Like most clubs, our challenge has been to attract new members. However, following a concerted effort of articles in the local press, Community newsletters, a stand at a Community Group’s Expo and advertising forthcoming speakers, our membership at the Rotary Club of Emerald & Dist. has increased dramatically in a short period of time.

Article by PP Shalini Penny, Rotary Club of Emerald & Dist.

Sounds great, doesn’t it? But the real challenge now is to retain those members. How do we ensure that new members are not overwhelmed, feel involved and understand what is going on? For those of us who have been around some time we know (or least have a good idea) of what all those acronyms mean, what Foundation does, what a citation is, what an Alumni is and that is before we get into RAM, RAWCS, ROMAC and RYDA. What a mind field though for a newbie!

So, our Club has created several processes that ensure that our new members are provided with as much guidance as possible.

Ahead of being inducted the prospective member is provided with adequate information about their financial outlay, what we do, what is expected on both sides and a ‘fireside’ chat occurs to cover off these items.

Whilst all members are there to help, a mentor is allocated to each new member to answer any questions plus their sponsor keeps close links.

Our newest initiative has been to hold an informal group weekend lunchtime catch up for the newest members and their sponsors. Educating by the running of videos and their discussion across the room has been the approach we have taken. The YouTube (5) What is Rotary? Service above self. - YouTube (Quick Rotary History video) provided the background. Then Foundation was explained via the Rotary Foundation receives highest rating from Charity Navigator for 15th consecutive year | Rotary International. The final two videos were compiled by club member and currently a Membership team member Kris Ash – the first explains what to expect in the 1st twelve months and gave links to the Clubs website where members can view documents including the historical record created of our Club’s first 40 years. The 2nd was our Club year 2022-23 in pictures which was nostalgic for some of us and amazed the new members by how much can be achieved during one year.

Going forward our priority is to ensure that all our members feel valued, involved, and have fun. They can contribute what and when they can. And hopefully are in it for the long haul and will feel like most of us - that we are an extended family and without the Club there would be a void in our lives.