Grow My Club (growmyclub.org) is a district initiative that recognises diversity in communities and is designed to provide a platform where members can build their own capabilities rather than having a one size fits all model. The 2022-23 program is designed to build the capacity of clubs to grow service, membership and fundraising through coaching, collaboration, content and cohesion.
By exploring the subjects that best suit individual and club goals and ambitions, leaders are offered the opportunity to explore their own programs. Grow My Club also provides fundamental president training requirements, such as member and public safety, governance, club administration and risk management.
The program helps clubs to connect with more volunteers, convert participants into members and develop community leaders through fundraising community events.
The website is amazing and provides a wealth of practical information, such as what a president should be achieving each month.
However, the best thing about the website is that it recognises that one of Rotary’s key strengths is vocational service – “Built on the generous sharing of experience by accomplished Rotarians with younger members of the community.” This takes the form of mentoring, which aims to build participant skills such as public speaking, and offering experience-building leadership roles in clubs, projects and events.
“The best thing about the website is that it recognises that one of Rotary’s key strengths is vocational service – ‘Built on the generous sharing of experience by accomplished Rotarians with younger members of the community’.”
With three out of 10 Australians adults volunteering, this provides a ready source of participants for Rotary’s community projects. Surprisingly, the age group who volunteer most often are the 30–45-year-olds. They are motivated and keen to do meaningful work. They are also ambitious to improve their vocational capability and gain leadership, Board and soft skills (how to communicate, get along and problem-solve in a modern workplace), in a supportive environment.
Then, convincing volunteers to become members requires clubs to put their best foot forward and clearly outline the benefits of Rotary membership that will resonate with that volunteer. That is why Grow My Club is such an important asset for all Rotarians.