How to Propose a Member
Every Rotarian has the privilege and obligation of seeking qualified members. In this way, all club members can help their clubs achieve a full representation of the business and professional life of the community.
Standard Rotary International Procedure
- The prospective member's name is submitted to the board of directors.
- The board ensures that the person is fully qualified and approves or disapproves of the proposal. The proposer is notified by the club secretary. NOTE: Until this approval is granted, prospective members should not be informed that they have been proposed for membership.
- The prospective member is informed of privileges and responsibilities of club membership. He or she is then asked to complete the proposal form and give written permission to publish his or her name and proposed classification to the club membership.
- The prospective member's name is published to the club. If no objections are received within 10 days following the publication of the name, that person, upon payment of an admission fee, is a new Rotarian, and the club secretary sends a completed New Member Report form to Rotary International.
What is Expected of a New Member
As with any worthwhile endeavor, you will get out of Rotary much more than you put into it. However, you must make an effort to contribute to Rotary. This is not a lunch club, you can eat lunch anywhere. Rotary is the number one service club in the world. New members have a red badge temporarily placed on their name tags. The purpose of this red badge is to identify new members. The red badge will remain in the member's name tag until the member has performed at least 7 of the following activities. We feel that this list of action items will help new members learn about our club, explore the opportunities of Rotary, and find their niche in our organization.
Red to Blue Badge Checklist
- Attend a formal orientation meeting (required)
- Sit at the head table for three weeks
- Offer an invocation
- Attend a Board Meeting
- Help the Sergeant-at-Arms greet people for 2 meetings
- Have perfect attendance for one month
- Propose a new member
- Make a financial contribution to a Rotary project
- Attend a District 5440 event
- Introduce a visitor or guest
- Volunteer for a committee and attend your first committee meeting
- Help with Highway Cleanup
Orientation
Orientation Meetings originated over 60 years ago as a means of developing better acquaintance between club leaders and new members. Rotary information on history, club organization, projects, and member responsibilities are discussed. An attempt is be made to match new members special interests with club committee assignments in order to promote active involvement in club activities.
Orientation Meetings are held four times each year. One meeting per year will be held at a Rotarian's home in a relaxed & festive atmosphere. New Member Orientation is a requirement for Red Badge Removal.
The agenda includes
- Welcome words from Club President;
- Viewing of Rotary video and what projects are available to become involved in;
- Info on the local club, i.e. date established, number of members, dues, social activities scheduled and committees they can join;
- Projects (both local and national);
- Red Badge Responsibilities; and
- Discussion and Questions