We are glad to present columns from our District Membership Chair, Jamie Johnstone!  
 
 
 
 
 
 
May 2025
 
JUNE SWOON: Why Rotary Clubs Lose the Most Members in June – And What You Can Do About It
June is when Rotary Clubs see the highest number of resignations. That’s because it marks the end of the Rotary membership year (July 1 – June 30). Many members use this time to quietly step away, especially if they’ve felt disengaged or disconnected from the club.
Most members don’t leave suddenly—they’ve likely been thinking about it for months and may have already stopped attending meetings. Often, they’ve had little or no follow-up from the club, which can make the decision to leave even easier.
 
Common reasons members leave:
  • Lack of engagement or connection
  • Feeling undervalued
  • Weak communication
  • No clear understanding of the value of membership
 
What Can Clubs Do?
  • Send membership dues invoices early—don’t wait until July 1.
  • Follow up with members who haven’t renewed—ask them why and listen carefully.
  • Address concerns directly—fix issues where possible.a
  • Remember: Members leave clubs, not Rotary. Some find other clubs that better meet their needs.
Taking these steps can help keep more members engaged and committed to your club.
 

 

 

April 2025: LEADERSHIP TIPS FROM TED LASSO

 

Leadership is extremely important went it comes to membership in Rotary Clubs, be it welcoming new members or retaining current members. My favourite television show, which plays on Apple TV is Ted Lasso. Ted Lasso is a  fictional character who is an American Football coach who goes to England to coach a football team (soccer for people on this side of the pond)). The series offers numerous valuable leadership lessons that can be applied in various contexts. Here are ten key leadership tips inspired by Ted Lasso:

            1.         Lead with Positivity and Optimism

            •           Ted Lasso consistently demonstrates the power of positivity, which motivates his team and fosters resilience. Leaders can inspire their teams by maintaining an optimistic outlook, even in challenging situations.

            2.         Empathy and Active Listening

            •           Ted emphasizes empathy and active listening, which helps build strong relationships with his team. This approach encourages open communication and trust.

            3.         Be a Servant Leader

            •           Ted prioritizes the needs of his team over his own, embodying the concept of servant leadership. This approach creates a positive culture and leads to better outcomes.

            4.         Develop Talent and Potential

            •           Ted actively develops the potential of those around him, whether it’s a player or a staff member. He sees the best in people and helps them grow.

            5.         Embrace Vulnerability

            •           Ted’s willingness to acknowledge his vulnerabilities and accept help is a key aspect of his leadership. This openness encourages collaboration and innovation.

            6.         Play the Long Game

            •           Ted focuses on long-term success rather than short-term gains. This strategic approach helps teams find their rhythm and achieve lasting results.

            7.         Cultivate Strong Relationships

            •           Ted builds strong friendships and alliances within his team, which supports each member and fosters a collaborative environment.

            8.         Apologize and Learn from Mistakes

            •           When mistakes are made, Ted encourages taking responsibility and apologizing sincerely. This practice promotes accountability and growth.

            9.         Be Authentic and Humble

            •           Ted remains true to himself and leads with humility. His authenticity makes him relatable and earns the respect of his team.

            10.       Inspire Confidence and Purpose

            •           Ted inspires confidence in his team members by recognizing their strengths and helping them find their purpose. This approach enhances motivation and performance.

 

These leadership lessons from Ted Lasso can be applied to Rotary Clubs to foster a positive, collaborative, and successful team environment. Hope you can tune in to Ted Lasso as it has been extended for a fourth season and tell me what you think of the show.

Rotary On,

Jamie

DMC 7040