Rotarians discuss membership locally, worldwide

Though visiting Rotarians – in elected offices as well as just members – have long-since told the Rotary Club of Crowley it was doing well, the point was driven home Tuesday.

“Y’all have a strong club here in Crowley,” said Nick Simoneaux.

Simoneaux, past president of the Rayne Rotary Club, currently serves as the district’s membership chair. He spoke to the Crowley club Tuesday on the subject of membership.

Crowley, which currently boasts 79 members is always looking for new members, but the trick then becomes to keep those members. Apparently, that is a problem throughout Rotary International.

According to statistics Simoneaux shared, long-term membership is in decline in North America. In fact, clubs are losing members quicker than they can gain them and clubs are closing their doors faster than new ones can be chartered. In an average three-year span, two clubs close their doors for every one chartered.

Why is that? There are many reasons — society has changed, but the focus of the answer revolves around the value of a Rotary membership.

Just as the is case with a business, Rotary has to look toward accommodating its membership, changing with the times and providing good service to its customers, or members.

Simoneaux asked to identify one of the Crowley club’s newest members. Its newest, Jill Habetz, was in attendance for the meeting Tuesday. Simoneaux asked why she had joined. Though, put a bit on the spot, Habetz pointed to the club’s community service and networking opportunities.

Simoneaux then turned to one of the club’s more senior members, Mike McBride. His answers followed suit, with community service, and getting to see his fellow Rotarians on a weekly basis.

As it turns out, both Habetz and McBride’s answers were on par with a Rotary International survey done in recent years.

Rotarians with membership of five years or less listed service with peers, professional development and networking among their top reasons.

Rotarians with membership for six to 20 years listed service to the community and world and building and maintaining friendships as their top reasons.

Finally, Rotarians with membership of over 20 years listed maintaining friendships, service to the community and world peace as their top reasons.

Rotary, however, has to provide a value to its membership to keep members past five or so years, according to Simoneaux.

Part of that battle is understanding that Rotary faces “competition” from any civic organization, but that even things like work can be considered a competitor to Rotary for some members.

Crowley, again, has been fortunate as the club is very active in the community and continues to show a great value to prospective and current members, according to Simoneaux.

But if the club wants to keep up with its competitors and with society, it must recognize that Rotary must provide value to its members, Simoneaux pointed out.

At a recent summit, Rotary International President-elect “Ravi” Ravindran talked about how the organization must look toward this aspect, providing a great value to its members (i.e. what AARP does for its members with discounts and more), but Simoneaux believes even the clubs can look at doing something similar.

In the meantime, Rotary clubs must continue to provide an amazing experience for its members. It can do that by getting regular feedback from its members and matching members with their passions.