The District Growing Rotary committee identified a need to offer a more flexible model for people who found that the traditional model of Rotary does not necessarily suit their lifestyle.

Past District Governor Deb Gimblett is the champion of this idea and moved permanently to Christchurch 18months ago from Levin. DG Nick quickly realised her passion and asked her to join the District Growing Rotary committee.

Deb has had experience in starting new style clubs and was keen to be given the opportunity to start a Passport model to attract a diverse group of people who are looking for volunteer opportunities.

To date Deb has set up several interest meetings along with the support of members from the District teams. They have advertised on social media, in businesses and through personal contacts. As a result a growing group meets up regularly either in person or on zoom. They have had several social occasions to get to know each other, packed toiletry items for the Women's night shelter and Men's prison, given packaged sweets as a Thank You to the Christchurch Hospital orderlies and other staff who are in the Covid frontline, walked and fundraised for Mental Health awareness, planted trees at the Rotary Peace and Remembrance Park, and recently worked on a house painting project fundraiser.

What are the benefits of a Passport Club?

The benefits of a passport club include: 

• Flexibility — Having different options for getting involved accommodates members’ busy schedules, allowing them more choices for fitting Rotary into their lives. 
• Engaging meetings — Meetings can focus on service and socializing rather than speakers and meals. By visiting other clubs’ meetings, members can learn what other clubs are doing and bring new ideas to their club. 
• Broad appeal — A passport club often appeals to people who wouldn’t join a more traditional club and helps keep people who might otherwise leave in Rotary. 
• More connections — Members quickly build relationships across the district and beyond. 
• Stronger service projects — Connecting with members of other clubs presents opportunities for clubs to partner on service projects to create greater impact. 
• Affordability — Costs are kept to a minimum because meetings don’t include meals

How do they measure member engagement?
Because members are encouraged to visit other clubs’ meetings and take part in their projects and activities, passport clubs use measures other than meeting attendance to gauge club health. For example, some passport clubs require their members to participate or perform service for a minimum number of hours per year, which can include attending meetings of their own club or any other Rotary club, helping other clubs with fundraisers or projects, or participating in a service activity outside of Rotary.

What about dues?
Because they are members of a Rotary club, passport club members pay club and district dues, as well as RI dues. Club and district dues vary, while RI dues are the same for all active members on your membership roster. Passport clubs are free to set club dues at any reasonable amount. Whatever the amount, it’s important to make the breakdown of club, district, and RI dues clear so that everyone understands how much members are expected to pay.

Do you want to know more ? Contact Deb on 0211056139