PDG Al Frumkin was not only informative, but
entertaining at last week’s meeting. His message emphasized
the importance of sharing Rotary by involving others in the
service of Rotary worldwide. He encouraged us to think about
who we meet in only one day and of those who should be introduced
to Rotary. He sees bringing new people into Rotary as a responsibility
of each member.
In addition to growing membership is membership retention.
The club Board of Directors can ensure that weekly programs
are run well with interesting speakers, projects that are fun
and beneficial, and fellowship activities (sometimes with the
entire family) in order to have a thriving club.
The membership has the responsibility to assist with retention.
New members need to feel welcome and allowed to feel involved.
Committee chairs should involve them in their committees. Members
should invite them to join them at their tables and should avoid
sitting with the same members every week. We should each make
it a point to get to know each other better and strengthen the
fellowship that is the foundation of Rotary. It is that foundation
that makes Rotary worthwhile for the benefit of the community
and the world.
A short term goal is to reinstate the new member Fireside
Chat that has recently been updated by IPP
Nancy Kemp along with a new member policy manual. A
session will be scheduled soon for new members and anyone else
interested in participating.
I am pleased to welcome Carolyn Inglis and
pP Ben Barretta to the Board of Directors,
who were elected at our board meeting this week. Carolyn will
serve as International Chair and Ben as Membership Chair. I
welcome both of these dedicated Rotarians to help us make dreams
real in the world of Rotary.
As we lead up to Foundation Month and the
annual Foundation Dinner on November
6, we will have a club assembly this week on The
Rotary Foundation and its importance to us locally
as well as worldwide. IPP Nancy Kemp, as this
year’s Foundation Chair and District 5190’s Peace
Fellowship Chair, along with pP David Kenitzer,
will lead the session. Don’t miss this opportunity be
brought up to date and better informed on this most important
aspect of RI (and don’t forget your pin).
