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!
Our last Mixer Meeting was held on November 10th at the Ramada Hotel on Auburn Blvd. It was a wonderful evening that included many guests, a couple guest speakers, and the induction of three new members. Please welcome Jim Quinney, Trudy Harris, and Bill Cook, to our club! Each brings something unique and special to our membership.
Trudy was given the opportunity to speak about her non-profit organization, Team Giving. The organization assists charitable community organizations by matching businesses, service groups and individuals with volunteer projects. They provide a coordinated path for individuals and volunteer groups to participate in projects and enjoy the benefits of volunteerism and community philanthropy. If you are in need of fulfilling volunteer hours or just want to do something good for your community, go to www.teamgiving.org to find volunteer projects that will fit your schedule and time.
Our next meeting will be held in February, but don't pass up the opportunity to get together again in December and January. Keep an eye out for upcoming events for details on our socials.
November is the month for gratitude and much gratitude needs to be given to Past President, Mike Reinero. Without his vision and tenacity to get things done, we would not have Rotary Passport. He spent countless hours creating a club that meets the needs of those with little time for weekly meetings and expensive dues, but who want to give back to their community and do it in the name of Rotary. He lead the charge by inducting 87 new members into the club within its first year and awarded 30 members with Service Award Certificates for their 40+ hours of service within their communities. Without his strong leadership and enthusiasm for Rotary, we would not be the club we are today.
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?
In late September, President Elect JoAnne Tanner and six Passport members formed a Flash Mob for the Roseville Sunrise Rotary Club meeting. This surprise so early in the morning created a lot of smiles and real excitement among the Rotarians. Like always, it's fun to attend other Rotary club meetings—but better yet, it's great to connect with Rotarians from outside of our club!
We have more Flash Mobs in store for other clubs around District 5180. If you'd like to help coordinate the next Flash Mob or just want to volunteer to attend, please contact President Elect JoAnne Tanner for more details.
HOW DO YOU MAKE YOUR PAUL HARRIS FELLOW CONTRIBUTIONS?
Some members have asked me when is the right time to make a contribution toward their Paul Harris Fellow (PHF). The answer is ANYTIME.
Rotarians receive a PHF after contributing $1000 to the Rotary Foundation. Most of us make contribution every year towards that goal. Before we reach the $1000 mark we are called SUSTAINING members. Earning a PHF is a great honor Rotarians strive for, and many of us have more than one.
Currently, we have 53 PHF’s in our club, and 33 of them are multiple PHF’s. We have 16 sustaining members, and 17 who have not begun the journey to a PHF yet.
Please contact me if you want to make a contribution towards your PHF. Once you start your PHF, the money stays with you even if you change clubs. For instance, if your sustaining contribution adds up to $600, that amount is credited to you even if you change clubs. If you do not know where you stand with your PHF, please call me. I have all the amounts for all our members.
November is Foundation month, and this is the perfect time to focus on increasing your PHF level. Please contact me, and I will facilitate your donation for you.
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, attended a Rotary meeting, or helped out another Rotary club with an event or community service, you can submit your hours at the link below.