What Does Rotary Mean to You?

For many of us, the answer is both simple and complex.  Fundamentally, it involves connections.  Rotary is where I connect with my friends.  Rotary is where I’ve made connections to grow my consulting business.  Rotary allows me to do more, through the power of Rotarians locally and around the world, in partnership with The Rotary… Continue reading What Does Rotary Mean to You?

Growing Rotary Membership is Like Losing Weight!

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… Continue reading Growing Rotary Membership is Like Losing Weight!

Rotary, a Gift of Peace

In this season of festivities, mysteries, blessings and miracles, I reflect upon Rotary International and the profound impact it has had on my life.  I joined Rotary just seven years ago and since that time, I have gotten to meet, and get to know, hundreds and likely thousands of people I would otherwise not have… Continue reading Rotary, a Gift of Peace

Support Members, First

The 2018-2019 Rotary International President Barry Rassin is calling on Rotarians “…to do more, to be more, to create something that will live beyond each of us.”  He highlighted Rotary’s new vision statement, “Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change — across the globe, in our communities,… Continue reading Support Members, First

Service Above Self

He was tall and thin, of indeterminate middle age and with a pock-marked face. He commented about the weather, almost shyly while standing a little apart from the line in the fast food restaurant. My husband, David, and I had stopped on our way home from a Rotary training seminar, to get coffee and a… Continue reading Service Above Self

How will you be changed?

I am deep into planning for Rotary year 2019-2020 when I will be serving as District Governor for District 7710, in central North Carolina.  There is much to do, from light-hearted party planning, to identifying people to serve in numerous volunteer roles, to developing the critically important vision and focus for the year.  While the… Continue reading How will you be changed?

Member Engagement—Part 4

This is the fourth and final post describing the Membership Jumpstart template.  Today, we’ll review new member induction and orientation.  New member orientation is conducted inconsistently or is even nonexistent in many clubs.  I think the easiest way to handle orientation is to simply extend the regular meeting time for a few minutes once a… Continue reading Member Engagement—Part 4

Membership—Part 3

This is the third blog post in a membership development series, providing a foolproof template to membership growth.  Links to the first two parts of the series Part 1—Why Membership? and Part 2—Lead Generation and Publicity. A truly successful membership plan involves every club member in the process.  Ideally each current member sponsors a new… Continue reading Membership—Part 3

Why Membership?—Part 1

This is the first post of a multi-post series outlining a straight-forward membership development plan.  The next installments will be posted every day or so.  Stay tuned! Membership growth should be the top priority of the Board of Directors of nearly every Rotary Club.  Why?  More club members means: More friends! More opportunities for networking… Continue reading Why Membership?—Part 1

How will YOU Make an Impact as a Rotary Leader?

Rotary International, in the booklet Rotary Basics, illustrates how clubs are the hub, the central focus of Rotary International.  On page 3 it states:  “The club is the most important component of Rotary’s organizational structure.  … Rotary clubs are autonomous…” (emphasis mine).  However, as a club leader, sometimes it doesn’t feel that way.  Rather, it… Continue reading How will YOU Make an Impact as a Rotary Leader?