This positive movement in the membership is very encouraging and gives the confidence that as a District we are moving in the right direction.

Article by PP Renga Rajan, District Membership Director- ADG D9675, Secretary Rotary Club of Granville.

First time in the last 5 years our Rotary District membership has shown a positive year-on-year growth from 1,276 to 1,278 as of 4 April 2022. Though the number might look very small, those who have been tracking our membership over years had their own concerns regarding dropping membership. This positive movement in the membership is very encouraging and gives the confidence that as a District we are moving in the right direction.

This was made possible by the wonderful efforts of our club presidents, District membership team and nominators. I would like to share the roadmap of this successful journey so far;

• I had an opportunity to give membership presentation in 16 clubs.
• Personal visits to 24 clubs
• Need-based multiple visits to 8 clubs.
• Focussed discussion on EOBO Concept during visits and presentations.
• In the last 34 days we have inducted 14 new members.
• There are 4 new prospective members of Botany Randwick Club o be inducted. I am confident we will try to retain the 2021 membership + 14 new members = 1,290.

Our Strategy:

1. Each one brings one (EOBO)
2. Membership retention
3. Cultural diversity
4. Flexibility
5. Increase members’ participation in service projects.

Data Support was provided:

Customized demographic data and below statistics were provided to the clubs to work on the targeted segment to drive membership growth.

1. Area population details.
2. Employment segment.
3. Age-wise distribution of the population.
4. Cultural diversity in the area population.
5. Number of households.

Membership retention:

Discussed with the president various activities that could support membership retention.

1. Understanding the member’s interest in getting associated with different activities of the club, gave an opportunity for the Club leadership to get connected with the members and understand their purpose and motivation.
2. The club leadership was encouraged to engage members in the execution of projects which were closer to their passion.
3. The club leadership was encouraged to reflect on projects and activities from the past which attracted most of the members and they could be repeated if it was relevant in the current settings.

Cultural diversity:

With the changing landscape in our demographics, a large segment of young families with culturally diverse backgrounds are missed on our new prospective member engagement activities. The statistics presented showcased the presence of culturally diverse families in each of the club catchment areas and provoked the thoughts on how they could be engaged. We started to taste the success by getting good quality members across various clubs, because our club presidents and members engaged the new and diverse members in the projects. Continuation of this effort will ensure a healthy mix of diversity in our membership resulting in a stronger District 9675 which can continue to focus on delivering good quality projects to the betterment of our communities.

Conclusion:

Overall, we have just started our journey to work on our strengths and give shape to our member’s expectations and passion. We are quite confident that our above approach will not only retain our membership but also will attract new energetic members to the Rotary fold. The District leadership team would like to thank every one of you for your dedication and support to grow our membership to next level.