Dear Fellow Rotarians,
Over the last few weeks, I got few questions from our members related to “How to” get the best out of their Rotary e-club membership. In this weekly message, I’m providing key suggestions to our e-club members to help them have a great experience, more impact in our communities and enjoyment as Rotarians.
 
Here are key points that we encourage you to do as an E-Club member in order to get the most out of your experience as a Rotarian.
 
1. Read the weekly program on our club WebSite – Our Website is our major method of providing information in the place of a regular meeting. It is where we put up all information such as weekly program, updates, messages, upcoming events and general discussion.
2. Be a Greeter – We are trying to feature all of our members on the website. Please tell us about yourself, add a photo and send this information to the club secretary to be added to the weekly program
3. Participate in a BOD and General Meeting – Participate in the Monthly BOD and General Meeting. We will be adding an online option for the participation soon. Stay tuned for more details.
4. Contribute to project fundraising through donations – Fundraising helps our club to fund many projects through the years. Since the club chartering in February 2014, our club has been able to obtain over $3,000 and $10,000 worth of bicycle materials to fund and execute various projects. This was possible with the help of club members, businesses, and other Rotary Clubs. This year, our club has applied for two grants through The Rotary Foundation Matching Grants program.
  • Grant for Nicaragua Scholarship: One Year College Sponsorship for 3-4 former children of the Dump in Nicaragua; The Grant Request is for $6000 (Club Funds: $3000, District Funds: $3000); Clubs will be informed whether their grant request will be honored or not by early August.
  • Malaria Global Grant: Our twin e-club in Paris invited us to participate in this global grant, to fight malaria. Our club will contribute with $1,000, which will yield $3,500 in total for a project though various matching programs.
We are aware not everyone has available funds to donate, but we all have networks to approach in regards to fundraising for projects.
5. Attend E-Club events where possible – Each year our club will try to hold 3-4 major events like fellowships, fundraisings, end of year party, etc., where we can meet face-to-face. These are a great opportunity to meet your fellow club members, share your experiences and a have the opportunity to discuss all things related to the club.
6. Attend District Events – District events such as the All Clubs Dinner or District Conference are a chance to meet with Rotarians from other clubs and find out more about Rotary. I love participating in the district events and truly believe that these events are greatly beneficial, especially for those who are new to Rotary.
7. Attend Club Service Projects or Service Projects in your area - Rotary clubs engage in service projects in thousands of communities all over the world. Rotary club members form a diverse, global network of volunteers united through a common commitment to the advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace through service. Please enter your service hours on our WebSite using the “Service Above Self” feature.
8. Visit other Rotary clubs in your local area – It is a great opportunity to find out about what is happening in your community and a great chance to share in fellowship with others.
We need your help to make your club a successful and thriving organization.
Please let me know how I can support you in your Rotary journey,
 
Yours in Rotary,
 
Sofka Werkmeister