Star Rotarians and Membership Retention

It is a red-letter day for our RCM Star Rotarians. Before the start of the weekly membership meeting, the newly minted Manila Rotarians were especially invited to visit the RCM Office in Ermita, Manila. This visit (which both new and old members can participate) is truly a bright idea of the Club's Programs Committee. Moreover, a Star Rotarian, Edgard Cabangon, has graciously offered to host the weekly membership meeting at his family-owned Citystate Tower Hotel along Padre Faura. Star Rotarian Edgard will also deliver his classification talk during the meeting. Both the hosting and talk of a Star Rotarian, as well as the visit to the RCM Office definitely augur well for the Club's fresh batch of recruits and for the Club itself.

For sure, the Star Rotarians will be awed by the scintillating memorabilia, nostalgic markers and portraits, as well as the historic documents that adorn the RCM office -- all of which eloquently essays the rich history of the oldest club in Asia. A visit to the RCM office is a must for all, especially the newly inducted members. At least once every couple of years, a Manila Rotarian must take time to set foot in the office and allow himself to be immersed and surrounded by everything that represents the richness of the Club's history and monumental journey. Such a nostalgic visit will certainly be a source and give a boost of inspiration.

Each Rotarian, as we know, draws inspiration from many things associated with Rotary -- the motto, the 4-Way Test, the carefully crafted Club mission and vision statement, and of course, from actual projects and service activities. Manila Rotarians, especially the new ones, must have thus be able to relate to and have the opportunity to be involved in these activities. They, too, must also be able to interact and positively learn from the more seasoned members of the Club. Constant inspiration, guidance, genuine fellowship, and friendship will surely help in ensuring and preserving RCM's membership strength; for we know that membership growth is the engine that powers the vehicle of Rotary. Yes, the real asset and anchor of each Rotary Club is its members. Needless to say, continued membership growth is important because new ideas and new interests reinvigorate the Club, bring in new energy, and hones future leaders.

On the matter of membership recruitment and retention, this is my personal view: while we cherish time-honored traditions and practices, we must also accept that we now live in a rapidly changing world. As such, a Rotary Club's success depends on its ability to be innovative and flexible. According to an article posted in the Rotary International website, surveys and focus groups have consistently shown that "prospective members and younger members are more likely to stay with Rotary if they believe that their club is willing to accommodate their interests, as well as their work, family, and personal needs." With this, it behooves us to jointly rethink and evaluate whether the planned activities and traditions reflect current interests. The Programs Committee's innovative activities for this week's regular gathering is definitely a step towards the right direction. Let us innovate, emphasize service, and focus on happiness. Let RCM be a haven for happy and productive Rotarians, all fraternally bound by the sublime idea and ideal of service.