Posted by Bob Cupp on Jun 11, 2021
Get a quick update on what's happening with Rotary in the latest Membership Minute.
The 2021 Rotary Virtual Convention
Connect with members of the Rotary family from around the world during our second online convention. The 2021 Rotary Virtual Convention, taking place 12-16 June, offers you the opportunity to network in virtual lounges, meet new partners in service, and participate in fun activities. 

You’ll also learn about innovative ways to engage and attract members. Breakout session topics include growing membership and encouraging diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Plan to attend one or all of these sessions: 

•    Alumni: A Hidden Gem for Membership and Service, on 12 June
•    Innovative Ideas to Start a New Rotary Club, on 12 June
•    Grow Rotary Through Engagement, on 14 June
•    Expanding Club Visibility to a Non-Rotarian Audience, on 15 June
•    Mission Inclusion: Accelerating DEI in Rotary, on 16 June 

Review the full list of breakout sessions and look again often for updates. We hope to see you online!
 
 
 
 
Our DEI webinar series
Our six-part webinar series that explores diversity, equity, and inclusion has attracted more than 3,000 attendees so far from all over the world. You can find links below to five of the recordings, along with comments from participants:
  • Design an Inclusive Plan for Your Organization. “Equity is a choice because it’s about systems and processes. In Rotary, we need to make sure our systems offer fair treatment and equal opportunity.” 
  • The Power of Connection with Diverse Communities. “Excellent topic, which is complex and requires understanding. Brilliant and knowledgeable speakers. I learnt a lot.” 
  • Exploring the Black Experience in Rotary. “Having the discussion about inclusion and racial issues [is] long overdue. So to combat inequalities, you have to make individuals feel uncomfortable to get the ball moving.”
  • Building Strong Intergenerational Relationships. “We are sometimes not aware of our bias until someone else points it out or you are exposed to others’ experiences. I know intergenerational bias is one that flies under the radar too often.”
  • Building a Welcoming Community for People with Disabilities. “I learned that I know very little, and that I need to ask and question what we do. As president of my club, I will make watching this video a personal request of our members so we can start a meaningful discussion and planning on how to be inclusive of the disabled community in our club, because we are not right now.”
The final webinar in this series, Planning for an Inclusive Future, will take place in July. More details are coming soon!
 
The 2020-21 Rotary Citation due date
All activities for the 2020-21 Rotary Citation need to be completed and reported to Rotary by 30 June. Club leaders have access to an FAQ, the goals to select from, and instructions. Write to us at riawards@rotary.org if you have questions. 
 
A reminder about adding new members 
As club leaders prepare to complete their terms, remember that members added on or before 30 June will count as having started during the current Rotary year, 2020-21. Members added with an effective date of 1 July will count toward the new Rotary year, 2021-22. Write to us at membershipdevelopment@rotary.org if you have questions. 
 
Easy and fun ways to keep a new club going 
Starting a new club is exciting, but it’s important to also think about ways to sustain and nourish the club after the initial excitement has worn off. District 5950 has several new clubs that are thriving and growing rapidly. About 88% of their charter members are new to Rotary. Find out the secrets to their success. 
 
 
 
 
7 tips to growing membership 
Is it possible to grow your club in the midst of a pandemic? The Rotary Club of Collierville, Tennessee, USA, definitely thinks so. Find out how the club grew by incorporating corporate memberships, offering online applications, providing different meeting options, and more. 
 
 
 
 
 
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