PUTTING THE "SERVICE" INTO SERVICE CLUBS

Gary's community service extends back serveral years in Piedmont as a member of their Lion's Club and as a member of Toastmasters International.  Frank Darling invited Gary to join our Rotary Club a year ago during the "Orinda in Action" day when he discovered Gary is a CPA -- and we needed a Treasurer!  As "Treasurer for Life" in Piedmont Lion's, Gary knows both the joys of providing service to a club and community (i.e., having a meaningful job to do), as well as the frustration of serving in the same capacity year after year.  These same joys and frustrations are what influence the level of participation we see from other members of our Club.

Gary noted that we have some 70 members in Orinda Rotary with 50 in attendance at the weekly lunch. Where were the other 20? Gary encouraged us to approach those members who are not fully participating to find out why.  Knowing why will help us better understand what our members expectations are and, in turn, create programs and activities that encourage involvement.  Sixty eight percent of members leave clubs because their expectations are not met. Having a job or project engages individuals and gives their membership meaning.  Even more, it makes members feel that they are part of something bigger -- part of a family or team with shared goals.

Gary encouraged all of us to reflect on why we became Rotarians -- all of us joined for a reason -- maybe initially it was to network and develop relationships that would enhance our businesses.  It might have been because we wanted to promote a project or cause within the community.  Maybe we were just bored and needed more social interaction.  Whatever the reason, one thing becomes clear over time:  the people who stay in Rotary do not do so for the business or political connections.  Ultimately, they stay because they believe they are making a difference in their community and the psychological rewards of "service above self" fair outweigh any other benefits of club membership.   

Recruitment and retention can keep a club alive -- Eighty percent of people asked will join you on a project and 1 in 3 will join the club if you ask. With this in mind, we should get out there and ASK!  Likewise, ALL new members should be oriented regarding the service aspects of Rotary and all long-time members should given meaningful jobs that engage and them and keep them involved. 

Gary's inspirational talk was met with great appreciation --  Wint Mather made a spontaneous contribution to the endowment and Art Roth expressed his desire to serve the community using his formidable skills as an English tutor for the underpriviledged.  All walked away with a better understanding of service.