Tuesday, February 28, 2023
By: William Harold DentFirst of all, I wish to thank President Marilyn Nevy Cruz for her proactive and supportive role this year in the Membership arena, even as she serves as Club President.
Membership Development. As you know, we continue to have a steady stream of new membership applications and, as a result, our membership numbers are up. Our total Club membership as of the January Board meeting stood at 127. We could call this a “post-pandemic” phenomenon but what I continue to hear when I do a "Past President’s Interview” of membership applicants is the interest of today’s young professionals to “give back” and be engaged in the community and community service.
Getting involved. It is indeed great to see that the ideal of Rotary, “Service above Self”, resonates with many. I have found that each of our new members is anxious to find their best fit in the Club by identifying and becoming engage on one of our dynamic committees, which is where our Club members truly become “People of Action” and make a difference through specific projects and programs.
Guides. Nancy and, occasionally, I have continued to help new members identify a more veteran Club member to serve as a ‘Guide’ for each of our new members. Besides helping guide the new member through the Red-badge-to-Blue-badge process, a key initial task of the Guide is to help the new member find at least one committee that fits his/her interests well and get them introduced to the respective committee chair. I have even tried to do this when I do the Past-President’s interview. There is no time to waste in getting a new member on board and involved.
Member Moments. Many of us in the Club look forward to the ‘Member Moment’ segments that have become a regular part of our meetings, seemingly at least once a month. They have proven to be a great way to get acquainted with new member and even an additional way to welcome them. It is important that we continue to also invite long-time members to do a MM, since they often provide great insights into the professional and personal lives of our fellow Club members, which, otherwise, may never have come to our attention. Bill Busker is currently in charge of scheduling Member Moments. In speaking with him, I was surprised, even a little taken aback, to learn that he has faced challenges in getting some new members to commit to doing a MM. In a few cases, they have not even acknowledged his email.
Outreach & Expressions. This important Club function continues to be ably handled by PP Nancy Riker, with the same personal touch that is her hallmark. For example, all members over 75 are mailed an actual physical card for their anniversaries and birthday. For other members, she sends an email or text on or about the respective date. Nancy also has made a practice to reach out to members we know are facing serious health issues and send out ‘Get Well’ cards, as appropriate.
Fellowship Events. These continue to be organized very ably by Mary Goldsmith. The most recent one was, of course, the beautifully-done Holiday Party in December. Something, no doubt, will be planned soon to welcome spring.
Committee Meetings. The Membership Committee continues to have committee meetings, as well as once every six weeks a new & prospective “Orientation” meetings to introduce Club leaders via Zoom and provide background information on the Club, its Committees, membership fees, etc. A ‘Fireside Chat’ was also organized at Lynn Holec’s home, continuing that long tradition, providing an in-person experience for the same purpose.
New membership categories. We continue to make periodic announcements at Club meetings about the availability of the two new membership categories, respectively, for organizations and for family members/domestic partners. Unfortunately, we have had no one sign up for either. For that reason, the Committee should continue to review them and determine if any further tweaks to them are required.
YIRS,
Bill Dent
Membership Committee
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