Rotary District 7600 – Area 10

Rotary Club of North Suffolk

Main Challenge: Current club finances show a $12,000 annual shortfall. Addressing this requires strong leadership, transparency, and engagement from every officer and member.

1. Financial Responsibility

  • 5th Friday Effectiveness

    • Reassess purpose.

    • Events should focus on membership growth and visibility instead of being purely social

    • Consider venues for cost control.

  • Dues

    • An increase of $250/year (on top of $620) would likely reduce membership.

    • Solutions must come from event strategy, sponsorships, and growth, not simply raising dues.

  • Charities

    • Fund only through event profits, not board dues.

    • Require member vote on supported charities.

    • Require annual reports from each supported charity.

  • Grants

    • Provide clear reporting on all grants received, including funds awarded and how they are used.

2. Membership & Sponsorship Growth

  • Establish a membership and sponsorship plan with measurable goals.

  • Assign each new member a host/mentor to help with assimilation.

  • Provide clear Rotary information packets and DACdb access training.

  • Develop corporate sponsor opportunities tied to visibility and community impact.

3. Attendance & Engagement

  • Develop a list of inactive members; leadership to make personal phone calls encouraging return and participation.

  • Encourage volunteer opportunities with supported charities to build stronger ties and engagement.

  • Strengthen fellowship through meaningful service, not just meals and meetings.

4. Transparency & Governance

  • Officer Selection

    • Move to a ballot system per bylaws to ensure transparency.

    • Educate members on election procedures.

  • Financial Transparency

    • Treasurer to present quarterly statements at club meetings.

    • All members should understand where funds come from and how they are used.

    • Assistant Treasurer will help aide in this process

  • DACdb Training

    • Conduct a hands-on session for all members

    • Show where to find financials, contacts, and communication tools.

5. Programs & Public Image

  • Speakers: Prioritize business and government leaders to inspire members and connect Rotary with the community.

  • Use 5th Fridays and service projects as opportunities to invite prospective members and sponsors.

  • Increase public visibility of Rotary’s impact in North Suffolk through media, social, and partnerships.

6. Leadership Expectations for Every Officer

  • Protect the financial health of the club

  • Lead with transparency and inclusion

  • Answer questions of club members as an officer… settle possible negative rumblings

  • Drive membership and sponsorship growth

  • Encourage attendance and engagement

  • Build community partnerships through service and outreach

  • Strengthen the public image of Rotary in Suffolk

Our path forward requires honest evaluation, financial discipline, and stronger engagement from every member. By addressing these issues with clear leadership, we can overcome the $12,000 deficit and strengthen the future of our club.