Be involved

Hello there,

​I hope that this finds you all well and done with all of your snow moving and/or removal. I just finished snow blowing for two straight days, or so it seems.

Rotary International’s website states that, “Nearly 800 million people live on less than $1.90 a day.” This number is obviously global, but poverty exists throughout Maine, even in our own community.

​According to talkpoverty.org, in 2016 Maine had 172,620 living in poverty with 13.4% of families living below the poverty level, which they determine is $24,000 for a family of four. 

As Rotarians, trying to find a way to affect change in our communities, I think we are doing a fantastic job supporting new initiatives with children, literacy, and of course playgrounds. We support our local nonprofits, pay for ShelterBoxes to be distributed to areas in distress, and are about to send some members to Costa Rica to fit wheelchairs. 

​I am so proud of all the things we do. But we can always do more. As a club, we can all begin to brainstorm how to do what Rotary International asks us to do, which is to “strengthen local entrepreneurs and community leaders,” how can we provide training and help to new businesses, how can we use our club to promote opportunities between members and beyond. 

​So many of our club members are amazing resources for this community. You have made successful businesses, steered nonprofits to continuing success and survival. I know we have it in us to think of ways to truly strengthen and invigorate members of our local business community, but also to do the same for future members of our business community. Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Martha Searchfield’s presentation spoke a lot of the civility of discourse that needs to happen in town government (and voters), and we’ve also recently heard about the need for diversification of our economy. I’m sure that some of you have some great ideas about projects that we can do, people we can mentor, programs we can sponsor.

​You are the members of this club and this club belongs to you, not me, not the rest of the board, not past presidents. Our strength comes from the engagement of club members and our direction comes from your desires. Please let your voice be heard. As Carrie is constantly telling me, Rotary is about leaders making a positive change in their communities and abroad. We are the problem solvers. I look forward to hearing your ideas and I am grateful to be in this club with you. 

Stay warm and upright!

Shaun