Steve Rand mentioned the key note address from Jeffry Cadorette, our Zone’s representative on the RI Board of Directors. Jeff spoke of concerns at all levels of the organization over the long-term viability of Rotary in the US and around the world.  Jeff also moderated a panel discussion with a few members of New Voices Rotary Club, our District’s newest club that was chartered this past spring. One idea that Steve took away was the suggestion to poll past members of our club – why did they leave, what can we change, would they come back with specific changes?  Comfort with the way things are can lead to a lack of “vibrancy” in a club and can limit or prevent growth.

 

Kathi Perkins also spoke about Jeff’s comments. She took away a call to action that includes making the club welcoming  and making sure we retain member who do agree to join us.   One idea to help with retention is assigning each new member a mentor to help them understand the club, its activities, and when those activities fall throughout the year.  Another idea is to create a calendar that can be handed out to new members.

 

Kathi also mentioned the tables that many clubs used to display and share their projects during Rotary Rocks. There were a lot of great ideas shared among the clubs.  Thanks to Kathi for organizing our club’s display which included information on the House Project, CLYNK for Literacy, and the Cornhole Tournament, along with a photo display highlighting other fundraisers and projects of our club.

 

Scott Linscott reminded us that every civic organization is experiencing a similar problem with recruiting and retaining members.  Millennials are not joining, even though studies indicate that they are lonely and might benefit from such membership. He asked us to think about how we might break through to change our culture, make sure we offer value that can be seen and shared, and can demonstrate that membership is worth the time.   Change the perception, change the culture or keep declining.

 

We should all ask ourselves “who can I invite next week?”  We should also recognize that membership is everyone’s job, not just the job on one or two people we call a membership committee.   If  you have ideas about actions our club can take in this area, please contact Steve Rand or Scott Linscott to keep the conversation going.

Adult Education currently has over 200 students in classes like ELL at the Community Center and including those studying for their High School diploma.  Students are as young as 17, and range in age up to 75.

 

Shelli told us that technology programs have been really taking off. They have had CDL training classes for Class B licenses needed for driving smaller trucks like heating oil delivery trucks. A course training for CDL Class A (18 wheelers) is currently running, as is one for state car inspection. They recently graduated 13 CNA students all of whom are employed or are continuing their education.  

 

There is an opportunity to “earn while you learn” so students can be paid while taking classes and working for an employer. And they have a job when they are done. This program has had nearly a 100% success rate.

 

Shelli is working to bring more programs back to Westbrook and Gorham. Expect to see some classes staring in January. These will include programs for fun things like line dancing and yoga as well as business related courses like Excel and QuickBooks.  They are also hoping to partner with the Agency on Aging to offer a caregiver program in the spring (non-professional).

 

If you have ideas for programs, contact Shelli at prides@westbrookschools.org 

 

For more information, visit the websites:  https://westbrook.maineadulted.org/  or https://gorham.maineadulted.org/