One of my favorite discoveries during my first couple of months as Governor is just how different our Rotary clubs are.
Some are large and structured. Others are small and informal. Some meet over lunch; others after work. Some love traditions that have been part of their club for decades. Others are experimenting with entirely different ways of bringing people together.
And I'm increasingly convinced that's a good thing.
Recently, I learned more about how the Boise-East Rotary Club has been rethinking its own Rotary experience. After significant membership change, members went through a visioning process and asked some fundamental questions about what they wanted their club to be.
They decided meaningful service was especially important to them. They reduced the number of traditional meetings, committed to serving together regularly, and identified service priorities that reflect what their members care about.
That's what works for Boise-East. It doesn't mean every club should do the same thing.
The lesson I'm taking from their experience is much simpler:
Be intentional.
What matters to your members? What does your community need? What brings your members together? Are people given meaningful ways to contribute?
During my club visits this year, I've been asking another question:
What do people feel when they experience our club?
Do they feel welcomed? Connected? Useful? Appreciated? Do they leave with more energy than when they arrived?
Our answers won't all be the same and neither should our clubs.
Traditions are important and recognizing when people's needs change is also important. We don't need every Rotary club in District 5400 to look alike. We need clubs that know their communities, understand their members, provide meaningful opportunities to serve, and create places where people want to belong.
So here's something to talk about at your club:
What makes your club your club?
And if you were designing that experience for the people and community you serve today, what would you make sure to keep, and what might you be willing to try?
Mike Markley
District Governor 2026–2027
Rotary Club of Boise Southwest
Enjoy these pictures from my August District 5400 Adventures:
