The Power of an Invitation
We all remember the first time we walked into a Rotary meeting. For many of us, it wasn’t a billboard or a website that brought us there—it was a personal invitation from a friend or a colleague. That simple “Why don’t you come to lunch with me on Tuesday?” is often the spark that ignites a lifetime of service.
From February through April, District 5110 is launching the “Try Rotary” campaign to help you extend that invitation. This isn’t just about growing our numbers; it’s about sharing the fellowship, purpose, and impact that we value so much with the people in our communities who are looking for a way to give back.
How the “Try Rotary” Contest Works
To make the invitation even sweeter, the District is offering an incredible incentive for your guests. When a non-Rotarian visits your club meeting, joins a service project, or attends a fundraiser during these three months, they can enter the Try Rotary Contest.
Use The Toolkit for Success
In addition to mailing your Club leadership an activation kit, you can also visit our Try Rotary Toolkit for ideas and resources on how to get the word out and make this fun and engaging for your guests.
The Grand Prize is a Performing Arts Getaway (Value: $500–$750), including:
- Two tickets to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival or the Sunriver Music Festival.
- A hotel stay voucher and a local restaurant gift card.
- Many more prizes are available.
Three Ways You Can Participate
As a Rotarian, you are the best ambassador for our mission. Here is how you can help your club succeed during this campaign:
- Bring a Plus-One: Think of one person—a neighbor, a local business owner, or a young professional—who embodies “Service Above Self.” Invite them to your next meeting or service project.
- Capture the Mascot: If your club is hosting Yoda (the District 5110 mascot) or his plushy facsimile (each club president had one mailed to them), make sure your guest takes a photo with him! Tagging #tryrotary and mentioning Rotary District 5110 on Facebook or Instagram counts as a bonus entry for them.
- Spread the Word Online: Share the “Try Rotary” link on your personal social media. Let your network know that your club is a welcoming space for anyone who wants to make a difference locally and globally.
Why This Matters
Our District is 3,000 members strong across 61 clubs, but our impact grows exponentially with every new perspective we add to our ranks. By encouraging a guest to “Try Rotary,” you aren’t just showing them a meeting—you’re showing them a path to community engagement and lifelong friendships.
Let’s open our doors, share our stories, and show our neighbors why Rotary is the “go-to” place for service with purpose.
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