Can Rotary remain the volunteer movement the world needs?

Rotary’s future depends on bold transformation, as clubs across Zone 8 prove that purpose-driven action and flexible models are the key to survival and growth.

WORDS: Tony Heyward. Regional Council Deputy Chair.

Rotary has always been a powerful and well-respected force, delivering volunteer-driven service. But today, in Zone 8, it faces a stark choice: evolve or risk on becoming irrelevant. The heart of Rotary is its volunteers, but unless we change how we engage, support and grow that spirit, we are at risk of losing the very lifeblood of our organisation.

In many of our clubs, the average age is now over 65, and our membership is shrinking. Some clubs have fewer than 10 active volunteers. Within three to five years, these groups may disappear entirely. This is not theory, it’s already happening.

Today’s volunteers are different. They seek flexible, inclusive purpose-driven experiences that align with their values and busy lives. They want to contribute meaningfully, but not within outdated structures that feel rigid or out of touch. If Rotary doesn’t adapt, these volunteers will go elsewhere. Unfortunately, many already are.

This past Rotary year, two clubs in District 9920 – the Rotary Club of Suva East and the Rotary Club of Botany Downs – have truly led the way. With strong leadership and a clear plan, they embraced new, community-based projects by actively engaging and empowering new members to be involved. Their focus on community has not only created meaningful impact, but also driven exceptional membership growth. A huge credit goes to those passionate members and leaders of both clubs for showing what’s possible when Rotary takes bold action.

Over in District 9640, the Rotary Club of Ballina-on-Richmond, NSW, has shown how identifying a powerful cause – Rotary Says No to Domestic Violence – can ignite momentum and rally a community. What began as a local campaign has become a beacon of purpose, driving significant membership growth over recent years and giving the club a renewed sense of mission and unity.

This transformative initiative is now available to all clubs across Zone 8. It’s a powerful example of how cause-driven action not only creates impact; it builds stronger, more vibrant clubs.

So, what’s really stopping our progress? Layers of administration, endless reviews, outdated rules and an internal culture that resists change.

Even the most committed clubs are stuck in a system that hinders innovation. We say we value volunteers, but we make it hard for them to thrive; this is our opportunity.

Meanwhile, cause-based networks and digital platforms are becoming magnets for the kind of people Rotary once attracted first. These new movements offer clarity, speed and impact while we debate, delay and defend tradition.

The solution is not to tinker, it’s to transform, and now. That means embracing flexible, digital and themed models of volunteering. It means empowering a new generation of leaders and holding ourselves accountable to action, not more meetings.

Rotary was built by volunteers who saw a better future and made it real. We honour them best by doing the same now.

This is our moment, not to manage decline, but to lead change. Volunteerism is alive. The question is, what will Rotary look like?