50/50 RAFFLE:

CHRIS BIANG asked VICKI BURCH to draw a ticket. The owner of the ticket was JOHN BARRETT. Unfortunately, the Aces eluded him.

CHRIS JOHANNSEN introduced JANE TURNER who explained some of the changes made by Rotary International that effect our District and Club. DaCdb is the name of the database that is being used by many Districts (including ours) to manage administrative matters and communications. She asked JOEL RASMUS to explain some of the capabilities and the security. BOB VERPLANK demonstrated how to get to the database on line. Go to District 6560’s web page (it is linked to our club’s web site) and click on DaCdb in the upper right hand corner. Sign in using your e-mail address and your membership number (found on your membership card and on the subscription label of The Rotarian Magazine). Once you are loged in, you can go to Our Club and click on your name to be sure the information is correct. A computer will be available after future Tuesday meetings to help members learn the process.

The Membership Task Force, consisting of JIM KLUSMAN and PHIL TUCKER presented the results of exit interviews and interviews of young professionals in the area. Some of these results are at the end of this edition of Ripples.

A question raised about dues was answered by JIM saying he had done some figuring and when the value of our currency is taken into account, our present dues are about the same or maybe slightly less than the 1988 dues.

When asked where we go from here, JIM and PHIL said that before major changes are made, we will have a majority of the membership’s approval.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS:

TIM LUZADER, CHAIR OF THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE, PRESENTED THE FOLLOWING SLATE OF OFFICERS FOR 2013-2014:

THANKS TO THOSE WHO HELP WITH MEETING FUNCTIONS:

Money Collectors: ROBERT SCHROEDER and VICKI BURCH; Greeters: JOHN SANDERSON and BETTY DOVERSBERGER; Invocation: CAROLINE BRIGGS; Piano: RAY PEETERS; Song Leader: MAURI WILLIAMSON; 50/50 RAFFLE: CHRIS BIANG; Help with attendance and facilitating a smooth meeting: TOM MORAN and JANE SMITH. Webmaster: BRUCE HARDING.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK:

“Good judgment comes from experience and experience
comes from poor judgment.” Will Rogers

Increasing membership with an eye on
attracting younger members

WHAT OUR MEMBERS HAD TO SAY:

What we need to do and/or do differently to attract younger members? (questions 1 & 3)

• A majority of the comments had to do with restructuring the Tuesday lunch meetings. Most comments were directed toward the music (eliminate or change) followed by most all of aspects of the meeting (eulogies, invocations, student guests, speakers, food)
• Need to publicize what we are doing and who we are. Comments centered around Internet based actions and use of local media.
• Need to provide networking and other benefits that younger members want and need
• Many ideas about how to target specific organizations for members.

What should we not change? (question 2)

• Our value system – specifically service above self
• Our meetings (Tuesday lunch and Pub Club) and specifically the music.

WHAT YOUNGER NON-MEMBERS HAD TO SAY:

• Want a very flexible attendance policy, if any
• Do not want to attend meetings just for the sake of having a meeting. There must be a club business purpose.
• Willing to devote time to local service projects but no interest in international projects. They want hands on activities where they can see they are making a difference here in Tippecanoe county.
• They want networking opportunities. If they are to join an organization they want to see their business grow as a result of that membership.