How long does it take to go from planning a Rotaract Club to welcoming real members? The Rotary Club of Edina identified sponsoring a Rotaract club as a goal in their five-year visioning. Imagine their surprise when the initial Fall 2018 promotion attracted over 20 members by February 2019! Club advisor Sam Thompson attributes the success to the jump start they received from the St. Cloud Rotaract Club which offered guidance and support. He also credits their partner, the Rotary Club of Edina Morningside, and support from the Rotary Club of Eden Prairie AM. He salutes strong leadership from his club's Rotaract board and club president Mark Gasner.
The club relied on a strong social mediaplan for promotion, reaching out to members’ children, g
randchildren, work associates and neighbors. Initial Rotaract members spread the word to their connections.The Rotaracters’ initial focus is building a mentorship program with local Rotarians. Early volunteer activities included serving meals at local nonprofits, Cornerstone and the Ronald McDonald House. They also did Salvation Army bell ringing. In the future, members want to get involved with the community’s youth and elderly. They hope to build a stronger community by bridging all of the community’s generations through service, conversations, and connections.