Engaged members are at the heart of who we are and what we do and they’re the key to delivering Rotary’s impact.

Article by RID Jessie Harman

GETTING THE MOST OUT OF YOUR ROTARY MEMBERSHIP

I have been speaking a lot lately with club and district leaders about the importance of member engagement. Engaged members are at the heart of who we are and what we do and they’re the key to delivering Rotary’s impact. When I speak with leaders, I talk about the important role they play in delivering a positive membership experience; about the things leaders can do to ensure members are involved, engaged and enjoying Rotary.

Yet I’m very aware that member engagement is a two-way street. There are a host of things that individual members can do to ensure they are getting value from Rotary. So here are my six top tips for getting the most out of your Rotary experience.

1. Find the projects that float your boat

Rotary is full of the most amazing projects - from building playgrounds, to mentoring young people, to providing clean water in remote villages and saving the world’s children from polio. Find the project that floats your boat and get involved. Help others get involved too.

2. Visit another Rotary club

Rotary clubs are everywhere and everyone is different. Visit another club; enjoy their fellowship, participate in their service projects, bring back new ideas to your club. Most importantly, remember that you are welcome at any other Rotary club around the world. So when the world does open up again, use your Rotary membership as a ticket to travel and truly experience the internationality of Rotary.

3. Share your ideas

No matter how long we’ve been part of Rotary, we’re constantly on the lookout for new ideas for service, new ways to communicate our impact, new strategies for growth. Share your ideas with other members; bring your experience to the fore and make a difference in your club. Strengthening Rotary is everyone’s responsibility.

4. Say ‘Yes’

Rotary is like so many things; the more you put in, the more you get out in return. Saying ‘Yes’ opens so many opportunities, not only to giving back to your community, but also to developing your confidence, your speaking skills, your project management and leadership skills, making friends and associates for life. I know you’re busy – but in Rotary, good things happen to those who say ‘Yes’.

5. Have fun

Even the most dedicated Rotarian wants to have fun. Participate in your club’s social activities, join a Rotary fellowship or participate in a Rotary friendship exchange. We know people join Rotary for service – but they stay for fun. So find the fun and get more out of your Rotary membership!

6. Wear your Rotary pin

Rotary is an amazing organisation and we’ve been making a difference in communities for more than 100 years. We are an organisation full of problem solvers and change-makers. We are people of action making positive and lasting change. We are the people who will soon eradicate polio.

This pin, our pin, means so much. It means trust, integrity, action and hope, and it is recognised all around the world. So wear your pin, proud to be a Rotarian.

So they are my six top tips for getting the most out of your Rotary membership. And as we get started in this new Rotary year – leaders and club members alike - I hope we’ll make an extra effort to get involved, have fun and be engaged with Rotary – in every way we can.