ABOUT FACEBOOK!

 

We are assailed on all sides by pronunciamentos from Rotary poobahs that if Rotary is to carry on as a life force then it must reach out to younger members of society through the means of communication that most appeal to them. But even current Club members – of any age – are hard pressed to get to meetings due to work commitments or travel plans. Social media may provide a means of meeting the challenges both of attracting new members and retaining existing members.

 

That’s the view of Ian Chantler member of the Railway City Rotary Club and owner of five different businesses all having to do with online activity. Ian focused on Facebook with its over two billion adherents and the three different ways it could be used to connect with people: page, groups and live. It’s important to “like” what you see on a Facebook page and “share” it so that a larger number of people become aware of Rotary. Trudy Kanellis administers the Club’s Facebook page. Facebook groups are formed to share information within a group and only within it. Trudy administers the Interact Club’s group.

 

Facebook Live is a new wrinkle. It’s a “livestream” feature of Facebook groups. The RCRC is trying it out. Club members who are miles away can connect by text to audio and video of their club’s meeting while it is in progress. Ian, as District 6330 Social Media Chair, thinks it’s a good way to find new Rotary members among those born after Elvis died in 1977 (Gerry: “Elvis is dead?”). A new kind of fellowship? Is this the future of Rotary?

 

Like?

 

HAPPY FINS - Donations of $5 to The Rotary Foundation – Annual Programs Fund – credited to the donor in celebration of something good in our lives. This practice was started in this club in 1985 to raise funds for polio eradication at the suggestion of Darwen Lowe, a member of the club.

 

Malcolm Rust (3) – To thank Ian for his presentation today; he is glad that other fellows came in shorts today (he counted four of them in short pants); to thank Gerald Vreman for his work for the Rotary Music Festival and to express his delight in having his expertise.
Gerry Janssen (2) – To say thank you for the many offers of rides to today’s meeting he received; he and Catherine attended the high school production of Evita at the Grand Theatre in London and were impressed by its professionalism (it’s still running).
Ron Somerville (4) – He will be seeing Evita (it’s one of his birthday presents); he is happy to see the exciting new changes being made by the Music Festival committee; his wife and her brother have both received good medical reports; to thank Ian for speaking today.
Bill Horn (2) – He was happy to have been one of the men in shorts today; for a nice trip to Ohio with Maggie to see her 101-year-old mother. While there they attended the Ohio State alumni weekend football game and enjoyed the school’s excellent marching band despite the very hot weather.
Pat Martin (2) – For the celebration of her first cousin’s 95th birthday; last week she retreated for the 29th year with a group of women she has kept up with. Each year they go to a different place.