ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP?

Perhaps this novel concept of member recruitment is akin to the farm league in major league baseball. It is being proposed to the membership at this time as one more resource to increase the club’s ability to attract and retain qualified and diverse professionals, a vehicle through which prospects can become better acquainted with the members, our projects and missions, with a little skin in the game on the road to becoming full-fledged members, once more acquainted with what Rotary is all about. Take a moment to review below (in this Pulse), the proposed Associate Membership criteria and PLEASE provide us with your feedback and ideas. It is all about cultivating membership!

October is Vocational Service Month. It is nice to see your Club recognized internationally for its Brown Bag Day as a forum by which to see fellow Rotarians business operations and enjoy fellowship Paul Harris style. Do remember your fellow Rotarians when hiring. It’s tough out there for those seeking employment.

Rotary Group Study Exchange (GSE) is now interviewing for a Team Leader for next year’s trip (August 2012) to District 9320 in South Africa. Yes, an all expenses paid 30 day “business” trip awaits you! The application deadline is Saturday, November 26, 2011. Interviews to be held on Saturday, December 3, 2011. Chat with President Elect Peter Dannenfelser II (who has participated in GSE) or Bruce Hester (GSE Chair) for more information. Once again, a life changing experience is here for the taking.

It’s not too early to sign up for the International Convention in Bangkok. To make the trip even more meaningful your Club is sponsoring a water and sanitation project in Cambodia which the group will get to visit as part of your Convention itinerary. For only $4,000 you can enjoy a fabulous 13 day itinerary being arranged by your President Elect. Contact Peter for more details.

Don’t forget to sign up through the office for “Big Game Day” at Rotary on the campus at the CSUS Alumni Center (Nov 14). Seating is limited and reservations are required… and the RI Foundation Dinner (Nov 19).

If you are left handed and you are missing your #3 driver from the Golf 4 Kids tournament, we have your club at the office. We also have a tan golf jacket that was left behind.

We are pleased to welcome new member Gary McDonald and his family to the Club, bringing our new members to 15 in just the first quarter of our Rotary year. Welcome Gary! And good work team.

Many thanks to Steve Heath and the United Way for sponsoring this past weeks meeting. To Marilyn Park for becoming a Mountaineer in recognition of her Sacramento Doncaster Wardrobe Consulting firm for women, which she and her daughter have run for 10 successful years. To PE Peter Dannenfelser II (Couch Potato) and the rest of the G4K winning foursome also including PP Yee, PP Snyder and ringer John Phillips (Jim’s son) for owning up to “was it really fair to all concerned”?  To PP Fred Teichert for contributing to his Paul Harris and RI in recognition of the dedication and unveiling of Teichert Motor Court at the new Sutter Hospital complex and to world travelers Elfrena Foord and Bruce Hester for becoming Hiking Explorers in recognition of their fabulous trip to the more opulent parts of the Middle East and surrounds.  

Enjoy a terrific week, strive for your summits!

Ken Noack, Jr.