Recruiting and Retaining Members

Recruiting and Retaining Members: Food for Thought

By Sandi Froese, Director of Club Service – 2016-17

McKinney Sunrise Rotary Club 

The ideas for increasing Rotarian membership were adapted from a blog by a United Methodist pastor named The Rev. Adam Hamilton, Senior Pastor of the Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, KS. He used the analogy of choosing a restaurant as an analogy to choosing a church. I have adapted his ideas for attracting prospective members for Rotary.
The first restaurant described was an old-fashioned diner where the food was bland but consistent. They serve inexpensive meals like Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast, Panfried Liver and Onions, and Salisbury Steak with Mashed Potatoes. No one complains about the food, but no one gets excited about it either! Nothing has changed in 25 years including the waitresses. The place was nearly deserted except for four tables of people over the age of 65.
The second restaurant is in a newer part of the city and is hip with an interesting atmosphere. The waiters and cooks are friendly and the menu looks exciting. In spite of great service and a great atmosphere in a great location, the food was not bland, it was bad! Although the people were young and hip I can’t think of a reason to go back– unless to “people watch.”
The third restaurant is a great little restaurant that offers great good, great service and a pretty good atmosphere. The only problem is that no one knows about it. They are off the beaten path in a nondescript building with very little signage — and no advertising in a phone directory, website, newspaper or on social media. Only the same people who knew about this “best kept secret” keep coming.
The fourth restaurant has excellent food, great service, an inviting atmosphere, clean restrooms, and an enjoyable experience for the entire family. Kids love to go there because they have interesting selections on the menu for kids to try. The parents love it because of the camaraderie where “everyone knows my name.” Although the restaurant is busy, there is plenty of free parking and generally a short wait. It is a hit!
Of course you caught the analogy. Successful Rotary Clubs are like successful restaurants and struggling Rotary Clubs are like struggling restaurants. Read through the descriptions again! Which “restaurant” describes your Rotary club?

What are the “ingredients” and critical elements for a successful Rotary Club to continue to grow and thrive? (Listed in no particular order.)

• Friendly, excited and energized members
• Warm, well-maintained, updated and inviting facilities
• Good food attractively served
• Immediate follow up of first-time visitors
• Relevant, interesting and inspiring programs
• Opportunities for socializing and networking
• Orientation of new members to get them connected
• Captivating service projects that meet the needs of the community
• Regular and high-quality advertising and marketing
• A compelling vision, purpose and mission
• Access to parking
• Officers and leadership who are passionate about the ideals of Rotary

When a Rotary Club can pull them all together, regardless of the size of the town, demographics, or socioeconomic group, you will find a dynamic and growing membership. How can you use your talents and skills to help your Rotary Club become a growing, dynamic and exciting club that prepares members for “service above self?”