Fittingly, when David Morris, the man who did so much to create the Rotary Club of Leicester Novus in 2009 spoke to the club about membership in the autumn of 2014, he raised more questions than answers.
He started by saying that the future of Rotary is in the hands of individual Rotarians working within their clubs. He made the following points:
- It is the responsibility of existing members to identify potential members and work with them
- To retain members, every member of every club should be engaged with the work of the club. “Can you Lighten Up Rotary for them?”
- The quality of membership counts.”Is it a lifelong commitment?”
- E-Rotary and other initiatives can help, “but how do you turn acquaintance into friendship if you don’t meet?”
He concluded by reading a poem published in news and events, the regional Rotary magazine he edits on behalf of District 1070:
Are you an active member, the kind who would be missed?
Or are you just contented that your name is on the list?
Do you attend the meetings and mingle with the flock?
Or stay at home in comfort to criticise and mock?
Do you take an active part to help the work along?
Or are you merely satisfied just simply to belong?
Think it over members, you all know right from wrong!
Are you an active member, or do you just belong?
David’s talk prompted a far-reaching discussion on membership matters.
