You’ve known me as Marketing Mark and Membership Mark…but at One Rotary Summit, I became Mad Scientist Mark.
As I reminded folks that Rotary’s Strategic Plan is like a three-legged stool supported by 1) membership and club support, 2)The Rotary Foundation and, 3) public image, I took everyone into my virtual science lab. We poured vials of these three legs into a big beaker. Mixing these together – in the right way– produces something so powerful that you will have a hard time getting your arms around it. It is a ball of energy called VIBRANCY!
Vibrant clubs are successful clubs! They are in motion because they create motion in other people. They have mojo! Mojo is momentum, the force that allows something to grow stronger or faster as time passes. Great clubs have momentum. They have no trouble attracting new members. They have no trouble getting member contributions to The Rotary Foundation. They have no trouble getting people to pitch in for club projects because these Rotarians are hungry for it. They seek it out. They want more.
When you enjoy a good movie, you tell others…not because the credits tell you to, but because you want to share your good experience. That is what vibrant clubs do. Members automatically tell others why their club is great.
Can you imagine your Rotary club as vibrant? As an exciting and enthusiastic meeting? Can you imagine people in your club so compelled that they never want to miss a meeting? That your Rotary meeting is the highlight of their week?
One Rotary Summit examined District 5950 clubs’ actual case studies. Groups generated ideas and best practices worth enthusiastic sharing. They planted the seeds of change -- seeds that can grow and manifest vibrancy.
By being intentional – by being purposeful – you and your club will Be Great, On Purpose!
Rotary International Vice President Jennifer Jones is coming to District 5950!
Why are we so excited and proud? Jennifer is one of 17 Rotary Directors in the world. Many consider her one of the most sought after and articulate of her peers – even rumored to soon be Rotary International’s first female President.
Jennifer’s commitment to our organization’s issues and her pro-active advancement of our future carried her through the ranks of Rotary leadership. She motivates and encourages each and every audience.
District 5950 Rotarians have five rare opportunities to hear her over two days.
DG Mark and I especially invite you to join Rotarians from Districts 5950 and 5960 on Tuesday, November 1 for her captivating perspective on “The Future of Rotary.”
Jennifer Jones, Speaker
Tuesday, November 1 – Noon-1:30 p.m.
Double Tree Park Place Hotel
1500 Park Place Blvd., St. Louis Park
Open to District 5950 & 5960 Rotarians/guests
Meal – Pan-seared Walleye, $25.00 Register onlineby October 25.
The Lafayette Club’s ballroom buzzed with 160 Rotarians attending One Rotary Summit (formerly known as Fall Training). Using a new RI Zone program, small groups interviewed each other to discern club strengths and shortcomings. Then discussion focused on brainstorming ideas that incorporated ALL three legs of the RI stool: membership, public image, and The Rotary Foundation.
Dozens of quality, doable ideas filled flipchart pages. Watch for an online posting of all the suggestions. Good luck implementing one or more in your vibrant club!
RI President John Germ’s message in The Rotarian summarized decades of progress:
“Before Rotary took on the task of polio eradication, 350,000 people – nearly all of them children – were paralyzed by polio every year. Today, 31 years after the launch of PolioPlus, children are growing up without that fear of polio. Instead of 1,000 new cases of polio every day, we average less than one per week. But as the fear of polio wanes, so does awareness. Now more than ever, it is vitally important to keep that awareness high and to push polio eradication to the top of the public agenda and our governments’ priorities.”
Rotary is leading the way to the ultimate finish line where there is No More Polio. To mark World Polio Day on October 24 and help make that a reality:
District Governor Mark announced $6,000 in Public Relations grant funding. Clubs are encouraged to submit an application outlining a new or expanded method to promote the club and gain local visibility. Funding is a 1:1 match up to $400 per club. Projects must meet Rotary’s public image standards; applications are reviewed and approved by the Public Image Committee and District Governor.
During 2015-16, District 5950’s PR grant program made awards to 18 clubs.
Projects ranged from club brochures to permanent displays in public buildings to Facebook advertising campaigns.
The application process remains open until April 1, 2017, or when funds are depleted. The application formis on the District website under Club Support>Public Image.
Nearly 1.4 billion employed people live on less than $1.25 a day. Rotarians promote economic and community development and reduce poverty in underserved communities through training, well-paying jobs, and access to financial management institutions. Projects range from providing people with equipment to vocational training. Members work to strengthen local entrepreneurs and community leaders, particularly women, in impoverished communities.
During Economic & Community Development Month:
Invite a Rotarian to present a program in which they assisted a local or international partner in economic development.
Ask a club member to provide a “Classification Talk” in which they share how they are making a difference in your community.
Jennifer’s commitment to our organization’s issues and her pro-active advancement of our future carried her through the ranks of Rotary leadership. She motivates and encourages each and every audience.
The Lafayette Club’s ballroom buzzed with 160 Rotarians attending 
“Before Rotary took on the task of polio eradication, 350,000 people – nearly all of them children – were paralyzed by polio every year. Today, 31 years after the launch of PolioPlus, children are growing up without that fear of polio. Instead of 1,000 new cases of polio every day, we average less than one per week. But as the fear of polio wanes, so does awareness. Now more than ever, it is vitally important to keep that awareness high and to push polio eradication to the top of the public agenda and our governments’ priorities.”
During 2015-16, District 5950’s PR grant program made awards to 18 clubs.
