Rotary Roundup
The Weekly Newsletter of the Rotary Club of Jonesboro-University
Jonesboro, Arkansas - July 21, 2005
Prayer: Josh Fletcher
Pledge: Glenn Bowers
This week's program was replaced with a club assembly. Membership was the main focus of the assembly. However, several other topics were discussed.
Vocational Service
The Vocational Minute program will be reinstated, beginning at the August 4 meeting.
International Service
Along with the Jonesboro and Jonesboro-Metro Rotary clubs, our club is co-sponsoring an inbound, long-term Youth Exchange student from Germany. Donn Mixon is serving as his counselor. Jane Jamison and Sandy Puryear are co-chairs of the club's Youth Exchange Committee. A host family for the inbound student has been found. Club members are encouraged to include this student in their recreational plans. Involving additional club members will enhance the student's experiences and provide members exposure to this Rotary program. Additional information will be made available in the future.
Community Service
A fourteen member Community Needs Assessment Committee, co-chaired by Dosha Cummins and Debra Taylor, was created. This committee will develop plans to help us focus our ongoing community service efforts. Contact Dosha or Debra if you would like to contribute ideas or comments.
Club Service
A six member Program Committee is co-chaired by Dave Davidson and Margaret Holloway. Any ideas for programs should go to this committee.
A key component of Club Services is Membership. Glenn brought up that membership in Rotary is declining throughout the United States. Globally, 39% of Rotary’s membership were born before 1940. Another 50% are currently 45 – 65 years old. This means that 89% of all Rotarians are over 45 years old. We need new, young members. Glenn presented a graph on our club membership from 2000 – 2005 that illustrated our declining numbers.
Len Frey and James McDaniel will lead the Membership Committee for the club. They jointly presented a classification report for the club. The club is encouraged to review the report and identify individuals that fit classifications where we have no existing members. If the members will identify prospects, Len and James will contact them.
Jake Morris spoke on the importance of retention. Donn Mixon stated that we needed to have activities to keep Rotary fun and keep members involved. Ken Stacks said he won the award for bringing in the most new members and that was one. He said each of us should try to ask at least one person to come join the club. We were also encouraged to reach out to former Rotarians who may be interested in coming back.
Board Action
Jesse Stafford was appointed by the board to fill Chris Blanchard's 2005-2007 term as Director.
Good News
Bob Troutt read a humorous piece about childhood experiences of those who grew up in the 1950's and 60's.
New Member Proposal
Dave Davidson has proposed Kevin Brady for membership. Kevin is president of Clean Solutions.
District Rotary Foundation Golf Tournament
The club is sponsoring up to two teams to play in the upcoming District Golf Tournament. The tournament will be held on August 19 at the Red Apple Inn in Heber Springs. The club is looking for players. Check with Mike Webb for the details.
Group Study Exchange
The club is seeking individuals to nominate for Team Member positions on next year's trip to District #1030 in northeastern England. The trip is from February 11 to March 11. Team members need to be between the ages of 25 and 40 on February 11. They need to be a business person or a professional, being employed in their current field for a minimum of two years. See Joe Stallings or Glenn Bowers for details and application forms. Applications must be submitted to the District by September 5.
Guests
Kevin Brady, guest of Dave Davidson
Make-Ups
Teresa Ashley
Harry Hutchison
Jerry Smith
Debra Taylor
