District Gov. Kola Alayande, Ph.D, addresses the Rotary Club of New Berlin.
Membership growth possible with right strategy
Building membership is a hot topic in Rotary and elsewhere today. Chambers of commerce and other professional organizations are challenged to add and retain members. Rotary clubs are no different. Some are doing well -- actually growing -- while others are in the rebuilding stage. Such is the case with the Rotary Club of New Berlin.
We were fortunate to have our district governor, Kola Alayande, talk with us during our Oct. 9 meeting. Alayande, a member of the Mequon-Milwaukee Afterhours club, shared his ideas for building membership. While he was speaking directly to us, his suggestions apply to any club or organization.
First, don't make assumptions about people. Even though they work full time and have families, they might be interested. "We're telling ourselves not to talk with them," Alayande says. Approach anyway. Talk about the good program you're a part of, and get their feedback.
Then, set modest goals for growth. Each member of his club is to recruit one new member during the year. They tell themselves, "All I want to do is find one person in 365 days." Don't put the burden on club leadership. "It's everyone's responsibility," he says.
He won't accept the excuse of "I'm busy." Alayande attended five Rotary meetings on the day he visited us. That was after running two errands and holding two online courses.
Alayande recommends talking with 10 to 20 people. You may get three who express interest, and one who joins. Understand that club personality plays a big part. A given prospect may not be a good fit for your club. "Does the club culture fit the person?" he wonders.
As for prospective members, "it's not about age. It's about commitment." He knows of Rotarians in their 80s who are "gung ho." Alayande looks for people across the spectrum who would make good Rotarians. And not just professionals, either. Alayande suggests searching for people from other job classifications.
Encourage networking among your members. Rotary started as a networking group. Each of us has connections, and "what young professionals need are warm contacts. If you subscribe to the Four-Way Test, you are an honorable man or woman." Young professionals seek that sort of culture.
But don't forget your existing members. If you don't take good care of the members you have, you'll be too involved in chasing new ones.
His "most important" tip: Ask people. Don't assume, and don't judge. "There is no perfect way to solve the problem with membership," Alayande says. "We can only do our best."