An organization is as strong as its members and especially so when there's diversity in careers, culture, age and experiences. August is the month we Rotarians go all out to bring in new members. They could be someone looking to meet new people and become more involved in their communities. Family, friends, business associates and young community leaders are potential new members. I believe once people catch the vision of Rotary and all the good we're doing in our community and communities around the world, they, too, will become Rotarians.
Last week I interviewed two of our new members about why they joined and what suggestions they have.
Fonda Insley joined our club 10/29/15. Fonda is Media Director of Caliber Group, a brand marketing, public relations and interactive firm. Fonda is currently Sergeant-at-Arms and has been actively participating in club projects since joining the club 10 months ago.
Ellie: Fonda, why did you join Rotary?
Fonda: For many years my friend, Asa Bushnell, had told me about his many Rotary experiences and when I first visited the club as a guest speaker I was amazed at how many people I knew. The more I learned about Rotary the more I felt like it was the place I needed to be.
Ellie: What do you enjoy most about Rotary?
Fonda: I enjoy the fellowship; I have made so many new friends and it is a joy to work beside them.
Ellie: What suggestion do you have to make your Rotary experience even better?
Fonda: We need to do a better job of communicating just how many amazing things we do for the community.
James Johnston joined our club 6/23/16 and just attended the STAR meeting last week. He is General Manager of Performance Footwear and had previously worked in the retail industry both in New York and Las Vegas.
Ellie: James, why did you join Rotary?
James: Sid Hirsh encouraged me to join and I really joined to get to know people in the area where my store is. I live in Oro Valley so I’m quite a distance from my store.
Ellie: What do you enjoy most about Rotary?
James: The camaraderie and the laughter.
Ellie: What suggestion do you have to make your Rotary experience even better?
James: I really am enjoying Rotary. I wish more people knew about Rotary. There should be a big billboard in town with the Rotary wheel and then we could possibly put logos of our businesses on the billboard and show people who we are and that we’re a vibrant club.
Thanks to Fonda and James for sharing a little about their Rotary Club of Tucson experience. Membership happens when we engage non-members in our community projects; when we extend a personal invitation to a meeting; and when we inspire them by our active commitment to genuinely care for others. Tell your Rotary story in a simple, enthusiastic way. Make it personal - what Rotary has done for you.
NESDAYS, 12:00 PM-1:20 PM
The University of Arizona Egyptian Expedition (UAEE) has conducted archaeological research and excavations in Egypt for nearly 30 years. Most of this time has been invested in learning about ancient Thebes (modern Luxor), including the Valley of the Kings. The UAEE has several active projects in the area that will be discussed, including: excavations of the female pharaoh Tausret's temple of millions of years; discovery of a small Ramesside temple; new investigations in KV62, the tomb of Tutankhamun; and construction of a research facility on the West Bank.
JONI CONDIT introduced our speaker Jean Fedigan, ED of Sister Jose Women's Center. She spoke poignantly of the care they provide as a drop-in facility, in cramped quarters, for homeless women. They provide warmth, respite, safe harbor and a path to a sustainable existence, helping facilitate the underserved into training programs and group housing. In her talk "Community for the Common Good," Jean left us with the thought that "It is in the shelter of each other that people live."
Rotary Youth Exchange applicants needed now! Have you ever thought of someone who would make a great Youth Exchange candidate? Now is the time to plant the thought with a potential student of spending an exciting year abroad in a foreign country learning a new language (or not), learning about a new culture, making new friends that will become new friends all over the world. The RYE program year begins now with the seeking applicants for travel during the Fall 2017/Spring 2018. Students are 15-18 years of age. Do you have a friend who is a teacher or counselor or school administrator? These people are often the best referral system for introducing their respective student communities about this program. Rotary Youth Exchange is run 100% by volunteers. This makes the program the least expensive exchange program in the world. It is also one of the safest programs in the world. Talk to Dave Gallaher, Allyn Bulzomi, George Darling or Vicki Jacobs for more information. 
