Rotary Survey

Assistant District Governor Davinder presented a Survey by Tom Smith attended by two hundred members on two Vancouver Rotary Clubs, one of which was Vancouver Rotary Club, Arbutus. 

Tom wanted to know how we considered improving our membership.  It was felt that the organisation had become a cheque writing club. At time of survey the club consisted of 20 members, 60% men, 40% women, with high average age. The club’s location was considered very favourable and at the time of the survey was sponsoring an Interact Club and RYLA. It is not the only club in the area.The main discussion was how to attract more and possibly younger members. Davinder asked the members present at our meeting how we could improve membership and its activities. Suggestions included   

Assessing the present state of the club firstly by recognizing problems, 

Reassessing location, time, and date of meetings, activities, leadership etc)

A strategic plan

Scheduled Fireside meetings, 

becoming more involved in Interact, RYLA and parents of RYLA students

Contacting non attending members to ascertain their welfare and question why they are not attending

Fellowship of members

Work with and inviting other clubs in the area on joint projects, fundraisers and social events

Recruitment and welcome of new members followed by mentorship 

Among suggestions were to have an Information booth at the Safeway Mall.

Brian introduced our Speaker, Alice Kendall, Executive Director of the Downtown East Side Women’s Centre.

This  Centre, founded in 1978, is unique in that it is the only safe space specifically and exclusively in this downtown area for all women and children, without question.   500 hundred women, children and seniors are helped, including 500 meals served daily and 21,900 people pass through and sleep at the Centre annually. Most have in common poverty and safety issues. This comfortable drop-in centre is available for women, children and seniors and provides nutritious meals, safe showers, telephones, a computer room, clothing, toiletries and feminine hygiene products. The centre also offers recreation and self help programs. It gives advocacy in areas including income assistance, disability applications and housing support, help with landlord tenant disputes as well as information on community resources, referrals, counselling, victim services, HIV case management and crisis intervention in addition to a Chinese outreach program. The Centre fosters space for women of diverse backgrounds to interact and build community and offers public education on women’s issues in the area. There is a skills development program conducted by volunteers. Women at the Centre show great interest in what is happening at the Centre and some sit on the Board.

The next development in progress is for an Emergency Drop-In Night Shelter open 6pm-9am and 24 hours on weekends and statutory holidays when other services are closed. The previously mentioned services will also be available.