Membership Assessments

[Kristin K]

Club membership assessment is an ongoing — and vital — part of every 

club’s operations. Uncovering your club’s strengths and weaknesses is an 

essential step in creating an effective plan for membership development. 

The Membership Development Resource Guide (417-EN) provides the 

framework for building, supporting, and sustaining a strong Rotary 

club. Recruiting new members, retaining existing members, and 

organizing new clubs remain the three vital components of membership 

development within Rotary. Below I will explore some of the areas that the Rotary Membership Assessment and Planning Guide.

First, you can look at the current state of your members - their classifications, and diversity by age, gender, ethnicity, and and profession.  You can look at the Orientation program for new members - how are you helping educate your members about Rotary's programs, action groups, and fellowships.

A few questions you can ask your club, and its members:

What makes this club attractive to new members - for Rotarians, and non-Rotarians?

What aspects of this club pose a barrier to attracting new members?

Then it's time to look at your plan:

What are your membership goals, and how do you plan on achieving them?

Here are some examples from the Rotary Membership Assessment Tool "Planning Guide for Effective Rotary Clubs":

 Develop a retention plan that focuses on maintaining high levels of enthusiasm through participation in interesting programs, projects, continuing education, and fellowship activities

 Ensure that the membership committee is aware of effective recruitment techniques

 Develop a recruitment plan to have the club reflect the diversity of the community

 Explain the expectations of membership to potential Rotarians

 Implement an orientation program for new members

 Create a brochure that provides general information about Rotary as well as specific information about the club for prospective members

 Assign an experienced Rotarian mentor for every new club member

 Recognize those Rotarians who sponsor new members

 Encourage members to join a Rotary Fellowship or Rotarian Action Group

 Participate in the RI membership development award programs

 Sponsor a new club

What are some ways that you or your club has helped gain new members, retained members, or have focused on membership?

Taken from Rotary International's Club Assessment Tools: A Companion Piece to the Membership Development Resource Guide.