President Barbara opened with both the Canadian and US National anthems, and toasts to King and Country, the office of the President of the United States and Rotary International. Adriana led the 4-Way Test; Malcolm lead a time of refection.

 

Past President and Assistant AG, Area 10, Gerry Janssen introduced Mike Chaffee. He joined the Rotary Club of Flint (most westerly club in district 6330) in 2007 and was Membership chair 2018-19, organized Rotary Mile event and is a multiple recipient as a member of the Paul Harris Society. Mike spent years before retirement as the Director of Finance for Boy Scouts America. He attained a BSc from Ferris College and is a Registered Certified Accountant. Mike has taken 3 Levels of Rotary training, is a College Frat member and managed Finances at his church. Barbara inducted Mike as an Honourary St Thomas resident.

Mike’s speech: He gave greetings from Jennifer Jones, Sarnia and Rotary International President 22-23 and first woman President. Jennifer did a Canadian tour and is now on a world tour. Jennifer is placing an emphasis on Women in Rotary with her campaign to keep young women in 3^rd world countries in school by assisting with hygiene. She is proceeding with the recommendations of the RI Diversity/Equity/Inclusion study. She has set a goal of $150 million contribution to Polio Plus.

Mike gave a pin to President Barbara and spoke of a new strategic plan and strategy. The mission statement is “We are good and we try to do good things to make the world better”. 

Mike spoke further of the “comfort care” of members in order to reduce the 50% of members who leave after 3 years. Members should “feel the love” from their fellow members. In our world change is constant; big business and industry have moved out of many communities and caused disruption.

We need to tell the media about the good things we do and prove our relevance to the community. 125 members are leaving from 6330 per year; membership has dropped from 2700 to 1500. One reason is the older demographic of Rotary. Younger people want to join an organization to network/socialize and to be mentored and to do good. We need to shout out the 7 areas of focus of Rotary and prove Rotary can change lives.

Mike told the Board of the Rotary Club of Flint when they called him to leadership that they had the wrong guy. He said that  they wanted his skill set. Mike did not want to embarrass himself when he called for a huge increase in membership. He did suffer the abuse of scoffers, but did get 19 new members the first year. 1 club per year is being lost in the District; some clubs are down to 10 members.

We are told in Kindergarden that if you want a friend, you need to be a friend. Be persistent. We can ask prospective members to help with a project. Ask “What attracts you to Rotary?”. We need vision; stop doing the same stuff. Act like the pit crew of a formula 1 race team; no one on the team can do their own thing, everyone sings from the same song sheet with a like minded vision; we all want a better world. Mike recommends:

Regarding Social Media, the district has redone Facebook with mirroring on Instagram, YouTube.

In closing, Mike encouraged us to be good, do good, Read the Rotary Magazine, take Rotary courses, and be proud of Rotary.

Mark: How do we engage a community with no staffed newspaper office? Use Social media including as the young people do: Snap Chat and Tic Toc. Mike will share his membership package with Mark. How do we make membership less expensive? District is giving10% discount on dues and this money could be used to help with membership.  Insurance in Canada is much more expensive than US. Start different kinds of membership like: Family, Corporate, Associate. Stratford has multiple membership types.

Malcolm: How do we make a connection with Indigenous peoples? This is a Canadian problem, Mike’s community is connecting well with African Americans.

Maggie; Branding? Rebrand by selling Rotary and explain the value the Rotary adds by changing lives.

 

Mike inducted Maggie into Club Membership and into the world wide organization that is Rotary. Welcome Margaret (Maggie) Horn.

Maggie spoke that she is humbled to be welcomed into such an honourable organization.

 

Paul Harris Fellows were bestowed upon the following (see pics)

Nancy is now plus 6

Pat is now plus 7

Malcolm is now plus 7

Barabara announced that our club will make a donation to the Foundation on Mike’s behalf.

 

Trish reported that she is reviewing 46 evaluations of the Discovery Tour and they were overwhelmingly positive with some good suggestions for future tours. 

 

Fine Master today was Mark. No one guessed any of the 6 codes of conduct of Rotary. Everyone paid the $1 fine.

 

Nancy spoke of  STELIP Walk With Me Day. This is an important DEI initiative. Register at:  https://stelip.ca/walk-with-me-2022/

 

Trudy asked us to vote for our club at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VZGBWH2 . That is MyFM’s spirit award. You will need to scroll down, a lot.

 

 

 

50/50 won by Mark.

 

Happy Finns (Mike reminded us that a Finn is $5, in this case they go to Rotary International Foundation)

Maggie- her induction to the club, successful Discovery Tour

Bill- Maggie’s induction to the club, Mike’s speech, successful Discovery Tour, member participation, Paul Harris Fellows

Trudy- Maggie’s induction to the club, Mike’s speech, successful Discovery Tour 482 of 500 50/50 tickets sold, Paul Harris Fellows, we did well singing the US national anthem

Trish- Maggie’s induction to the club, Mike’s speech, successful Discovery Tour,  she does not cook for this year’s family thanksgiving

Mark- Maggie’s induction to the club, Mike’s speech, successful Discovery Tour and Catharine’s leadership and everyone involved, looking forward to receiving Mike’s membership package, the organization of Bingo, going to Stoney Creek for family thanksgiving

Ron- Maggie’s induction to the club, Mike’s speech- he is a special DG, successful Discovery Tour

Catharine- successful Discovery Tour, good feedback, Thanks to member participation

Barb- Maggie’s induction to the club, Mike’s speech, successful Discovery Tour, Thanksgiving at daughter’s

DG Mike- he felt welcome at our club and wants to come back again

Gerry- Maggie’s induction to the club, Mike’s speech, successful Discovery Tour, going to Florida tomorrow, reporting no damage at their place

Pat- Maggie’s induction to the club, successful Discovery Tour especially since it was dry, upcoming trip east coast where recently her sister in law was hunkered down in Cape Breton with candlelight during Hurricane Ian, new 75 foot water pipe to house gives much more pressure, giving thanks at Thanksgiving

Nancy- Mike’s talk, Discovery tour, going to cottage for Thanksgiving