Forming the Rotary ClubForming the Rotary Clubofof

Oak Ridge SunsetOak Ridge Sunset

Dave MasonDistrict Conference

April 18, 2009

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I’ll Briefly DescribeI’ll Briefly Describe

The type of Rotary Club

A chronology of the Club formation

Suggestions for success

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The Oak Ridge Sunset Rotary ClubThe Oak Ridge Sunset Rotary Club

Is probably unique in our District in that:

• We do not have a “sit-down” meal

• Each week, two members collaborate to bring refreshments

• We serve wine – along with soft drinks

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This FormatThis Format

Encourages fellowship as folks mingle about the refreshment tables

Allows members to get home for dinner with their families

Provides a wide variety of refreshments

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Chronology of FormationChronology of Formation

3/7 Meeting with Bill Sergeant, Bill Martin, Bob Craig, and Jack Bailey of the Rotary Club of Oak Ridge

3/8 I decided to target younger members, especially children of Rotarians

3/11 The Board voted to sponsor a new club, with no more than 4 members moving over

3/20 The Club voted to sponsor a new club

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Chronology ContinuedChronology Continued

4/14 Contacted 51 potential members; 37 said they could come to an information meeting

4/18 First meeting – 24 attended. - 4 active and 3 former Rotarians- 5 have/had parents active in Rotary- 1 had been selected an Ambassadorial Scholar

Discussed polio eradication and what it means to be a Rotarian

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Chronology ContinuedChronology Continued

5/3 Seven ad hoc committees – each led by a Rotarian- Meeting arrangements- Nominations- Programs- Constitution, By-laws- Projects- Dues & Rotary Foundation- Goals & Objectives

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Chronology ContinuedChronology Continued

6/16 Met, with 28 folks, to elect officers and Board members, adopt the Constitution and By-laws, and to accept the other ad hoc committee reports

6/30 First regular meeting of the Rotary Club of Oak Ridge Sunset – 25 members

9/22 Charter night

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Ten Suggestions for Ten Suggestions for SuccessSuccess

1. Strong support from the sponsoring club2. Follow the Club Leadership Plan &

Organizing New Clubs (808-EN)3. Have at least two experienced Rotarians

willing to undertake the challenge4. Keep the total cost to the members as

low as possible5. Stress polio eradication

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Ten Suggestions ContinuedTen Suggestions Continued

6. Make judicious use of young members’ time:

- Begin and end club meetings on time- Constrain Board & committee meetings to an hour- Minimize activities during normal

work hours7. Have only a few, well-defined

goals/objectives

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Ten Suggestions ContinuedTen Suggestions Continued

8. Plan & execute a project as soon as possible

9. Repeatedly tell members and prospective members that Rotary means service, time, responsibility, and a little money

10. Give every member a responsibility immediately

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Sunset Club Goals/ObjectivesSunset Club Goals/Objectives

Keep the Club going for the 1st yearEvery member serves at least one

functionMaintain 80% attendanceIncrease membership to 44Execute at least one projectAdd two new Paul Harris FellowsThree sustaining Paul Harris Fellows

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