From Interest

to Engagement

Designing a better Rotary member experience

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Meet your Public Image & Membership Chairs

Kerrie Luginbill

Lori Garrison

Rotary District 5440 | Innovation Summit

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• 18 Years of Marketing Experience�Experience with Event Planning & Fundraising
• Colorado State University Graduate
• Marketing Agency Owner &�Chief Growth Officer of OTM (Formerly Old Town Media) based in Fort Collins
• The Rotary Club of Fort Collins Member for ~14 years, Serves as Evening Chair, Current Fundraising & Public Image Chair, Current Board Member
• District 5440 Rotarian of the Year, 2024–2025
• Current District 5440 Public Image Chair

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• Nearly 30 Years of Operating Room Experience, Including 15 Medical Missions Helping Cure Blindness in the Third World
• Rotary member since 2009
• Past District Rotary Leadership Institute Trainer & PETS Facilitator
• Rotary Club of Cheyenne President, 2023–2024
• District 5440 Outstanding Large Club President of the Year, 2023–2024
• District 5440 Rotarian of the Year, 2024–2025
• Current District 5440 Membership Committee Chair

Every club already has a member journey. The question is whether it’s intentional or accidental.

Every interaction either builds momentum…

…or creates friction.

Interest

First touch

Belonging

Leadership

The member experience is happening whether we design it or not.

Rotary District 5440 | Innovation Summit

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What we live-mapped at Rotary Spark Assembly

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What successful clubs are doing differently

Growing clubs tend to…

Create multiple low-pressure entry points

Invite prospects to SERVICE first

Follow up quickly after interest

Show authentic club culture online

Give new members meaningful roles early

Focus on belonging, not just attendance

Struggling clubs often…

Rely only on meetings

Have unclear next steps

Communicate inconsistently

Overload new members with information

Treat marketing and membership separately

Rotary District 5440 | Innovation Summit

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What friction looks like (and how to design better)

Stage

Friction

Better experience

Awareness

Generic social posts

Stories showing impact + friendships

Consideration

“Come to a meeting” only

Invite to service project or social

Conversion

Slow application process

Personal follow-up within reasonable timeframe

Retention

New members sit alone

Assign mentor + involvement path

If your only invitation is “come to a meeting,” that is a high-pressure ask for most!

Rotary District 5440 | Innovation Summit

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Where are we losing people? Quick table exercise!

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Pick ONE stage

Awareness · Consideration Conversion · Retention

2

Discuss at your table

Where do people get stuck, disengage, or disappear?

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Answer & share

One small change your club could make in the next 30 days.

Examples to listen for:

Nobody follows up after guests visit

Website has no clear call-to-action

New members do not make connections

Prospective members do not understand Rotary

Rotary District 5440 | Innovation Summit

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Q&A

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Rotary District 5440 | Innovation Summit

Other Resources

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Rotary5440.org��Visit our district primary ClubRunner website to access:

• Membership Resources
• Public Image Resources

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Rotary Brand Center

• brandcenter.rotary.org/

Rotary District 5440 | Innovation Summit

Things to Try: Small Changes = Big Results

• “Bring a friend” to mtgs & socials
• New-member welcome path
• Flexible membership options
• Rotary social night at brewery/coffee shop
• 30-day new member check-in
• Invite guests to service before meetings
• One-click website interest form

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• Easy application process
• Orientation and Rotary 101
• Mentor and red ribbon program
• “Ask them”- Involve and Include
• Inspiring and Impactful Actions/Service
• Networking and social time at mtgs
• Recognize, Praise, Celebrate, Award
• Thank them
• Communication…Ask and listen!

Remember: Marketing creates expectations. Membership fulfills them.