GEN Z Wants In—But Will They Stay?

Reimagining Rotary Membership for a New Generation

Rotary has never lacked purpose. For more than a century, it has brought people together to serve communities, build friendships, develop leaders, and create lasting impact. But as Rotary looks toward the future, one question becomes increasingly important:

Will the next generation choose to stay?

Generation Z values purpose, authenticity, diversity, flexibility, and genuine connection—qualities that align with Rotary. So, the question is no longer simply, how do we get young people to join? It is: Once they come in, will they find a reason to stay?

Because recruitment is only the beginning. Belonging is what makes membership last.

Beyond the Numbers

Rotary International has set a goal of reaching 1.25 million Rotarians and 125,000 Rotaractors by its 125th anniversary in 2030. Behind every membership number is a person deciding whether Rotary is worth their time, energy, and commitment.

A club can recruit and induct members, but sustainable membership asks deeper questions: Are they engaged? Do they find purpose? Do they build relationships? Do they feel that they belong?

Membership growth without retention is not sustainable growth. For Gen Z, Rotary is competing not only with other organizations, but for something even more valuable: their time, attention, and sense of belonging.

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Extending a Welcome

Rotary International President Olayinka “Yinka” H. Babalola has highlighted this challenge through his message on “Extending a Welcome.” Young people and those with different backgrounds or ideas may feel excluded before they even have the opportunity to become part of Rotary.

His experience as a young Rotaractor eager to join a Rotary club illustrates how one interaction can influence an entire Rotary journey.

The lesson is clear: we never know whose Rotary story might begin—or end—based on how we make people feel at a meeting or service project.

Reaching the 2030 goal is therefore not only about inviting more people. It is about creating clubs where people genuinely want to stay.

What Rotary May Need to Rethink

Rotary's traditions are valuable, but tradition should never become a wall. The “invitation-only” mindset can make Rotary feel like a closed circle rather than an open community.

The attitude of “that is not how we do things here” can discourage new ideas and younger voices. Likewise, the belief that commitment is measured primarily through attendance can overlook the many ways members contribute through service, leadership, communications, partnerships, creativity, and other forms of engagement.

Another barrier is the belief that you must be financially capable to belong—that you need to spend more, donate more, or give more to prove your commitment.

But Rotary should never be measured by the size of one’s wallet.

A member who gives what they can, serves through time and talent, and shows up with a sincere heart is just as valuable as one who can give financially.

Preserve Rotary's values. Rethink the barriers.

RC Marikina East: A Three-Year New Gen Journey

For the Rotary Club of Marikina East, one of its greatest strengths is already at the heart of its membership culture:

Family.

Over the past three Rotary years, RCME has built on that strength through its New Gen Club strategies and methods.

RY 2024–2025: Opening the Door - There is Room for you Here.RCME focused on welcome and inclusion. Meetings became more conversational and less rigidly structured, while diversity and accessibility were embraced. The goal was not to abandon Rotary traditions, but to make Rotary more welcoming and accessible.

RY 2025–2026: Listening and Discovering. – How can Rotary Meet them there?With much of its membership consisting of Millennials and Gen Z, RCME explored members' interests, lifestyles, and different ways of participating. Sports, creativity, entrepreneurship, advocacy, and other shared passions became opportunities to connect members with Rotary. The approach was centered on listening, learning, and adapting.

RY 2026–2027: Building Around Belonging. – A Rotary Experience they want to be part of.RCME is now focusing more intentionally on fellowship, relevant activities, and a flexible fusion of new and traditional Rotary practices. Important protocols remain, while meetings can also be more conversational, interactive, and responsive.

A New Generation of Leadership

This vision is reflected in President Elect Uan Llaneta, who is set to become RC Marikina East's first Rotaractor to serve as President—and its first Gen Z President.

His journey—from simply showing up at a Rotaract gathering to becoming a Rotaractor, Rotaract President, Rotarian, and now President Elect—shows what can happen when a young person is given more than an opportunity to join.

They are given an opportunity to belong.

His journey reinforces a powerful truth: people are more likely to stay when they feel connected, valued, and given room to grow.

Make Them Stay

RCME's New Gen journey can be guided by one simple principle:

Recruit for belonging. Engage through relevance. Retain through relationships.

Welcome intentionally. Discover members' interests. Give young members real ownership. Build bridges between generations. Make fellowship intentional.

The future of Rotary is not only about getting more people through the door. It is about what they experience once they are inside.

Do they find purpose? Do they find people who value them? Do they find a place where they can contribute and grow?

Most importantly:

Do they feel that they belong?

If the answer is yes, then we are not simply growing Rotary.

We are creating the kind of Rotary that the next generation will want to carry forward.

And at RC Marikina East, that future begins with something we already know how to do:

Make people feel at home.

Written and submitted by: Past President Rachelle Enriquez