August is Rotary Membership Month: Membership Campaign
Our Rotary Club was chartered in 1987 and for most of the time since then has maintained a club membership of approximately 60+ members. In recent years we have seen a number of Charter members retire from Rotary, with the result that at the start of the 2014/2015 year, our membership is now 47. In response to this, the Club Board  has confirmed the need for a special Membership Campaign to return the membership to 60+. We believe this can be achieved over the next two years.
 
This is a special campaign which does not replace the ongoing need for every member to continue the ongoing task of identifying potential new members. Once a potential member is identified, the Club Service Committee will assist with the remainder of the process of helping that person reach a point where they wish to join the club. Our members are the best equipped to identify people they know who would fit well into our club environment. When discussing Rotary with someone, the following points may be of assistance. Of course, feel free to create your own:
 
  1.        WHO ARE WE
Rotary is a humanitarian service organization that joins leaders from all continents, cultures and occupations. We exchange ideas, using our skills and diversity to help solve tough humanitarian problems. We take action to bring lasting change to communities around the world. Rotary brings together people like you, from all walks of life who want to use their expertise for good and whose sense of  responsibility inspires them to give back to their communities. With 1.2 million members in 34,000 clubs worldwide, our global community’s impact has never been greater, and it continues to grow.
 
  1.        OUR CLUB
Our main club values are built around Ethics and Integrity, Vocational Diversity, Global Peace and Understanding and Fellowship. We give members the opportunity to take action on important issues affecting our community, our nation, and the world. Examples of our club programs include Victoria Police Leaders Mentoring, Community Village in the Melbourne CBD, School Projects in Laos and an Indigenous Women's Refuge at Fitzroy Crossing in WA. We also have a lot of fun , whether we’re socializing or working together on humanitarian service projects. Members of our club connect at weekly meetings and learn from business and community leaders, who help us stay informed on topics that are relevant to our community. We make great things happen and have a structure that focuses on action and positive results.
 
  1.        HOW WE LIVE OUR VALUES
We build lifelong relationships, honour our commitments, connect diverse perspectives and use our skills to solve humanitarian issues
 
  1.        MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Belonging to a Rotary club provides members with an opportunity to give back to their communities and to connect with like-minded leaders and friends. People join Rotary for many reasons, including community involvement, personal development, professional networking, and camaraderie. But perhaps the most important benefit is the satisfaction you gain from making a real difference in your community and in the world.
 
Any member who has a contact that they believe could be interested in finding out more about Rotary and our club should bring them along to a meeting. The first two meetings are as guest of the club and involves no cost. You could also bring them to an event or a service activity. Roger Thornton and Neville John are available to assist if needed.