District 5950 Membership Enhancement & Participant Engagement (MEPE) Update
Growing Rotary Through the Rotary Action Plan
Rotary's future depends on our ability to grow, engage, and retain members by creating clubs where everyone feels they belong. The Rotary Action Plan challenges us to Increase Our Impact, Expand Our Reach, Enhance Participant Engagement, and Increase Our Ability to Adapt. These priorities are not just strategic goals, they are practical tools for building stronger, more vibrant clubs.
This achievement would not have been possible without the vision and support of many Rotary leaders, including our Past District Governors, Rotary International Membership Director Tom Gump, Lloyd Campbell, and numerous Rotarians throughout District 5950 who believe that Rotary is strongest when it reflects the diversity of the communities we serve.
Special Thank you the members of the Willmar Rotary Club for their financial support to host this event.
Since receiving its charter, the Rotary Club of I-94 Inclusive has continued to attract prospective members seeking a Rotary experience built on connection, purpose, and belonging. By intentionally implementing the Rotary Action Plan, the club is demonstrating that inclusive membership is not simply about increasing numbers, it is about creating meaningful opportunities for people to participate, develop as leaders, and make a lasting difference in their communities.
Participation in community leadership forums like this strengthens Rotary's Membership Enhancement and Participant Engagement by building authentic relationships, increasing Rotary's visibility, and welcoming new voices into our network. When people see Rotary actively engaging with community leaders and addressing issues that matter, they are more likely to participate, become members, and help us create lasting change through service.
Rotary District 5950 Joins Minneapolis NAACP Leadership Forum
The Rotary Club of I-94 Inclusive was honored to join the District 5950 Chair of Belonging at a leadership forum hosted by the Minneapolis NAACP featuring the Honorable MN Supreme Court Chief Justice Natalie Hudson.
The event brought together community leaders to discuss leadership, justice, and civic engagement. Our participation reflects Rotary's Action Plan by strengthening partnerships, fostering belonging, and expanding Rotary's impact through collaboration with organizations committed to building stronger, more inclusive communities.
This opportunity demonstrates how Rotary creates lasting impact by building meaningful relationships with community leaders and organizations committed to justice, equity, and civic engagement. These partnerships strengthen trust, expand Rotary's reach into communities that have historically been underrepresented, and create new opportunities for service, leadership, and membership growth.
By engaging in conversations that matter, the Rotary Club of I-94 Inclusive continues to advance Rotary's Action Plan—bringing people together across different backgrounds to increase our impact and create a stronger, more inclusive future for our communities.
The Minneapolis NAACP Leadership Forum demonstrated the power of community engagement to grow Rotary. Through relationships built at the event, District 5950 welcomed Sharon Brooks back to Rotary. Sharon is the 2020–21 Past President of the Rotary Club of Crystal–New Hope–Robbinsdale and a charter member of the North Minneapolis Rotary Club.
Her return is a reminder that meaningful engagement creates opportunities to reconnect experienced Rotary leaders with our mission. By building partnerships in the community and fostering a culture of belonging, Rotary continues to strengthen membership, increase participation, and create lasting impact.
Our membership continues to reflect this commitment, with approximately 60% women and 40% men, representing a broad range of cultures, professions, ages, and experiences. This diversity strengthens our perspectives, enriches our service projects, and expands Rotary's reach into communities that have historically been underrepresented.
Inclusive membership growth is more than recruiting new members. It is about ensuring that every participant feels welcomed from their first visit, every voice is heard, every member has opportunities to lead, and every Rotarian understands that their unique experiences make our clubs stronger. When people feel they belong, they stay engaged, invite others to join, and become ambassadors for Rotary.
As District 5950 Belonging Chair, I invite clubs throughout our district to join this effort. I would be honored to visit your club and share practical strategies for implementing the Rotary Action Plan, strengthening membership, increasing participant engagement, and building a culture where belonging becomes a catalyst for service and growth.Together, we can build clubs that better reflect our communities, inspire new generations of leaders, and ensure Rotary remains relevant, welcoming, and impactful for years to come.
First Thursday of Every Month 8:00–9:00 a.m. https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/kDvQuuoPSaO8Bd2pC0ov3g
The District 5950 Membership Enhancement & Participant Engagement (MEPE) Committee invites all Rotarians to join our monthly collaborative meeting.
Each session focuses on practical ideas and proven strategies to help clubs:
Implement the Rotary Action Plan.
Grow and retain diverse, engaged membership.
Create welcoming and inclusive club cultures.
Share successful membership and engagement practices.
Develop leaders and increase opportunities for meaningful participation.
Strengthen Rotary's impact throughout our communities.
Whether you are a club president, membership chair, committee leader, or Rotarian passionate about growing Rotary, your voice and experience are welcome.
Growing Rotary through belonging begins with each of us. Together, we can create clubs where every person feels valued, every member has an opportunity to serve, and every community benefits from Rotary's lasting impact.
In Rotary Service,
Samba Fall District 5950 Belonging Chair Charter President, Rotary Club of I-94 Inclusive
