I hope you are part of the LinkedIn social networking site. They have tremendous online discussion forums.
Here is an excerpt from one:
The start of the discussion asks:
Rotary's future: Are we withering on the vine, or looking to re-bloom?
About a month ago I read a message stream about how Rotary is a shrinking organization for a variety of good reasons. One of the things my club has struggled with is to find ways to be relevant and attractive to younger candidates. We are a 100 year old organization in the heart of downtown Dallas, and often find ourselves silted-in to "the way we have always done things." I have to believe it is possible to be traditional AND relevant. The challenge is to get those in charge to embrace change. If anyone has any specific suggestions on how to make that happen I would be most appreciative.
Part of one response has been:
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| At a recent Rotaract meeting in Wellington |
An aging club (We all are aging) with great core elements needed some up front system. That is done. The outreach to the younger business population in the community is an ongoing effort now. We have a civic mentoring program, but it is not tied to membership, which is a loss of opportunity. Our PR is outstanding for club exposure, but could improve for message for membership goals. Our social programming (Fellowship) is very good and comfortable for the older membership, but needs thought and strategy for younger members to be targeted well. Interact and International Youth Exchange efforts are solid, but I do not think the effort necessarily translates fully effectively in to putting the firm seed of membership in young participant's minds.
A very interesting article and discussion on this can be found on the Rotary International web site at:
http://www.rotary.org/en/MediaAndNews/News/Pages/110120_IA_ischkin.aspx
I guess that a key question we all need to ask is "What is traditional"? What does that mean? Is it to be a very effective engine of service in the community and fellowship of business and community leaders? Or is traditional to be a weekly coffee club where old friends enjoy time together and change is viewed as a threat to Rotary's traditions?
Schools increasingly have requirements for community service. Younger workers EXPECT companies to be part of their communities more and more, and to offer volunteer opportunities to their work force. That is clear. This cultural shift is a great opportunity for Rotary to remain vibrant. But, I do not think Rotary can do that without evolving to stay relevant with the next generation of leader. If we do not market to that audience, that audience will find other things to do.
A very interesting article and discussion on this can be found on the Rotary International web site at:
http://www.rotary.org/en/MediaAndNews/News/Pages/110120_IA_ischkin.aspx
I guess that a key question we all need to ask is "What is traditional"? What does that mean? Is it to be a very effective engine of service in the community and fellowship of business and community leaders? Or is traditional to be a weekly coffee club where old friends enjoy time together and change is viewed as a threat to Rotary's traditions?
Schools increasingly have requirements for community service. Younger workers EXPECT companies to be part of their communities more and more, and to offer volunteer opportunities to their work force. That is clear. This cultural shift is a great opportunity for Rotary to remain vibrant. But, I do not think Rotary can do that without evolving to stay relevant with the next generation of leader. If we do not market to that audience, that audience will find other things to do.
