Oakland Rotary News

Pres. Dudley reminded members that he shared his three major goals at his inauguration. They include bringing the club members back together, ensuring that we are the best service organization in Oakland, and engaging members to the fullest extent

• The club has met 19 times in a hybrid mode (in person & via Zoom) and four times Zoom only. Attendance has remained stable with 50% attending in person and 50% attending remotely. While there have been some technical issues he believes these have been resolved resulting in a higher quality remote experience.
• Several tactics to encourage members to attend in person have been implemented including pre-meeting receptions, food ordering and ensuring a safe environment.
• Membership goal is 300 by the end of President Dudley’s term. Currently we have inducted 17 new members with several applications in the pipeline. However, we have had some resignations resulting in the membership total remaining around the same as the prior year-end at 271 members and 11 honorary members. Most importantly there is a robust Membership Committee with a solid plan.
• Encouraging member engagement is an ongoing effort including direct calls to members, many who did not realize meetings are being held online as well as in person. Social engagement opportunities have included Cocktails with the President, Business Development receptions, attending Oakland A’s and Oakland Roots games, Live Stream of the Warriors game, club service opportunities, and sports activities—golf, hikes, biking and pickleball.
• Committee work is the backbone of the Club and efforts are impressive especially given the challenges with COVID 19 restrictions. These include:
• KinderPrep Committee continuing to support TK classes although OUSD does not allow for visits. Alternate support includes supporting teachers with gift certificates and supplies and funding specific projects.
• Interact is active in 4 High schools.
• HOPE is currently mentoring 5 students who had the opportunity to attend a Warriors game with courtside seats during warmups.
• Saroni Lena Scholarship Committee is supporting 25 students.
• Enterprise Institute is planning the 40th Anniversary Camp in April.
• Speech Contest will be held at the last meeting in February.
• Service Committees are funding many projects locally and internationally. A trip to Mexico to distribute wheelchairs is planned for the summer.
• Housing Insecurity is negotiating for a property. Food Insecurity is working with Laney College to provide food baskets.
• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee is developing tactics to encourage the club to appreciate and respect differences.
• Board of Directors has developed reciprocal relationships with five Chambers of Commerce in Oakland. The board has developed a method to resolve member disputes.
• The Club’s financial position is strong. The Oakland Rotary Endowment has reached $5 million.
• Executive Administrator, Jesse Bowdle, is completing his first year.

President Dudley acknowledged that coming back together is his goal, but it is challenging as well. He encouraged members to find a way to get and stay involved.

Joel Parrott shared that the new Environment Committee is being established to increase awareness that we all must become carbon neutral. Dr. Parrott shared several recent examples of environmental actions (tornadoes, drought, etc.) that highlight the need to focus on the environment. He invites any member that is interested to email him at jjparrott83@gmail.com to become involved in the committee.