|
President Rob introduced our guests, ADG Warren Sternberg, with whom we are already familiar, and our new DG Jacquelyn (Jax) Yonick, who was our visiting speaker. Jax has been a Rotarian since 2007, and her "home club" is that of Glen Cove. She has been extremely active in Rotary, having, among other activities, served as a GSE Team Leader to India, Conference Committee member for seven DGs, RYLA Chair and Co-Chair, Youth Services Chair, RLI and PETS Facilitator, Peace Fellow Chair, a sustaining EREY member, and multiple Paul Harris Fellow. In addition, Jax, who was described by both Deb and Dennis, who have both worked with her in the past, as "a dynamo", she is her club's Community Interact advisor. Her vocation has been as Program Coordinator for the City of Glen Cove Youth Bureau for the past 18 years, where, among other accomplishments, she developed and operates the Summer Youth Employment Program and initiated the Youth Community Garden. Jax is working on many levels to strengthen Rotary, particularly in our District, where membership is an issue for many clubs. She offers to help us find ways to increase our impact, expand our reach, increase member participation, and help us adapt to new methods in this time of Covid-19. She invites us to keep up with other clubs' activities and promote our own via the District website. Jax pointed out that strategic planning is needed for clubs to keep continuity, citing the need to put the right people in the right places, and the need to continue to update and use our own website as a tool. She invites our members to attend District meetings, which are offered via Zoom on alternating Saturdays and Thursdays (Check the District website for details.) She also mentioned that an audit of District grants is being made and that we have a new Alumni Chair. President Rob asked about the kinds of adaptations that other clubs are making to keep the personal connections. Jax answered that many clubs have adapted hybrid meetings, alternating ones held on Zoom with in-person meetings held outdoors- in parks, on outdoor tracks, in backyards, on beaches, and the like. New fundraising efforts include "at home galas", virtual wine tastings, and bingo nights (perhaps with Amazon gift card prizes). (Cindy mentioned that PJHS's Interact Club is planning "a backyard bash".) Jax pointed out that we need to teach our young folks how to live safely and keep others careful, safe, and healthy. She did mention that while some Rotary clubs are managing to meet virtually or in-person, there are clubs that don't meet at all. ADG Warren suggested that smaller clubs are able to meet outdoors more easily. Stony Brook Rotary now meets every other week and seems to get more members participating. Bob reported on our continuing success with Open Cupboard donations- $8,700 to date, and that the Backpack Project for the young clients of The Open Cupboard is on track for delivery before schools re-open. Jax asked for photos and stories about our activities to share with other clubs. Mike S. asked how we can show people the impact we're having, how we can best spotlight what we've done/are doing. Jax responded that the more the District can get from us, the more we can, via the District public service person, spread the word of our planned and completed accomplishments. She said we must also flood the local newspapers with stories of what we do/have done. We should all work together to share our information- perhaps set up a PR Committee to brainstorm. Regarding our soon-to-be-reopened schools, Jax suggested that we try to have Interact meet even if after school activities aren't allowed, perhaps using Zoom. Interactors here, to make things more interesting, might try contacting international student Interact Clubs and meet together on line or via Zoom. Jax reminded us that our District Conference will take place on Oct.9th, 10th, and 11th at interesting venues on LI each day, with some activities held virtually, and others in-person. The workshops will be learning activities. Check out the District website for info and registration. Dennis announced that Tara will be working to establish a true Interact Club at Mt. Sinai HS and will try to start a Most Motivated Student Awards Program there. Warren said, regarding SUSB's Rotaract Club, that he's still waiting to see what is happening on campus. A virtual fundraiser is planned for Wed., 8/26, 7-8 PM (See the University's club website) where each person attending will donate $25 to participate in virtual bingo. Warren will gather information from local Rotary clubs and will share with us, as we shall share our information with them. Rebecca sought advice on reaching out to have more diversity in our club (to expand the age, color, nationality spectrum). Jax suggested that we more actively publicize our interest in new members. She also suggested that it only takes 8 members to form a satellite club that could meet on different days at different times. Jax wants to keep our dialogue open. She invites contact whenever we have questions, requests, suggestions, etc. |
