Membership stagnation which has for about two decades hovered around the 1.2 million mark is one of the key concerns for the leadership in Rotary. The global demographic profile shows an aging membership with a trend of slow growth in North America, United Kingdom, Australia, parts of Europe and other strong Rotary regions. However, Africa has been identified as one of potential areas of structured growth for Rotary. Indeed, Africa will have its own zone soon, a position than can only be sustained by Africa growing to 35,000 Rotarians.
This challenge is reflected in our District goals for the Rotary year where we are targeting a net growth of two members per club and the formation of at least thirteen new clubs. As part of the overall growth strategy in Africa, an increase in membership to 3,000 in D9102 will push Africa towards the goal of sustaining a zone.
As we focus on membership development this month, I would like us to address our minds to the importance of membership to Rotary. The core of our motto ‘Service Above Self’ is hinged on the word SELF. Together, you and I form the membership of Rotary so without membership, there is no Rotary and without our organization, we cannot undertake the service projects that translate in Rotary ‘doing good in the world’. As Rotarians we must recognize the importance of members. Just as good businesses treat their customers well in order to keep them, so must Rotary clubs.
What are you doing as a Rotarian to remain a member of your club, to make your club interesting for existing members and attractive to potential members? Fundamentally, each and every Rotarian has a primary responsibility to his or her own Rotary club, so efforts membership retention and enhanced fellowship should be addressed at that level. Within D9102, every Rotarian must make it a commitment to invite as least one person to visit your club bearing in mind the policy direction towards females and younger Rotarians. You enjoy your club meetings if you are active and committed to making your club a vibrant club. We must enhance fellowship by taking advantage of the numerous fellowship and networking opportunities in our clubs as well as other clubs in the District.
It is my expectation that we will inspire each other to enjoy Rotary and contribute our quota in enhancing a positive membership experience of all Rotarians so we exceed our membership goals for the year. JEFFREY AFFUL District Governor 2018-2019 Rotary International District 9102
JEFFREY AFFUL District Governor 2018-2019 Rotary International District 9102