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Bring the joy
I always walk into meetings at my home club community fun since 2021. In Japan, people have made

of McMurray, Pennsylvania, with a smile on
picking up trash into a sport known as SpoGomi, and
my face.
every year the club hosts a game. This year, more than
A few years ago, someone arrived late. In-
came together to improve their community.
stead of scolding the person, we cheered. Since 400 participants cheered each other on while they
then, we’ve made it a tradition to applaud all mem- This event is an excellent example of how Rotary
bers when they arrive for meetings. It’s tough not to clubs can have fun, make a difference, and raise
smile with a greeting like that. awareness for broader global challenges all at the
There’s nothing more powerful for engaging and same time. And the inclusive, family-friendly format
retaining members than a club that’s vibrant, welcom- allows people of all ages to participate.
ing, and — yes — fun. When we enjoy what we do, that energy becomes
Think back to what drew you to Rotary. Chances contagious. It’s what attracts new members and keeps
are, it wasn’t just the service projects or professional our clubs strong and engaged. It helps people feel that
networking. It was the people — the friendships, the they belong.
shared laughter, and the joy of working toward a com- Retention and culture go hand in hand. The health-
mon purpose. That’s what keeps us coming back. ier our club culture, the more likely members are to
If you’re looking for that sense of joy in your meet- stay. Rotary magazine is an outstanding resource
ings, don’t be afraid to ask yourself and your fellow for inspiration on how to enhance our club culture
PHOTOGRAPH: CHRISTINE ARMBRUSTER Are your meetings fun? If not, what can you do about STEPHANIE A. URCHICK For resources
members some tough questions. If you were a pro-
and deepen member engagement. I encourage you
to explore the stories and strategies in these pages,
spective member, would you join your current club?
drawing from other clubs’ successes to find ideas that
It’s a powerful question but don’t stop there.
Do members of your club feel that they belong?
work for you.
Together, we can create a more engaged, enjoy-
able, and inclusive Rotary that every member can feel
it together?
At your next meeting or event, try something new to
proud to be part of. Let’s continue with renewed com-
mitment and enthusiasm, living The Magic of Rotary.
bring out a few extra smiles. It’s the simple things that
create lasting bonds and make clubs simply irresistible.
on engaging
and growing
Here’s one example of a club moving in the right
membership,
membership.
been combining environmental responsibility with
4 direction. The Rotary Club of Fukushima, Japan, has President, Rotary International visit rotary.org/
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