How can your club attract and engage young professionals in the work Rotary is doing? What does the next generation of leaders seek in a membership organization? We will discuss best practices, teach successful strategies, and share energizing stories of connections between Rotarians of all ages that will motivate you to incorporate these great ideas in your club and district.
2. Haresh L. Ramchandani – Past District Governor
Rotary Club of Montego Bay East , Jamaica
Mandi Wendt
Rotary Club of Melbourne, Australia
Brittany Arthur
Rotaract Club of Berlin, Germany
Barry Rassin – Rotary International President-Elect
Rotary Club of East Nassau, The Bahamas
3. How do we engage
young professionals
These are
emerging
leaders
They live in
your
community
They are
eager to
contribute
4. • Drawn to Rotary through a
Contact
• Value Networking
• Develop Relationships
5. • Time & Finances as a hurdle
• Half identified SERVICE as a
initial motivation
13. 1. Remake
traditions.
2. Update
your lingo.
3. Don’t be
afraid of
social media.
4. Reduce the
cost of
membership
5. Provide
flexible
attendance.
6. Make it
personal.
7. Assign
mentors.
8. Meet and
don’t repeat.
9. Go mobile.
10. More than
brochures.
HOW TO
IMPROVE
THE
CULTURE?
15. What do you see in your
community?
What are you most
passionate about?
16.
17. LEVERAGE
SOCIAL
MEDIA
3 Steps for getting
started
• Know your target
audience
• Understand the
commitment that’s
involved
• Start Small and
focused
22. B r i t t a n y A r t h u r
BRITTANY ARTHUR
• Rotaract & Rotary
• Double Member: RAC Berlin and
RC Berlin-International
• 2016/17/18 Board Member, RI
Joint Young Leaders and Alumni
Engagement Committee
• 2015/16/17/18 Board Member
(inc. Immediate Past President),
Rotaract Club Berlin
• 2014 Rotary Zone Institute
Organising Committee
• 2012/13 Rotary Ambassadorial
Scholar from AUS to DE
23. B r i t t a n y A r t h u r
4 D R I V E R S O F Y O U N G
P R O F E S S I O N A L S
TODAY
Working with a mentor or a coach,
Rotating roles to gain experience,
Opportunities to grow professionally and personally
Collaborating on inspiring projects with colleagues we
enjoy.
24. B r i t t a n y A r t h u r
WHERE’S MY CLUB?
“ Y E S , M Y C L U B I S A
C H A M P I O N O F Y O U N G
P R O F E S S I O N A L S ! ”
- S H A R E Y O U R S T R A T E G I E S
I N Y O U R D I S T R I C T
- R U N E V E N T S A N D I N C L U D E
O T H E R C L U B S
“ W E ’ D L I K E T O A T T R A C T
M O R E Y O U N G
P R O F E S S I O N A L B U T W E ’ R E
N O T S U R E W H E R E T O
S T A R T . ”
- P R O G R A M I N A B I G C I T Y
- O F F E R A N E X P E R I E N C E
N O T M E M B E R S H I P
- B E C O M E A F R I E N D
“ N O T H A N K S , O U R C L U B I S
H A P P Y W I T H A N O L D E R
D E M O G R A P H I C . ”
- S T A R T A N
I N T E R G E N E R A T I O N A L
D I A L O U G E
- S P O N S O R R Y L A , R Y E O R A
R A C
45. This presentation and others
from throughout the convention
are available through the
convention mobile app and on
SlideShare at
www.SlideShare.net/Rotary_International.
46. Rate this session in the Rotary
Events app, available in your
Apple or Android app store.
This presentation will help you rethink membership, from a broad perspective down to a tactical level, that you can adapt to your area. We will look at characteristics of your audience, your club’s culture, ideas for outreach and engagement, and the long-term benefits of becoming a Rotarian.
New leaders are always emerging. They live in your community. They are eager to contribute. Younger professionals could make great Rotary members, but to bring them into our clubs, But we first have to understand them. This is essential for Rotary.
We’ve done some surveys and we have found:
Younger members are drawn to Rotary through a friend or business contact.
They value networking, for personal but primarily business purposes.
Many are interested in developing relationships with community leaders, those who could offer guidance or mentorship.
Some identified time and financial commitments as ongoing hurdles.
Only about half identified service as an initial motivation for joining, but to most it is clearly an important factor.
Some identified time and financial commitments as ongoing hurdles.
Only about half identified service as an initial motivation for joining, but to most it is clearly an important factor.
Audience
Culture
Connections
Engagement
Value
Understanding younger generations means understanding how changes in society affect them. Technology has given them the opportunity to customize nearly everything in their lives. But possessions don’t sit at the top of their wish list.
Rather, many share a unifying trait: a desire for experience. When young people invest time and money into something, it’s with organizations that do good in the world.
That’s Rotary.
Younger generations are eager. They’re motivated to change their communities and hope to move quickly along their career paths. They want to build a solid network and learn from mentors, from people with clout and experience.
That’s us.
Few organizations span generations and professions and build personal connections the way that Rotary does. We blend tradition with innovation and use trust and respect to close the generation gap.
It’s a compelling story. It’s our story. Let’s tell it.
Many of us have been able to get younger generations to visit a meeting or participate in a project, but getting them to join our clubs has been more difficult.
And yet, only 5 percent of Rotary’s members are under the age of 40.
How can we get younger professionals to join and stay? We can start by changing our perception of them. Many are interested in helping others. Yes, a lot of them are busy. But people make time for the things that add value to their lives.
77% of millennials are involved in a charity or cause
37% of millennials have canceled an association membership because of cost
61% of millennials and 57% of Gen Xers say becoming a leader is important to them
The pace of younger professionals
Today’s world is one of constant change. So many things arrive immediately — news, texts, status updates. For younger generations, that’s normal life. Shifts in technology and culture have allowed them to enjoy instant gratification and customize their experiences. To do things their way. Today.
At the same time, they crave connections. A network of more experienced professionals. Mentors with insight, with clout. They also crave experiences. They want to do good.
And that’s Rotary. People of action who come together to make positive change.
Millennials are attracted by the same things that attract retirees, Boomers at their apex, and Gen Xers with children. People, no matter the age want to feel a sense of purpose. They want to know they belong. They want to see they are making a difference.
Gen X:
Loyal to good leadership
Use traditional media (such as TV), but are increasingly active on social media
Prioritize spending on families (children, housing)
Seek work-life balance
Realistic and pragmatic
Millenials:
Expect immediate access to product information and peer reviews
Grew up with smartphones and internet
Seek access to products without the burdens of ownership
Dedicated to wellness, including exercise, eating smarter, and smoking less
Optimistic and idealistic
There’s a disconnect between how we see ourselves and how we’re seen by others. To the outside world, Rotary is viewed as an exclusive "old boys' club" that lacks diversity.
We need to change that perception to attract younger professionals.
We’re not old-fashioned. We need to talk about ourselves as we are: a modern membership organization that creates social change.
We also need to give ourselves a reality check: Are our clubs delivering on this promise? Are they vibrant and energetic? Or dull and stagnant? Are your members happy and fulfilled? Or dissatisfied or just complacent? Maybe your club needs to be a bit more like the leaders you want to attract and engage. You may need to make changes.
How to improve your club’s culture
Evolution is inevitable. It might be time to revisit how your club operates. But don’t discredit what your club is doing well. Show off what you’re proudest of so you can attract others who will help you do more of it. If you aren’t satisfied with the way it is now, or if you worry what it will be like if it continues its current course, you can change its direction.
10 action items to consider for your club
1. Remake traditions. Some traditions, like singing songs, ringing a bell, or reciting the Four-Way Test to start a meeting may be confusing and unwelcoming to guests. Try playing music in the background as members and guests arrive and socialize.
2. Update your lingo. Consider changing the way you talk about Rotary. You’re more than just a Rotary “club.” Show prospective members that you are more than meetings -- tell them about your service projects, networking and leadership development opportunities, and social events.
3. Don’t be afraid of social media. It’s where younger generations live and where they check in every day, if not every hour. If you haven’t already, create and maintain a social media presence for your club that shows prospective members what you’re doing and how they can get involved.
4. Reduce the cost of membership. The expense of Rotary can be a big turnoff. Be transparent about the breakdown of dues to the club, the district, and Rotary International and costs such as meals. Lower your expenses by rethinking your venue or meal. Instead of an expensive lunch, offer a la carte options or meet at a local pub. For more information, visit rotary.org/flexibility.
5. Provide flexible attendance. People are busy. Instead of requiring your members to attend make-ups, encourage them to attend a meeting online or count their participation in a service activity. Take advantage of flexible meeting policies so members can participate even when their calendars are full. For more information, visit rotary.org/flexibility.
6. Make it personal. Acknowledge and celebrate family and personal events like weddings, children coming into families, and big professional milestones or personal achievements. Make your club family-friendly: consider offering child care or welcoming families to your club events.
7. Assign mentors. Connect younger professionals with club members that match their interests, skills, or professional background. Mentors also benefit by staying engaged, honing their leadership skills, and building meaningful connections with other members.
8. Meet and don’t repeat. Clubs have the flexibility to meet how and when they want so it’s not the same get-together week after week. Make it a unique experience, something exciting that can’t be missed. Change up your meeting location, pique members’ interest about a new, exciting topic, and people will pay attention.
9. Go mobile. Younger professionals are more likely to communicate by text message than a phone call or email. After you’ve connected, stay in touch by text. Everyone texts. You need to, too.
10. More than brochures. Brochures and print materials are only part of your promotional plan. Digital communications are inexpensive, fast, and reach a wide audience.
Often, we are focused on just getting people in the door and providing a list of things they can be involved in.
We rarely ask, “What do you want see in your community? What are you most passionate about?”
We need to open the door and allow them to offer new ideas. To show them that Rotary is a place to learn how to solve important social issues. That your club is where they can share skills across generations. A place to find themselves.
Often, we are focused on just getting people in the door and providing a list of things they can be involved in.
We rarely ask, “What do you want see in your community? What are you most passionate about?”
We need to open the door and allow them to offer new ideas. To show them that Rotary is a place to learn how to solve important social issues. That your club is where they can share skills across generations. A place to find themselves.
Is there a cause you and your club members are passionate about? Find or join a Rotarian Action Group, and see how you can partner with members who are experts in that field.
Connect and partner with non-Rotarians in your club’s community to carry out service projects — organize a Rotary Community Corps.
Your local media — whether for TV, radio, online, or print — is always looking for great stories. Talk to them about your club’s community initiatives. Tell them how you identified a challenge or opportunity, mobilized club members and other community leaders, and took action to create a lasting solution. Visit the Public Relations section of Rotary’s Brand Center for guidance.
Leverage social media
Today, social media is thoroughly integrated with our personal and professional lives. A website alone isn’t enough; you need to be active on social media, where younger audiences are already spending their time. Social media is a vibrant, active community for your club members to meet prospective members and community leaders — it’s an extension of your club online.
Three steps for getting started
Know your target audiences. Get specific. Who are you trying to reach? What would capture their attention? Make sure you use this platform to showcase interesting service projects and exciting upcoming social and networking events your club is planning. Use a group or chat to connect with your members and talk about club business and operations like attendance and dues.
Understand the commitment that’s involved. Who in your club can regularly update your social media presence, and how much time can these members dedicate to it?
Start small and focused. Learn about each social media channel, and select the one that’s right for your club. Don’t take on more than you can manage. It’s better to have fewer social media channels that are updated regularly, than several that are out-of-date.
You’ve done your research. You've found emerging leaders in your community, set the narrative, and gotten their attention.
Now you have to keep it.
Make sure Rotary stays interesting to them — through what you say but, more important, through what you do in your Rotary club.
Ask potential members about their ideas, passions, and ideal service projects. Don’t just tell them about yours. See how their interests and strengths can benefit your club.
Connect on a personal level. Instead of saying, “You need to join,” try, “Rotary is amazing, and I think you might like it because ...”
When potential members express an interest in Rotary, help them find the right fit. Discuss what they want to accomplish, then reinforce how Rotary can help them achieve it. Don’t push them to join your club; maybe a different club is the right fit for them. Download Creating a Positive Experience for Prospective Members for ideas on how to attract the members your club wants and needs.
It’s not about lowering cost – It’s about Increasing Value
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