By Tim Trujillo, Executive Assistant Governor, Region 1
 
You may want to consider a program the Rotary Club of Tehachapi has found to be a good way to boost membership – it’s called the Associate Member program. We’ve had it in effect for a couple of years and it has increased our numbers by 8 additional Rotarians.
 
Our Regular club membership dues are $70 per month and cover all costs including weekly meals, social events, paid registration for all District and RI conferences, conventions and Rotary training events.
 
Here’s how the Associate membership plan works:
The purpose is to increase the number of active and participating Rotarians, especially new business owners and entrepreneurs. This membership classification covers those potential members who express interest in becoming Regular members but whose current financial or work situation does not allow for full-time membership and/or its costs. It is directed towards those potential members the club feels would provide an immediate impact and contribution to the club.
 
Associate Members are considered active-roster members of the club and of Rotary International. The membership process for these new members is the same as for regular members. They must have a sponsor, be voted in, and be assigned a Mentor when they are inducted.
 
Associate Membership dues cover attendance/meals at up to two regular meetings monthly, as well as participation in fundraising and community service projects. Associate Members are also welcomed to attend club social events but will be charged for their portion of the cost of the event.
 
Associate Members are billed $35 per month. These dues cover two lunch meetings a month, District and RI dues, and a subscription to the Rotary magazine. If an Associate member attends more than two meetings in a month, they will be charged $20 for each extra lunch meeting.
 
Associate Memberships do not include reimbursement of registration fees for District and RI events, Rotary training classes, and club socials.
 
Associate Members are encouraged to participate in community service projects and fundraisers when available. The objective is to have Associate Members participating in the hands-on preparation and execution of specific events and Rotary service projects.
 
The club Board of Directors will review this plan annually in June and may change, tweak or cancel the plan as needed to support the best interests of the club.
 
It’s working well for us and I’d encourage you to see if it might work in your club. I’ll be happy to answer any questions about the program so don’t hesitate to contact me at (661) 821-0086 or by email at