Have you considered Corporate Membership?

Article by PDG Stephen Lamont, Rotary Coordinator

A corporate membership allows Rotary clubs to involve a corporation – or for that matter - any business, non-profit, or government entity. It simply means that any business can offer an alternative Rotary membership to its employees. Sometimes the word “corporate“ scares people because they think it only refers to “big business“ in major cities. In discussions with clubs in smaller communities they ignore the corporate option because they do not see themselves as a corporate identity. Do not be scared by a word - the emphasis is to look at businesses in your local area that are an untapped source, and to establish a partnership and connection.

A starting point may be to look at the top three employers in your local area. Do you currently have club members from these businesses? If not, make a connection – because having corporate members increases the club’s membership while expanding its network and visibility in your community. Corporate membership also allows access to club fellowship and service opportunities with the possibility of a much smaller time commitment.

So, what are some of the advantages to offering corporate membership?

For your club:

• Attracts new members who might otherwise be unable or reluctant to join.
• Increases the club’s profile by expanding its reach to new, current and expanding businesses.
• Diversifies the club’s skill base and brings in new ideas.
• Creates new partnerships that can be used to address community challenges.
• By raising awareness there is increased resources and capacity for new service projects and activities.

For the Corporation or Business:

• Reduces the time commitment of any one member by allowing employees to attend meetings or service projects on each other’s behalf.
• Elevates the image in the community that they are a partner in service and so are committed to social responsibility.
• Emphasises a commitment to serving others as part of the corporate or business culture.
• Employees have access to a global network of volunteers.

So how does it work?

Your club can define corporate membership however it chooses, as long as you document in your club bylaws how the exceptions and benefits differ from traditional membership. Corporate membership involves an agreement with a business, which then pays for or subsidises the dues for employees who have this kind of membership. The corporation itself cannot be a club member – only people can be members of a Rotary club. The club offers corporate membership to individuals based on their employment at a corporation or other entity.

How can clubs implement corporate membership?

Your club can use the following examples or adapt them to fit your club:

• A business pays or subsidises dues for the primary member. Dues are not charged for alternate members who can attend club meetings in place of the primary member. This is often for up to 3 alternates.
• The primary corporate member is charged RI dues – so that person is reported to RI as the active member and is listed on the club’s membership list and Rotary database. The alterative members are not charged RI dues – and so are not listed in Rotary’s database.
• The primary member is provided with more flexibility because that person is not required to attend every club meeting or event – the alternative member can attend instead.
• A club charges a company a flat rate for a certain number of corporate members (often 3-5) and all may regularly attend club meetings or events.
• If RI dues are included in the flat rate – all corporate members are full active members of the club – and listed on the club’s and Rotary’s database.
• Dues may be charged at a different amount for club and district dues. This is determined by the club.

Clubs can decide the structure and model they wish to use – you have the flexibility. However, you need to make sure you document in the club’s bylaws what you decide so that all members understand the relevant differences and dues structure. Districts may also determine a different dues structure for corporate members – discuss with your District Governor if this is done or is a possibility.

Corporate membership is another way of expanding our reach and membership flexibility. Explore it as an untapped option for your club.