[Rotary] Minutes 9/4/25

[Leona Walden]

*Mendocino Rotary Club meeting -Sept. 4, 2025Preston Hall. Mendocino*

Past president *Margaret Black* led the meeting at the request of 
President elect Trevor Kuchar.Opened with Pledge of Allegiance & 
“/God bless America/” led and sung by PamelaHudson

***Guests Introductions*by Toby Wade Assistant to Districts 5130 Governor-

  * *Sheldon Schultz *– dual citizen (Canada)
  * *Marco Newell* – local friend
  * *Ted Williams* – Supervisor for *District 5* Mendocino County
  * *Ted Wilmes* – bi‑coastal friend and golfer

*Guest Speaker Kristine Redko, currentDistrict Governor - 5130*

*Theme for the meeting is**Music:* “Hall of Fame” by The Script(rock 
band). Notable lyric quoted: /“Standing in the Hall of Fame, the world’s 
going to know your name…”/

  * *Purpose:* Encourage members to adopt a personal “walk‑up song” that
    fuels enthusiasm for Rotary projects.

*Rotary Principles & Global Theme, Four‑Way Test* – a core guideline:

*Global Rotary theme for the year:**“Unite for Good.”*Emphasizes 
collaboration amid global chaos and turmoil.

*District5130 Overview & Club Characteristics*

  * *Geographic span:* Petaluma → Crescent City; includes *Mendocino*,
    *Humboldt*, and *Sonoma* counties.
  * *Club size distribution:*
      o *Small‑but‑mighty clubs* – typically *20–25 members* (the
        governor’s favorite).
      o *Mid‑sized clubs* – also present; diversity in meeting times
        (morning, afternoon, evening) and member composition.
  * *District age:* Approaching *60 years*; governor expresses interest
    in helping plan a60th‑anniversary celebration.

*Recommendations & Strategies for Clubs*

**Start a *satellite club* • Seeking new roles within the current club

  * *Leverage the website:*
      o Highlight *vocational service*, *community service*, and
        *international service* to educate the public (many still view
        Rotary as just a social club).
      o Governor praised the Mendocino club’s website for effective
        outreach – continue the practice.
  * *Utilize leadership support:*
      o Contact *Toby* *Wade *for detailed queries or assistance.
      o Governor is reachable by phone for direct communication.

*Goals & Planning*

  * All clubs are asked to develop a *three‑year rolling plan*.
  * Use *Rotary Central* (rotary.org) to view the *six priority goals* 
    from Rotary International.
  * Choose goals that align with your club’s capacity; set a number
    (e.g., target projects, participants) for each goal.
  * The first year’s numbers become the baseline for *Jeff* (DG) and
    *Jack* (DG) to build on in subsequent years.

*Boost participation**: *Aim for *100 %* active participation. and 
membership growth  (add *3* new members)

*G**iving & Foundation - *Encourage donations to Rotary Foundation, 
Polio Plus & World Fund. Regular giving means more than check size. 
Highlight link between giving & project funding.**

*Peace & the Seven Areas of Focus -*global projects fall under *seven 
focus areas* .

*Youth & Community Partnerships - *Leverage *Interact*, *Rotaract*, 
*Youth Exchange*, and *RYLA* programs to expand impact.**If you lack a 
sponsoring Rotaract/Interact club, consider *starting one*.**Age limits 
are flexible; Rotaract members can be in their 30s or older.**

*Awards & Citations for District Governor's recommended achievements - 
*Achieve three of the six goals and the club receives a District 
Award.**(Categories include membership attraction, retention, passionate 
projects, and vibrant club meetings ).**

District provides a *$750 mental‑health grant* to each club for local 
projects.*Clubs* can partner with Mendocino‑area organizations to raise 
awareness or provide services.**

*Human trafficking* is highlighted as a related concern; mental‑health 
support can help prevent exploitation.**

*Action checklist:*

  * Identify a local mental‑health or anti‑trafficking organization.
  * Submit a grant proposal using the $750 allocation.
  * Plan a community event (workshop, awareness campaign) and track
    participation. ## 🧠Mental Health Resources
  * *NorCalMentalHealth.org* – central hub created by *Tom Boylan* for
    the entire district.
  * Site features:
      o searchable by *region*, *county*, and *topic*.
      o vetted list of *mental‑health organizations*.
      o printable *resource cards* for distribution (e.g., in “blessing
        bags” for the homeless).

“You can hand out the cards without saying a word; they just know help 
is out there.”

  * *President Trevor* distributes a copy of the presentation to clubs.

*Eating Disorder Personal Story & Resources*

  * *Speaker’s daughter* experienced an eating disorder triggered by
    *middle‑school anxiety*.
  * Key coping insight: the disorder was a *“sense of control.”*
  * Action steps taken:
     1. Visited *NorthCarolinaHealth.org* to locate local help.
     2. Connected with vetted providers via the site.
     3. Daughter recovered, now a healthy *10th‑grade cheerleader*.

“If I hadn’t had that resource, I probably would have quit Rotary and my 
job.”

  * Emphasis on *compassionate outreach* – share resources silently
    (cards) to friends, family, and the broader community.

*Human Trafficking Prevention*

  * *Vulnerable groups*: teens in unstable home situations, those facing
    anxiety, and youth in *sweatshop‑type work*abroad.
  * *Rotary Action Group Against Slavery (RAGUS)*
      o Rotary‑sanctioned, *$30/year* membership.
      o Provides *informational presentations* (e.g., at international
        conferences).
      o Encourages *supply‑and‑demand* approach: awareness + community
        action.

  * • Local example: *Willits meeting* – police chief thanked speaker
    for highlighting hidden prevalence.

*Polyclass Foundation & Youth Education*

  * Founded after *Polyclass* was abducted and murdered in
    *Petaluma**(31 years ago)*.
  * Offers *free, hour‑long seminars* to *middle schools* across the
    district.
  * Curriculum highlights:
      o Safe online behavior (e.g., “think twice before sending pictures”).
      o Recognizing grooming tactics.
      o Empowering peers to support one another.

“Middle school is the age where they’re most vulnerable, so early 
education is crucial.”

*Tell My Story Initiatives*

  * *Conversation cards* – tools for parents to discuss anxiety and
    mental‑health topics with teens.
  * *Film projects* (Rotary‑partnered):
     1. *“Things My Parents Never Told Me”* – well‑received
        district‑wide screening.
     2. *“Shift”* – upcoming documentary; trailer available, final film
        pending.
  * Collaboration with *Dana* (Tell My Story) to host joint screenings,
    fostering community dialogue.

*Climate & Environmental Film Initiatives*

  * *“The Climate Restorers”* – educational documentary on climate action.
      o Hosted by *Barbara McChesney* (“Plastic Soup Lady”) at the
        *Holly**Class Center*.
      o Free community event (~100 attendees), followed by Rotary
        outreach pitch.
  * *Get Plastic Out of Our Oceans* campaign – linked to local clubs’
    environmental advocacy.

“A free film event can attract Rotarians and non‑Rotarians while 
showcasing our environmental partnerships.”

*Music & Healing: /Soldier of Song/*

  * Documentary highlighting *musicians traveling to front‑line
    Ukrainian soldiers* to provide emotional relief.
  * Produced by a former *NFL Network* employee turned filmmaker.
  * Rotary connection: filmmaker aware of Rotary, open to using the film
    as a *peace‑initiative promotional tool*.

“Music can heal those injured by war; the film illustrates this power 
beautifully.”

*Using Film for Awareness & Rotary Engagement*

 1. *Identify relevant documentary* (e.g., climate, mental health, human
    trafficking).
 2. *Partner with local venues* (theaters, community centers, schools).
 3. *Promote free screenings* to draw diverse audiences.
 4. *Follow with a Rotary pitch* – showcase club projects, invite new
    members.
 5. *Leverage post‑screening discussions* to connect attendees with
    resources (e.g., RAGUS, NorCalMentalHealth.org).

“Film is a low‑cost, high‑impact way to spread information and attract 
like‑minded community members.” ## 🎬Fundraising with Multimedia

  * *Strategy:* Use a film, documentary, or other art piece as the
    centerpiece of a fundraiser.
  * *Why it works:* Attracts people who share a passion for the topic,
    turning cultural interest into donations for the *Rotary Club*.
  * *Examples:*
      o *John Namco* (non‑Rotarian) raised *$13,000* in one night to
        send Ukrainian children to camp.
      o *Sebastopol Rugby Club* raised *$7,000* in one night for a
        *global grant* after a film screening.

“Find a film or another kind of multimedia piece of literature or art 
and do a fundraiser around that. People will give to your Rotary Club 
for the use of it.”

  * *Key Takeaway:* Multimedia events can generate solid seed money for
    future projects while raising awareness of the cause.

*Global Grants Basics*

  * *Definition:* Grants that fund projects *outside* the club’s local
    community.
  * *Challenge:* No direct receipt of funds; clubs must
    *reimburse* after project completion.
  * *Process Overview:*
  * *• Restrictions:* The grant *cannot* be used for a Rotary
    fundraiser; it must support a project *first*.

  * *Helpful Resource:* Visit rotary5130.org/grants (scroll to the grant
    section for criteria and forms).

*Building Club Vibrancy*

  * *Concept:* A club’s energy is reflected in meetings, projects, and
    public perception.
  * *Factors Influencing Vibrancy:*
      o *Website & project diversity* – visible online presence signals
        activity.
      o *Meeting atmosphere* – even a strong club can have a “less
        vibrant” meeting; recovery depends on next week’s effort.
      o *Member personalities* – individuals like *Toby Wade* exemplify
        the “vibrant personality” that inspires others.

“Every day you get up and make a conscious choice… and one of those 
choices is whether you’ll go to Rotary this week.”

  * *Action Steps:*
     1. Celebrate and showcase members who embody the *Harmony
        Award* spirit.
     2. Encourage members to treat club involvement as a daily
        intentional decision.
     3. Use successful events (e.g., fundraisers, conferences) to boost
        public image and attract new members.

*Daily Choices & Rotary Engagement*

  * *Analogy:* Selecting coffee, exercising, or watching TV mirrors the
    decision to attend Rotary.
  * *Message:* Consistent, intentional choices shape both personal
    well‑being and the future of Rotary.

“What Rotary will be tomorrow depends on what we’re going to do today.”

  * *Practical Prompt:* Add “Attend Rotary” to your weekly to‑do list
    alongside other personal habits.

*District Conference Planning (Reno)*

  * *Event:**District Conference 2025* – a “mini‑international”
    gathering at the Grand Sierra Resort, Reno.
  * *Schedule:*
      o *Friday night* – opening reception
      o *Saturday* – full day of sessions
      o *Sunday* – brief wrap‑up, then travel home

  * *• Goal:* Provide a high‑impact, affordable alternative to overseas
    conferences (e.g., Singapore, Taipei, Calgary).

*Grant Opportunities – Mental Health & Youth*

  * *Focus Areas Mentioned:*
      o *Mental health* (anxiety, trauma, counseling)
      o *Youth engagement* (high‑school outreach, trafficking prevention)
  * *Application Tips:*

1.Partner with a reputable organization (ensures branding visibility).

2.Keep records: receipts, final reports, impact metrics.

3.Emphasize *project‑first* approach—grant reimburses after completion.

“It can be about anxiety, trafficking, or any mental‑health issue—just 
make sure you have a solid partner.”

  * *Resource:* All criteria and forms are on the District 5130 grants
    page (rotary5130.org/grants).

*Ukrainian Fundraiser Case Study*

  * *Key Players:* German Rotarian couple (frequent visitors), local
    club members.
  * *Event Format:* Outdoor band party in the club park.
  * *Funds Raised:**$30,000* total.
      o *50 %* sent to a Bay Area non‑profit supporting Ukraine.
      o *50 %* retained by the club for local initiatives,
      o *• Future Idea:* Combine film screening with a “Soldiers of
        Song” performance to engage veterans and raise additional support.

*Harmony Award & Club Spirit*

  * *Purpose:* Recognize members who embody the *Four‑Way Test*, foster
    positivity, and smooth club relations.
  * *2025‑26 Winner (Mendocino Rotary):**Toby Wade* – praised for his
    vibrant personality and club‑building influence.
  * *Additional Honorees (event night):**Jeff* and *Martha* – noted as
    the “glue” that keeps members connected.

“When there are issues, they help smooth things over… they follow the 
four‑way test.”

  * *Recommendation:* Publicly announce and celebrate Harmony Award
    recipients to reinforce club culture and attract like‑minded members.

/“A gift is always love.”/

*Guest Gifts & Packages given to Kristine Redko*

**• The package is offered to *visiting guests speakers* as a welcome 
gesture.

*Partnerships & Events*

  * *Joint social/event planning* with *Toby* (possible collaboration
    with *Fort Bragg* club).
  * *Future meetings:* scheduled on several *Mondays* to coordinate
    joint activities.

*Golf TournamentResults:***

Still being tabulated. Major expenses haven’t been received yet, 
indicating pending reimbursements.**

-- 
Leona Walden
Pacific Ridge Advertising P.O.Box 745, Mendocino CA 95460
(707) 937-0900pacrdg at mcn.org
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