Member Retention

At 9:58AM on 11 August 2008, Scott M. Sherman wrote: I fear this question comes to late. By the time someone decides to resign and tells the club about it, they are already (mentally) gone. Instead, what would have happened had members of the club noticed his attendance suddenly falling off. Did anyone call him up, ask if everything was OK? Ask if the club could do anything to help? Assure him that we all get to times when life requires more of us than hours in a day, but that his Rotary Club would be there for him and would work something out with him? Being proactive like this might have changed the situation from a resignation to a creative problem solving session that would either help the member stay in the club or leave the door open to his returning. And if he does leave on good terms, keep in touch so that he may return when the stresses calm down (as they usually do). Just my two cents. (Just my opinion.) Scott M. Sherman President-Elect of the Rotary Club of Palmer Massachusetts USA in District 7890

At 9:12AM on 11 August 2008, Rafiq Ahmed Siddique wrote: Point out his invaluable services to club and also your/President's future plan with him in club leadership and that his absence will be costly to the club.Inform about latest attendance rule- 50%, as also other rather new make up rules like attending committee meetings etc.Have other members also to approach him.

At 9:17AM on 11 August 2008, Johan De Leeuw wrote: I ask him to take a short break of the club and make an appointment for a new contact within two monts....he probably missed the weekly contacts with his friends members of the club. In no way we should try to convince him by force...rotary is an engagement that is token on a free bas..

At 9:18AM on 11 August 2008, Dr Surajit Sahu, RI Dist 3260 wrote: It is true that family life & work commitments are there and they need to be given priority whether they are demanding or not.We need to remember that by both these two components iI only look at me and my family. Request you to look around the suffering world and their need to be supported by our service, That will definitely change our attitude and we will definitely stick to continue to be a ROTARIAN in its full sense to serve others. Instead of looking at yourself through the mirror better look through the lens of others sufferings.God be with you.

At 9:17AM on 11 August 2008, UMAPRASAD DATTA wrote: The statement of the Rotarian assures that he wishes to remain in Rotary and only demanding commitments to family and work force him to take a decision against his wishes. Rotary propagates priority to profession and family over rotary activities. The statement of the Rotarian, therefore, is undeniably in line with basics of Rotary. My recommendation would be sharing his rotary responsibilities by fellow members, advising him to record attendance through any E-club till the stated commitments are eased out and enjoy rotary fellowship with family. He can also be advised to induct associates in work to Rotary. Finally, he should be offered opportunity to train himself to manage time, as we know that the busiest persons are those who can manage time too well to enjoy leisure.

At 9:23AM on 11 August 2008, Jack Selway, CEO RGHF wrote: By the time a member decides to leave, it's almost too late. But, what I'd do is have lunch with this person and tell them the story of Rotary. Recently we got two weeks at a resort on Maui (Hawaii, USA). What I really wanted was a trip to Kauai where I have many memories and where I know the area well. The solution was to study Maui. Then I found that I was really looking forward to the trip, planned for this November. When I speak to Rotary clubs, I talk about learning the background of anything you get involved with. Hence the value of Rotary's history. A member who knows the history will more likely remain and contribute. See www.rghf.org for more. Make history a priority in your clubs and you'll have better retention and TRF contributions. Regards, Jack Selway, RGHF Founder and CEO ceo@rghf.org

At 9:56AM on 11 August 2008, NARENDER KUMAR JAIN wrote: my dear rtn ROTARY WILL MAKE YOU LEARN TIME MANAGEMENT; JUST VISUALIZE YOUR FAMILY'S MOST ENJOYABLE FELLOWSHIPS IT IS ALWAYS A ROTARY GET TOGETHER OR A ROTARY MEETING - HOW YOU CAN DO SANS THOSE HILARIOUS AND UNFORGETTABLE MOMENTS - YOU HAVE BEEN ADOPTED BY ROTARY FAMILY, OF COURSE IT IS BIGGER THAN YOUR INDIVIDUAL FAMILY AND WE ARE MEETING ONLY ONCE A WEEK FOR FEW HOURS ONLY - HOW IT IS THAT YOUR WORK COMMITMENTS ARE HINDERING YOUR IN YOUR VOCATIONAL TIME SCHEDULE - MORESO, WITH THE PACE OF TIME YOUR SELF HAS BECOME MORE PRECIOUS, NOW YOUR TIME IS MORE PRECIOUS, YOUR WORKING IS MORE PRECIOUS, YOU HAVE STARTED TO WORK ONLY PRECIOUS PROJECTS AND LEAVING LESS PRECIOUS PROJECTS FOR OTHERS, THATS WHY WE IN ROTARY REQUIRE YOUR PRECIOUS TIME, MY DEAR ROTARY WHEN MEETS ALL THE MEMBERS DEVOTE THEIR MOST PRECIOUS AND PRESTIGIOUS TIME AND FORWARD THEIR SKILLS IN THEIR RESPECTIVE CLASSIFICATION. IT IS ONLY A QUESTION OF TIME MANAGEMENT AND NOW YOU SHOULD START THINKING ABOUT THE ROTARY COMMITMENTS ALSO IN THE SAME MANNER - AS YOU HAVE LEFT SOME OF YOUR LESS PRECIOUS PROJECTS FOR THE OTHERS IT IS ALSO A PRIVILEGE FOR A ROTARIAN TO DO SOME THING FOR THE LESS PRIVILEGED PART OF OUR SOCIETY.

At 9:25AM on 11 August 2008, PDG DEBASISH MITRA wrote: I would talk to him about the feeling of ownership of the Rotary Club. It is your own Club & its members are part of your own family. Your absence will be missed - a loss which can never be regained. Together you do somuch for somany who really need you. Just like you need to give attention to your family & work you also need to pay back something to the community that has given you so much. We all have a responsibility towards the future generation & we must leave behind a better world for them. Rotary gives us ordinary people extraordinary opportunities to reachoput to the suffering humanity. Let us give a life worth living & when you live for others you really live. You get back from life what you give to it . Leave behind a legacy - leave behind marks in the sands of time my friend.

At 9:57AM on 11 August 2008, Rtn. IPP M BASHIR ULLAH BHUIYAN PHF wrote: Current National & International issues should discuss in the Club meeting and invite knowledgeable speakers in the regular weekly meeting. Spouses should be invited regulary in the fellowship dinnar. Family members are also be involved in the Rotary Programme. So that members will not leave the Rotary Club.

At 9:59AM on 11 August 2008, Dr Ho wrote: Not much chance, really for I believe family and career come before Rotary. May teach him skills to work out a good work-life balance. However, I would encourage him to make a comeback to Rotary when situation permits.

At 9:59AM on 11 August 2008, SN Agrawal wrote: Difficult situation! If the member has genuine problem, then its difficult to convince him. But we have to try!! First of all, he has to be convinced about what he is getting from Rotary - fellowship, friendship & opportunity to serve the needy. Secondly, he has to be informed that if its a temporary problem, he can get a short reprieve from the club - asking for leave from attendance for a shorter period. Thirdly, he has to be informed that Rotary does not need 100% attendance. Also, at difficult times, he may make up attendance at e-clubs. Lastly, he has to be advised to involve his family as well in Rotary so that the family is always with him!

At 10:00AM on 11 August 2008, DG Pam Russell wrote: Ask the Rotarian to join me on a hands-on project and bring the family along too. Rotarians At Work Day is an excellent way to reinspire and prevent Rotarians from leaving.

At 10:00AM on 11 August 2008, Richard Martinez wrote: Explain that there are times when we can't make a full time committment, but can still contribute on a smaller scale. Participating with one committee or project for instance.

At 10:01AM on 11 August 2008, PDG Chris Molam DMC D-9210 wrote: There are so many ways of maintaining minimal aatendance requirements - Involvement in Service is the key and the Club Board should condone hours of genuine service. Alternatively e-club make ups are an option. If members are not committed and involved in service maybe we should let them go!!

At 10:01AM on 11 August 2008, PDG Dr. James J. Yarmus wrote: Explain the 50% attendance policy at an exit interview and possibly create alternative meetings for the member such as Board, Committe and special event sessions to make the member feel welcome during this difficult time. Consider a recommendation to ease the way to another club if all else fails.