Katie Lester Mulgrew

Editors Note:
Continuing our series - Katie Lester Mulgrew offers key insights and advice for anyone stepping into the role of Director of Membership in a Rotary club - especially in a virtual or hybrid setting like ReCII.

Much like remote work, leading membership engagement in an e-club requires intentional connection, strong communication, and innovative ways to keep members involved and inspired.
Katie’s reflections provide a valuable roadmap for those navigating this unique leadership challenge.

Reflections on My Role as
Director of Membership

By Katie Lester Mulgrew

When I first stepped into the role of Director of Membership for Rotary eClub Ibiza International (ReCII), I knew it would be a vital position for a new and growing club. 

What I didn’t anticipate was how deeply rewarding - and at times, challenging - it would be to help shape the heart of our Rotary community.

Creating a Strong and Engaged
Membership Community

My primary responsibility was to attract, engage, and retain members, ensuring that every new face felt welcome and every existing member remained connected. 

That meant

• developing a strong membership strategy,

• streamlining recruitment and onboarding,

• and cultivating a sense of engagement through regular outreach and initiatives.

Building a club from the ground up is no small feat, but watching strangers from around the world turn into a true Rotary family made every challenge worth it. 

The flexibility of an e-club allowed us to embrace innovation while still holding onto Rotary’s core values.

Navigating Challenges in a Virtual Club

One of the biggest surprises was balancing the virtual nature of our club with the need to create real engagement and commitment. Unlike traditional in-person clubs, we had to be intentional about cultivating a sense of belonging.

That said, I was continually amazed at how enthusiastic and positive our members and associate members were - whether joining from across continents or sitting down together for our in-person gatherings. 

The guest speakers we invited brought an extra level of inspiration, sparking meaningful conversations and new ideas.

Key Achievements & Standout Moments

Some of my most rewarding contributions included:

• Developing a clear membership structure that encouraged participation and set clear expectations.

• Welcoming and integrating new members, making sure they felt at home in the club.

• Enhancing engagement strategies to increase involvement in projects, meetings, and discussions.

But what stood out most?

Seeing how beautifully existing members embraced new members.

The warmth, openness, and genuine care they extended created a tight-knit family - one where people shared about their lives and received unwavering support. That sense of belonging is what makes a club truly special.

Of course, membership growth is always a goal, but for me, it was never just about numbers.

It was about cultivating an environment where people wanted to stay, contribute, and feel like they belonged.

Lessons Learned & Advice for Future Leaders

Through this role, I gained a deeper understanding of Rotary’s impact and the dedication it takes to sustain a club. 

Leadership in a virtual setting requires a balance of structure, motivation, and personal connection. 

You can’t assume engagement will happen just because someone joins - you have to create opportunities for it.

If I could offer three key pieces of advice to future club leaders, they would be:

• Be proactive - don’t wait for engagement to happen; actively create moments for connection.

• Listen to your members - understand what motivates them and make sure they feel valued.

• Embrace flexibility - a new club evolves quickly, and your approach should evolve with it.

Going Forward

As ReCII continues to grow, sustainable engagement should remain a top priority.
Ensuring that members remain active, connected, and inspired will be key to maintaining our momentum. Strengthening mentorship programs, leadership development, and community impact initiatives will only make us stronger.

Though my official role as Director of Membership has come to an end, I’ll continue to support ReCII’s mission - whether through mentorship, engagement initiatives, or simply being an active, committed member.

It has been an incredible journey, and I can’t wait to see where we go next.

~ Katie Lester Mulgrew
Director of Membership,
ReCII, 2024