It is estimated that there are over 100,000 Foundation Alumni who have not joined a Rotary club. These alumni have represented RI/TRF as Scholars, GSE, University Professors, Rotary Volunteers and university teachers who were sponsored by the Foundation to teach in developing countries.etc. and have been the recipients of a great many of our Foundation dollars. These Alumni help Rotarians to fulfill our Foundation mission.

So, why aren't more alumni joining Rotary clubs? With 100,000 out there -- this is an incredible membership resource.

The current status of alumni in Rotary According to research conducted in 2005-06 by the Membership Development Division of Rotary International, only 2.9% of current Rotarians are program alumni. Additionally 58% of clubs say they don't recruit program alumni for membership. 22% of clubs claim to recruit alumni and actually have alumni as members. 84% of current program participants are interested in joining a Rotary club. 66% of program alumni are interested in joining a Rotary club.

Considering the large number of new alumni each year, Rotary/TRF has tremendous growth potential, especially if these alumni were more effectively transitioned into Rotary clubs.

Clubs and districts can implement many strategies to tap into alumni as a source of potential members: Build strong relationships with current program participants. Develop an action plan for keeping alumni involved in Rotary activities and for transitioning them into Rotary clubs. Promote alumni so other Rotarians understand their importance.

Ask alumni to join and continue asking even if an initial invitation is declined. Help alumni find clubs that meet their needs. Use alumni to start new clubs. There is an all-Alumni Rotary Club in the Philippines. Maintain contact with younger alumni until they're qualified for membership. Involve alumni in other RI/TRF programs. Involve alumni in club and district activities.

Because of their dedication to Rotary's values, these program alumni could make great Rotarians. They are already more familiar with Rotary than the average prospective club member, and their participation in Rotary's programs indicates that they are interested in our organization's objectives. Why not capitalize on our Alumni's experience with Rotary and receive a return on our investment by keeping them involved in Rotary as club members?