Our new District Governor, Renee Campbell

Our New District Governor, Renee Campbell, was our special guest and speaker last week, and left us informed, inspired and proud to be Rotarians.

Accompanied by her husband, Ron, Renee covered a lot of ground in her talk…..from her reasons for joining Rotary to the organization’s role to the future outlook for our clubs.

JOINING ROTARY

Renee shared that she is originally from Pendleton, and discovered Rotary by being invited to a meeting by one of her printing business customers in Salem. The last of their six children had left the nest, and she felt the timing was right. She was ready to give back, “and the combination of great friendships plus the opportunity to serve” that Rotary offered was just what she was looking for.

DG Renee Campbell with husband, Ron.

“THE POWER OF THE WHEEL”

According to Renee, the new Rotary president, Ian Riseley, has chosen the theme  “Making a Difference” this year. He was very moved after seeing the Rotary wheel in a photo of a little girl being helped after the Chernobyl disaster. It made him think about the “power of the wheel” and all the good things Rotary does worldwide.

“Rotary is a combination of business and service, ” she said. “We bring together leaders of the community to identify and work on issues that need attention. We also build leaders by providing leadership development opportunities. We share our expertise and passion.”

The results can be changed, even saved, lives. She cited examples of helping the homeless and, especially, the polio eradication campaign. “There are only 8 cases of the wild polio virus left.  We need to count 36 months without a case to be certified, but we are ‘this close,'” she said. “This is a phenomenal achievement.”

” We also have one of the finest charity foundations in the world. But if we are so good,  why aren’t people lining up at our doors?”

Because, as a recent survey indicated, out of every 10 people:

  • 3 have never heard of Rotary
  • 5 have heard and have a good feeling about Rotary, but don’t know much about it
  • 2 have heard, have an idea about it, can even name a project, but can’t name their local club or see themselves as joining

To help with marketing, Renee said some new tools–including an ad campaign– are available at the brand center online.  She recommended identifying prospective members and inviting them to a meeting. She said Rotarians are “mostly seasoned professionals. Young people have time for Rotary, but not necessarily time for meetings.”  New developments, like “Friends of Rotary,” may help.

She said 33% of members in the District currently are women, and 6% are under 40. “What will your club look like in 10 years?” she asked. “Share the Rotary story, share your club story, share your personal story” to attract new people.

“Local service is the #1 reason we join Rotary, and friendships are the #1 reason we stay.  It boils down to leaders, service, friendship– and fun. ”

We are Rotarians. We make a difference.

Past District Governor Tom Markos also attended our meeting. Tom is now serving as the District Rotary Foundation Chair in charge of district grants. He was there to present a special “major donor” award to Mike and Amy Caruso. Congratulations and thank you, Mike and Amy!

DG Renee Campbell gives Mike Caruso a special pin, while PDG Tom Markos presents him with a crystal “major donor” award.

International Chair Laura Tilrico gave an update on global grants. One is now in the works for the town of San Mateo in Guatemala.  Lynn Montoya Quinn did a needs assessment in the town during the last dental trip, and found they needed a rain catchment system.  Total cost is $105,150.  $17,000 will be coming from our club foundation.  Laura also mentioned that last year’s grant for a clean drinking water project in the town of Godamchour in Nepal is winding down. Trenches are being dug to connect to individual homes. Note: Dates have been set for the next dental trip: March 4 through 9, 2018.

International Chair Laura Tilrico discusses global grants.

He made it! Dr. Rick Kaufman was officially installed as a member of our club last week. The retired dentist transferred here after 10 years with the Jacksonville Club and, all told, has 49 years of impressive service in Rotary. He is now the owner of WoodArt, and enjoys bonsai, camping and cars. Welcome, Rick!

 

President Todd Engle, Membership Chair Mike Boock, and DG Renee Campbell induct Dr. Rick into our club.

After her talk, DG Renee mentioned that she likes to recognize a member in each club who best represents “the essence” of Rotary….leadership, service, friendship and fun. She asked President Todd Engle for a nominee from our club and he said he knew just the person: Paula Radich! Congratulations, Paula.

Paula Radich receives well-deserved recognition from DG Renee Campbell.