On the final day of the month our club had 202 Active Members, according to ClubRunner statistics. Attendance for May’s meetings was 35% (down 1% from last month). Average attendance at each meeting was 71 members and 12 guests. Our Engagement Ratio for the month was 62% (down 8% from last month).
May’s membership saw two terminations Jeannine Buchanan (health) and Cynthia Sorensen (other interests). Kim Eagle was added to our roster as a new member. He will be introduced to club members by his sponsors Dallas Dort and Mark Ouimet at a future meeting.
Treasury Update
Our club financial highlights include Foundation total assets of $3,471,551.83 and Club operating cash balance of $108,790.75. The Community Allocations Committee distributed $64,500 of grants to community agencies. As of this writing, there are 28 members who have not yet paid their dues.
Mental Health Rotaract Club Proposal Presentation
Collyer Smith visited the board meeting to request approval to develop a community based Mental Health Rotaract Club, that will:
- Focus on youth mental health- anxiety, depression, substance disuse in Washtenaw County
- Expand mental health awareness reach, not through silos, but through coordinated efforts with mental health organizations- so that we can make an even larger impact in our community
- Support and help students, as well as families, with volunteer opportunities that can overcome social awkwardness (anxiety, depression) that developed over the pandemic (at a recent Rotary Youth Leadership event- the past pandemic is still affecting freshman and sophomores)
- Develop an intermix with social functions
- Develop a program committee that focusses on speakers that will resonate with the community (and open to the community)
Collyer has already done a large amount of work on the plan and is receiving very positive feedback. He is hoping to have his first Rotaract Meeting by December 15, 2025. He is requesting a one-time appropriation of $7,000 for the first year of the club and plans to fund future years through a dues system.
The board unanimously approved the start-up budget to develop this Community-based Rotaract Group. To get involved or to learn more, contact Collyer Smith.
President Updates
Dawn Johnson presented some of her special project goals for her President year. These include creating a pollinator garden at Gallup Park, developing a Washtenaw County Coalition of Service Clubs and Raising awareness/funds for polio eradication with a program called “Pennies for Polio. More information will become available as details come together.
Joyce provided updates on her special projects as she closes out her year. Regarding the Ann Arbor Bicentennial park, the City of Ann Arbor are now finalizing banners that will go up during construction with sponsor names on them. A donor recognition board will also be added to the park, near the splash pad.
Joyce will thank her outgoing board at the June 25 meeting and Dawn will present her incoming board on the July 9 meeting.
