Greetings from District Governor Mandy Jo Lohrum! 

As we close out August, the theme was membership. Membership plays a crucial role in the success and sustainability of Rotary. Let’s explore why it matters:

1. Collective Power and Impact:
*Members are the lifeblood of any organization. They provide the collective power needed to achieve Rotary’s mission.
*The more members Rotary has, the greater its impact on the community and cause it serves. That is why the 1.4 million members we have in Rotary are all important to the success of the organization. We need to retain our current members and foster a community that encourages others to join us.

2. Attracting New Members:
*Well-designed membership benefits act as incentives for people to join.
*Rotary is an organization for anyone with the heart, hands, or mind for service. What we do should attract individuals to our organization.

3. Engaging Existing Members:
*Engaged members actively participate, provide feedback, and contribute to the organization’s growth.
*Regular communication and feedback channels help maintain engagement.

4. Steady Funding Base:
*Membership dues provide immediate and unrestricted funds.

5. Advocacy and Collective Strength:
*Members join because they believe in Rotary’s cause and rely on it to advocate for their rights and beliefs.

In summary, membership fosters community, drives progress, and ensures an organization’s long-term viability. By valuing and nurturing members, Rotary can thrive and make a lasting impact. Every club I have visited is so important to the community that they serve, as well as the global community. Our membership is what makes us a powerful force for good. Just remember someone most likely asked you to join Rotary and it is now your duty to ask someone.

As we look at September, we are at 1520 in Rotary membership for District 6580 with a goal of 1665 for 2024-2025. I believe we can get there if we as Rotarians continue to share the good work that Rotary does each and every day.

Yours in Rotary service,

Mandy Jo Lohrum Rotary District 6580

Get to know District Governor Mandy Jo Lohrum!