WE’VE ALWAYS DONE IT THAT WAY
Two years ago we sat at a Rotary Institute meeting of 600+ people and listened intently to past Rotary International President (RIP) Cliff Dockerman. When he was finished he asked for questions and I impetuously darted out of my chair and asked, “why are young people not allowed to become Rotarians?” Tongue in cheek, his reply, “because we’ve always done it that way”. Cliff went on to say, “there is no reason that a 20 or 25 year old can not be a Rotarian today. We should not wait until they’re 40 to join Rotary.
Traveling to clubs I find most are in various stages of “club dynamics”. The things they hold onto the hardest may be the biggest barriers of their own success. The question becomes how do we hold onto our core values and grow into the future. How do we select and retain Rotarians today.
What appeals to new Rotarians? New Rotarians are results driven and looking to make a difference. They want to work efficiently and not waste time or money. They generally need to meet in the evening and are looking to join a cause not a club. They will join the club that provides them a cause. They want to build relationship and are concerned about sustainability.
When my wife puts on shoes of two different colors and stands on one foot then alternates between them she says, “which one goes better”. My answer, “they both look great”. Nevertheless a choice must be made and she must make it. And Rotarians must decide; do I want to venture into the world of younger Rotarians or play it safe looking for the classic Rotarian that fits the way the club has always been. Only the club can make that choice and maybe it’s a combination.
The Paradise Valley Rotary Club (my club) just launched the most unexpected thing. Lui Merlino a very forward thinking Rotarian President at age 88 was the driver behind changing the club. Lui was a tail gunner on a PBY in the Pacific during WWII and not afraid to take on bold tasks.
In the past, 30 years or more, the PV Club numbered more than 70. They did many fun things like; rent house boats on Lake Powell and drive their Red Fire Engine in parades. They would argue over who’s turn it was to drive. Over the years as their number dwindled to 30 their greatest assets became their greatest barrier. Not many potential members want to listen to stories about how great things were 30 years ago. Plus, the fastest declining group in Rotary today is the lunch bunch.
Here’s what they’ve done. They have gone to an evening meeting twice per month. Spouses are welcome guests as well as younger potential Rotarians who can meet in the evening. Food and drinks are affordable and the new dues structure has dropped the cost of Rotary by half. On the 2nd Tuesday is the board meeting, all members are invited to come and talk about Rotary Club business. The 4th meeting of the month is a Fellowship or Service project. The result is an enthusiasm factor which has blown the roof off.
Since 1905 many things have changed. We were a manufacturing society at that time. Then we evolved into the information age and now the technology age. How we worked then, does not apply today. Yet, the same core values, Service Above Self and Four Way Test remain. So what can be different and what can be the same? As Shakespeare says, “to be or not to be that is the question”. We are the same and we are different.
Many other clubs in the district are changing their thinking as well. Change the way you think and you change the game. It may not at years to your life but it will add some life to your years. As Para Salin says, “Go out there and transform, be a maverick and revolutionize to shore up Rotary. Go rogue you Rotarians”!
Thank you,
Alan Havir
