Goals and Initiatives for 2011-2012

Membership Growth – 215 Members by July 1, 2012 (Currently at 196)

Membership Retention Program

Refine and further develop the Public Relations initiatives created this past year particularly as it relates to social media sites

Engage the Program Committee to undertake another “Theme” program

Organize more “Fellowship Groups” for members with similar interests

Further the interaction with other area Rotary Clubs and other Service Clubs and work with them on common initiatives

Work with the Rotary Shines Committee to enhance that event

Explore ways to attract and retain younger members

Work with the Neenah Rotary Club in the formation of a Rotaract Club (19-30 years old)

Continue to develop the Interact Club initiative (13-18 years old)

Research the possibility of providing greater flexibility in the meetings, i.e. showcasing member organizations and places of business

School mentoring program relating to leadership skills, ethics, and career planning

Look into the potential for writing of grants to help fund club activities

Increase giving to both the RI and Appleton Foundations through additional education

Work with the Rotary Ambassadors Committee to further refine its process to meet its and the Club’s objectives

Continue “Happy Hours” most likely on a quarterly basis (both within this club and with other clubs)

Continue to stress membership involvement in the District SAMP Program

Encourage continued donations to the Club’s newly established “Legacy Fund” at the Community Foundation

Reinstitute the liaisons between the Club Board and the various committees

Further develop the succession planning for each committee

Work closely with all Committees to ensure their objectives are met as well as exploring new initiatives for the Committees

HAVE FUN!

Malcolm Kushner, Tuesday, August 2

On Tuesday, August 2 at Michiels Fox Banquets, there will be a special program “Leading with Laughter” by Malcolm Kushner which you will not want to miss. Mr. Kushner teaches managers, professionals and executives how to use humor in the workplace. He has been features in the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times and Time Magazine. You will learn simple, proven humor techniques to become a more effective communicator – even if you can’t tell a joke.

Rotary Ambassasors At Work

Last night, Kathy Dreyer helped sell pizza at the Heid Music Downtown Summer Concert Series in Houdini Plaze - just one of the Rotary Ambassador volunteer opportunities in our community.

Pizza Party at the Summer Concert Series

A Pizza Party at the Summer Concert Series was just one of the Silent Auction items at the 2011 Rotary Shines event. Nancy and Steve Johnshoy won this item and enjoyed Greg Waters and the Broad Street Boogie with friends at last nights Heid Music Downtown Summer Concert Series.

Rotary Ambassadors

The Rotary Ambassadors are heading into their fourth year. Based on the membership survey results, it is still a viable and valuable program for our members. There have been many volunteer opportunities available to members throughout the community to work on individually or as a team. Not only do members get to know one another and have fun but these projects have helped make a difference in our community. Last year, 590 volunteer hours were provided to the Sharing Around (the World) Medical Project, Building Together Fox Valley, the Children’s Parade, the Concerts in Houdini Plaza, Madison Middle School Tutoring, Housing Partnership of the Fox Valley, Harbor House, planting in Washington Square, Knowledge-A-Thon, Soccer Tournament, the Food Pantry and the Fox Valley Sibling Support Network Santa Celebration.

Housing Partnership of the Fox Cities

Crystal Lillge, Director of Public Relations and Development at the Housing Partnership, thanked the 34 people that volunteered in the renovation of the house located on Wisconsin Avenue in Appleton. Volunteers helped install siding, remove the front porch and roof, install cabinets and trim, install the kitchen and ballroom floor, and paint interior walls and trim. The Club also contributed $11,539 from the proceeds of Rotary Shines.