Learn about District 5950's newest Clubs! 

Save the Planet and Rotary: Start an Eco-Club

 
The Twin Cities Rotary EcoClub continues to gain traction and media coverage. If you’re concerned both by the warming planet and the greying of Rotary, consider starting an Eco Club. That’s the message in the April 2019  ESRAG newsletter (Environmental Sustainability Rotary Action Group). The article featured Steve Solbrack, a charter member of the club and an ESRAG Director, who spoke about the evolution of the EcoClub at the Rotary Zone 25B and 29 Institute in Kansas City. 
 
While Membership Chair for District 5950, Solbrack sought a way to engage young adults and women – two groups woefully underrepresented in Rotary. He drew on RI Past President Ian Riseley’s worldwide tree planting initiative  and his own passion for environmental sustainability, coming up with the idea of the EcoClub. It meets twice a month in the evening, develop environmental knowledge and service projects, and foster leadership development for young adults. 

The club chartered in February 2019. Over half of members are women, almost half are under age 40, and one-third are under age 30. Social media has drawn at least 11 members to the club. The EcoClub’s Facebook page has 285 followers and Meetup group has 320. Meetings frequently take place at the sites of environmental organizations. The club organizes many service projects which draw people from the wider community. Annual dues are $240. Contact Steve for more information at Steve@Solbrack.com.
 
 
 
 
 

Veterans serving Veterans

 
First Rotary Club for Veterans leads to honor for DG-E Gump   A new group of District 5950 Rotarians formed the world's first  Rotary Club for Veterans. Their Charter Night received local media  video  coverage. 
 
Call it “camaraderie at the core (corps)”. Veterans who have served their country are drawn to organizations that focus on camaraderie, service projects, and peace efforts.  
Upcoming service projects include: ·  actively caring for one another and our extended families ·  serving in our communities, especially youth, civic      organizations, schools and the elderly ·  honoring other veterans and their families, especially     during times of grief ·  serving those in areas/regions where we have served     (possible projects in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, or Somalia)
 
The club meets on the second and fourth Thursday of each month  at St. Peter’s Lutheran in Edina. Meetings run from 7-8 p.m. Visit their website.