DG MIKE – THE SCARIEST TIME OF THE YEAR

July 1^st comes and at changeover the new club president takes office. Club Dues are due. Five members quit the club. The new president is shocked and takes the loss personally. It has all happened so fast.

Why does this happen? 1-3 year members often burn themselves out with Rotary. Or maybe it’s a case of not having listened to what they think the club should do.

In hindsight what were the warning signs, red flags I call them?

What are the antidotes?

Maybe there is no problem. They will welcome your friendly call and concern anyway. If there is a problem, mount a rescue using the club president, past president, secretary, membership chair and their club buddies.

The longer term health of our world organization depends on what you do your year in your club to retain your members.

Contributed by Wendy McDonald

The Rotary Employment Partnership is a collaboration of District 5370 Rotary Clubs, Alberta Association for Community Living (AACL) and Persons with Developmental Disabilities Alberta Provincial and Community Boards, Alberta Community Development (PDD). It is expanding in District 5370 and 5360. The goal is to create meaningful employment opportunities for people with developmental disabilities. Rotarians have created dozens of new job opportunities throughout the Edmonton area and now, hopefully with the support of District 5360 Clubs and Rotarians, more Albertans with developmental disabilities will have their hopes and dreams realized. A forthcoming issue of the ‘Rotarian’ will feature an article on this partnership and the amazing difference it has made in the lives of people with developmental disabilities and their families.

Wendy McDonald, Past President of the Edmonton Mayfield Club, initiated the development of the Partnership. Her inspiration was Past R.I. President Frank Devlin’s call to "create awareness of the needs and talents of people with disabilities" and to "take action by working in partnership with local organizations to train and find employment for people with disabilities in your community."

Adults with developmental disabilities desire career and employment opportunities, and want to be recognized for their abilities and contributions. However, people with developmental disabilities continue to experience a 70% unemployment or under-employment rate. It is unlikely this destiny will change unless the community of employers and professionals are prepared to step forward and consider the possibility of hiring a person with developmental disabilities.

To date more than 30 individuals with developmental disabilities have been hired through this initiative province-wide in a variety of industries including: manufacturing, software, professional services, supply and service industry. The Rotary Employment Partnership is dedicated to providing resources to employers. Coordinators in each community identify people with developmental disabilities who are looking for work and have the skills that fit the individual needs of a company. They also provide assistance in evaluating the workplace for suitability, re-organizing job descriptions and securing on-the-job follow-up for as long as necessary.

We would be pleased to present to your club if we have not already done so and look forward to working with Rotary Clubs and Rotarians across District 5360. For more information, to view the video or to get involved as a Club or as a Rotarian please contact:

Wendy McDonald, Past President, Rotary Club of Edmonton Mayfield

Ms Ambustuthan is a Media Announcer / Director, Mr Hebbar is an Actor/Film Maker/Writer and Mr Srikumar is a Managemant Consultant. Their leader is Rotarian Joseph Stephen.

They seem to wield a great deal of influence. They told DG Mike that they would love to see snow – and next thing you know – it snowed!

They are delightful people. They will be at the District Conference in Lethbridge next week, and we hope you will be too. Come and enjoy the fun with your fellow Rotarians and their families. From four to ninety-four – there will be something for everyone. See you there!