Four years ago, under the inspiration of Past President Mary Barry, our New Member Mentoring Program was initiated. Since then, over 30 new members have been allocated among 15 of the trained mentors. Typically, the mentor will maintain a close relationship with the mentee for the first six months of their membership. 

New members are the lifeblood and the future of Rotary. Supporting them when they first join is crucial, as that is when they will be most motivated by their decision to become a member. 

Maintaining a new member’s level of enthusiasm, while helping them figure out how they can engage with the Club and contribute in ways that are meaningful for them, will ensure they feel part of Rotary Melbourne from the beginning, then develop their involvement over a period of time.  The Program has been widely hailed by mentees as an outstanding success.   

We are now a point where we need to find more Rotary Mentors within our existing membership so we can continue to not only attract new members, but also retain them.

So, what is involved in mentoring and how do you become a Rotary Mentor? 

• A Rotary Melbourne mentor can best be described as a coach who also passes on and shares their lived experience and knowledge about the structure, projects and opportunities we offer to our members.  
• Existing members who have a good understanding of how the Club operates, who enjoy helping people and who want to see the Club continue to grow, diversify and flourish, will make excellent mentors.
• All you have to do is attend a 1 ½ hour training session which will be held over the next few weeks at our office or on-line.
• Existing mentors are welcome to attend any of the sessions as a refresher course.   
• New mentors will be provided with a short manual that covers all they need to know about their role, together with guidelines on what to discuss with their mentees. 
• Being a Rotary Mentor is a great gift you can offer new members of our Club.

Training sessions, led by Past President Mary Barry, will be held in-person and on-line as follows:

• Wednesday 27 April – Rotary Office 2.30 to 4pm
• Wednesday 4 May – Rotary Office 2.30 to 4pm
• Wednesday 11 May – Zoom 5.30 to 7pm
• Wednesday 25 May – Zoom 5.30 to 7pm.

Please would any member who would like to participate please register with Robert Fisher on arranden@bigpond.net.au or 0417 101 314 by Friday 22 April.

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