Library Articles of Interest

Be a Vibrant Club develop Your Club Leadership Plan

Your Rotary Club

"What is your club like? Is it fun and energetic?' 'Does it stand out and make you proud?' 'Does it have its own identity?' 'Is it known for a signature activity?' 'Are its members diverse?' 'Open to new ideas?' 'Involved?"

"When you think about your club, is it everything you want it to be?"

This guide provides best practices of successful Rotary clubs that can help your club become a more vibrant one.

Rotary’s History of Service

The Object of Rotary and the Avenues of Service capture the spirit of service that has long defined Rotary. Today, Rotary clubs carry on the tradition of service by meeting the needs of their members and community and by staying relevant, flexible, and innovative for their members and community — each club in its own way. The tradition of service can take many forms. "How will your club continue this tradition?' 'Will your club take advantage of its autonomy to reach its fullest potential?"

Best Practices

Strong clubs foster innovation and flexibility. This collection of best practices is intended to strengthen clubs — the first priority of the RI Strategic Plan — by motivating members to implement new ideas to increase the vitality of the club. Consider these as tips that can be tailored to make your club stronger.

These best practices include:
• Developing long-range goals that address the elements of an effective club
• Setting annual goals that support long-range goals
• Keeping all members involved and informed
• Communicating effectively with club members and district leaders
• Ensuring continuity in leadership from year to year
• Customizing the bylaws to reflect club operations
• Providing regular fellowship opportunities
• Actively involving all club members
• Offering regular, consistent training
• Assigning committees that support your club’s operational needs, including:
   administration, membership, public relations, service projects, and

The Rotary Foundation

Your club procedures may already incorporate these practices. As you read through the best practices in this guide, focus on ones your club could implement or improve.
"Has your club evaluated its traditions and practices lately to determine whether they are contributing to your club’s vitality?"

Getting Started

Use this guide to evaluate your club’s current practices and implement some of the recommended best practices to increase member involvement, community awareness, and club effectiveness. Assessing your club and considering new ways of running it is no easy task, but it is well worth the time and effort of every member. Consider having a daylong retreat or a series of meetings six months before the start of the new Rotary year to discuss how your club will implement these best practices. Consider holding these meetings in a new location to foster member creativity and give all members a chance to voice their opinions. Involving all members illustrates that the club is the responsibility of all members and demonstrates the goal to have a club of leaders who are committed to service and the club’s future. Club members will be invigorated and committed to making your club outstanding.

Going forward, review these practices with your members annually to ensure they continue to meet the club’s goals and reflect the club’s identity. Ask district
leaders, particularly your assistant governor, for help as you implement and review your practices as needed throughout the year.