I am writing to you from (mostly) sunny Florida on my annual family vacation. I know, I know. If I'm on vacation, I should be taking a break from everything, including this newsletter. But, this really isn't that much work AND I still want to share with you all the Rotary news floating around in my head.

 

While I have been here in Tampa, I took the opportunity to visit a local club. What an incredible experience! The club I visited is 110 years old and has more than 100 members. It was so VERY different from our club (check-in, greeters, nametags, catered plated meal), but it also still felt like home. They opened with the 4 Way Test, talked about membership, encouraged every member to join a committee, had a program, and made me feel very welcome. If you ever have the opportunity to visit another club, I would strongly encourage you to do so! It takes just a little pre-planning, but it is so worth it! I can't wait to share the ideas I came away with!

With the fair and RAGBRAI behind us, we have a few weeks to catch our breath. During that time, our committees will be meeting and creating action plans to grow our club. Committees is where the real work of Rotary takes place. They take the vision of our goals and turn them into actions that every club member can help with. Whether the committee is helping to grow our membership, increase our impact or raise the funds to do all those things, it is a vital part of our club. As you start to get emails about committee meetings, please try to attend and add your valued input to the plans and decisions they are working on. 

We've all been very busy. Take some time for yourself this week. Work on a hobby, spend time with your family, or just chill with a cold beverage and take a few deep breaths to relax. You've all earned it!

You guys are all amazing! Thank you!

Respectfully,

 

Emily H. Martin

President, Red Oak Rotary