As we charge into August and its Rotary theme, Membership and New Club Development, I am thankful to all those club members who have taken the time to pause and check in on their peers who they haven't seen in a while. This simple, personal act forms the basis of strengthening connections between members in your club and is a key factor in retaining members. I am asking all members and clubs to make sure you are creating a sense of belongingness -- especially involving those new Rotarians in your efforts. Becoming a more vibrant club can be intentional and a cornerstone in a member-care program that follows Rotary International guides and information at the Learning Center.For those who are looking to connect on membership more broadly I want you to know that a few new teammates are welcome to join the District Membership Committee as we support club initiatives that engage the community and onboard new Rotarians. Please reach out to me if you are interested.
Among membership requests, PI President Stephanie Urchick has asked Districts to each add four new clubs. These can be any type of club including a satellite club or a cause-based club. What are your experiences? Do you have an idea for a new club? Is there a community that could develop a club? Let me know.
- District Governor Dave Alexander
June was a great stretch of days. A few club highlights: I was on the cook line at Dunkirk-Fredonia's Fly-In Breakfast. I provided a few remarks to Welland - my home club - and to Niagara Falls. It was great being at the Ancaster AM kick-off evening and the St. Catharines South lunch. IPDG Scott Marcin and I teamed up with his brother-in-law and putt master Ja Smith at Albion's 31st Curtis Lyman Memorial golf tournament fundraiser. A real treat was visiting Hamilton's Summer Literacy Program - a FREE two-week camp for 160 kids from all across that city. I can't help but wonder if a few Rotarians out there might be intrigued to learn from an initiative from another club and try some version of it with their club.
In closing, I am sure you all are talking about news at home and around the world these days. One direction you could steer the conversation is to discover more about these issues by connecting with other Rotarians via the international part of your membership. Whether it is through engaging on the issues with a Rotary Action Group, or sharing your hobbies with a Rotary fellowship, or with our own international committee, you can deepen your membership experience and build better friendships.