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Development, Orientation and Retention
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Community service organizations grew out of 19th century fraternal associations with the formation of the first Rotary club in Chicago in 1905. The twentieth century saw the expansion of the local ideal of service above self around the globe to over 200 countries and geographical regions. More recently growth has accelerated in such diverse countries as India, Korea, Turkiye, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Germany and Italy. -- as well as throughout Eastern Europe. Today the presence, impact and value of a dozen American and international volunteer community service organizations, including Rotary and Rotaract, Kiwanis, Lions,
Exchange , Altrusa, Sertoma , Optimists and Soroptimists , Zonta , and Civitan and Ruritan span the globe contributing millions of hours of valuable, knowledgeable, committed community service to help others in need.
Community service clubs have been perceived in recent years as a declining force in our communities. Nothing could be further from the truth in most communities served by Rotary clubs in most of the world as well as in many, many of the thousands of communities served by Rotary clubs in North America. Whilst it is true that some local communities have seen a reduction in service club activity due to aging of members or from a deviation from the goal of service to others, this most often is due to internal deficiencies of local leadership and/or a dearth of dynamic local involvement. These deficiencies are all the more accentuated when compared to the many new clubs and long-established highly visible clubs that do have that identity as dynamic and vital components of their communities.
So what differentiates the dynamic clubs from those which are not robust?
Contrary to the opinions of many of those both inside and outside community organizations, the answers are not as complex as might be imagined.
Quality of membership is the key to success. The right people will remain associated with with such clubs if the highest quality of membership is maintained.
Relevancy of issues that relate to the local members is essential to keeping the best people actively involved.
Commitment to action is necessary to ensure that the work of the community organization is effective, timely and pertinent to the perceived needs of the community.
Ongoing outreach to include the most diverse cross-section of community leaders as members is equally essential. In Rotary, maintaining the integrity of the "classfication system" and of a commitment by seasoned Rotarians to reaching out to recruit the next generation of leaders of those classifications ensures an ongoing renewal of talent, ideas and energy which keeps the organization vibrant and worthwhile.
Attending to the interests and talents of members is important as well. Members want to utilize their time and energy in what they perceive is an efficient and rewarding manner. And they want to focus on projects that interest them and take best advantage of their talents and experience. Being mindful of the interests of the members is key to retaining interest and commitment
Direct link to the Philosophy of Rotary for more thoughts on just what Rotary is all about.
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