We are pleased to report that Michael J Sanphy has submitted an application for membership.  Mike is very active in the Westbrook community.   He is currently Westbrook City Councilman Ward 5 (since 2011) and President of the Westbrook Historical Society. He is on the Advisory Council at MPTC and is involved with many other local organizations.  He has resided in Westbrook for about 50 years.  

 

Born and raised in Portland, he served in the Navy before returning to school, eventually earning a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maine.  He joined the Westbrook Police Department in 1968, where he rose to the rank of sergeant before retiring in 2008 as its longest-serving officer. He also worked as a fire department captain and director of Westbrook Emergency Management.

 

In celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the Rotary Foundation, Rotary is encouraging members everywhere to do 100 acts of good throughout the year. Let others know by posting photos of yourself on social media, along with a brief description of the act, using the hashtag #100actsofgood.

 

Learn more at: http://centennial.rotary.org/en/get-caught-act-doing-good

 

PDG Peter Johnson also provided an update on the recent tri-annual meeting of the Council on Legislation.

 

Rotary representatives from around the world met in Chicago in April.  The Council took several historical actions that will grant clubs greater flexibility in their meeting schedule and membership. Peter shared some of the inside dynamics of these meetings, where cultural differences led to some very interesting discussions.  Some cultures expect explicit rules on what can and cannot be done, and don’t assume anything is allowed unless it is specifically stated.  Other cultures assume something is okay to do unless specifically prohibited.  Other cultures aren’t much for rules and go with the spirit of the thing.  In the end, some great results were achieved.

 

The council voted overwhelmingly to eliminate limitations on how clubs conduct their meetings.  Clubs now have the option to amend their bylaws to vary their meeting days and times.  They may also decide when to cancel meetings, as long as they meet at least twice a month.

 

The Council strongly believes that clubs are in the best position to determine the best meeting format for their club. Clubs can meet in person or on line, or any combination of the two.  Clubs may also choose to replace a regular meeting with a social event or service project.  However, clubs may continue to follow traditional requirements for meetings and attendance, if they choose to do so.

 

The Council also provided for different membership types.  Rotary will continue to recognize two kinds of membership - Active and Honorary.  In addition, clubs may choose to offer additional membership categories – such as associate members, corporate memberships or family membership. However, for these members to be recorded as Rotary members with full benefits of membership, clubs must report them as active members and pay per capita dues accordingly.

 

While Rotary continues to grow rapidly in some parts of the world, membership has been flat or declining in other areas, with the average age of members increasing.  Through various membership pilot programs experimenting with new membership categories and meeting formats, Rotary has seen improved retention, and increased diversity and member engagement.