Welcome to the Young Professionals Forum

District 9520

50% of the world’s population is under 50

12% of our district’s membership is under 50

Young Professionals Forum August 8, 2013

Attracting Young ProfessionalsPart 1 – Identifying our Challenges• 6 Major Challenges Rotary

needs to overcome

Since when do Rotarians take the easy option?

You might need to get uncomfortable.

Challenge 1:

So, why is change so hard to implement?

Over 50

Under 50

Because this group is comfortable.

You can be comfortable now or later, but not both.

We need to offer a more appealing version of Rotary.

Challenge 2:

SOCIAL PROGRESS

Developing world

Poor access to: Education Healthcare Potable Water Sanitation ElectricityPoor InfrastructureLow empowerment of womenNon-existent welfare systemUnstable government

These people see Rotary as a symbol of progress

(Scientific & Technological Advancement, Economic Maturity)

Membership growth

SOCIAL PROGRESS

Developed world

Good access to: Education Healthcare Hot & Cold Water Sanitation ElectricityGood InfrastructureEquality for womenWelfare systemStable government

Some of these people see Rotary as a symbol of obsolescence

Membership decline

MASSIVE SOCIETAL CHANGE

SOCIAL PROGRESS

If Rotary is to grow in the Developed world, we need to offer a different version of Rotary …

… a version that will appeal to a new generation.

The first change must be our mindset.

Challenge 3:

mindset: (noun)a set of beliefs or a way of thinking that determines one’s behaviour, outlook and mental attitude

We have an OLD and DYING mindset.

positioningis a marketing strategy that aims to make a brand occupy a distinct position, relative to competing brands, in the mind of the customer

Meetings cannot remain at the centre of our Rotary universe.

Challenge 4:

We need to change our message.

Challenge 5:

What do we lead with?

If our entire communication strategy with non-Rotarians was a newspaper or the nightly TV news, what would our headline be?

What’s in it for me?

• Polio Eradication

• Schools• Hospitals• Clean Water• Youth

Exchange• Shelter Box

What’s in it for me?

• Teamwork• Fun &

Friendship• Leadership• Networking• Mentoring• Responsibility

?

We need to aim for true vocational diversity.

Challenge 6:

Breakdown of Employment Status – D9520

Doc

tor

Teac

her

Polic

e O

ffice

r

Acco

unta

nt

Mec

hani

c

Arch

itect

Student

Apprentice / Trainee

Employee

Manager

Retired

??

We define our leaders by the way we think, not by our title.