Regional membership plans offer a new tool for attracting and retaining members

When it comes to increasing membership, one size does not fit all, says Manoj Desai of the Membership Development and Retention Committee.

Understanding a region’s unique needs, customs, and historic trends can greatly enhance the ability of district leaders to bring in new members and retain existing ones.

The RI Board of Directors recently approved the development of regional membership plans that take these differences into account. Most of these plans were approved by the Board in May. Some regions are still developing their plans and will submit them to the Board in November.

District Governors for 2011-12, 2012-13, and 2013-14 will receive their region’s plan or be told the status of their region’s plan by the beginning of their term.

By using these plans as a starting point in drafting membership and retention goals, along with an action plan to meet those goals, leaders will be better able to help RI meet the membership goal recently set by the Board: 1.3 million Rotarians by 30 June 2015.

“Members are the lifeline of Rotary International,” says Desai. “The chief benefit of these regional membership plans is to make Rotary vibrant, have positive membership growth, and be the number one volunteer organization in future years.”  Read More ...