2 SAMPLES OF NEW MEMBER INDUCTION

---NO.1

Clubs should hold an appropriate induction for new members.It
is recommended that each club develop its own procedures for a dignified and
meaningful induction ceremony. Clubs may wish to consider the following:
New Member Induction
• Presided over by the club president with involvement of the new member’s
counselor or sponsor
• Inviting the spouse of the new member to attend, if appropriate
• A photo for posting in the meeting room and for inclusion in the club bulletin
may be provided
Ceremony
• Welcome to Rotary (brief explanation of Rotary and its scope and the
responsibilities of member)
• Short biography of new member
• Presentation of Rotary material
• Presentation of pin, membership card, club roster
• Announcement of assignment to club committee
• Counselor/sponsor remarks
• New member response
• Club response (welcome to member)
Clubs are also encouraged to develop a strong membership information program
that educates the prospective Rotarian on the benefits and responsibilities
of being a Rotarian before the member is inducted.


2.
Induction Procedure

“Well begun is half done”, runs the adage.  I have heard of a
corollary to this also.  “Badly begun is half undone”.  This is true
in the matter of induction too.

Usually the sponsor gives a nice picture of Rotary to the new member
and naturally the invitee reaches the induction meeting with high
hopes and enthusiasm.  A slip-shod meeting is sure to dampen the
spirit of the new member.

Instead if the meeting is carefully planned and turns out to be a
solumn function the new member returns home determined to contribute
his/her best to the club.

At the induction meeting the new member should be the cynosure.
He/she should feel that every member is eager to make friend with
him/her.

The president invites the new member and his/her spouse to the podium
(the sergent-at-arms leads them to the dais) and the sponsor to
formally introduce them to the audience.  The introduction should be
crisp and attractive and not just a recital of the curriculum vitae.

The installing officer first compliments the sponsor for having shared
Rotary with the new member and for bringing one more friend into the
club’s fold.  The induction speech, though preferably limited to
fifteen minutes, should contain the basic Rotary information,
highlight programmes of TRF (particularly Polio Plus) and the
importnce of attendance.

After the induction speech the installing officer attaches the Rotary
emblem to the lapel or apparel of the new member and then asks the
newly inducted member to repeat a suitable oath.

Bernard Sachaefer,  Past R.I. director, in an article in.  The
Rotarian, has given a model pledge.  It reads:

“With the acceptance of this emblem, which opens doors of friendship
and bridges gaps, I pledge:

Not to be just a cog in the Rotary wheel, but to the part of its
driving force.

To make my Rotary attendance a joy and not have it become a burden.

To serve my club in any capacity in which I am asked to serve.

To recognize my community  as my particular plot of ground given to me
to till, not only for my security, but for that of all mankind.

To be an ambassador from my vocation, to my club, my community, and
society, as I know I must vindicate my affiliation with Rotary.

To be proud to associate with men (now, persons) of all colors,
creeds, and races, knowing with deep conviction that international
understanding is the root and not the fruit of international peace.

The future of Rotary is in your hands –this year theme
To put Rotary to work where I work,

To live Rotary where I live,

In other words, I will make every effort of  body, mind, and spirit
not to just be a member, but to be a ROTARIAN.”

Once the pledge is over, the installing officer then presents a kit
comprising of essential Rotary  information books, ‘clubs’
constitution and  bylaws’, four way test plaque membership card,
‘declaration for Rotarians in business and professions’ etc.

If the induction officer is good at the job, by the time the induction
ceremony is wound up with the final words of congratulations to the
spouse and wishing the member well, hardly fifteen minutes world have
been utilized.

The club president also wishes the new member all the best in Rotary
and asks the audience to give a standing ovation to the new member
couple.

Reply speech from the new member is not advisable on the occasion.
Now the induction ceremony has planted the Rotary seed in the heart of
new member.  If there is good fellowship in the club and the club has
good programmes with the new member’s participation, the seed will
grow.