Welcome to information about the AER Membership Committee.

If you have a question, contact the chairman of the committee: Christian Deykes - 

We've put on the committee site information about proposing new members, as well as moving from a red badge to a blue badge.
 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 

Who is Rotary?

Who can be a Rotarian?

What Makes Rotarians Different?

How Do Rotarians Make the World a Better Place?

What are some of the Benefits of Joining Rotary?

What Are Some of the Values of Rotary?

What are the Five Avenues of Service?

What is Rotary Club Anchorage East?

Can My Family and/or Friends Attend Club Activities?

Where Does the Name ‘Rotary’ Come From?

How is Rotary Organized?

Why are Rotarians Given Classifications?

What are Happy Bucks and Fines for?

How Do I Locate Rotary Clubs In My Area?

What Is A Rotary E-Club?

One of my Friends at College Talks about Rotaract, What is That?

What kind of good has Anchorage East Rotary provided?

When and Where Does AER Meet?

Currently, How Much Does The Lunch Meeting Cost?

What are the demographics of AER?

What Happens During The Meetings?

Does Rotary Accept Every Proposed New Member?

How do I Learn if I am a Good Match for AER?

How Long Does it take Before I am Inducted into AER?

What are the Costs of AER Membership?

What are the Attendance Requirements?

Can I Make-up a Missed Meeting?

How do I Find out More?

 

Who is Rotary?

Rotary is a worldwide service organization. We are 1.2 million multidisciplinary neighbors, friends, family, and community leaders who come together to create positive, lasting and remarkable change in our communities and around the world.

 

We provide humanitarian services, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world. Our organization welcomes everyone regardless of race, color, creed, religion, gender or political preference.

 

For more details see Rotary International in Wikipedia .

 

Who can be a Rotarian?

Business people, students, community advocates and volunteers, educators, politicians, clergy, neighbors, retirees, and global citizens who unite for the common good. Applications from sponsors of persons of good character and good business or professional reputation are considered.

 

Rotary clubs endeavor to have a total membership that reflects their community with regard to professional and business classification, gender, age, religion, and ethnicity.

 

What Makes Rotarians Different?

Our distinct point of view and approach gives us unique advantages:

·      We see differently: our multidisciplinary perspective helps us see challenges in unique ways.

·      We think differently: we apply leadership and expertise to social issues and find unique solutions.

·      We act responsibly: our passion and perseverance create lasting change.

 

How Do Rotarians Make the World a Better Place?

Rotarian impact begins with members solving some of their communities' toughest challenges. Support is often provided through Rotary International and The Rotary Foundation with grants that fund much of the work. It is through the passion and enthusiasm of club members that projects are selected.

 

What are some of the Benefits of Joining Rotary?

Membership in a Rotary club offers a number of benefits, including:

·      Affecting change within your local and larger communities.

·      Developing leadership skills.

·      Gaining an understanding of, and having an impact on, international humanitarian issues.

·      Developing relationships with local and global community/business leaders.

·      FUN!

 

What Are Some of the Values of Rotary?

Rotarians worldwide are inspired by the Rotary theme of service above self and are guided by reference to The Four-Way Test. In particular, The Four-Way Test challenges Rotarians, in everything we think, say, or do:

Is it the TRUTH?

Is it FAIR to all concerned?

Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?

Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

 

What are the Five Avenues of Service?

The term Five Avenues of Service is frequently used within Rotary. The Avenues refer to the Objectives of Rotary which are broken into the five elements. When a Rotarian understands and travels down the "Five Avenues of Service," the Object of Rotary evolves into deeper meaning.

1.     Club Service: involves all of the activities necessary for Rotarians to make their club function successfully.

2.     Vocational Service: is a description of the opportunity each Rotarian has to represent the dignity and utility of one's vocation to the other members of the club.

3.     Community Service: pertains to those activities that Rotarians undertake to improve the quality of life in their community.

4.     International Service: describes the many programs and activities that Rotarians undertake to advance international understanding, goodwill and peace.

5.     Next Generation Service: reflects the sponsorship of youth in the community and abroad.

 

What is Rotary Club Anchorage East?

We are a friendly group of women and men who are dedicated to Service above Self.

Our club’s motto is Have Fun, Do Good, Make Friends. 

 

Anchorage East Rotary (AER) has a rich and proud tradition of quality and enthusiastic members who thrive and achieve remarkable success in supporting community and Rotary International causes.

 

Can My Family and/or Friends Attend Club Activities?

Yes. Clubs plan and implement meetings, service projects, and conferences so that spouses, significant others, and family members can easily participate.

 

Where Does the Name ‘Rotary’ Come From?

Rotary was started in 1905 by a young Paul P. Harris, and three of his friends. He wished to recapture the friendly spirit he had felt among business people in the small town where he had grown up. Their weekly meetings "rotated" among their offices, thereby providing the new service club with its name. 

 

How is Rotary Organized? 

Rotary is organized at club, district, and international levels. Each club elects its own officers and enjoys considerable autonomy within the framework of the standard constitution and bylaws of Rotary International. 

 

Why are Rotarians Given Classifications?

A classification describes either a member’s principal business, professional service, community involvement, or the role of the Rotarian within Rotary. Examples of classifications include health care management, tourism, banking and resource management.

Rotary uses classifications to establish and maintain a vibrant cross-section or representation of the community's interests, and to develop a pool of resources and expertise for successful service projects.

 

What are Happy Bucks and Fines for?

At every meeting, with good-nature and humor, our Sergeant-at-Arms takes time to raise money for the Club’s projects.

 

Members contribute Happy Dollars to the Club to celebrate good news and events.

 

Rotarians might be asked to contribute to Club projects through a fine for having had their photo or a prominent quote in the media. Members may be fined if they fail to wear their Rotary pin or badge to meetings, speak directly of their business or forget to turn-off their cell phone. 

 

Fines are generally one to five dollars. Occasionally, large fines occur, but rest assured that large amounts are determined in advance between you and the Sergeant at Arms.

 

You will not be surprised by a hefty fine levied on you.

 

Remember, all Happy Dollars and fines help fund Club projects.  

 

How Do I Locate Rotary Clubs In My Area?

Follow this link for club meeting and locations link .

 

You can search for clubs worldwide through Rotary International’s website .

 

Also, you can use this Club Finder App for Apple, Android and Blackberry platform phones to find clubs all over the world!

 

If the links above don’t work then point your browser to District 5010 Club Meetings.

 

What Is A Rotary E-Club?

E-Clubs are Rotary clubs that meet electronically. Like all Rotary clubs, e-clubs meet weekly, perform service projects in local and international communities, support The Rotary Foundation, and enjoy fellowship among members. The key distinction is that an e-club conducts its weekly meetings on a dedicated website. District 5010 has recently chartered an e-club.

 

One of my Friends at College Talks about Rotaract, What is That?

Rotaract is a Rotary-sponsored service club for young men and women ages 18 to 30. Rotaract clubs are either community or university based, and are sponsored by a local Rotary club. The name is derived from Rotary + Action= Rotaract.

 

The Anchorage Rotaract Club is co-sponsored by Anchorage East Rotary and Anchorage Downtown Rotary. There are also clubs in the Mat-Su Valley and Juneau and at many college campuses throughout the nation and world.

 

Find more about Anchorage Rotaract through their Facebook page or by contacting anchoragerotaract@gmail.com.

 

Is There a Way for High School Students to get Involved?

Yes. Interact is a Rotary-sponsored service club for those ages 12 to 18. Interact clubs give young people an opportunity to participate in fun, meaningful service projects while developing leadership skills and meeting new friends. AER sponsors Interact at West, East, and Bartlett High Schools.

 

What kind of good has Anchorage East Rotary provided?

During AER’s 2013-2014 membership year, we created so much good you have to follow this link to review the whole list of Good Deeds. While we have many annual projects the board responds to ideas brought up by club members. If you have a project you’re interested in just ask, but be warned, you may be asked to chair it.

 

When and Where Does AER Meet?

Our weekly lunch program occurs 12:00 – 1:00p.m. on Wednesdays in the Hilton Anchorage Hotel at 3rd Avenue and E Street. In the lobby, read the hotel’s roster of Today’s Meetings to obtain the room in which AER is meeting. Parking is convenient at street meters and in large parking lots on 3rd Avenue.

 

Currently, How Much Does The Lunch Meeting Cost?

$24.00 for full lunch.

$15.00 for dessert (or fruit) and coffee/tea.

 

What are the demographics of AER? 

AER has 130 members with women making up more than a third of membership. Our annual membership retention rate is very strong at 91% - 94%.

 

Represented professions vary greatly from jazz musicians to financial investors, photographers to fund raisers, and bookkeepers to community activists. AER’s membership doesn’t formally report age, but a visual assessment suggests our range is from late 20-somethings to early 90-somethings. Our club enjoys the influence with a diverse membership with families of every definition.

 

What Happens During The Meetings?

AER members Have Fun, Do Good, and Make Friends.

 

Standard time line:

11:30a.m.-12:00p.m.: entrance, greeting, registration, retrieve food from buffet, informal conversation.

12:00p.m.: Call to order, pledge of allegiance, inspiration, introductions.

12-12:30p.m.: Happy dollars, announcements, fines, club business (time varies based on speaker’s needs).
12:30-12:55pm: Speaker on varying topics, from bipartisan debates to mushers, musicians, and inspirational speakers. If you’ve got something you’re interested in hearing about, just ask!

12:55-1:00p.m.: Game of chance for split the pot funds.

 

The meetings are normally one hour. Rotarians arrive any time between 11:30 and 12:00 and are requested to be in their seats by the time the president rings the bell to start the meeting.

 

Are there Qualifications for Becoming a Member?

Candidates for membership must:

·      Hold, be studying for, or be retired from a position of proven leadership or professional stature in the public or private sector.

·      Demonstrate commitment to volunteer service within the community.

·      Have the availability and the willingness to meet the club’s attendance and community project participation requirements.

·      Reside or work within the Anchorage area.

·      Enthusiasm for Rotary’s mission.

 

Does Rotary Accept Every Proposed New Member?

No. Membership in a Rotary club is by invitation only. Only a Rotarian may recommend a prospective member to join a Rotary club.

 

How do I Learn if I am a Good Match for AER?

Visit us! AER encourages prospective members to obtain a sponsor with whom you should attend at least three (3) AER meetings before submitting an application. Your sponsor completes the application, with your input.

 

How Long Does it take Before I am Inducted into AER?

You must move through an extensive process which may take 1 – 3 months. See this flowchart to review the process.

 

What are the Costs of AER Membership?

The costs of being a Rotarian are a combination of two issues; financial and time commitments.

 

Some members give more money and some members give less. Some members volunteer more time while other members volunteer less. No Rotarian is better than the other and the club needs all types to succeed. The main thing is, together we make our community a better place to be.

 

In regard to fees, all Rotarians are required to pay annual dues to their clubs.

 

·      AER’s annual dues are $350. The membership year is July through June. If you begin membership after the beginning of the year, annual dues are pro-rated.

·      Weekly programs are $24 for lunch or $15 for dessert with coffee/tea.

·      Additionally, AER encourages each member to annually contribute an optional $52 to help support our Youth Exchange program and exchange students.

·      All Rotarians are encouraged to be Paul Harris sustaining members (minimum $100 contribution annually).

·      Other possible costs include a weekly split-the-pot raffle or Happy Bucks. More significant expenses could involve the annual Rotary Foundation Auction, Annual Meeting, Rotary socials, and the annual Rotary District Convention. Some Rotarians choose to attend the International Convention held annually around the world.

What are the Attendance Requirements?

Regular attendance and fellowship at AER’s weekly meetings is an important part of the fabric of the Club and provides the ‘glue’ that keeps us active in the community and successful with our service projects.

 

Per AER’s by-laws, attendance must occur at least sixty (60) percent of the time at regular meetings either at AER or at any other Rotary club, or as otherwise approved by AER’s board of directors.

 

For periods of extended absence, it is possible to apply to AER’s board of directors for a Leave of Absence (subject to membership fees, etc. being current). During such a period of absence, members are not expected to attend weekly meetings, but are certainly welcome to ‘pop in’ if health and time permits.

 

Can I Make-up a Missed Meeting?

Yes. You can make-up a missed meeting within 14 days before or after AER’s regularly scheduled meeting.

 

As a member of AER you can a make-up meeting by attending any of the following:

·      Rotary club meetings wherever you might be in Alaska, the Lower 48, or the World.

·      Rotary management sessions that include but are not limited to meetings of board of directors and committees.

·      Rotary education/information meetings such as AERIE, Interact, Rotaract.

·      AER service projects, e.g. Mobile Food Pantry, highway clean-up, holiday food & gift delivering, etc.

·      Rotary e-Clubs

·      AER social events such as Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, holiday parties, youth exchange student dinners, etc.

 

How do I Find out More?

If you want to improve the quality of life in Alaska, our nation, and the world, we welcome your interest and application.

 

For more information, please text or call Christian Deykes of AER’s membership committee at (907). Or come to one of our meetings - we’d love to have you visit to Have Fun, Do Good, and Make Friends!