Finding and keeping members
Use the
club brochure templates to tell prospective members about your club and its activities. Combine it with the Club Membership Inquiry Form for an even more effective approach.
T o be an effective, relevant, and vibrant group within a community, a Rotary club needs to continually admit new members and retain current ones. A club's ability to serve the community is directly related to the strength and size of its membership base. A club that stays active encourages Rotarians to remain connected to the organization.
“Each Rotarian: Reach One, Keep One”
"Each Rotarian: Reach One, Keep One," the membership slogan approved by the RI Board of Directors, is a reminder that every Rotarian is responsible for inviting new members and keeping clubs active and vibrant. It also stresses that retention is an essential component of a strong club and membership base.
To encourage the sponsorship and retention of new members, certificates that can be administered at the club level are available.
Finding members
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.
The club brochure templates are one way to advertise your club to prospective members. These files can be edited to suit different needs and geographic locations. Once you create your own brochure, you can print it out and keep copies to distribute to prospective members or the general public at club events. Prospective members can fill out and submit the accompanying Club Membership Inquiry Form if they’re interested in learning more about your club, including its community service activities. Clubs can use the form to learn more about prospective members and invite them to their weekly meetings, projects, or events.
When you’re approached by a prospective member, it is helpful to have a concise speech ready about Rotary and your club’s accomplishments. Read how other Rotarians describe Rotary.
To learn more about proposing an individual for membership in your Rotary club or a Rotary club in your area, visit the Proposing a New Member page or consult How to Propose a New Member.
Keeping members
Retaining qualified members is as critical to Rotary’s long-term health and success as inducting new ones. Current members who are dedicated, active, and motivated support the effective functioning of the club and are likely to attract new Rotarians.
Successful retention strategies include educating members and keeping them involved and informed. When a new member becomes active and connected, both the club and the member become stronger. Learn more.
If your club is aware of a member who is changing locations but still wishes to be part of a local Rotary club, encourage that person to complete the relocation form online or submit the PDF version.
Ideas for integrating a new member into your Rotary club include:
- Introducing them to other club members each week for the first month
- Encouraging them to become involved in club service projects
- Inviting them to attend meetings of sponsored Interact or Rotaract clubs
- Encouraging them to get involved in international programs such as Group Study Exchange or Rotary Youth Exchange
- Inviting them to neighboring clubs for a make-up meeting so they can learn about attendance requirements and observe the spirit of fellowship
- Asking them and their spouses to social activities, dinners, or other special events
- Encouraging them and their spouses to attend the district conference or RI Convention
- Appointing a mentor to help them become active Rotarians
For more ideas, consult the New Member Orientation: A How-to Guide for Clubs.
New member videos
Use this new member video to help acquaint new members with Rotary and show them how they can make the most of their membership.
Rotary Minute, a collection of testimonials from Rotarians, is also a good resource for introducing new members to the organization.
Related resources (PDF)
Membership forms