talk less' is the phrase that would attract Young Members.

At 9:29AM on 8 September 2008, Jay McCall wrote: I have just created my second Rotary Club. It is labeled "The New Face of Rotary" It is a back- to-basics approach by looking at why Paul Harris began meeting with professionals and business people in Chicago. He was a new attorney in the city and wanted to build the sense of community that he had experienced growing up. He wanted to build his practice and prosper in Chicago. This original approach is expressed in the elevator speech I use on an invitation to prospects: "Membership offers professional networking while engaged in projects and programs that enrich local and international communities." We chartered with 22 members in February and now have 28 members and continue to grow. At every meeting all members introduce themselves and what they do along with guest introductions. We only have happy bucks. We do not fine for missed meetings. We order off the menu so members can control food costs. We do not sing. It is hokey today as the club is comprised of mostly GenX. I am 70 and we range to a 22 year old GenY. It is key today is to answer the question "What's in it for me" when inviting new members. The best sales tool is listing the ten benefits of Rotary. They answer what GenX and GenY individuals can receive for their time and money.

At 10:14AM on 8 September 2008, Kelly Tiller wrote: Build the bridge between the old and new! Get members to spend quality time with younger potential members (maybe Rotaracters). Hold fundraising events like happy hours, bowling nights, hikes etc. that will attrack young people. Provide a space for sharing information about Rotary in a modern informal setting. More young people will learn how amazing Rotary is if someone reaches out to show them. You just have to go to them! I also think young people today like to be challenged. Give your Rotaract a project/goal and challenge them. I think many clubs will be suprised with how capable young people can be.

At 10:16AM on 8 September 2008, Ozgur KOSE wrote: I'm agree with Mr Ray and Gomides but if you want to attract the young peopel you have to also understand what kind of the approche have to create for this comunication. I think that a young peopel want to see also a differnt way in his live that's mean that we have to give him a vision for his live and help him to create or develop his carism. Of cours we can do this with accepted his participation (and sometime with accepted his leadership ) to ours projects, programs ect. Participation in ours activity wil be our best solution and of course we have to organise the leadership tranning, musical team, ect... Thats mean that ; the rotaract and interact club are very importants but we have to organise more than today the differants kind organisation with theire. District 2440 - Turkey

At 10:17AM on 8 September 2008, Ibebuike Odinakachukwu wrote: Let the young ones into active post in the club, when the come around. Then, give them room to initiate their own ideas. Also we should be followed up at times. You know we young ones have our ways.

At 10:17AM on 8 September 2008, PHF Shailesh Patel wrote: Younger members are real workers; They have new ideas, fast working attitude and different working style. Don’t think they are not mature, accept and understood them new working style with some new ideas and innovative views, appreciate them like big brother, involve them in activities, ignore some mistakes, forget ego, be friendly with them, so well come more and more new younger member and take advantage as much as you can in club and I wish your club will achieve high goals. PHF Shailesh Patel, Asst. Govn. (07-08), RC Mount Abu- Dist: 3050 - INDIA

At 9:25AM on 8 September 2008, Glen Agar wrote: We have a Rotaract Club, we have to focus on getting and keeping members there, different focus to the Rotary Club, and not the "gophers' for Rotary Club members, either. My view is to see what turns the crank of GenXrs and get them involved in short term, not long term things that they really are interested in: environment, third world and peace issues.

At 10:18AM on 8 September 2008, Hariharan Balakrishnan wrote: Individual effort is the best way. Spot talented and committed young people from your daily contacts, talk to them casually about something of Rotary that would interest them, take them to a few meetings and get their feedback. If selection is proper, even if 1 out of 5 become members, that memebr is likely to stay.

At 10:20AM on 8 September 2008, Rtn P.R.Aruloli, Technical Advisor, TRF of The Rotary International, RI Dist 3230, Phoenix Club 70895. wrote: The identification of leaders in business is a task to be understood by the Club members in the right perceptive. The committee of membership development will be formed and brain stroming will be done to plan, identify, approve and induct younger members.

At 10:20AM on 8 September 2008, Mukesh Mehta wrote: We ask the young members to rope-in their acquaintances and friends who are doing well in their vocations.These young people are invited to meetings and fellowships and the projects and once they get involved and motivated they join the club! Since 1st July'08 we've added 8 members to our existing 77,out of which 5 are young members. Mukesh Mehta ,Rotary Club of Ankleshwar,R.I.Dist.3060,India

At 10:22AM on 8 September 2008, Jodi Levine wrote: Especialy in these hard times, let the younger members know you are interested in there business.....If a Rotarian has no cash flow, well no dues can be paid, no charitys can be helped...the older members are in a different financal position. An awareness that younger member can-and are struggleing financially can make your Rotary a compassionate place to come to once a week.

At 10:22AM on 8 September 2008, Reese Mates- Barrington, IL. Noon Rotary Club wrote: Using all of R.I.'s amazing brochures, advertisement materials, and videos will show younger members exactly what Rotary is in very modern ways. After induction, give them all of the sites they need, materials, leadership support, and opportunities. Soon a leader will appear and with a strong supporting Club, there are no limits. That is what we are supposed to be doing anyway!

At 5:37PM on 5 September 2008, Teresinha Gomides wrote: A good thing to do is to support an interact or a rotaract club. Do that and get involved with them. Teach them about Rotary and ask for help in the projects of your club.

At 10:23AM on 8 September 2008, Terry Olay wrote: Young Members want family activites. They feel if they have left their family all day and Rotary has evening activities it should enclude family(i.e. Christmas parties)etc.

At 3:56PM on 5 September 2008, Dan Herbert wrote: Want to attract younger members? Get rid of those old fashioned song books and the sing song at the meetings. Young people find them hokey and don't come back. How many times have you heard "Is your club the one that sings every week?" Dan Herbert - Rotary Club of Washago - District 7010 - Canada

At 1:26PM on 5 September 2008, Ray Sanford wrote: Younger members are looking for meaning. They want real involvement and action, not just the club being another United Way. They want to get involved. Programs, Participation, Projects & Passion