CHARTERING AND SUPPORTING THRIVING ROTARACT CLUBS!
Regina Eastview was privileged to have 3 impressive young professionals from the Rotaract Club of Toronto as our Guest presenters. President Jack Wozniak noted the Presidents Counsel of Regina's five Rotary Clubs is exploring how Rotary in Regina can best "re-establish" a Rotaract Club in this community. A place to start was to learn from the successful experience of established Rotaract structures. This led to connecting with the Rotaract Club of Toronto, which has functioned for 32 years.
Using power point slides, Stacey Chikoto, Kaitlynn Almeida and Gus Lopes, all leaders in this Rotaract Club, shared foundational pillars and strategies they deem critical in creating the correct environment important to organizing and supporting, a "thriving" Rotaract Club. A broad membership base of students, young professionals, community leaders, neighbours and friends of all backgrounds and walks of life are important factors inf supporting a Rotaract Club's continuance. The presenters touched on each of 10 vital factors to be considered when moving on the path to Sponsoring a Rotaract Club, from; #1) Familiarizing ourselves in all things Rotaract; to, # 10) Stay Connected - not just at the beginning but encouraging continuous involvement and participation in each others activities.
Stacey Chikoto Kaitlynn Almeida Gus Lopes
As noted above, creating a Rotaract Club is but the beginning, remaining connected is key if the Club is to "Thrive". The presentation team touched on specific ways of ensure ongoing success. This depends on the enthusiastic mentoring provided by sponsoring club(s). Ensuring all members are involved in their preferred area of service, with work and responsibility distributed in an acceptable and appreciated manner. Partnering on projects and events with the sponsoring Clubs; attending each other’s meetings; being visible in the community (e.g. participate in Pride Parade); celebrating Club and member achievements; making new member Inductions a "big deal"; and, establishing Awards at the Community and District levels are all ways to inspire enthusiasm and member retention.
A Rotaractors Search
Our Toronto Rotaract Guests not only made a quality presentation, they also shared a framework on which Rotary can "reclaim" Rotaract in Regina.
Thank you, Stacey, Kaitlynn and Gus, you helped make this a great Rotary day.
Signs of Spring
FELLOWSHIP HIGHLIGHTS
Barry Strohan brought warm greetings from former Regina Eastviewian and Past President Dave Shaffer;
Joyce Butler was delighted to tell us of her recent conversation with Len Antymniuk, who wished to be remembered to members of Eastview;
Joanne Misner, brought greetings from PDG Clare and Elaine Thompson, from the RC of Dryden - Clare was District Governor in 1996-97.
Amy Collado impressed on attendees that her granddaughter is bound for a leadership role in Rotary. At the age one year she is poised to recite Rotary's 4-Way Test - a demonstration of the infant's potential was provided;
Kali Ann Friesen updated us on her year in Sweden - she is at her 3rd host family, and as the previous host homes, this too is fantastic. She communicates well in "Swedish" and is currently taking some on line courses as the High School is closed. Unlike most other countries, Sweden has not imposed isolation and stores have largely remained open. Sadly because of COVID 19, her parents will not be able to visit while she is in Sweden;
It was wonderful to be at this meeting, and while we all remember the joy of being in a room together this is our portion for now, and it was, "Oh, so good";
Stay safe and keep well - see you next week.
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"If you look to others for fulfillment, you will never be fulfilled. If your happiness depends on money, you will never be happy with yourself. Be content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the world belongs to you."
Lao Tzu
Today's guests
From the Rotaract Club of Toronto, Guest Presenters - Stacey Chikoto, Kaitlynn Almeida & Gus Lopes.
Participants: Eastview's Out-Bound Rotary Exchange Student in Sweden, Kali Ann Friesen; Jessie Carlson guest of Gary Carlson.
Visiting Rotarians from RC of: Regina I P, Lynn Ridgway; Regina Oskaya, Amy Collado, Sean Friesen, Adam Kramer, Adele Kramer and Lorna King; Melfort, DGE Gailmarie Anderson; Saskatoon Meewasin, Leanne Kessler; Regina, Ian Toms; Dryden, Joanne Misner; and, Reid Ayre, a Member of another Rotaract Club in Toronto.