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Episode 5: A Membership Convo with Karen and Patrick

In this episode of Voices of District 7020, host Rotarian Nerissa Persaud sits down with two remarkable leaders — District Membership Chair Karen Pinder and Rotary International Director for Zones 33 & 34 Patrick Eakes — to tackle a bold question: What is the real problem to solve in Rotary membership? Is it recruitment, or is it relevance?

Together, they break down the Membership Action Plan (MAP) and the Membership Success Center, showing how these tools are designed not to overwhelm with statistics but to humanise the Rotary experience. From understanding terms like attrition and net growth, to exploring why half of new members leave within three years, the conversation dives deep into how clubs can shift their focus from simply adding numbers to building relevance that retains and inspires.

Patrick and Karen share practical insights, relatable examples, and even a glimpse into the future with upcoming AI-driven tools, all while reminding us that at Rotary’s core, we’re not in the numbers business — we’re in the people business.

Tips you can put into action now:

• Ask your members directly — through surveys, focus groups, or conversations — and act on what you hear.
• Keep engagement personal — make sure members feel valued, connected, and involved from day one.
• Use MAP resources — from webinars to awards to the Membership Success Center, lean on existing tools for guidance.
• Simplify the language — translate technical terms like “attrition” into everyday conversation so members understand and own the issues.
• Focus on relevance, not just recruitment — create meaningful experiences that make people want to stay.

If your club has ever asked “Where do we start?” or “How do we keep members engaged?”, this episode offers clarity, courage, and a fresh reset in thinking about membership growth.