1
“At Risk” Clubs
How do we recognize them and assist them?
Presidential Membership Seminar
2
“At Risk” Clubs
As District leaders, do we have warning that a Club is about to
fold?
3
“At Risk” Clubs
Can we save the Club, and help it to become an effective Rotary
Club?
4
“At Risk” Clubs
Is a declining club worth saving?
Or should our energies be directed towards helping
stronger & already effective clubs?
5
“At Risk” Clubs
As District leaders, do we have warning that a Club is about to
fold?
6
“At Risk” Clubs
How can we be pro-active in preventing clubs from declining
to crisis point?
7
“At Risk” Clubs
What are the causes of a club declining & shutting down??
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Causes of failure
Changing Demographics?Decline of commercial centres?
Too many Rotary clubs?Cost of Rotary?
Weekly meetings?Too many demands on
members?
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Causes of failure
Poor leadershipPoor planning
Poor marketingPoor communicationBadly run meetings
Disagreements & personality clashes
10
Causes of failure
Not enough fun!
Too much fun, not enough service!
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“At Risk” Clubs
What are the warning signs?
Membership below 20, 15, 10High average age
High % retiredFew or no females
Recycled PresidentsBadly run meetings
Low representation at District meetings
12
“At Risk” Clubs
Who is the first District person to become aware?
What should that person do?
13
“At Risk” Clubs
What can the District Membership Team do to help?
Remedial Action?
14
“At Risk” Clubs
Discussion Groups
How can we assist a club that is struggling to survive?
15
“At Risk” Clubs
Solutions
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Remedial action
Form an Action Group
Visit the club, meet with Board & key people
Assess the prognosis
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Remedial action
Does the club recognise the problem?
Are they prepared to take action?
Would a merger be considered?
18
Remedial Action
Club Health Check
Exit Interviews
Membership Satisfaction Questionaires
Develop a plan – short term & long term
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Remedial Action
Make meetings FUN!
Invite Rotarians from other clubs
Raise profile in local area
Enlist neighbour club to do a joint local project
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Remedial Action
Invite local business & community leaders to a meeting
to showcase Rotary projects
Follow up – Follow up - Follow up!
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Remedial Action
Invite a Rotarian from another club to take a leadership role
Contact alumni – invite to a meeting or youth project
Set interim- membership targets – 10,15,20 members
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Remedial Action
Be prepared for the long haul!
If Club and District together, a positive result is possible!