Actively developing our membership. Securing our future together

Dear Rotarians,
Dear Rotaractors,

The strength of a club is measured not only by the quality of its actions, but also by the women and men who make it what it is.

A club of twenty members can already achieve remarkable results. Forty members bring more skills, ideas and energy. Eighty or one hundred make it possible to imagine even more ambitious projects, develop new initiatives and sustainably increase our impact in the communities we serve.

Every new Rotarian enriches our organisation, and your club, through their personal journey, talents, perspective and network. This diversity is one of Rotary's greatest strengths.

Let us take a moment to ask ourselves a few questions.

• Who among our relatives, colleagues, partners or friends already shares our values without yet really knowing Rotary?

• Who would enjoy sharing this journey with us?

• Who could bring their skills, experience and enthusiasm to our club?

• And who, in return, would find in Rotary a place of friendship, engagement, personal development and service?

Developing our membership is not the responsibility of the Membership Committee alone. It is a responsibility shared by every one of us. Every invitation can lead to a meaningful encounter. Every encounter can become a new friendship. And every new member helps write the future of our club.

The month of August is dedicated to this essential mission. Three areas deserve our full attention.

1. Engaging current members

Inspiring meetings, genuine friendships and participation in concrete projects create a rewarding club experience. A member who feels useful, heard and involved will naturally remain committed to Rotary.

Useful resources

• My Rotary: https://my.rotary.org/en

• Learning Center: https://learn.rotary.org/members/pages/41/course-catalogs

• Club Membership Committee: https://learn.rotary.org/members/learn/courses/291/get-ready-club-membership-committee/lessons

2. Connecting with prospective members

Around each of us, there are probably several people who could become excellent Rotarians.

If a person is unable or does not wish to join your club, the Join Rotary website enables interested individuals to connect directly with another club.

Useful resources

• https://join.rotary.org/en

• https://www.rotary.org/en/get-involved/our-clubs/rotary-clubs

• https://my.rotary.org/en

3. Welcoming new members

The first few months are often decisive. A warm welcome, personal support and early involvement in club activities foster a genuine sense of belonging.

Useful resource

• A document was sent to every club president at the beginning of the month.

Let us shape the future together

Recruiting new members and retaining those who already make up our clubs are undoubtedly among the best investments we can make. They also strengthen our networks and secure the future of Rotary and our clubs.

Let us not leave this mission solely to those responsible for membership. Let us all be ambassadors for Rotary. Let us dare to invite. Let us dare to share. Let us dare to pass on what inspires us.

Because behind every invitation there may be a future friend, a future club president, a future governor or simply someone who, through Rotary, discovers a new way to serve others and their community.

The future of our clubs often begins with a simple invitation.

With Rotarian greetings,

René Loretan
Governor 2026-2027