Guest speaker: Jeff Foss, District Membership Director.
1.4 million Rotary members across the world are beginning a new year. Global statistics show that 25% of them are women, a number dwarfed by the district number which shows that 32% are women in our district. (Go girls go!!!!)
Jeff shared why people decide to join Rotary and how clubs can maintain their membership numbers. A growing number of Rotarians are expressing the desire to increase their involvement in service opportunities and move beyond a strictly business focus. The importance of engaging members through a variety of activities and focuses was encouraged. Successful clubs are also working to increase their visibility within the community through participation in events, and programs. His recent webinar discussed different experiences for clubs beyond a lunch/meeting routine. Some of these include satellite clubs, passport clubs, corporate clubs, and cause based clubs. Check out the webinar on the 5360 website.
Jeff shared that the growth in membership and retention of new members in all clubs relies on members having a positive club experience. Clubs that also have set out a goal for encouraging community members to join along with ensuring that they reach out to others to encourage diversity, equity, and inclusion in membership opportunities. Successful clubs also are willing to look at different ways of attracting members (eg. invite to a social event before bringing them to a more formal meeting) and offer different ways to engage participants. Leadership opportunities are made available to new members as this encourages opportunities for them to share their gifts and talents.
Congratulations were extended to this club for already increasing membership by 22 members in this calendar year. Jeff commended us on our focus on increasing the number of members and the diversity within the club. We are doing so many things the right way. We only need a few more new members to reach the goal of 100 members in our 100th year!!!
Weekly Meeting Update
Darcy chaired the meeting. Daria kept all in line as Sarge.
Fines were charged to all who were not wearing their new pins. Fines were also levied to those who were not going to be at the upcoming community picnic after the parade. It was an expensive luncheon for some members!!!!!
Ray Rodgers presented the new 2023-24 banner to President Phil Hyde. the new theme is : Create Hope in the World.
Visiting Rotarians
Sharon Moffat: Red Deer East
Bryan Wilson: Red Deer East
Zainab Mohammed, Red Deer Sunrise
Jeff Foss: Rotary Club of Okotoks
Guest of Rotary:
Nancy Paish: Red Deer Airport Authority
Friend of Rotary
Gina Belich
Happy/Sad and other Fun Things
Dean: Great time golfing at Fairmont. Scored an eagle on a par 4.
Leigh: Had a great time at the recent Rotary After 5 event.
Aliesha: Was in Kananaskis recently for a needed break and enjoyed the kayaking.
Adele: Anxiously awaiting a hip replacement and is looking for an ice machine.
Merv: Shared his secret spot for finding great Saskatoons- the U Pick across from Parkland Nursery!
50/50. Grant was the lucky one to recite the 4 way test but was not as lucky in winning the 50/50 pot.
Membership News
Jamie Jamieson shared her vocational talk. She is an enthusiastic horse and chuckwagon supporter. Her family has long been associated with Central Alberta and the sport of horse racing, both track and chuckwagons. Jamie has been a jockey, winning her inaugural race at Northlands Park. She also has participated in barrel racing, earning her Pro Rodeo card and being a CFR participant. Jamie is a mother of 3: an hockey player with the Spokane Chiefs, a 2nd year law student at the U of A, and an entrepreneur engaged in digital marketing. Jamie credits her leadership skills to her work with horses as they require dedication, competence, and hard work. Her marketing skills are attributed to the need to sell herself as a jockey. Jamie is currently pursuing a career being an event organizer. She is active in the community and is excited to be part of Rotary.
Community & Project Updates
Cheryl K. invited all to be part of the upcoming parade on July 19. We gather at the Pidherney Centre before 8:30 a.m. Children and family members are welcome to walk along the 3.4 km route. Members from Red Deer East and Sunrise clubs will be joining us.
July 17, 2023
Please send articles/information to be included in the weekly Flash by Tues. afternoon. Send to: TheFlash @rotaryclubofreddeer.ca
We are happy to include any information for the good of Rotary
From the Executive
New Bling for All!
New Rotary theme pins along with commemerative 100 Year pins were shared with those present. Please make sure to pick yours up at the next meeting you attend.
Volunteer Opportunities
Red Deer Airshow: Saturday and Sunday July 29, 30 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Volunteers are needed to Man the Fence and have a front row seat for the activities. Contact Aliesha if available. Bring your lawn chair and ear protection. Volunteer orientation on Sunday July 23 (2p.m) and Mon. July 24 (6:30 p.m.)
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