The eradication of polio remains Rotary’s top external priority. Sadly we have just been informed that two cases in Nigeria were reported in July, 2016.  This news is only strengthening our resolve to continue this fight!  We are committed to immunizing every child so polio will not be able to travel from one country to the next.  To do this plus the many projects that we as a District and as our clubs commit to, we must increase our membership.  Rotary can serve humanity only if we have more Rotarians, not less.

In Rotary, August is Membership Month.    We want to enlarge our membership and bring the benefits of Rotary’s social capital to more people to help us realize “Rotary Serving Humanity” while “Enjoying the Magic of Rotary”.   I am asking you to focus on the goal of membership during the upcoming year.     We have enjoyed the benefits of Rotary membership and now it is time to give it away and share it with more people.   Membership development is a lengthy process. It takes a time and deliberate effort to invest in building relationships and increasing our social capital.
  
Think about the following questions: What is your current membership development strategy? How are you measuring membership growth in your club? What opportunities are you offering members to live out what they are learning? What is your current strategy for bringing new people into your club? Is it effective?

Many of the changes that clubs need to start experiencing growth are small and incremental. They do not require tons of capital or excessive energy. They often require just a change of perspective. You need to see people as your most important resource. You need to choose who you are trying to reach. You need a plan for how you will reach them. And you need to always be looking for opportunities.

There are a few upcoming events that I am asking you to attend:

August 27, 2016 – Family Day at Cedardale in Groveland – please see attached flyer – great day of fun, fellowship and a fantastic barbeque!  It would be wonderful if all (or most) Presidents and members could bring their family and friends for this fun day of fellowship! 

September 14, 2016 – 1^ST PRE-PETS AND PRESIDENTS MEETING – This event will run from 6pm to 9pm and will include fellowship before the program, dinner and informative breakout sessions.

September 21, 2016 – Membership & Foundation Forum - We are bringing back the combined forum with new and exciting opportunities to learn new techniques to attract and retain members plus great ideas for potential service projects – both district and globally!

Please make sure to jot these dates in your calendar and also inform your club members!  
  
You are the All Star Team!   Break the old rules!   Implement new ways to get the best out of yourself and your club!  You will shape Rotary Serving Humanity” in our Rotary Foundation Centennial and beyond, while “Enjoying the Magic of Rotary”!

I also wanted to remind you that I am submitting information for our E-bulleting documenting my travels within the District and also noting many of the projects and ideas our clubs are doing.  I hope you will take a look at it when you can.

Yours in Rotary Service and….

Keep smiling,

Sheryl