Let Your Light Shine
Public relations efforts help increase membership recruitment, according to about 70 percent of Rotary clubs that responded to a recent RI survey. About half the respondents said that PR also helps with retention, and 87 percent credited their club’s public relations work with raising community awareness of Rotary.
According to survey results, 80 percent of the responding clubs include PR in their annual planning, and 77 percent launch PR efforts to coincide with specific events or projects. Of the responding clubs, 57 percent have a Web site, most of which provide club information directed to the general public. Almost all respondents reported obtaining newspaper coverage, but less than 50 percent had secured coverage on television, radio, Internet, or billboards.
The most significant barriers to public relations efforts cited were lack of interest from the media and lack of funding. When asked about resources provided by RI, respondents ranked Rotary Basics (595-EN), What’s Rotary? (419-EN), This Is Rotary (001-EN), and Humanity in Motion PSAs as the most useful. Many respondents also reported using The Rotarian, or their regional magazine, and the RI Web site in their PR efforts.
The results of the survey, conducted by RI’s Membership Development and Public Relations divisions, are based on 756 responses from a random sampling of 3,269 Rotary clubs worldwide. Download the complete survey report, and order RI resources designed to help you spread the news about your club’s good work.
Last Chance for Rotary License Plates 
Many thanks to PDG Bill Kern. Another example of how Rotarians see an opportunity to serve and seize it.
In the late 1980's, PDG Bill Kern(7330) and Pete Chesner (7430) initiated the program with PENDOT. It took about four years before they could garner the 500 applicants before PENDOT would proceed with making the plates.
The applications are available here and only 99 plates remain.
Form MV-904SO (02-04) is the application form for special organization registration plates. The fee is $20.00, a one time charge. If the vehicle is leased, Form MV-1L (05-03) is required.
Several years ago PENDOT planned to update the printing process for all organizational plates. It would have required a redesign of the Rotary plate at our expense. The numbers and Rotary emblem would be painted, instead of using the pressed metal process. The new plate process, if agreed to, would require going back to the membership to solicit a minimum number of applicants.
Information Resources for new Club Presidents and Secretaries
Are you aware that Club and District Support (CDS) staff serve as your primary contact at Rotary? Staff answers all Rotary questions as well as provide advice on club elections, constitutional matters, club traditions and customs, club operations, and RI Board policy. Below are some critical web resources to assist in leading and supporting your club in the year ahead.
- Discover your CDS team names and contact details.
- Print a list of helpful resources for club presidents and secretaries.
- Make online changes to your club’s membership records, reference various Rotary Foundation reports, pay your club's dues, and report next year's club officers using Member Access.
- Find club publications, audiovisuals, software, forms and supplies.
- The club president's checklist is a monthly calendar for presidents and presidents-elect with reminders of club and district functions, as well as RI and The Rotary Foundation deadlines.
- The Club Leadership Plan is a strategic planning tool based on the best practices of actual Rotary clubs.
- IRS Information for US clubs regarding tax status and mandatory reports – including new IRS requirements for 2008.
The RI Secretariat staff looks forward to working with you and supporting your club’s service efforts in the year ahead. Be sure to contact your CDS representative whenever you may need help from RI Headquarters!
