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• Part One: Membership Strategies from District 6270 Clubs
• Part Two: Innovative Membership Structures for Regular Clubs

Part One: Membership Strategies from District 6270 Clubs

Several Rotary Clubs in District 6270 have adopted creative and varied membership strategies to foster engagement, inclusivity, and growth. Here's how seven clubs in the district responded to a call for information on their membership programs:

1. Oshkosh Southwest Rotary: Oshkosh Southwest provides three categories of membership: Regular, Associate, and Corporate. The Associate Membership is a local-only (i.e. not with District or RI) membership limited to two years for a very low cost. This is good for younger or prospective members to “get their feet wet.” The club’s corporate membership notably allows organizations to send different representatives to meetings, encouraging broad corporate engagement.
2. Port Washington-Saukville Rotary: A multi-tiered approach offers memberships as
3. Waukesha Noon Rotary: Embracing a structured corporate membership model, Waukesha Noon allows corporations to appoint up to four designees, with specific rules around senior leadership involvement. Their detailed guidelines ensure corporate members remain engaged and entail meeting attendance requirements, financial obligations, and participation expectations comparable to individual members. Additionally, Waukesha has a “Share Rotary” program whereby each meeting has one member assigned to bring a prospect. They have found that this approach is more effective than a simple call to everyone to “bring someone some time!”
4. Lake Geneva Rotary: This club offers flexibility with an annual “meal or no-meal” option and a corporate membership arrangement. Their corporate membership allows organizations to have a primary and an alternate member, fostering increased organizational representation and participation.
5. Fond du Lac Noon Rotary: Fond du Lac Noon maintains a traditional "old school" approach, emphasizing personal invitations targeting community leaders and new business owners. Recognizing their club’s tilt toward a "check-writing" as opposed to a primarily “hands-on” group, they align recruitment with member expectations, effectively integrating philanthropy and business networking.
6. Elkhorn Rotary Club: Elkhorn introduced an innovative "Golden Ticket" initiative to boost engagement and create excitement around Rotary events. The club issues “Golden Tickets” to each member, to give to a prospect, redeemable for a “Free Lunch.” This strategy emphasizes direct participation, offering opportunities for members to engage actively through enticing incentives and unique experiences. 
7. Fond du Lac (General Observations): Highlighting local industry shifts, Fond du Lac observed decreased local business involvement due to changing corporate ownership structures. This prompted a shift in recruitment towards locally-focused professions such as healthcare, real estate, and legal services.

The Responsibilities of a District Governor

At the heart of a District Governor's duties is the task of facilitating effective communication. The DG serves as the main conduit between individual clubs and the larger Rotary organization, ensuring that the clubs are aligned with Rotary's mission and objectives. This position requires a deep understanding of Rotary’s values and an ability to mentor club leaders, helping them to cultivate their leadership skills, manage their activities efficiently, and amplify their impact within the community.

The District Governor is more than a figurehead. They are a mentor, advisor, and often, a source of inspiration for Rotarians. Their leadership is crucial in

In a world often fraught with conflict and discord, there emerges a beacon of hope in the form of individuals dedicated to fostering peace and understanding. We proudly celebrate Jonathan “Jon” Ward, a retired U.S. diplomat, for his acceptance into the esteemed second cohort of Rotary Positive Peace Activators. Jon’s illustrious career, spanning diplomatic missions across diverse regions and his unwavering commitment to service, exemplifies the spirit of peacebuilding that lies at the heart of this transformative initiative.

Jon’s journey embodies the essence of Rotary’s mission to promote goodwill and peace worldwide. From his service in Saudi Arabia to his diplomatic postings in Papua New Guinea, Iraq, and beyond, Jon has represented his country and has also become a steadfast advocate for diplomacy and conflict resolution. His rich experiences, coupled with his educational background and military service, equip him with a unique perspective and invaluable insights into the complexities of global peace and security.

When Russia invaded Ukraine in early 2022, Rotarian Fran Wargolet felt compelled to help those impacted by the escalating conflict.

As a long-time member of the Rotary Club of Kenosha, Wisconsin, Fran went to Rotary.org to explore ways to provide aid. She soon learned about ShelterBox, a disaster relief charity founded in 2000 by Rotary Clubs in the UK. ShelterBox was already on the ground in Ukraine, providing vital shelter and supplies to displaced families.

Though retired, 76-year-old Fran was determined to get involved. She contacted ShelterBox and asked, "How can I help spread awareness about your relief efforts?" Soon after, Fran became a ShelterBox Ambassador. She began traveling around Wisconsin giving presentations at Rotary Club meetings to share ShelterBox’s mission. To date, she has spoken to over a dozen clubs, garnering support and funding for ShelterBox initiatives.