The most popular social media platforms are YouTube and TikTok. Know why? Engaging videos!

Have you jumped on the short-video train yet? Because if not you might be missing the best opportunity your Rotary club has ever had to connect, inspire, and grow.

And no you don’t need to be Steven Spielberg or have a big Hollywood budget. You just need a phone, a story, and a little bit of Rotary heart.

These days, creating engaging short videos for social media is so easy, no film crew, no expensive gear, no perfectly memorised script. You don’t even need to be totally confident on camera. You just need to tell a story.

When you look straight into that smartphone lens and speak like you’re chatting with a friend across the table, you build real connection the kind that turns viewers into followers and followers into future members.

Try this:

Share why you joined Rotary, be authentic, be real.

Show your club in action on a service project.

Interview your guest speaker right after their talk and capture their energy while it’s fresh.

Keep it short, 30 to 90 seconds is perfect and don’t worry about perfection you're not filming Citizen Kane!. Sometimes your first take is your best take.

Not sure what to post? Borrow inspiration! There’s a treasure trove of Rotary videos on YouTube or on my Changemaker Facebook page that you can share or remix to spotlight what Rotary does best, making a difference!.

And don’t forget the golden rule: Always include a call to action.

“Find out more about joining us.”

“Support our cause/event/fundraiser etc.”

“Follow our page for more good news.”

Video is one of the most powerful storytelling tools we have and it’s made for the People of Action.

So grab your phone, hit record, and start sharing the magic of Rotary in your own authentic way.

Who knows… your next clip might just go viral. Or at least win you a few standing ovations at the next club meeting.

Article by Evan Burrell