Potential club members are everywhere. But to get them to join Rotary, clubs must use creativity and imagination, says Past RI President Cliff Dochterman.

"Rotary International leaders keep emphasizing membership growth and extension because Rotary's very survival depends on it," says Dochterman, a member of the Rotary Club of Moraga, California, USA, and author of The ABCs of Rotary, a resource for new members. "If Rotary is to grow, we all must take action."

Dochterman believes clubs can thrive by seeking new members, retaining current ones, and sponsoring new clubs in the community. He offers the following tips:

Seeking new members

Clubs must have a specific plan in place, says Dochterman.

• Use a team approach. Teams should have several members who meet with qualified business and professional leaders to discuss the benefits of joining Rotary.
• Set aside one club meeting per month to be a "visitor day," to which all club members would invite a friend or prospective member.
• Seek out natural prospects, including Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholars, Rotaractors, and Group Study Exchange (GSE) team members.