Here are summaries compiled from notes taken while Jason and the area champions present led the members through the various goals and tasks identified at the forum in February.
Member Engagement
Service – Tony Pedriana is leading the effort to increase the visibility of opportunities. The new signup sheets circulated at meetings are a way to make service activities more prominent. In meetings and other communications, we need to make sure that ongoing social and service items are promoted. As part of the effort to expand Rotary Readers, Linda Yde has expanded outreach to non-members. We have added the 5th Tuesday as a way to promote service opportunities to engage members in simple yet effective projects. [Click Read More for review of the remaining reviews.]
Member recruitment and retention -- Linda gave an overview of how we on-board new members. Feedback from a now-former member gave Linda ideas for how we can do better. We have established the idea of having a mentor to act as a resource for any new member who wants one.
Business Outreach – Terry McKay and Sam Hosszu are leading an effort to contact businesses in the area. They have compiled a list of businesses and contact names. Representatives can be invited as speakers or just to come to a meeting as a guest. They are looking for more people to help make the contacts and outreach.
Community Engagement
Telling Our Story (Marketing Plan) –Cheryl Maplethorpe and Kendra Morgan have drafted a one-page flyer to promote what we do in the community (at the meeting, Jason referred to the list of what we already do for reference). Their vision is to cover both the local and global impact of Rotary since many don’t know about Rotary’s international nature, the work of RI, etc. They have found that many clubs’ websites include an “elevator speech” that tells the club’s story in a brief statement. They are looking into the cost of a broadcast mailing. Options for wider outreach were discussed.
School involvement -- Jason reported for Steve Schroeder that he has had conversations with staff to look at opportunities beyond Rotary Readers. Staff shortages are widespread.
UWRF Involvement -- Tony Jilek noted that we need to include CVTC as part as higher education outreach. The club’s first action is to try recruiting Chancellor Gallo. There is consensus that we need to get more speakers from both UWRF and CVTC, including presentations on specific areas of faculty research and student research project presentations. It was noted that any activities on campus need Chancellor approval.
Fundraisers
Several ideas have work underway or are getting more detailed investigation. At present we don’t have a champion for Taste of River Falls; it was, however, noted that events like this are already happening. Julie is investigating the possibility of a Christmas market. Smaller-scale fundraisers have been mentioned; Cheryl will talk to Moose Lodge about doing a breakfast, which is a Sunday breakfast where members act as servers. High visibility with incentive to sell tickets to enhance revenue.
Popcorn sales intermittently held during the year is an idea getting some serious background work. Selling to local businesses would need to have a marathon production day followed by driving to the various businesses. Gordie Young also mentioned a QR code company that can create a specific code that could link to Rotary information. Chris Blasius is in touch with the promoter of Burger Battle who is looking to off-load. Would like to have conversation with past participant restaurants to find out a good time where businesses would be interested. Chris appealed for contacts with local restaurants.