Membership pilot programs show positive results during first year

reprinted from the Rotary Leader, March.

Freedom to determine meeting frequency, membership types, and operations has potential to strengthen clubs Improved club morale, membership growth, and

diversity are some of the benefits cited by clubs participating in four pilot programs launched in 2011-12. The pilots — Associate

Membership, Corporate Membership, Innovation and Flexibility, and Satellite Club — involve more than 700 clubs and run through 2013-14.

At the October RI Board of Directors meeting, pilot clubs’ one-year progress reports were presented. Nearly all of the clubs said participation has had a positive impact, particularly on club morale and friendship. Attracting and keeping members has been another positive outcome. While all the clubs reported membership growth, those participating in the

Satellite Club and Associate Membership pilots showed the greatest increase. The number of female members and members younger than 50 increased

across all the pilots. While clubs acknowledged that much of the first year was devoted to implementing the pilot, the progress reports show the growing potential of

the programs.

THE FOUR MEMBERSHIP PILOTS:

offers a trial membership without the full rights and responsibilities of active members

gives companies the opportunity to become partners of their community’s Rotary club and appoint up to four employees as active members

provides freedom to create a club that better fits members’ and community needs

allows clubs to conduct multiple meetings during a week, each taking place at a different location, day, or time.