Page 3 - 2021-04-Rotary-on-the-Move-Newsletter-Zone-8

‘NURTURING ROTARIANS’

Article by PDG Euan Miller, Rotary Foundation Cadre, President RC of Norwood
In business when we open an account for a new customer, this is a red-letter day. While most

business success relies on repeat business from existing customers, it is the new customers that
provide growth. We nurture these new customers with extra attention and care because we know
how important it is for our business success long term.
In Rotary clubs we should do exactly the same. Sadly we seem to miss the mark so many times. Most resignations
from Rotarians occur in the first three years of membership. What was sold to these Rotarians when they joined
clearly was not what was delivered. A lot of work goes into attracting new members – when we lose them so soon,
we not only waste those resources, but we send potential service volunteers back into the community with a poor
public image of Rotary.
In my experience such Rotarian resignations occur because we have not nurtured these new members. We have not
embraced them, supported them and helped develop them as if they were new members of our family. Every
member has to play their part to build an ongoing friendship with every new member. It is so common for members
continue to socialise with their particular fellowship group within the club without recognising there is a new
member left on their own.
Secondly, we haven’t asked the new member what they really want to get out of Rotary. We haven’t placed them on
a committee or project necessarily that reflects their service interest or even asked them is there a project they really
want to do that the club could marshal its resources to assist achieve it? In my 40 odd years in Rotary I have never
found a Rotarian who has joined just to cook or serve sausages.

Thirdly sadly, Rotarians resign because they have not been treated kindly and with respect by all members of the
club. Women particularly have found it difficult to have happy and productive experiences in Rotary. Male members
have belittled them, often inadvertently, through inappropriate comments.
While it may be delegated to the Membership Director to ensure new members are nurtured and embedded happily
into the club, it is clearly the President’s responsibility to ensure this happens. Effective leaders are not just there
to set and achieve goals. They are there to ensure the tone of the club is such that every member is included, valued
supported and most important of all, is treated with respect. If a disturbance occurs, it is dealt with and resolved
immediately to ensure harmony is maintained.

Clubs should only lose members at death. If they are unwell, they should be contacted and visited regularly and
supported back into the club in whatever form their incapacity allows. If they relocate, they should be supported as
members until they re-join a new club. Again it is our obligation to help them select a new club with a culture that
will continue to support and fulfil them.

Treat new Rotarians as customers or family and you will keep them for life!

‘CAN YOU USE YOUR VOCATION TO “GROW ROTARY”?’
Excerpts from an article by Rotary Coordinator Zone 28 PDG Bill Robson
From Zones 28 & 32 January 2021 Newsletter, Beyond Borders

Vocational Service is difficult to define, so it is sometimes called the “Forgotten Avenue of Service”.
One reason is that Club, Community, International and Youth Service activities usually involve groups
of Rotarians. They enjoy the fellowship of Club Service, the satisfaction of serving the needs of their
communities, and the hope that their International Service promotes world peace and understanding.
But Vocational Service – the second Avenue of Service -- is generally conducted by individual members.

Rotarians are encouraged to focus on this important avenue of Rotary service. Discussions on vocational service can
lead to projects that not only develop the ethical consciousness and vocational skills of Rotarians but also the talents
within their communities
Here are five ways you can incorporate vocational service in your club activities and possibly “Grow Rotary”:
• Host a virtual club meeting at your workplace and share about your profession; take time to learn about
fellow members’ occupations.
• Use your skills and expertise to serve a community.
• Practice your profession with integrity and inspire others to behave ethically through your words and actions.
• Encourage local businesses to create mentorship, internship, or practicum opportunities to help young
people achieve their career goals.
• Guide and encourage others in their professional development.

Rotary on the Move April 2021 Page 3