Why starting new clubs matters – and how you can take part!

Growing our membership is one of Rotary’s top priorities, both in the South Pacific and around the world.

More members means we can do more good in our communities. It also means more people can experience the personal and professional growth that comes with being part of Rotary!

And to grow Rotary in the South Pacific, it’s vital to not only ensure existing clubs are thriving, but also start new clubs.

Statistics show that regions where Rotary is growing are successful at attracting and retaining members in existing clubs, as well as starting new clubs. Conversely, regions with declining membership numbers do not start new clubs, or do not start enough new clubs to replace those that have closed.

In the last three years, Rotary South Pacific chartered just over twenty Rotary clubs – not enough to replace the close to 120 clubs that resigned their charters over the same time.

But you can help grow Rotary by being a new club champion! You can identify opportunities and gaps where a new club could flourish in your community.

But won’t a new club draw members away from existing clubs? No!

Worldwide, 88% of members in new clubs are new to Rotary. New clubs can also attract a more diverse range of members, which can lead to better problem solving and outcomes.

In Rotary South Pacific over the last number of years, 54% of people in new Rotary clubs are women and 21% are under forty years old. This is impressive given that overall, only 32% of members in our region are women and only 4% are under forty.

By being a new club champion, you can help increase and diversify Rotary’s membership.

Here are our three top tips on how you can be a new club champion and start a successful new club:

Tip #1: Identify needs that are not being met by existing clubs in your community

There are many reasons for starting a new club.

Perhaps some prospective members in your community would prefer to meet online, but nearby clubs only meet in person.

Maybe they would like to meet in the evening, but there are only breakfast clubs in your area.

Some people may want to join a club that focuses on a specific cause they’re passionate about – a cause that existing clubs in their area do not address.

Or some potential members may want a less formal club experience with more hands-on project work. If all their local clubs offer a more traditional experience with meetings held over a meal with a guest speaker, these prospects will be far less likely to join Rotary.

These are the kinds of people who could thrive in Rotary but cannot or do not want to join existing clubs. They need a new club that meets their specific needs!

By identifying your community’s unmet needs, you can discover the perfect opportunity to start a new club.

When David Kenny from the Rotary South Pacific Membership Team asked his local community about their needs, he discovered their main concern was injured wildlife. That’s why he helped start the Rotary Club of SEQ Wildlife Rescue, one of our region’s newest clubs. Read about how the club was chartered here.

Tip #2: Craft a club experience that meets prospective member needs

While all clubs share Rotary’s values and passion for service, each offers a unique experience. That’s why new clubs can come in all shapes and sizes!

 When you start a new club, you’ll need to decide on the type, meeting format and model:

• Club type: Will it be a Rotary, Rotaract or satellite club

• Meeting format: Will meetings be in person, online or both?

• Club model: Will the club adopt a traditional model, with meetings featuring a meal and guest speaker? Maybe the club will be cause-based, passport, corporate, or another popular model. Or perhaps you’ll create your own model!

 You can tailor your new club to meet community needs and prospective members’ preferences.

 For more information, read Rotary’s guide to club types, formats and models.

Tip #3: Don’t be afraid to ask for help!

Starting a new club is incredibly rewarding, but it can be daunting as well – especially when you’re just getting started.

If you need some support to turn your idea for a new club into a reality, submit a request for assistance via our easy to use form. The Rotary South Pacific Membership Team is here to help!

If you’d prefer to discuss, email Rotary South Pacific New Club Development Chair Michael Buckeridge or the Rotary South Pacific and Philippines Office.

For more information, visit Rotary’s start a club page and read Rotary’s guide to starting a new Rotary club.