Columbia-Patuxent Rotary Survey Looks at Club’s Success, Concerns

Paul Hanges, a professor of psychology at the University of Maryland, briefed Columbia-Patuxent Rotarians on a recent online membership survey that showed the club’s foundation remains strong 40 years after its founding. Hanges is club vice president and has taught organizational leadership and effectiveness for over four decades.

Hanges said the survey had a 46.8% response rate (23 members), which he called very good compared to typical organizational polling. It covered eight areas, including satisfaction, club culture, meeting quality, communication, value and belonging, strategic initiatives, costs and other general club “health” topics. The key message is that 100% of respondents are either “satisfied” or “somewhat satisfied” with their membership. Hanges called this “extremely incredible” and very positive.

Club culture is strong overall, but there are some concerns about whether its demographic diversity reflects the broader community. A second concern shows some disagreement on the statement that “my club does a good job at involving new members.” Hanges said there are two clear growth opportunities to work on: community-like diversity and new member integration and involvement. Weekly meetings earn good marks for length, speaker and content/variety and meeting location.

Local service projects are seen as positive and impactful, while there’s mixed sentiment and desire for growth in more global/international projects. Responders indicated that communication from the board down to members is good, but bottom‐up communication from members to the board could be improved. Paul noted this isn’t “bad,” and the survey itself is an example of bottom‐up communication. Club dues and membership costs are called "just right” in most cases, and members generally feel fees are worth it given the club’s fellowship and strong programming values.

The current number of fundraising events feels appropriate, with an eye to not necessarily adding more events, but refreshing/modernizing the lineup. Among initiatives suggested for action, the highest‐supported included exit surveys for departing members, a “Rotary buddies” program pairing new members with more experienced Rotarians and designating a club expert to guide the global grant process.

Comments on the survey showed support for members going beyond just “welcoming” to true belonging, getting more members into committee roles, and helping people mix with different members and not sit with the same breakfast crowd at every meeting. Overall, members are signaling they are ready for concrete steps, not just discussion, Hanges said. Club President Francois Ngijoi announced the board is working on a strategic plan based on survey results, to be shared with additional details in September.

Columbia-Patuxent is the largest and most active of Howard County’s seven Rotary clubs. It meets weekly at 7:30 a.m. on Fridays at JAM Eateries. Visitors are always welcome.