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The STAR Program was developed by the Rotary Club of El Paso, Texas, USA,
in 1976. It has proven to be a very effective tool for creating a better
informed membership and preparing members for club leadership positions.
Clubs are encouraged to adopt similar programs to promote a more involved
and knowledgeable membership.
Because there is a complete annual turnover of new members, the program can
be repeated every year. In addition to serving as a vehicle for Rotary
information, the STAR breakfasts help new members get acquainted with
each other and at least a few of the club's more experienced Rotarians.
The friendly and informal atmosphere created by small group meetings leads
to more questions and good discussions. In a large club, this can be a very
helpful tool for promoting fellowship.
The following STAR guidelines can be adapted for use by your club:
- Each new member is placed on the STAR Committee and requested to complete
a questionnaire and provide a photo. The new member's biographical sketch
is then presented in the club's weekly bulletin. New members are distinguished
by a red star pasted on their Rotary badge with a red ribbon attached, and
experienced members are requested to sit with them at club meetings and become
acquainted.
- Within two weeks of joining Rotary, all STAR members are visited personally
in their place of business by the chairperson and/or co-chairperson of the
STAR Committee.
- Hour-long STAR breakfast meetings are held once a month except in
December. All new members are expected to attend these meetings for one year.
No attendance credit for a club meetings is granted as it is a committee meeting.
- The STAR Committee is made up of the chairperson (usually a past district
governor or past president), co-chairperson (the immediate past president of the
club), and three or four other members who are past presidents, the president-elect,
and a few continuing STAR members, if they request to stay.
- ALL club members are invited to attend at any time to update themselves
on Rotary information and to meet the new members. In addition, members of
any other clubs in the city or district are welcome to attend.
- Typical programs feature a welcome to first-time attendees; recognition
of new STAR graduates; announcements of upcoming club and district activities
and events; and the meeting program followed by questions and answers.
Program topics include each of the four Avenues of Service; attendance;
club history; The Rotary Foundation; and the programs of Rotary International.
Programs are presented by directors or the committee chairperson responsible
for the topic being covered.
- The new members of the STAR Committee are given the responsibility of
organizing the "Holiday Luncheon" in December.
- Make-up meetings are held once a month immediately after the regular
Rotary Luncheon.
- The STAR Committee chairperson publishes a monthly report in the weekly
club bulletin.
Date Posted: August 7, 2002
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