As we usher in the 2025 Rotary year, Midtown Atlanta Rotary has embraced an exciting new approach to membership engagement. While we’ve been successful in recruiting new members, we’ve learned that the key to long-term retention isn’t just about attracting new faces—it’s about making our members feel welcome, valued, and connected from the very start. That’s why we’ve launched our new Engagement Committee, with a laser focus on fostering deeper, more meaningful involvement across all aspects of our club.

Why Engagement Matters

For years, our Membership Committee has handled both recruitment and engagement. But we’ve realized that engagement deserves its own dedicated attention. By creating a standalone Engagement Committee, we can zero in on the critical work of ensuring every member—new and long-standing—feels a sense of belonging, purpose, and satisfaction. Our ultimate goal is to cultivate an environment where members are not only involved but are inspired to stay and thrive for the long haul.

Tracking Engagement: The Membership Matrix

To better support our engagement efforts, we’ve implemented a tool called the Membership Matrix. This system helps us track members’ participation in service projects, committee meetings, and social events. It allows us to understand who’s engaged, who might need a little more encouragement, and how new members are settling into the club. With this data, we can strategically plan outreach, ensuring that everyone’s unique schedule and interests are taken into account.

But it doesn’t stop there. The Matrix also enables us to assess the health of our club’s overall involvement, identify areas where we need more hands on deck, and recognize members who are consistently stepping up to the plate.

Engaging Beyond Weekly Meetings

While attending our weekly meetings remains a cornerstone of membership, our Engagement Committee is taking things a step further. We’ve set a bold goal for 2025: to host at least one social event every month to foster greater fellowship and fun. These events offer an opportunity to connect outside of our regular meetings and service activities.

Some of the recent events we’ve hosted include:

• Thirsty Thursday breakfasts and evening libations A festive Holiday Party A special event for new members ("Class of 2024") A memorable evening at the Alliance Theatre A DE&I dinner at a local restaurant A cozy picnic in a member’s backyard
• A festive Holiday Party
• A special event for new members ("Class of 2024")
• A memorable evening at the Alliance Theatre
• A DE&I dinner at a local restaurant
• A cozy picnic in a member’s backyard

These events are designed to provide variety, fun, and a chance for members to bond in relaxed, informal settings. We want everyone to have multiple opportunities to engage, network, and enjoy the fellowship that makes Rotary so special.

A New Focus on Engagement, Not Just Attendance

One thing sets our approach apart: we’re not focused on meeting attendance numbers alone. While the district website provides statistics on meeting attendance, we believe that true engagement goes beyond just showing up. We’ve intentionally shifted our focus to celebrate active participation across all activities, including social gatherings, service projects, and committee involvement.

Rather than scrutinizing those with low attendance, we focus on commending and encouraging those who are making an effort to engage. This positive reinforcement has been key to creating a more inclusive and supportive atmosphere within the club.

Impressive Results, and We’re Just Getting Started

The results so far have been remarkable—and even a bit surprising. From July to December, our membership engagement skyrocketed from approximately 50% to 81%. Our members are more connected than ever before, and it’s clear that this renewed focus on engagement is paying off.

Moreover, our retention rates are improving, and we’re seeing a stronger sense of community in everything we do. But this is just the beginning. We’re committed to continuing our focus on making membership in the Midtown Atlanta Rotary Club more enjoyable, productive, and fulfilling for everyone.

As we move forward, our Engagement Committee will remain dedicated to offering diverse opportunities for fellowship, growth, and service. We know that when our members are truly engaged, they’re more likely to stay, contribute, and experience the full benefits of being part of this incredible Rotary family.

Here’s to a year of deeper connections, meaningful service, and greater success for all!

Midtown Atlanta Rotary—Where Engagement Drives Impact.