Strategic Planning - S.W.O.T. Analysis

Grateful to have a record crowd at our 8/22/2023 meeting to participate in a club SWOT analysis facilitated by PP & SLS member Don Smith. We were excited to hear all of the different perspectives of our members (young & older, newer to Rotary and long-time members). We are happy to report that our strengths and opportunities far outweigh the weaknesses and threats though we intend to use the info to continually improve and thrive.

ROTARY CLUB OF AMERICUS - S.W.O.T. ANALYSIS

STRENGTHS

· Hospitality/Welcoming

· # of Members

· Passionate about community/areas of interest/service

· Stable Club

o Long history

o Recognized by District

o Involved

o Many good years; very few bad ones

· Financially sound – a hallmark of the club

· Long Legacy

o Leadership

o Multiple generations

· A lot of community involvement/service projects and opportunities

· Feels like a family

· Family Friendly

o Offer Family of Rotary and other fellowship opportunities for spouses and children to attend

· RYLA

· Leadership

· Long-time supporter of GRSP

· Members willing to serve (no one says “no”)

· Fun – Fun Activities

· Caring Club

· Fundraising for charity – committed to numerous causes and willing to support

· Diversity

o Age, gender, and talents/skills

· Public Relations – strong social media presence

WEAKNESSES

· Missing members

o Paying dues, but not attending meetings, events, etc.

o Some top leaders in the community (have they been asked?)

· Assumptions that new members know

o Traditions

o What to do and how to do it

o Need guidelines, training, and orientation

· “Been there, done that” mentality / I have already served in that capacity and don’t want to do again

· Same % of people in club doing the work, attending events, taking part in service projects, etc. (80/20 rule)

· Not enough members attending District Conference

· We need to “toot Rotary’s horn” more – tell our story of what Rotary is – more public facing news (“if the church is on fire, people will watch it burn” – paraphrased: “if Rotary is on fire, people will want to be a part”)

o Weakness/threat – our local newspaper is only published 2x per week (1x/week print and 1x/week digital) making social media and other means better outlets

OPPORTUNITIES

· Take advantage of trainings offered

o District Training

o Rotary Leadership Institute (now offered in person AND online)

o Zoom calls

o Rotary Club of Americus: Fireside Chats/Lakeside Chats (annual)

· Plenty of activities to find your passion

· Find the time – we all find time for the things we want to do

· Connections

· Make it Fun!

· Are we here to eat or do? Living Service above Self

· More diversity

· Building business and professional networking opportunities

· Satellite club for young professionals: Rotary After Hours

· PR & Social Media (large following on Facebook)

· Joint projects & grants with other organizations

· Good programs are a draw for membership and growth

· Host new and different events (i.e. Rhonda Rich & Barbara Dooly)

· Rylander Theatre

THREATS

· Complacency

· Lack of Involvement

· Newspaper printed just once/week