Meetings

Meeting Information & Location
We meet In Person
Mondays at 12:00 p.m.
Madison College Goodman South Campus
2429 Perry Street
Room 201
Madison,
United States of America
Venue Map

Upcoming Meetings & Events

Peace Corp Experience - Kosovo
Peace Corp Experience - Kosovo
Oct. 26, 2026 12:00 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.
Madison College - Goodman South Campus
Rotary Foundation Conversation
Rotary Foundation Conversation
Nov. 02, 2026 12:00 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.
Madison College - Goodman South Campus
Why Journalism Still Matters
Why Journalism Still Matters
Nov. 09, 2026 12:00 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.
Madison College - Goodman South Campus
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Meeting Recaps
Asset Builders
Posted on Oct 05, 2026

Richard Entenmann of Asset Builders spoke on the need for teaching financial literacy to both adults and students. For adults surveyed, less than half could pass basic questions on financial decisions. The best way to measure financial success is by net worth not income, yet few surveyed knew how to increase net worth. Personal Savings Rate (personal savings divided by disposable personal income) was at a low of 4.1% for August 2026. Less savings has long term financial implications. More than half of Wisconsin residents live paycheck to paycheck. Forty-seven percent of Wisconsin residents do not have emergency savings to cover three months of expenses. Many do not know how a low credit score impacts their purchasing interest rates. Even employers who run a financially successful company but have employees who have low financial literacy are impacted by employees who are constantly under financial stress. Fifty percent of low-wage employees use 5 work hours per month on personal financial problems.

In response to this need, Wisconsin (and several other states), passed the 2025 Act 223 which requires public schools and independent charter schools (but not religious or private schools) to teach financial literacy as a requirement for high school graduation.

Although school districts develop and teach their own financial curriculum, Richard Entenmann’s company is helping provide special programs that can be used as add-on instruction in schools. Asset Builders was a 2026 Madison South Rotary Foundation grant recipient to present a program at Edgewood School. Asset Builders also hosts the successful Finance and Investment Challenge Bowl for high school students. Asset Builders (based in Madison) is a 501(c)3 whose mission is to increase financial literacy for low- and moderate-income families. For more information go to www.assetbuilders.org

Human Trafficking
Posted on Aug 31, 2026

What could be more terrifying than sexual slavery? It's happening right here in Wisconsin, and District 6270 Governor Dawn Fiedler is doing something about it. She learned about human trafficking at a District Rotary meeting and soon got involved to help rescue these minors. Fiedler founded Join the Movement to Stop Human Trafficking. It helps police, health care professionals and others look out for warning signs that young people display. They include unexplained bruises, carrying more than one cell phone and having an older boyfriend. Ultimately, prostitution results, and that's how traffickers earn so much money.  In addition, the organization helps these kids transition back to a normal life once rescued. 

 

Fielder says in 2025, Wisconsin had 91 documented human trafficking cases, all linked to pornography and social media. But she says the actual number is much higher. If you are ever suspicious that a young person may be in this horrendous situation, call 911 or 888-373-7888.

African Center for Community Development
Posted on Sep 14, 2026

Transitioning to a new country and new culture is a daunting experience for anyone. That's why the African Center for Community Development was established. Laura Green, who has a long history of fundraising expertise, says the organization works hard to help these folks with finding affordable housing, manage their finances, providing interpreter services and even violence prevention. The organization, which has received a grant from the Madison South Rotary Foundation, has a record of achievement in these areas.

Disability Support
Posted on Sep 22, 2026

We all need a helping hand at times, and the same is true for those with disabilities. That's why Madison South supports the Arc of Dane County, which provides necessary services for people in need. There are a variety of programs the organization supports that help people with disabilities enjoy a fuller life. They include Disability Pride Fest, fishing excursions, dances and classes on healthy relationships.

Nathaniel Lenz and Chad Sobieck also discussed the importance of Special Education funding from the state, and how they are working to educate state lawmakers regarding how these funds are vital to assisting those with physical and development challenges.  

RCC Helps the Community Heal

Dane County is home to the nation's fourth oldest service organization that assists people who've suffered sexual violence. 

“Sexual violence is everywhere,” says Dana Pellenbon, Executive Director of the RCC, also known as the Sexual Violence Resource Center, which is 53 years old. The services the organization provides are free to those who need them. Those suffering could be the disabled, young adults or men and women of almost any age. Pellenbon says law enforcement estimates show something like 975 of every 1,000 perpetrators “walk free.”

Pellenbon defines harassment as any form of unwanted sexual conduct. She says when somebody asserts that a sexual crime has occurred, we should believe her or him. She cites the U.S. Justice Department that estimates that false reporting is only 2-8% of cases.

The RCC works with people to help them heal, as well as to instill a sense of assertiveness and skills training to avoid sexual violence.

What does a Year in Rotary look like? 
Posted by Mike True

By Mike True, President 2025-2026

The Rotary Club of Madison South had a record-setting year focused on membership growth, community service, youth programs, charitable giving, and Rotary International.

  • Membership grew from 62 to 74 active members, exceeding the goal of 72.
  • 12 community service projects completed, up from a goal of expanding from 4 to 12 projects annually.
  • 22 college scholarships totaling $31,500 awarded — the most scholarships and largest scholarship amount in club history.
  • 57 local foundation grants totaling $40,000 awarded to community organizations.
  • More than $89,000 donated to PolioPlus, setting a District 6250 record for a single club in a single year.
  • Those PolioPlus donations were leveraged through the Gates Foundation match to approximately $270,000, helping provide polio vaccines to 540,000 children.
  • 5 students sent to Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA).
  • 16 outstanding local high school students recognized.
  • 1 new Interact Club launched at La Follette High School.
  • Numerous fellowship groups and social events helped strengthen member involvement and connection.

Bottom line: Madison South Rotary grew membership by nearly 20%, dramatically increased hands-on service, invested more than $71,000 locally through scholarships and grants, and generated a record-setting impact in the global fight against polio.