Rotary Club of Adelaide Light
Project Brainstorming meeting – Tuesday 2 February 2021 at The Cumby
Attendees: Rob McLennan, Alex Yepes, Maria Garces, Christine de Goede, Andy Van Der Merwe, Katey Halliday, John Wotherspoon, Kirsti Kankkunen
Apologies: Stefanie Hou, Raagini Gopi
Project Brainstorm activity summary
Through this activity, we first shared up to three causes each which we were passionate about and why. We grouped those which were similar into broad themes which were:
- Children/youth
- Caring for the environment
- Animal rescue
- Financial support for individuals internationally (ie. Towards small, sustainable business)
- International service
- Support for women
- Migrant support
We each then had three votes for what we would most like to focus on first. The two with the most votes were children/youth and migrant support.
From here, we split into two groups and brainstormed ideas for each about what we could do as a group towards these causes. The groups came up with many ideas and narrowed them down to something achievable as a starting point.
Migrant support project
To support migrants/new arrivals in Adelaide with networking, social/emotional support, connection and English practice, we will coordinate a regular ‘coffee conversation’ meet up by identifying a suitable venue, date, and individuals to invite along.
What was discussed: Many potential ways we could support migrants in Adelaide such as mentoring, hosting tours of popular regions in SA, providing information on things such as public transport and medical centres, resilience workshops and English practice. Before embarking on anything further, the ‘coffee conversation’ project will allow us to start small and identify individuals who may like some support and consider what is most needed.
Project team: Katey, Maria, Christine, and John.
Next Steps: Project team to discuss potential date and venue for first meet up.
Children/youth project
- To support children (e.g., Orphans) to bring Christmas cheer we will provide gifts (shoe box) and decorations by assisting … and donating show boxes and decorating an orphanage/hospital ward.
- To support underprivileged school kids to set them up for success at school we will get backpacks together with school ‘gear’ by raising funds, engaging “backpacks for SA”.
- To support students (e.g., Rotaractors) to provide career and skills development and support we will mentor and guide through workshops and mentor program by providing time with members, recruiters, ‘pecha kucha’.
What was discussed: Lots of ideas!
Project team: Kirsti, Andy, Alex and Rob.
Next steps: Speak to Rotaract about possible speaker spot (Andy) and joining in with them on their next backpack project.
Next Meeting: Wednesday 3 March, 6pm at the Cumby
Each project team will discuss further prior to next meeting and report back on progress.
Rob will inform other members of the next meeting date at the next breakfast meeting, and via the club newsletter, and invite other members to attend.
