Our March 25 meeting featured a presentation by Erin and Caitlin, leaders of the WLU Rotaract Club, who discussed the club's structure, recent achievements, and upcoming activities.
🎓 Introduction to WLU Rotaract Club Leaders
- Presentation by Erin (Co-President) and Caitlin (VP of Events and incoming President)
- Caitlin has been part of Rotary for 8 years, starting with Interact at age 12
- Caitlin is a Paul Harris Fellowship recipient for reviving her club after COVID-19
- Club is structured with a president, VP, treasurer, secretary, and additional portfolios
- 18 executives this year (growth from previous year), with 15 new members
- 10 consistent general members participating in events
📊 Club Events and Fundraising
- Club held 6 events (3 per semester) during the academic year
- Raised over $1,700 in total for various causes
- Homecoming bottle drive collected 1,400 cans/bottles, donating $200 to Polio Plus
- Hosted a Paint Night as both social event and fundraiser for Move Ever foundation
- Two professional development events featuring Rotarian speakers to help students understand Rotary
- Valentine's Day bingo social event had 30 student attendees
- St. Patrick's Day bottle drive raised $270 for Polio Plus
🔄 Upcoming Activities and Transition
- Upcoming meetup with two new forming Rotaract clubs in the region
- Two members attending the David Johnston fireside chat
- Beginning transition process to new leadership with Caitlin as incoming president
- Caitlin's goals: strengthen Rotarian connections and encourage executive growth
- Focus on executive professional development, particularly for business students
❓ Q&A
- Discussion about transitioning Rotaract members to full Rotary membership after graduation
- Challenge of retaining students through co-op terms and busy academic schedules
- Invitation extended to Rotaract members to volunteer at Skate 48 fundraiser (raises over $100K)
- Both presenters shared that the meaningful purpose behind Rotary/Rotaract is what makes it special
- Rotarians thanked the presenters and emphasized the importance of youth involvement