RECOGNITION OF MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES

Each year, Rotary International recognizes up to three clubs from
each district for implementing proactive and creative initiatives in
three areas:

• Attracting new members
• Retaining existing members
• Sponsoring a new Rotary club or clubs

DG 2013-14  Erwin Biemel congratulates the following clubs who have received these awards for their membership successes during 2013-14:

ATTRACTING NEW MEMBERS

Awardee:  Rotary Club of Esperance

The Rotary Club of Esperance targeted prospective Rotarians from the business community within Esperance and the local district.
The Club sent invitations to prospective members inviting them to come to a Rotary information night, followed up by personal
approach from a nominated member.

All positive responses were allocated a member to pick up the possible new member and host them for that meeting and other following meetings.

These efforts resulted in an increase of 5 younger members in a 9 month period that joined the Club.

RETAINING EXISTING MEMBERS

Awardee: Rotary Club of Mill Point

The Membership Committee of the Mill Point Rotary Club have instituted a Special Training for Action in Rotary (STAR) Program.

New members and their ‘mentors meet on a bi monthly basis. Each meeting focuses on a Avenue of Service and allows participants to learn Rotary detail and how it relates at club level. The Membership Committee develop series of questions and these are distributed before the meeting. Committee take turns to host the evening and invite guests, as well as the current Director of the nominated Avenue of Service.

The President has also invited ‘observers’ from other clubs to encourage them to also adopt the STAR program.

Whilst the questions focus on the Avenue of Service, they include the activities that Club facilitates and coordinates.

Participants learn about the history of Rotary, of their Club and are able to question in an informal way. This encourages Mentors to take responsibility of the newest nominee, and gives the Committee the opportunity to gauge them.

Engaging new members from the start and ‘checking in’ on how connected they are to the club is vital. It spread a wider understanding of Rotary and the club, enables members to be aware of club activities and how and where they can contribute and take ownership.

SPONSORING A NEW ROTARY CLUB

Awardee:  Rotary Club of Southern Districts

The Rotary Club of Southern Districts accepted the invitation from
DG Erwin Biemel to sponsor the new E-WA Rotary eClub.

In supporting the formation of a new satellite eClub, the Rotary
Club of Southern Districts has supported the formation of the first
satellite club in D9465.

The E-WA, Rotary Club of Southern Districts is helping to open a
whole new frontier of Rotary experiences in WA.

Once numbers increase it is anticipated that the E-WA will become
a provisional Rotary Club, the final step to chartering as a new club.