How Does a Club Attract Youthful Members?
Wenatchee North Rotary in District 5060 is being transformed by a wave of talented young leaders who are bringing fresh ideas and energy into the club.The secret of the club’s success? Club members have intentionally sought out young professionals, invited them to visit, and then found ways to let them give back to the community.
As a result, the club is on a growth curve to double its membership by the end of the year from the 30-some member size of just a few years ago.
Although the idea sounds sophisticated, it’s really quite simple. It all started a few years ago.
Wenatchee’s local business journal publishes a list of up-and-comer young business professionals. The club’s membership chair, Rob Tidd, took that list and wrote personalized letters to each of the people named, inviting them to visit and have lunch “on the club.” It didn’t take changes in meeting time, dues, approach, location, or anything else: Just a personal invitation to come to a meeting.
Those who came and liked the vibe were asked to join. And in some cases, the new members have brought their own friends to the club. As a result, Wenatchee North now has about 14 members under 35 years of age. And it’s contagious:
The energy of the younger members has rubbed off on the rest of the members, giving them new inspiration.