Rotary is a membership organization. That means that the skills and contributions of our members are the impetus for everything we do. When Rotary’s membership is strong, our clubs thrive, Rotary is more visible, and our members have more opportunities to help communities flourish.   This video will update you about our membership as of 1 July 2024 and offer five ideas for creating an irresistible club experience for your members. The club experience is something we know can be the difference between members who leave after a year and those who stay with Rotary for years to come.

(Recorded 29 August) During this session Haresh and Taylor, who are chair and vice chair of the Membership Committee at Rotary International will go over some important data to understand where Rotary is regarding its membership. They will also share some key research findings and five big ideas for moving your clubs forward. Then, three membership experts from Rotary International, Emily, Angela, and Haris, will join us to answer some of your questions.

(Recorded 9 October 2024) Stories are one of the most powerful tools for talking about the work we do in Rotary. They can be used to raise money for a project, celebrate member achievements, and demonstrate the way we are making a difference around the world. But how do we make sure the stories we tell show the whole picture, and don’t inadvertently cause harm by reinforcing bias, stereotypes, or leaving out details that are important to the subject of our story? Using the principles of ethical storytelling, we can begin to understand how to make sure our stories are told with empathy and respect. (4:21) What is ethical storytelling? (23:04) Why is ethical storytelling important for Rotary? (29:33) How can we incorporate ethical storytelling principles into our communications? (49:42) Extended Q&A. Panelists reflect on these questions submitted by attendees: - Do we always need the permission of the person we are writing about or taking pictures of? - How do you handle informed consent at a large event? - Should the subject read the narrative or see the photos before we publish them? - How important is the club website in telling the club story? - How do you handle cultural and language differences? - Great exciting pictures happen in snap moments. How do I ensure I don’t miss them If I have to first ask for permission to take them? -What special considerations do you need when considering subjects under 18? -Would you ever use Photoshop for people you don’t have releases for? -What if there are people behind the interviewee, when you are doing a one-on-one interview, in the streets maybe, do the people behind there, moving and doing their things, need to consent? -Is there a thin line between storytelling and exploitation? And how do you handle that line?

In Rotary, we’re likely to meet a variety of people, including those who: • Want to work with others to make a bigger difference in their communities. They like seeing the results of their efforts and enjoy hands-on service opportunities. • Value the social connections while supporting causes in a way that fit into their busy schedule, allowing them to balance their multiple commitments. • Enjoy connecting with like-minded professionals while achieving their service goals and being recognized as a leader and community problem solver. • Are drawn to Rotary’s history and legacy and want to contribute to the positive efforts so that work can continue for years to come. • Are looking to broaden their personal and professional horizons by connecting with members and causes at home and around the world. They are excited by the diverse perspectives present within Rotary. How do we use stories to help others see themselves in Rotary?

Your club is constantly telling a story to prospective members and the community. Your website tells a story. Where and when you meet tells a story. Your social media pages and service projects tell a story about who you are and what you value. Is the story your club is telling the one you want to tell? If not, what needs to change to make sure you story is one that resonates?

(Recorded 15 May 2024) Rotary’s youth programs, Interact, RYLA, and Rotary Youth Exchange, introduce young people to service and develop leadership skills. When Rotarians and Rotaractors learn to engage with youth in a way that makes young people feel seen and heard, young people develop a life-long relationship with Rotary. Learn about your role in youth and alumni engagement from Rotary’s Youth Advisory Council.

(Recorded 25 April 2024) What do home, Jenga, pizza, and pancakes have to do with storytelling? Watch this re-cap of a joint webinar with Toastmasters to find out. These experts share memorable metaphors for crafting stories that connect and inspire. Together, they discuss the importance of telling great stories (already within you!) in your professional, personal, and community lives, share basic elements of delivering an inspiring story, and share skills and techniques that can take your stories to the next level. (6:37) Verity's advice on turning our experiences into good stories (11:37) Nikita gives us a delicious metaphor to illustrate the building blocks of a good story (25:30) Mike reminds us that to make a story resonate, an audience has to see themselves in it (41:27) Verity emphasized the importance of practice -- in both pancake-making and storytelling

During this discussion, we focus on the importance of not only including but being a champion of women in leadership — in the workplace and beyond. Experts share their ideas about identifying leaders early, establishing mentorship and sponsorship programs, and what it means to be a good ally. (3:23) Why we aren’t making more progress towards gender equity (12:03) Addressing the “broken rung” and other issues facing women (28:23) The importance of mentoring and sponsoring women in their journey (43:52) What it means to be a good ally (45:56) Q&A