Bring the joy

I always walk into meetings at my home club of McMurray, Pennsylvania, with a smile on my face.

A few years ago, someone arrived late. Instead of scolding the person, we cheered. Since then, we’ve made it a tradition to applaud all members when they arrive for meetings. It’s tough not to smile with a greeting like that.

There’s nothing more powerful for engaging and retaining members than a club that’s vibrant, welcoming, and yes, fun.

Think back to what drew you to Rotary. Chances are, it wasn’t just the service projects or professional networking. It was the people — the friendships, the shared laughter, and the joy of working toward a common purpose. That’s what keeps us coming back.

If you’re looking for that sense of joy in your meetings, don’t be afraid to ask yourself and your fellow members some tough questions. If you were a prospective member, would you join your current club? It’s a powerful question but don’t stop there.

Do members of your club feel that they belong? Are your meetings fun? If not, what can you do about it together?

At your next meeting or event, try something new to bring out a few extra smiles. It’s the simple things that create lasting bonds and make clubs simply irresistible.

Here’s one example of a club moving in the right direction. The Rotary Club of Fukushima, Japan, has been combining environmental responsibility with community fun since 2021. In Japan, people have made picking up trash into a sport known as SpoGomi, and every year the club hosts a game. This year, more than 400 participants cheered each other on while they came together to improve their community.

This event is an excellent example of how Rotary clubs can have fun, make a difference, and raise awareness for broader global challenges, all at the same time. And the inclusive, family-friendly format allows people of all ages to participate.

When we enjoy what we do, that energy becomes contagious. It’s what attracts new members and keeps our clubs strong and engaged. It helps people feel that they belong.

Retention and culture go hand-in-hand. The ­healthier our club culture, the more likely members are to stay. Rotary magazine is an outstanding resource for inspiration on how to enhance our club culture and deepen member engagement. I encourage you to explore the stories and strategies in these pages, drawing from other clubs’ successes to find ideas that work for you.

Together, we can create a more engaged, enjoyable, and inclusive Rotary that every member can feel proud to be part of. Let’s continue with renewed commitment and enthusiasm, living The Magic of Rotary.

Stephanie A Urchick
President, Rotary International