22 / 132
22
Revised 8/2016
Initiation of a New Member
Note to initiating officer:
1.
Review procedure prior to the initiation
ceremony.
2.
Be sure you know the new member’s name.
3.
Be sure the new member has been properly
voted into the club.
Membership Committee (continued)
Standing Committees of a Ruritan Club
(continued)
Suggested Remarks for
Initiating a New Member
“It is always a pleasure to welcome a newmem‑
ber into Ruritan. It is the privilege of our club to
welcome __________ as our newest member(s).
“Will you come forward?
“You have been chosen a member of this club
by your fellowmembers because they believe you
manifest those qualities of leadership and service
needed in Ruritan.
“Ruritan’s main purpose is service to the com‑
munity ‑ the center of American life. From the
community comes our ideas, our integrity, our
moral strength, our leadership. These qualities are
usually no stronger in the American people than
they are in the communities in which they live.
Ruritan is building a better America by helping to
build better communities.
“Membership in a Ruritan club is an honor
and a privilege. However, because service is the
keynote, it also involves duties and obligations.
These should be performed by you with faithful‑
ness and enthusiasm.
“You will serve as a member of the __________
Committee. __________ is its chair. As you serve
on this committee and become involved in club
activities, you will experience the satisfaction of
working together and sharing the accomplish‑
ments of the club. This involvement creates an
opportunity for fellowship that is seldom equaled.
“I congratulate you and present you with this
lapel button and I am sure you will wear it with
dignity and pride.”
(Applause)
Recruiting New Members
Recruiting new members is essential to the continuity and
success of your club. Seek persons who have the potential to
take an active role in community service.
1. Any member of this club in good standing may present
the name of a proposed member in writing and endorsed by
another member in good standing to the president.
2. The president shall present the name of the proposed
member to the board of directors and upon approval of a
majority, providing a quorum is present, the name of the
proposed member shall be submitted to the club.
3. Upon approval of 2/3 or greater of the members in atten-
dance, the person shall be declared approved for member-
ship if a quorum is present.
4. The secretary should write the prospective member a
letter of invitation to join the club and request attendance at
the next meeting to be initiated.
5. The member who nominated the prospective member
should now extend a personal invitation and answer any
questions the prospect may have.
6. The president shall see that:
(a) The new member is fully informed about Ruritan pur-
poses, objectives, and procedures. (Designate a mentor
to handle this assignment.)
(b) A date is set for initiation.
(c) The new member is assigned to a committee.
(d) The new member is presented with a lapel pin
and a new member kit.
4.
Be sure you know the new member’s com‑
mittee appointment and the committee chair’s
name.
5.
Have lapel pin ready for presentation.
6.
Be sure the member is welcomed at the
close of the meeting.
Club