Those of you who are reading this newsletter are doing so because you have a passion for Rotary!  But why Rotary?  Maybe it was recommended by an employer to do some business networking.  Maybe you were invited in by a friend or neighbor and loved the service aspect.  Maybe as a young person you were on the receiving end of a Rotary Scholarship or Youth Exchange program and wanted to pay it forward.  Whatever the reason for joining, the reason you stayed may have changed.  For me I joined for the service, but really stayed for the people.  It was the kind, funny, and caring people of my club and others that have kept me engaged.  But not ALL Rotarians are getting the same satisfaction from the Rotary experience.  This past year our District lost 105 members.  This is the fifth consecutive year our membership has tracked downward.  Here is the trend showing membership counts July 1 of each year:

 

 

 

 

 

Here are some interesting District stats to consider:

This year our District under the leadership of DG Fred Gellert will have a lofty membership goal:  A NET GROWTH OF ONE MEMBER.  Really?  What a pitiful goal you might think!  No, not at all.  Just look at the last 6 years.  If all we do is NET ONE MEMBER, we have accomplished something BIG.  But everyone needs to do their part and support each other in the process.  Here is where you come in.   We need a District Membership Committee of more than ONE person which historically has been the District Membership Chair.   We need a Membership Committee that will meet just FOUR times per year for one hour to brainstorm ways we can support our clubs with ideas on how to increase membership.   This Membership Committee will continue to have as a subcommittee the wonderful District mentoring committee that has provided periodic webinars and mentoring to new club members in our District.  WILL YOU JOIN ME and others in this effort by joining the new District Membership Committee?  IF YES, email me at DGJuliet2022@QRPC.com.   Looking forward to a great year together giving the gift of Rotary to a world that needs it more than ever!