Tuesday, October 8, 2013

The District Governor Nominee spoke to our club about the importance of attracting younger members, because the next generation does want to get involved. They tend to prefer service projects, and they don’t always want a meeting centered around a meal. A lot of members may ask, why attract young people? In 1997, Rotary had 1.2 million members and in 2013, that number is the same. Rotary membership is stagnant and in the US it’s actually declining. 

Clubs have to look inward and get inventive. They have to ask themselves, how do we get people involved? Some clubs are turning to fewer meetings and more service projects in lieu of that week’s meeting. Remember the four-way test, but consider adding a fifth question, “Is it fun?” 

He reminded the club that while Rotary International is their main resource, the district is there as a resource for handling administration and club training. If you have a problem, call on the district and they will help. 

As chair of the Youth Services committee, he is overseeing a lot of change. Currently our district has 33 Interact clubs, but that number is growing. Last year was the first time Interact was part of the District Convention, and 150 students showed up. 

As we continue to face an ever-changing society, Rotarians must adapt in order to stay relevant and further help our benefactors.