August is Membership Month for Rotary International and Edina Rotary Club, and we want to ensure that our club members are engaged and committed to the club. This all starts with attracting the right members! Yes, many of us joined with the thought of networking our businesses but soon discovered that there was more satisfaction in giving vs. receiving.
 
Many of you have stated that you have stayed for the friendship and fellowship. That is great to hear! It takes all of us working together to make our club vibrant and attractive to new people so they can feel the camaraderie we have. Whether you are a Rotary “veteran” or a new member, ask yourself these questions:
  • Have you sat with someone new at a meeting lately?
  • Have you chatted with someone different before the meeting starts?
  • Have you met someone for coffee to get to know them better?
  • Have you volunteered for a committee? There are many opportunities to get involved with the Fundraiser just around the corner and may not be the time commitment you think.
  • Have you attended a social event? Fireside chats will be coming up this fall and they are a great way to get to know your fellow members. The Gala on Oct. 1st will be a fun event and you can get dressed up and bring your significant other.
At last week’s meeting District 5950 Governor Mark Hegstrom talked about vibrancy and staying relevant. We are the largest club in the district, but we cannot rest on our laurels. We must continue to ensure that all of our members are engaged and feel welcome!
 
I have re-instituted a gold sticker on new members' name badges so that they can be identified. Please make sure that they feel a part of our club. In this way we can continue the reputation that Bob Hildreth instituted during his presidency, that “We are the #1 club in the universe."