Nomination open June 15 - August 31, 2026.  For details, click on the image below.

As sessions unfolded, a few clear themes rose to the surface:

• Leadership for the Future – Participants noted the impressive depth of talent across District 6270. One Rotarian put it best: “We have a wealth of talent in our district. Bodes well for the future.” Attendees recognized the importance of equipping emerging leaders to guide Rotary into its next chapter.
• Membership Matters – The Membership Panel sparked some of the liveliest conversations of the day. Members reflected on data from Rotary International about why people leave clubs, and how enhancing the club experience can help retain and attract members. The message was clear: when we create meaningful, engaging club experiences, members stay. 
• Practical Tools & Takeaways – Workshops on time management, social media, and innovation were highly praised for being focused, actionable, and immediately useful. As one attendee commented, these sessions were “organized, focused, actionable, and informative.”
• Connection and Belonging – The open mic session during lunch gave space for members to plug events, share updates, and connect in real time. This simple idea turned into a highlight of the day, strengthening relationships across clubs and sparking collaborations.
• Get Involved! – From fellowships and action groups to district committees, participants were reminded of the many ways to get involved in Rotary beyond the club level. Several left inspired to explore new opportunities.

Click Read More to view Part Two

• Part One: Membership Strategies from District 6270 Clubs
• Part Two: Innovative Membership Structures for Regular Clubs

Part One: Membership Strategies from District 6270 Clubs

Several Rotary Clubs in District 6270 have adopted creative and varied membership strategies to foster engagement, inclusivity, and growth. Here's how seven clubs in the district responded to a call for information on their membership programs:

1. Oshkosh Southwest Rotary: Oshkosh Southwest provides three categories of membership: Regular, Associate, and Corporate. The Associate Membership is a local-only (i.e. not with District or RI) membership limited to two years for a very low cost. This is good for younger or prospective members to “get their feet wet.” The club’s corporate membership notably allows organizations to send different representatives to meetings, encouraging broad corporate engagement.
2. Port Washington-Saukville Rotary: A multi-tiered approach offers memberships as
3. Waukesha Noon Rotary: Embracing a structured corporate membership model, Waukesha Noon allows corporations to appoint up to four designees, with specific rules around senior leadership involvement. Their detailed guidelines ensure corporate members remain engaged and entail meeting attendance requirements, financial obligations, and participation expectations comparable to individual members. Additionally, Waukesha has a “Share Rotary” program whereby each meeting has one member assigned to bring a prospect. They have found that this approach is more effective than a simple call to everyone to “bring someone some time!”
4. Lake Geneva Rotary: This club offers flexibility with an annual “meal or no-meal” option and a corporate membership arrangement. Their corporate membership allows organizations to have a primary and an alternate member, fostering increased organizational representation and participation.
5. Fond du Lac Noon Rotary: Fond du Lac Noon maintains a traditional "old school" approach, emphasizing personal invitations targeting community leaders and new business owners. Recognizing their club’s tilt toward a "check-writing" as opposed to a primarily “hands-on” group, they align recruitment with member expectations, effectively integrating philanthropy and business networking.
6. Elkhorn Rotary Club: Elkhorn introduced an innovative "Golden Ticket" initiative to boost engagement and create excitement around Rotary events. The club issues “Golden Tickets” to each member, to give to a prospect, redeemable for a “Free Lunch.” This strategy emphasizes direct participation, offering opportunities for members to engage actively through enticing incentives and unique experiences. 
7. Fond du Lac (General Observations): Highlighting local industry shifts, Fond du Lac observed decreased local business involvement due to changing corporate ownership structures. This prompted a shift in recruitment towards locally-focused professions such as healthcare, real estate, and legal services.