Message from Chair Elly

Dear Rotary E-club friends

Less than a week ago, my husband and I returned from a six month volunteer assignment in Mexico, where we worked with a team of dedicated volunteers and employees to provide educational opportunities to the poor indigenous children in the state of Colima. For us, as Rotarians, it was a great opportunity to serve.

Ten years ago, my absence would not have allowed me to stay actively involved in Rotary, but thanks to the advancement of technology, I was able to explore the many possibilities of Rotary E-clubs, and the more I researched the subject, the more I was convinced that members of an E-club can serve in the same capacity as in any other Rotary club; all business is done on line, no matter where in the world you are. And if you really yearn to hear a voice and discuss Rotary business one on one, then there is always Skype, Go To Meeting, Any Meeting and all those other features which allow us to connect via the computer with or without the Webcam.

Once our E-club is chartered, its members will have the opportunity for regular fellowship through weekly meetings and chats. We can discuss club business, suggest ideas, share interests, and discuss anything of importance to the club and its members. As we move along, we will discover more and more options to utilize the benefits of the World Wide Web.

One of these benefits is the RI Webinar on E-clubs that several members of our team attended this week. What a fantastic session; we learned so much and are getting more and more excited about the many possibilities. Another session, open to everyone, will be presented:

Thursday 26 April 3 PM (Central Daylight Time)

Attendance will be very beneficial for our prospective members, in particular those serving on the board, as it will help us visualize what our club could and should look like in the near future.

For those who are interest in taking part in District training, please check the D5370 website or the district website in your area. Most districts welcome members from E-clubs to participate in their training, Leadership Institute or Conference. Consider it also an opportunity to promote our E-club and invite those who are not able to attend weekly scheduled meetings to join us.

Talking about District Conferences, it’s a great way to connect with members of the E-club and other Rotarians from D5370. Why not join us September 21-23 in Grande Prairie for Kev’s Conference. It’s going to be a great conference.

Bruce, our webmaster has done a fantastic job, bringing our website up to date with helpful information and articles. Please send him suggestions for content, so we will be able to announce a date for an official launch soon and allow for make ups from Rotarians outside the club. Meanwhile, all provisional members of this club who actively participate in the planning of the charter, at a minimum of 30 minutes a week, will qualify for weekly attendance.

Don't forget to check our website regularly and sign up for our on line newsletter on the website.

Hope to see you on line soon

PDG Elly Contreras, D5370 Special Representative/Chair