Club Business
President Dick O’ Donnell opened the meeting at 12:11.
Tim Hinton gave the invocation and led the pledge of allegiance.
President O’Donnell reported that 4 members attended the District Conference over the past weekend. Was a great event. Kudos to District Governor Tommy Rosser. Today’s guest speaker, Charles Allen was one of the speakers at the conference.
This day in history: Robert E. Lee resigned his US Army commission in 1861; The US Supreme Court ruled busing was an acceptable way to end school desegregation in 1971; Michael Jordan scored 63 points against the Celtics in 1981, the Bulls still lost the game in overtime; 1999 Columbine HS shooting killed 13 students, Danica Patrick won her first IndyCar race in Japan.
Past President Mary Thomas Gilbert was acknowledged for the achievement of “Gold” club status for her year as President at the District Conference. She will become the Assistant District Governor for our area this coming Rotary Year.
Today is Cheddar cheese fries and Lima Beans Respect, and Pineapple Upside Down Cake day.
President-Elect Brooke gave an update on the upcoming fundraiser. 6 trivia teams are currently signed up and $2000 has been raised for the raffle. Pray for good weather.
Past President and District Governor Rick Moore gave a polio update. 2 cases of wild poliovirus year to date. 103 days since the last reported case in Afghanistan, 77 for Pakistan. Rick suggested that we recognize our COVID vaccinations by making a $25 donation to Polio Plus Fund.
President O’Donnell reported the Board is currently considering former member Pete Beck as an honorary member.
Program: Charles Allen – District 7690 Membership Chair
President O’Donnell then introduced our guest speaker, Charles Allen. Charles joined Rotary in 1993. Was a club president in ’99-’20 and district governor 2008-’09. He is currently District 7690 membership chair.
The presentation focused on the need to change our thinking to ensure the future of our clubs and RI. Started with the example of changes in the music industry. Over the last decade, the District has experienced a decline in the number of clubs and members.
Potential members are grouped into 5 different categories: Traditionalists, Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, and Generation 2020. The largest potential is within the last two groups. Millennials will be 75% of the workforce by 2025.
We need to focus our efforts on Interact (HS) and Rotaract (College) Clubs.
The incoming RI President is emphasizing membership. Asking each member to bring in a new member. “Each one; bring one”
The strengths of Rotary are Networking, Fellowship, and Service. “Engaged Rotarians” =” Retained Rotarians” =” Attracted Rotarians”. Even with COVID, we have retained 80%; attract 20%; and 14-15% attrition. Clubs need to be intentional about membership with multi-year club membership growth plans. Start with a club health check, review demographics, and understand what we are known for.
Many new types of clubs and memberships. Much more flexibility in both. Much potential with satellite and e-clubs. Dues structures for alternate memberships are up to clubs to establish beyond RI and District fees.
When something bad happens, it is possible something good can come out of it. “Recalibrate”, reengage”, “attack”!
Hybrid meetings are here to stay. Need to improve our skills in executing them.
We ended the presentation with a conversation about communications and DACdb.
Conclusion
Rick Moore led the 4-Way Test. Meeting adjourned at 1:13.