President's Message, 2016-2017 Goals
As we enter the new year let us remember our primary focus and reason for existence as an organization, "Serving Humanity". It is this simple statement that I would like us to focus on in all that we do. My vision for the Emmaus Rotary year is simple, "Let's serve humanity and have a lot fun while we do it".
At last weeks meeting we openly hashed out some things we are great at, and some areas that we believe we could improve upon as a club. As I've been meeting individually with folks, I've heard the same comments. The great news is that we are a very strong club with an abundance of positives. On the other side, in order to continue to serve more people and thrive into the future, I believe some small tweaks can enhance that. Thus, the five simple challenges below were crafted:
1. Create a monthly service project and collect, serve, or package 12,000+ meals by year end.
2. Create a monthly social hour rotating to different local establishments to build goodwill and better friendships.
3. Revamp the membership onboarding process by August 2016.
4. Create a centennial fundraiser to raise 10k per year over the next ten years in order to make the Emmaus Rotary Scholarship fund sustainable.
5. Increase EREY from $100 per person to $126.50 per person, representing the first donation of $26.50 made to the Rotary Foundation 100 years ago.
These focuses are centered around our reason for existence, helping more people. If executed we will fulfill our mission, have even more fun, build stronger relationships, likely end up growing as a club, become more engaged and set up our future success.
There are many more projects that we will do, but focusing on a smaller number of larger goals can bring some more clarity to the direction of our organization. Each committee will meet or discuss some of the other things that they would like to accomplish throughout the year and report back by July 26th. At that point we will have committee chairs keep the club apprised of these goals and give updates at different weekly meetings. We will also be working on making sure each individual is clear on the organization of the club, how to get involved and what committees they are on.
Throughout the year comments & suggestions are encouraged. Each week there will be a "Suggestion Box" at the meeting for this purpose. You're welcome to email me directly as well.
Everyone of you sacrifice for others as a Rotarian, which is a special thing. Let's have a great year together!
- Jeff McElhaney Jr.