Selinsgrove Area Rotary Club

Reach Within to Embrace Humanity

Vol. 85, No. 15

President – Patricia A. PinkowskiGuest Editor –
Michael Hayes

Next Meeting:
Oct. 27, 2011– SASD Coaches Recognition Luncheon. Chad Cohrs is the host. Mike
Flock will serve as Newsletter Editor. SVCC, 11:45 a.m.

October 20,
2011: Seventeen Rotarians were present for a club assembly devoted to
discussing “membership development” with PDG Karen H. Teichman. By way of
history… in ’04-’05, when Karen served as the District’s governor, Rotary
International indicated we were too small and needed to grow. Google “the
little District that could” for an article Karen authored, highlighting our
district’s efforts to build strength in numbers. A tension exists between
quantity v. quality… Karen noted, “Don’t push for numbers anymore, push for the
quality members we want and need.” Presently our district’s membership stands
ca. 800 members, and we look forward to merging with District 7350 to the west
in July 2012, forming District 7360. Membership, historically, has grown
through networking and the benefit of fellowship, established on the basis of
trust. Rotary has broadened membership to include those who are active in the
community. Assess your nest… be a secret shopper… Karen invites us to assess
our own club. Are we friendly? Are we welcoming? President Pat received a
survey from Karen, which will help us to gauge what our members are thinking,
feeling – working from within first before you go out and recruit. Do something
every week… keep your members active. Nurture our public image. Consider adding
a membership minute to close each of your meetings. “Be My Guest” cards make an
ideal way to encourage others to attend a club meeting. Make sure that new
members/guests feel welcomed and have the opportunity to go through a special
inducation. Karen also encourages us to change the mindset of Rotary as an “old
men’s club” by considering, for example, inviting members of the community to
serve on committees (e.g., fund raising) as an opportunity to build a bridge
for those individuals to be involved and become members… Friends, Relatives,
Acquaintances, Neighbors and Kids (FRANK).

Announcements: John Stokinger announced the formation of a fund
raising committee and asked those interested in serving on this committee to
contact him. *President Pat and Toby Skinner thanked the club members (John
Fischer, John Stokinger, Don Harnum, Mary Peterhansel, Melissa Lanewski, Earl
Ferster, Toby Skinner) who helped distribute candy during Tuesday’s Halloween
Parade. **President Pat distributed the most recent copy of the district’s
newsletter. ***Susquehanna Valley Youth Choral at Milton High School
performance on 11/06 at 3 PM – fundraiser for our nation’s veterans.