Our Rotary Club is comprised of a mix of ‘old’ and ‘new’. The ‘old’ being those of us who have been involved with Rotary and are familiar with what it's all about. The ‘new’, are those that are ‘brand new’ to Rotary and are experiencing it for the first time which, is between 35% and 40% of our club. That ‘new’ group is at a disadvantage because they have not had the Rotary experience like the rest of us. Fortunately, through the wisdom of your Board of Directors and some of the members, we have some solutions.
Red Dot Program
First, our Vice President, Ann Wittich, has developed a 'Red Dot' program for all new and transferring members. Once a member has been inducted into our Club, he/she will receive a member badge with a ‘Red Dot’ on it and a packet containing a list of activities designed to familiarize them with our Club and Rotary. Some of the 'old' members may recognize this as the ‘Red Badge to Blue Badge Program’ in the traditional Clubs.
Mentor Program
Second, we are preparing to launch the Mentor Program. This program is designed to partner a club member familiar with Rotary with a new member so they can work together to navigate the learning curve of what Rotary is all about. The mentor will also be able to assist and encourage the new member toward completion of the Red Dot Program. Carol Langley will be spear heading the program and will provide more information as program is developed.
So, I am calling upon our seasoned Rotarians within our Passport Club to lend a hand with the Mentor Program. Volunteer to become a Mentor and help create a fun and lasting Rotary experience for our new members and even yourself. It is a great way for our club members to better know each other, and for the new member and the mentor to engage in Rotary and our Passport Rotary Club.
I am wishing each, and every one of my Fellow Passport Members, and their Families, a very Happy Thanksgiving!
Join us to celebrate the holidays! Meet and mingle with old and new members...take photos with Santa...and in the spirit of Rotary, support our community!
Bring a $10 - $25 gift card (Target, Wal-Mart, etc) to be donated to Lilliput Children's Services, a Northern California non-profit specializing in foster care and adoption services. As you all know, foster children have many needs, but at this time of the year, wouldn’t it be a beautiful gift if we could help them buy something special for themselves?
As winter is coming up, Avalos Real Estate is holding its 5th annual coat drive which will be benefiting the Elk Grove clothes closet. We are requesting new and gently used coats both for children and adults. If you have a coat that is in good condition, please bring it to the next meeting which will be Thursday November 10th. For further questions you can give me a call at 916-616-1063 or email me at andrew@avalosrealestate.com
RI kicked off a one-year promotion to raise more funds called “Fulfilling The Promise: Eradicate Polio.” The goal was $88 million, and in true form, Rotarians exceeded the goal raising $135 million by the end of 2004. However, even the most optimistic Rotarians knew all the money needed to eradicate Polio could not just be raised internally.
Governments in countries throughout the world were asked to donate to the cause. The U.S. Congress is the biggest contributor giving more than $2 billion. One congressman said that Rotary is the only group that comes asking for funds to help others, not themselves.
The biggest boost for PolioPlus came from the Rotary Club of Seattle, Washington. An honorary member of the club had a son who started a successful business called Microsoft. Of course, his son was Bill Gates, and Bill Gates Sr’s passion for PolioPlus got Bill Jr’s attention.
In 2007 through 2009, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation made $355 million in challenge grants to the Rotary Foundation. In 2013, the Gates Foundation agreed to match new Rotary contributions two-to-one up to $35 million for five years.
Another month has passed and it's time to submit your volunteer hours. Whether you volunteered your time with another organization (local food banks, St Vincent DePaul, Girl Scouts, etc), donated blood, or helped out another Rotary club with an event or community service, you can submit your hours at the link below.
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