Membertship News:

Our district, #5580 is 1,100 miles across northern North Dakota and Minnesota, and Ontario. Rotary International’s goal is to have 100 new members this year, that is two new members in each club. (Ely Rotary is actively recruiting new members)

Kay updated the club on the District Rotary Action Plan. It is a 3 year continuation of building membership. We will hear more about it soon.

Rotary International President Elect - Stephanie Urchick  Kay presented the 2024-25 presidential theme; The Magic of Rotary. It calls on members to recognize and amplify the organization’s power to save lives. Clubs create the magic with every project completed, every dollar donated, and every new member.

Stephanie's presentation can be found here: https://www.rotary.org/en/stephanie-urchick-celebrates-magic-rotary.

In support of President-elect Urchick’s theme, Kay did a short activity. She pulled questions out of a ‘magic hat’ to learn more about our club and to provide an opportunity for us to hear what club members think is possible.

#1 What might be missing.

The Ely Club needs more young people.

#2 How can the district help our club?

Make the money that is donated from members to the Rotary Foundation (RF) more visible so members can see the value in making donations consistently to the RF. 

#3 - Do you follow the District Facebook (FB) page?

For those on FB please follow the page. There are two pages. The old one cannot be shut down so be sure to follow the page with a Canadian and American flag. Kay shares club happenings on the FB page as she receives information. This is where we can get ideas from other clubs.

#4 What does the Magic of Rotary need to do?

Synergy of good ideas that happens. To be able to sit and talk to an investment banker or to a cabinet maker, to people who are doing different things is really interesting and fun. That is kind of magical.

#6 What do you like about your platform?

Enthusiasm to come to the table, go out into the community to share who we are and what we represent in the community. 

Final Remarks:

Kay discussed the qualities that describe Rotary well. Fellowship, integrity, diversity, service and leadership..

Integrity - Rotarians are trustworthy and may not always agree but can come back together as a club

Diversity - Learning about our communities and each other

Service - Service projects are team builders. Clubs who do them are most successful

Leadership - Helps members build leadership skills through out the organization and high quality training for leaders. 

Kay was enthralled by everything we have done and she can’t wait to send all of the ideas out to everybody.

Thank you to Kay for a valuable and memorable visit to Ely. It was wonderful for so many members to be able to spend time with you.