Resistance from a very traditional base to change meeting times, means that it is time to look at an alternative format. It is time to consider a Satellite Club.

Article by PDG Stephen Lamont, Rotary Coordinator

At a recent District event, the comment was made that a club which meets at lunchtime was struggling to keep members. Attraction was not the issue, rather the time of the meeting. With less people being able to commit to a lunch format, is it time to change the time of the meeting? Resistance from a very traditional base to change meeting times, means that it is time to look at an alternative format. It is time to consider a Satellite Club.

Satellite clubs are not a new concept. They can be formed with just eight members. They are also not a substandard form of a Rotary Club – Satellite members are Rotarians – they are members of a sponsor club. The sponsor club provides advice and support to the satellite club – and in time the satellite club can apply for a charter to become a standalone club ( once it grows to 20 members or more ) or it may remain as a satellite to its sponsor club. That choice is up to the satellite club and that decision is made on what’s right for its members. The relationship between sponsor club and the satellite club is considered permanent until the satellite club dissolves or becomes a standalone club. In some cases, the satellite club is the Rebirth of an existing club.

Satellite clubs also have other benefits:

• It can be a more affordable club experience. All members pay the same amount of dues to Rotary International – but clubs can choose to lower clubs dues.
• Provide a time and format that appeals to current members who can no longer attend at a current club time. Rather than be lost to Rotary – a new meeting time maintains engagement and membership in Rotary.
• Rotarians who are disenchanted in their current club might also want an opportunity to bring their skills and knowledge to a new club – and a different club experience reconnects them to their enjoyment of Rotary.
• An alternative meeting experience offers members the ability to experiment with different forms of club organisation.
• Offers service opportunities and membership experiences that appeal to a smaller, focused group.

Having an experienced member who is knowledgeable about Rotary – and importantly – committed to supporting the formation of a satellite club will help the new club succeed. Even better, why not consider a group of Rotarians to share the load? Mentoring of any new club by a support team, can also provide a positive experience to current club members. There is also the benefit of the sponsor and satellite clubs working together and expanding project possibilities.

What Resources are available to learn more about Satellite clubs? It is simple: Login to My Rotary and so some research. Look for the following:

• Satellite Club Frequently Asked Questions
• A Guide to Satellite Clubs
• Satellite Club Application
• Satellite Club Member Information Form