Information Session
Posted by Bill Molesworth
Doug Ewan said there would be three short sessions this afternoon, bringing the members up to date on some important issues.
First was Dean Nicholls on Membership.
First was Dean Nicholls on Membership.
Dean had a technical glitch so we tried to study his laptop from a distance. But his message was important. Like other 'older' clubs Midland Rotary is facing a drop in membership as members retire. Newer clubs, with younger membership and newer ideas, are doing fine but older clubs have to re-invent themselves, as North Bay did. We have to revisit our activities and consider dumping programs to streamline activities and to attract new members. He said a new member arriving in the spring was faced with sellling Trip of the Month tickets, helping on the Dragon Boats and serving on July 1st. Is this too much?
He encouraged every member to invite new candidates because he was concerned there would just be a bunch of 70 year olds trying to carry on. People are waiting to be asked and we have the obligation to share Rotary.
Laurie Schutt reported that the District is putting a special drive on to get wheelchairs to third world residents. A mission will be going to Montego Bay in March or April and we are looking to send 280 chairs at a cost of $220.00, which, in her experience, is a bargain. We are looking to the Foundation to match funds, but that has not been approved yet. Laurie will bring more information as it becomes available and asks everybody to consider participating.
Rod said he had a copy of the biography of the Wheelchair drive founder and encouraged everyone to join in - his family has a picture of the recipient of the chair they sent which they treasure.
Rob wondered if there might be a need here in North Simcoe? Laurie was sure there was and that it will probably increase and would look into the process. Chairs in NA are expensive because they are tailored to the condition of the individual. The ones that are being sent are, to put a fine point on it, generic, but are a terrific improvement on the what they have there.
Rod agreed with what Dean had said and said he was working on a list of people to ask so if anyone had suggestions, get in touch with him. In 1982, when a group of Midland Rotarians helped start the Penetang Club they brainstormed names who were then invited to a gala and to join a committee. He thought we also had to look at the other side of the coin - Retention. Why do people leave the club? Should there be a members' questionnaire or an exit interview?
Terri reported that the conference had been terrific and that there had been a great contingent from Midland. She strongly recommended attendance at the next one which would be in Nipissing and Stephen Lewis will be the keynote speaker - twice. September 26, 2006 - Mark It Down!
This year's Christmas Party will be a little different. The money will be put into Christmas hampers which will be distributed to 100 needy families. On Dec. 14 we will all get together for a potluck dinner and to pack the hampers. Everyone is welcome, there will be activities for the kids, so bring the whole family.
He encouraged every member to invite new candidates because he was concerned there would just be a bunch of 70 year olds trying to carry on. People are waiting to be asked and we have the obligation to share Rotary.
Laurie Schutt reported that the District is putting a special drive on to get wheelchairs to third world residents. A mission will be going to Montego Bay in March or April and we are looking to send 280 chairs at a cost of $220.00, which, in her experience, is a bargain. We are looking to the Foundation to match funds, but that has not been approved yet. Laurie will bring more information as it becomes available and asks everybody to consider participating.
Rod said he had a copy of the biography of the Wheelchair drive founder and encouraged everyone to join in - his family has a picture of the recipient of the chair they sent which they treasure.
Rob wondered if there might be a need here in North Simcoe? Laurie was sure there was and that it will probably increase and would look into the process. Chairs in NA are expensive because they are tailored to the condition of the individual. The ones that are being sent are, to put a fine point on it, generic, but are a terrific improvement on the what they have there.
Rod agreed with what Dean had said and said he was working on a list of people to ask so if anyone had suggestions, get in touch with him. In 1982, when a group of Midland Rotarians helped start the Penetang Club they brainstormed names who were then invited to a gala and to join a committee. He thought we also had to look at the other side of the coin - Retention. Why do people leave the club? Should there be a members' questionnaire or an exit interview?
Terri reported that the conference had been terrific and that there had been a great contingent from Midland. She strongly recommended attendance at the next one which would be in Nipissing and Stephen Lewis will be the keynote speaker - twice. September 26, 2006 - Mark It Down!
This year's Christmas Party will be a little different. The money will be put into Christmas hampers which will be distributed to 100 needy families. On Dec. 14 we will all get together for a potluck dinner and to pack the hampers. Everyone is welcome, there will be activities for the kids, so bring the whole family.