In discussion with clubs in some of our outer rural areas, the word corporate membership brings up a blank look because “we have no corporates here “.But to borrow a term from Shakespeare – to be or not to be – surely the word corporate could be substituted with the word business or organisation. Every town or city has businesses that provide services to the community, so why not look at the so-called Corporate Membership Model simply as a template for another form of membership for your club.
Many clubs use this model for successfully introducing people into the world of Rotary – a try before you buy if you like – it is then up to the club to meet the expectations of a business member to successfully transfer them to individual membership. I have borrowed some successful guidelines as examples.
Guidelines for Corporate or Business Membership.
The Aim of Corporate or Business Membership is to increase the membership of the Rotary club by offering a Corporate
or Business Membership to businesses in and around local communities. Businesses would then cover the cost of this type
of membership.
A maximum of two people per corporate (business) can be proposed by the business for Corporate or Business
Membership, the two nominees are subject to approval by the Rotary Board. These members are responsible for all other
costs e.g. meals, fines, apparel, etc.
Membership is available for businesses, professional organisations families and community organisations.
The cost for Corporate or Business membership will be determined by the club board but could be $120 per member as an
example.
Corporate or Business Membership guidelines could include:
- · Membership is limited to a maximum of five corporate or business members at any one-time i.e. ten people. If a
corporate or business nominated member ceases to be a member of the nominated corporate or business they will
no longer be classed as a corporate member and their membership will cease. They can apply for full membership
of the Rotary club in their own name.
no longer be classed as a corporate member and their membership will cease. They can apply for full membership
of the Rotary club in their own name.
- · Membership is for a period of twelve months. However, if the corporate or business becomes a member between
July1st and December 31st their membership will expire on December 31st the following year. If the corporate or
business becomes a member between 1st January and 30th June their membership will expire on June 30th the
following year.
business becomes a member between 1st January and 30th June their membership will expire on June 30th the
following year.
- · Each corporate or business nominated member will be asked to join the Rotary club as an individual Rotarian
prior to their membership as a Corporate or business expires.
- · A corporate or business can be asked to nominate two new members after the initial membership has expired. The
two members cannot have been prior to corporate or business membership nominees.
The Membership process would then follow the normal club procedure, however, it is important to note that the corporate
or business should be included in the membership discussion process. It is also an opportunity to strengthen business and
club links and inform them of the benefits of being recognised as part of the wider Rotary family.
1. Proposals for Corporate or Business Membership will be discussed and nominated by the Membership committee.
The nomination will be advised to the Board for approval of the proposed corporate or business membership and
approval given to proceed.
2. If approved by the committee two Members of the Membership Committee will meet with the corporate or business
to discuss the proposal and seek their approval to proceed. The Proposal Form is completed for both nominees
becoming Rotarians as Corporate or Business Membership in the normal manner.
3. The corporate or business and the candidates are advised of the financial arrangements and their responsibilities.
(This is to be done by two members of the Membership committee).
Both members of the corporate or business are to be encouraged to attend a minimum of one meeting per month. They
will also be encouraged to participate in other club projects and fundraising.
It is the responsibility of the Club to make sure our meetings are welcoming, interesting and worthwhile attending. This
will help encourage corporate or business members to become members in their own right.
Rotary information – education needs to be shared at each meeting so that corporate members and other members can
learn more about Rotary and its programmes. Vocational visits to the member's businesses where appropriate is to be
encouraged. Corporate or Business members are also to be invited to be involved and included in all social activities of
the Club as well as being invited to attend District Conferences.
So, what are some of the benefits of this type of membership?
The Rotary club recognises that there are many businesses and organisations in their local community that would value
the opportunity for their staff to participate in the benefits of Rotary membership. The objective in this initiative is to
provide local business and organisations with an avenue for their staff, who may otherwise find it difficult, to participate
in Rotary.
Rotary membership offers the business or organisation the opportunity to:
- ¨ Network with business people in the community;
- ¨ Forge ongoing business and personal relationships with individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds and
commercial endeavours;
- ¨ Become more involved in the community through Rotary support of worthy community initiatives.
Rotary membership offers the business or organisation the opportunity to:
- ¨ Participate in the activities of the community in a manner that ‘spreads the load’ both financially and from a
resource perspective;
- ¨ Increase the business profile in the community;
- ¨ Offer a benefit to achieving staff – regardless of age and gender
It is also helpful to look at some participation protocols during membership discussions. This would provide a framework
for an understanding on behalf of the business or organisation and the club of the expectations of membership. For
example:
for an understanding on behalf of the business or organisation and the club of the expectations of membership. For
example:
Part of the Business or Organisation:
- ¨ commitment to the attendance of at least one corporate member at Rotary meetings in accordance with Rotary
attendance criteria
- ¨ commitment to at least one corporate member’s representation at fundraising and other Rotary initiatives
- ¨ timely payment of all fees and charges for employee participation
- ¨ business in-kind support where appropriate for Rotary initiatives
On the Part of the Rotary club:
- ¨ commitment to monitor attendance and fee payment requirements of business representatives
- ¨ commitment to communicate as agreed with the business
- ¨ commitment to treat the business as an individual for meeting attendance purposes
- ¨ acknowledgement of support from the business entity, where appropriate
I am aware that in larger cities some clubs are using this model to create new clubs and satellite clubs – but that does not
mean that rural clubs cannot adopt such a model to meet the need and expectations of their local communities.
mean that rural clubs cannot adopt such a model to meet the need and expectations of their local communities.
We just need to be brave and bold enough to give it a try.