By Marty Schulman, a member of the Rotary Club of Bronxville, New York, USA
Being part of Rotary District 7230 feels special. For the past five years, we’ve seen something really cool happen: our membership has actually grown. In a world where sometimes it feels like organizations are shrinking, we’re heading in the opposite direction. And honestly, it’s not by accident.
I’ve had the chance to connect with Rotary members from different clubs across the district, and a few things really stand out about why I think we’re seeing this success.
- A focus on connection. It’s not just about showing up to a meeting. I’ve seen clubs actively creating opportunities for members to connect on a personal level. Think about those informal social gatherings after meetings, or the joint projects where you really get to know people while working side-by-side. These aren’t just “nice-to-haves.” They build genuine friendships, and that’s a huge reason people stick around and invite their friends to join.
- A variety of opportunities to get involved. Whether you’re passionate about local community service, international projects, or developing leadership skills, there’s a place for you here. I remember talking to a new member who joined because she was clearly drawn to our clean water initiatives abroad. For you, it might be the local food bank drives that resonate. This diversity of action keeps things interesting and allows people to contribute in ways that truly matter to them.
- An energy and innovation. There’s a willingness to try new things – different meeting formats, engaging online presence, and creative fundraising ideas. It feels like our district isn’t stuck in the past but is constantly looking for ways to be relevant and impactful in today’s world. I recently visited a club that started a mentorship program for young entrepreneurs, and it was buzzing with excitement!
- A shared sense of purpose. We’re all here because we believe in Service Above Self. That’s not just a motto; it’s something I see in action every day, from the small acts of kindness to the large-scale projects. That shared commitment creates a powerful bond and a feeling that you’re part of something bigger than yourself.
Of course, none of this happens in a vacuum. We’ve got great leadership at the district level that encourages collaboration and provides resources to help clubs thrive. You can see some of their initiatives on the District 7230 website. They’re focused on supporting clubs in their membership efforts.
Ultimately, I think the growth we’ve seen is a testament to the welcoming spirit and the meaningful work happening within our clubs. It’s about creating a place where people feel connected, can make a real difference, and are inspired to invite others to join us.
What are your thoughts? Have you seen similar things in your club or other districts? Share your experiences in the comments below. And if you’re reading this and curious about becoming part of Rotary, reach out to your local club! Let’s keep this momentum going!
Marty Schulman is a member of the Rotary Club of Bronxville, New York, USA since 1983. He has served District 7230 (New York, USA, and Bermuda) as Membership Chair (2018-21), District Governor (2022-23), Zone 32 Ambassador for Empowering Women and Girls (2024-26), Vice Governor (2024-25), and is currently a trustee of the Epic Day of Service Foundation.
https://blog.rotary.org/2025/05/28/5-years-strong-our-districts-membership-magic/