The purpose of Refresh Rotary includes giving direction to the Rotary Club of Belleville for the next 100 years. The membership have identified what matters most, that being giving back locally and internationally, socializing, engaging and enjoyable activities. Rotarians Janeen Halliwell and Paul Fleming lead the process and conducted an online survey earlier in 2023, followed by an in-person working session in May. Emerging themes included:
- It's time to change
- Recruiting new members
- Engaging existing members
- Meetings
- Satellite Club
- Focus and clarity
- Awareness
Some steps to work towards these themes have already happened. Social time at the beginning of meetings has been reintroduced, Happy Bucks has returned, the room has been reconfigured for better interaction, meeting updates are shared between lunch and evening meetings, agenda items are shared to ensure success stories are front and center, land acknowledgement has been introduced, prayer is now a gratitude and light-hearted humour brings a smile. A bulletin board highlighting important dates, guests and Call to Action is visible at every meeting. Marketing material has been updated. The Rotary tent and promotion material is now in use and available at all events. Early discussions are in progress with respect to the website. Rotary apparel will be available shortly and more fellowship events such as Trivia, Winter Games, Wiggle Waggle Walk spread the fun of being a Rotarian. Business cards have been developed to encourage prospective members to meet people of action, be inspired and inspire others, make new friends and make a difference through the Rotary Club of Belleville.
A Refresh Rotary Working Group will develop recommendations to the Board for consideration and approval to begin to revisit and refine the purpose of the Rotary Club moving forward, with an eye to redesign the way in which members work together. Linked with the Club's Strategic Plan, there are three main areas of focus -- public image - fundraising - membership development that will take some time and thoughtful process to work through over a multi-year approach. Members of the Refresh Rotary Working Group are Tracey Vandervoort, Peter Malone, Janeen Halliwell, Ruth Mathieson, Cristina Cadavid Gamble, Peter Coy, Karen Baker and John Smale.
Janine encouraged everyone's feedback and opinions so that the work we do is in the best interest of the Club. There will be mini-surveys to come and participation is essential to this long-term process. Thank you to everyone!