Enhancing participant engagement
One of 4 priorities of the Rotary Action Plan: Enhancing participant engagement
The reason members join Rotary — and stay in it — is the club experience. That’s why it’s so important that clubs offer members opportunities to get involved, to learn, and to develop as people of action.
Mental health awareness President R. Gordon R. McInally has asked Rotary members to prioritize mental health. This call to action inspired many projects around the world that aimed to raise awareness of mental health needs, decrease the stigma associated with them, and expand access to mental health care.
Clubs such as the Rotary E-Club of Suicide Prevention and Brain Health, Texas, USA, work to reduce stigma and promote measures that sustain mental wellness as a necessary part of daily life. The Rotaract Clubs of Sahel Metn, Lebanon, and Amsterdam Nachtwacht International, The Netherlands, raised money to support the only suicide hotline in Lebanon. Rotarians in Nepal led a session for teachers on suicide prevention and mental health management in schools, including ways to reduce stigma and discrimination.
A variety of resources are available on My Rotary to help clubs incorporate mental health support into club projects and activities. You can also learn how to foster mental wellness by connecting with the Rotary Action Group on Mental Health Initiatives.
All are welcome
Rotary is committed to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and it’s vital that we provide welcoming, inclusive environments for all. Rotary has a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Council to move us forward, and more districts are appointing DEI chairs to guide initiatives in their areas. In fact, more than 70% of districts reported having a DEI chair.
We’re proud to share the stories of trailblazers such as the six Rotary members that were named People of Action: Champions of Inclusion in 2023, for illustrating how inclusivity can make a transformational impact on communities. And in 2024, we continue to highlight the contributions of members like Manjoo Phadke, this year’s recipient of the Sylvia Whitlock Leadership Award and a tireless advocate for gender equality and DEI.
New and expanded resources to help clubs build diversity, equity, and inclusion are available at rotary.org/DEI.
Make new friends
Friendships are often cited as a primary reason members stay in Rotary. Rotary Fellowships are great ways to engage with people who share your passions and interests beyond your club.
This year, members gained even more ways to connect with one another when we expanded our list of more than 100 global fellowships. Here are the new ones:
- Cybersecurity Rotary Fellowship
- Rotary Fellowship of Educators
- Rotary Fellowship of Horse Racing
- Rotary Fellowship of Mental Wellness Counsellors
- Rotary Fellowship of Metaverse
- Rotary Fellowship of Past Presidents, Officers, and Friends
- Rotary Fellowship of Real Estate
- Rotary Fellowship of Startup Investors
- Rotary Fellowship of Tea Lovers
- Rotary Fellowship of Vegans
- Weather Enthusiasts Rotary Fellowship
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