10 ideas to maximize engagement during Membership Month

Rotary International staff write thank you cards to some of Rotary’s new members – an annual tradition.

By Lee Ann Searight, Membership Resources Specialist

August is Membership Month in Rotary, a time when we celebrate our members, recognize their contributions, and engage with prospective members. We have many resources you can use to promote membership in your club and enhance participant engagement. Here are 10 ideas for planning an exciting August:

1. Print “What is Rotary?” wallet cards for each member of your club and have a contest to see who can hand out the most in six months.
2. Share “Proud Member” graphics (Rotary or Rotaract) with your club and choose a day in August to post it on your social media channels. Remember to include information about how people can check out your club, attend a meeting, or take part in a service project.
3. Set aside a meeting in August to host a Thank-a-thon. Write short notes to new members, donors, businesses in your community, alumni, and anyone who has partnered with your club in the last year. It’s a great way to appreciate these supporters and strengthen bonds.
4. Review and update your club information in My Rotary and consider using the optional “Notes” field to include relevant information about accessibility, costs, dress code, or club culture so that prospective members can find you easily and know what to expect.
5. Plan a meeting for members to share their personal Rotary goals for the next year. Get ideas from “Designing Your Rotary Experience”
6. Host a formal or informal Prospective Member Event to engage your community. Make it fun and follow up with everyone who attended.
7. Plan to nominate members for Rotary awards. Learn the different nomination deadlines and requirements for each award, such as the Sylvia Whitlock Leadership Award, with an August nomination deadline, which honors one member annually who is actively working to advance women in Rotary.
8. Feature members on your club’s social media channels throughout August. Select a high-quality photo along with a story about why they joined, why they stay, and how they find meaning within the club and beyond.
9. Watch a speech from the Rotary International Convention during a club meeting for inspiration.
10. Share ideas with others on the Discover Rotary Facebook page. Connect with leaders to maximize engagement in August, then keep it going all year long.