While pressure makes diamonds, it doesn't always make Rotarians

Article by PP Damian Leach, Membership Champion Youth Programs, Alumni, & Younger Membership

Recently I had the privilege of being the Project Manager of the District 9510 Rotary Youth Leadership Awards program. This was the fourth time I have fulfilled this role over the past eleven years, and as those who have been involved in a youth program would recognise, each cohort is very different.

I did actively take a different approach this time when engaging with the participants about Rotary though, in that I spoke less of Rotary meetings and clubs, and more about projects, and the difference each person in the cohort currently made in their local community, and one thing they’d change if they could.

One of the exercises the leadership team did on the final day was working with the RYLarians to map out various projects to work together on after RYLA. This also provided the opportunity to encourage sponsor clubs in these projects also.

I was asked the question about what to say if their sponsor club asked them to join their club the night they presented about their experience. I advised them to politely decline.

One of my good friends joined the Rotary club that sponsored her the night she presented to them. She has had a very positive experience, but I also have heard many stories of clubs being offended when they have been told no, or joining and leaving after a couple of months due to not being a good fit.

My advice to these RYLArians was to ask them about their sponsor club about their projects. To attend a couple of their projects and/or meetings, and to see if they enjoy the club culture. I would much rather these young people find their place in Rotary, rather than joining a club out of what they feel is obligation, and leaving in six months.

My own club has been able to attract seven RYLA alumni in to our membership over the past ten years, not because we ask them the night they speak, but because we engage them in our projects and eventually they ask whether they can become more involved.