‘MEMBER ENGAGEMENT AND RETENTION’ The Current Situation …….The long-term trend across all Districts in Australia and NZ and much of the developed world is about 4% membership loss per year, but what would it take for us to have a net increase each year, rather than a decline?
Reasons for Leaving?
Rotary International survey data shows that the main reasons people leave are: · For members under 40 - life-changing event (work, move, relationships, children), club environment, cost or time constraint.
For members 40 to 60 - cost or time constraints, club environment, unmet expectations · For members 60+ - life-changing event (relocation, health), club environment, cost or time constraint.
Every individual has their own reasons for leaving and by the time they leave, some may not wish to share it. It is therefore up to club leaders and fellow members to observe those members who are perhaps not as engaged or are not attending meetings, and ask them how they are feeling about their Rotary club…is it meeting their needs? If not, can something be done about it? What is our Rotary doing about this????
Timing:
Some people will be familiar with the U-shape of faults in manufactured goods. Problems show up either early in use, or much later on, as things wear out or age. Membership in Rotary 38% of members who leave do so in the first two years. Then the rate drops to 4% p.a. over the next eight years, before rising again for long term members. Solutions This shows the importance of “onboarding” new members so they feel part of the club, how the club can meet their expectations, and provide learning about the broader aspects of Rotary International.
Clubs need to have formal or informal mentoring in place and ensure this is happening. The pandemic has hit all our members in some way or another (work, family, stress, financial). We need to show that we care for one another and allow people to share their issues—as the adage goes, a problem shared is a problem halved, However, nothing beats a phone call at a suitable time from a Rotary friend.. A healthy club focuses equally on membership growth and membership retention, and now is an ideal time to look at your club’s approach to both areas. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
GROW ROTARY BY MAKING MEMBERSHIP MEMORABLE Did you know that 80% of prospective members decide on their first visit whether they will join your club? First impressions are critical.