Toss the word Rotary out in any business circle today … and dinosaur images loom back. Old … out of touch … less relevant to young upstarts …
Have you heard similar associations? It doesn’t have to be that way.
The most successful Rotary clubs tend to stage linchpin activities, such as the three listed below to enlist the young and the vibrant into their ranks:
1. Address current business problems with solutions in mind. Yesterday’s answers rarely resolve today’s business concerns … but seasoned leaders hold skills that could jettison business solutions to those still running along fast paced tracks.
Imagine a Rotary meeting where struggling members shared barriers that hold back their business … while others jumped in with winning resolutions. Have you seen it happen?
2. Rework "service above self" mantras to fit into hectic schedules of pressured professionals. Have you noticed how service opportunities for younger leaders hot in the field ... often differ dynamically from service activities championed by retired Rotarians?
How could your Rotary gatherings shift gears enough to inspire younger professionals at the center? Why not ask for ideas at your next meeting and watch winning suggestions emerge? Or start with a question to trigger your club’s genius. How about this starter … “How could revised service opportunities sponsored by this club draw on more talents from newer members?”
3. Ratchet up networking events to build deeper bonds across members at Rotary meetings. Meaningful contacts are missing for many busy professionals out there. Expert Rotarian facilitators who bring together different ages, genders and careers … will likely also connect people and projects meaningfully for community service. It takes change though .
What could your Rotary club alter today in order to welcome young professionals tomorrow? Perhaps more importantly … if you are looking to interact with new members … “What would you suggest to draw more professionals into the service above self section at a weekly gathering?” Once you have your answer … implementation is an easy addition.
What do you think?
I'm with you, Ellen. Rotary is designed for business professionals and needs to be vibrant to meet the needs of today. The way meetings are conducted can either make or break the desire for young professionals to join.
Organizations that grow and change remain vibrant.
Thanks for a very thoughtful post on this topic.
Posted by: Robyn McMaster | August 23, 2008 5:36 AM | Permalink to Comment