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Membership Minute
 
October 2020
Ideas for strengthening membership
 
 
Engaging alumni to strengthen Rotary
 
Each year, thousands of people become part of the family of Rotary by participating in Rotary programs, including Rotary Peace Fellowships, Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA), and New Generations Service Exchange. After a positive experience in these programs, Rotary alumni often wish to join a Rotary or Rotaract club. In a recent Membership Feedback Survey, Rotary found that:​​
  • 52% of membership candidates in our online membership leads system are current or former Rotary program participants or scholarship recipients 
  • 41% of Rotary program participants would like more information about Rotary membership 
If you want to help alumni continue their Rotary journey, here are three ways to engage them: 
  • Feature their success stories in your club and district communications to show that you value their dedication to service. 
  • Invite them to participate in your club and district service projects and social events.  
  • Work with your district alumni chair to find your local alums and get in touch with them. 
Learn how District 7780 (Maine and New Hampshire, USA) engaged with program participants to start the Rotary Club of New Voices District 7780, a dynamic club of younger professionals who are alumni of the district’s RYLA program. 

Ultimately, when we make alumni feel appreciated and show them how their contributions enhance Rotary, we strengthen our organization and increase Rotary’s capacity to do good in the world. 
 
The State of Rotary Membership
 
COVID-19 has posed new and previously unimagined challenges. But within every challenge can be an opportunity. The new State of Rotary Membership presentation shows how Rotary is doing as of 1 July 2020. The 13-slide PowerPoint presentation can be shared and is easily customizable to meet your region’s needs.
 
Member Leads Updates 
 
My Rotary has several new features to help club and district leaders see and manage the membership leads they get when people express interest in joining Rotary through Rotary.org. The system now allows districts to report it when a club has admitted a member. It also allows clubs to admit a candidate after the 30-day limit. (Under manage status, then change status, choose Club admitted candidate.) And, in the Member Center, under Refer a new member, the I want to refer this person to my club option allows all Rotarians to recommend candidates for their clubs. Learn more about Managing Membership Leads.
 
Service Above Self Award
 
The Service Above Self Award — one of Rotary International’s highest distinctions — honors Rotarians and now also Rotaractors who help others by volunteering their time and talents. Only district governors can nominate candidates for this award, and no more than 150 outstanding members receive the award each year. If you know someone who has demonstrated exemplary service, encourage their district governor to nominate them for the Service Above Self award by completing the online nomination form by 31 October.