I’ve got a master’s degree in clinical nutrition, have owned a nutrition consulting business, and have had a life-long problem with weight. I know a thing or two about dieting!
I am a graduate and facilitator of Rotary Leadership Institute, have started a new stand-alone Rotary club (and failed), started a Satellite Rotary Club (so far, so good) and have personally recruited over 20 Rotarians. I know a thing or two about growing Rotary Membership.
To me, there are a lot of similarities between achieving a healthy weight and achieving a healthy Rotary Club membership. Let’s compare…
Healthy Weight | Healthy Membership | |
It’s not easy! It requires consistent, on-going focus. |
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Start with creating a supportive environment |
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Identify realistic goals and time frame |
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Choose an approach that appeals to you, and has proven success |
For me, a well formulated low carb diet offers the best chance of success. Info: here, here, here. (Disclaimer: consult your MD before starting a weight loss program.) |
Update club format and meeting times, as necessary, to be attractive to new members. Consider adjusting meeting time, location, format, food, service… |
Maximize success—make multiple changes at once. While it is frequently suggested to change one thing at a time, it is often easier to ‘go all in’ and make multiple changes at once, which increases rate of success and provides positive reinforcement of change.
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Engage on-line support and social media |
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Take personal responsibility | Attaining a healthy weight is YOUR responsibility, not your: doctor’s, dietitian’s, personal trainer’s, health coach’s or family cook’s.
Now, get up off your chair and DANCE! |
Growing club membership is EVERYONE’s responsibility, not just the club president’s and membership chair’s.
Help make your club warm and inviting!
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It’s a journey, not a destination. | Attaining a healthy weight is not a linear process. Expect bumps in the road and a need to make course corrections and refocus efforts. | Unfortunately, life events cause about 15% of Rotarians to leave each year, so new member attraction is an on-going process.
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Let’s get healthier in 2019—eat real food and share the gift of Rotary with a friend!
Another comparison: adding 3.0% pounds each year and in short order you weigh 400 lbs. Losing 3.0% of your club members each year (typical for U.S. Rotary Clubs) and you go extinct.
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