After frank & fearless discussion around the key questions of
What do you love most about our club?
What one thing do we need to do MORE of?
What one things do we need to so LESS of?
Key themes that arose:
If Rotary clubs tend to be either SERVICE clubs vs FUNDRAISING clubs, it’s clear we gravitate toward the latter. Our primary activities, dates and requirements are centred around Bunnings BBQs with a smattering of social events throughout the year.
Our current meeting format/frequency is clearly not working as evidenced by the number of apologies and attendance levels. Possibly consider different meeting formats (i.e. speakers) or frequency (maybe meet formally only twice per month and have a social or service event the other 2 weeks.
There was great enthusiasm for actually doing things rather than fundraising BBQs and meeting weekly. Discussion about possible causes could have gone one for a lot longer and could well be picked up in a brainstorming session on August 21st.
The question we wrapped up with was "Picture a prospective Rotarian you know - how would you sell Crows Nest Rotary to them?” This is the critical question for membership growth in our club. We must have a clear and compelling value proposition beyond fundraising and fellowship. After all, people join for a cause but stay for the people. The fellowship is a side-benefit and result of what we do - it is not the reason we exist.
Tom thanked Michael for an extremely successful session. His insightfulness, and Rotary International experience, shone thru. August 21st is a “MUST” for all existing and prospective members.
