Growing Membership Through Community Connection
In the latest District 6650 podcast, District Governor Ryan Boyce and Past District Governor Kim Weiss sit down with Ryan Goist, past president of the Struthers Rotary Club, to explore a key question facing Rotary clubs today: How can we grow membership while creating a lasting impact in our communities?
Ryan Goist shared how his focus on visibility, collaboration, and community engagement helped the Struthers Rotary Club gain 18 members in one year—far exceeding the typical annual growth of about three members.
Rather than making membership the sole goal, Goist focused first on making Rotary more visible and showing the community what the club does. From branded tents and tablecloths to inflatable Rotary displays, the club made sure residents could easily recognize Rotary's presence at community events.
A major part of the club's success came from partnering with organizations around shared passions. Struthers Rotary developed community partnerships with a garden club and an amateur radio group, giving these organizations a structure through which they could serve the community while introducing new people to Rotary. These partnerships led directly to new members and expanded the club's volunteer network.
The results went well beyond membership numbers. The garden club earned a district Operation Pollination award, while the amateur radio group was recognized as a tri-state Club of the Year in its first year. Struthers Rotary also received recognition for its membership growth. For Ryan Goist, however, the greatest success was the lasting community impact created through these collaborations.
The conversation also highlighted the importance of telling Rotary's story. Through a club newsletter, business spotlight videos, QR codes, and regular coverage of community projects, Struthers Rotary consistently shares its work with the public. Brian emphasized that people are more likely to become involved when they can see Rotary actively working alongside them—not simply writing checks.
Another key takeaway was the importance of meeting people where they are. Younger families may not be ready to join Rotary immediately, but they can become supporters through youth programs, community cleanups, fundraisers, and volunteer opportunities. Struthers Rotary's free art camp for local children is one example of how a meaningful community project can introduce families to Rotary and create relationships that may eventually lead to membership.
Ryan also encouraged clubs to embrace technology thoughtfully. QR codes, AI, 3D printing, virtual and hybrid meetings, digital newsletters, and partnerships with school STEM programs can all help Rotary expand its reach. His message was not to use technology simply because it is new, but to use it when it solves a problem or improves the member and community experience.
Perhaps the strongest message from the podcast was the importance of listening to members and discovering their passions. Brian encourages clubs to ask members what projects they enjoy, what they would like to see happen, and what skills or interests they can bring to Rotary. When members are given opportunities to lead projects connected to their passions, they become more engaged and invested.
He also stressed the importance of delegation. Leaders cannot do everything themselves. Giving both new and experienced members meaningful responsibilities builds confidence, develops future leaders, and strengthens the club.
The episode offers a powerful reminder that membership growth is often the result—not the starting point—of meaningful Rotary engagement. When clubs become more visible, collaborate with community organizations, embrace new ideas, listen to their members, and demonstrate the impact of Service Above Self, people have more reasons to get involved.
As District 6650 begins a new Rotary year focused on creating lasting impact, this episode provides plenty of ideas for clubs to consider—and one simple challenge to take with them: Share your why. When people understand why Rotary matters to us, they are more likely to understand why it can matter to them, too.