M-T1-PS-02 · Detailed guide · Theme 1

Member Story Video Series

Introduces Rotary through short first-person member videos that reveal varied motivations, service experiences and realistic ways to contribute.

Where this idea came from

Playbook entry
M-T1-PS-02 · Member Story Video Series
Theme
Theme 1: Attraction & Visibility · Subtheme PS: Public Storytelling
Source material
Existing checked Theme 1 guide
Linked playbook entry
M-T1-PS-02 · Member Story Video Series

Why a club might use this

Replaces institutional descriptions with authentic, diverse voices while setting honest expectations about time, roles and belonging.

Use it when

  • People considering volunteering or membership, newer members and community partners seeking to understand the club culture. Use when the club has members with distinct service journeys who freely want to be featured.

Before the club starts

  • A representation plan that includes different ages, backgrounds, roles and lengths of service without tokenism.
  • Interview prompts, filming locations and a consent process covering edit, channels, duration and withdrawal.
  • A tested phone, microphone, lighting, captioning and secure file-transfer workflow.

Capacity guide

Likely cost
$
Lead time
2-4 weeks
People
3-5 members

How to put it into practice

Detailed implementation steps for Member Story Video Series
StepActionSuggested owner
1Select a balanced first group of willing members and explain the purpose, audience and limits of the series.Series Producer
2Hold a pre-interview conversation and agree the member's safe topics, boundaries and desired call to action.Interviewer
3Record concise answers and supporting footage without exposing private homes, documents or third parties.Video Lead
4Fact-check the edit, add accurate captions and alt text, and obtain the featured member's release approval.Editor and Rights Reviewer
5Publish on the agreed cadence, moderate responses and invite the next diverse group of voluntary participants.Channel Manager

Controls and safeguards

  • Record consent separately from club participation and provide a clear correction, withdrawal and take-down route.
  • Do not disclose health, family, employer, beneficiary or safeguarding information unless demonstrably necessary and expressly approved.
  • Medium — video can expose personal information or create pressure to perform; consent and take-down controls are essential.

What to measure

  • Approved videos released to schedule

Follow-up: Thank each participant, provide the final link and retention details, respond to corrections promptly, and review representation gaps before commissioning the next batch.

Related playbook entries

  • M-T1-PS-14
  • M-T1-PS-23
  • M-T1-PS-25

Before your club says yes

Does the idea fit?

Talk with the people it is meant to serve and check that the need is real.

Who can say yes?

Name the person or group that can approve the work, spending and any safety arrangements.

Are people protected?

Check privacy, consent and safety. Collect only the information you genuinely need.

Can everyone take part?

Check the language, format, place, technology and cost for barriers.

Are the facts and permissions right?

Check names, claims, images, quotations, partner references and Rotary branding.

How will we learn?

Note where things stand now, check in at 30, 60 and 90 days, and decide what to do next.