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A Vision for Growth, Change, and Community Impact
Dear Fellow Rotarians,
It is with great honor and excitement that I
introduce myself as your new President for the 2025-2026 Rotary year.
Serving the Fayette Rotary Club is both a privilege and a responsibility
that I embrace wholeheartedly. Together, I believe we can not only
sustain the legacy of our club but propel it forward into a thriving
future.
Understanding Our Rotary Culture
One of my first goals as President is to take time
to deeply understand the culture of our Rotary group. Each club has its
own unique rhythm and character, and Fayette Rotary is no exception. As
Rotarians, we must recognize that a club’s culture has a significant
impact on its vitality and growth.
Statistics show that 25 to 30% of Rotary groups are
growth-oriented, fostering an energized and dynamic culture. By
contrast, other clubs may prefer to maintain the status quo, even if
that means gradually losing members—an average of two per year in some
cases. This may appear manageable in the short term, but when we think
long-term, the implications are clear. A club of 40 members, like ours,
could decrease to 30 members in just five years and continue to dwindle
after that.
This is why I believe it is crucial for us to
reflect on our current trajectory. Do we choose to maintain the status
quo, or do we make intentional, small changes to embrace a culture of
growth and adaptability? After much thought, I’ve decided that the
latter path is the one I wish to lead us on.
Building the Bridge to a Strong Future
As of now, Fayette Rotary boasts 42 members,
including 5 honorary members. While our membership remains steady, we
face significant challenges that require us to act decisively. For
example:
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We currently have no members under the
age of 30 and only 3 members under the age of 40.
·
The majority of our members are in the
60-69 age group, with over a third of our members aged 60 or older.
·
19% of our members are 80 years or older.
Each and every member of our club brings something
invaluable to our table, and we honor and cherish those contributions.
However, the reality is that if we continue on our current path, our
club risks becoming too small to recover or sustain its vibrant
activities.
Therefore, this year I am committing to "building
the bridge and uniting for the good." This means developing strategies
that embrace change, foster growth, and create opportunities for a
stronger, more resilient Rotary Club. It is only through the collective
effort of every one of you that we can achieve these goals.
Goals for the 2025-2026 Rotary Year
Reinventing Our Club
My vision for Fayette Rotary includes a reimagining
of who we are and how we operate. It is time to find innovative ways to
attract new members and increase our numbers each year rather than
witnessing a steady decline. This requires an openness to change and a
commitment to welcoming fresh ideas.
Engaging the Youth
Another key focus for the year is to re-engage with
the younger generation. By finding ways to incorporate youth into our
initiatives and highlighting the impact they can have, we will not only
strengthen our community but also inspire pride and a sense of belonging
in the next generation of leaders.
Enhancing Visibility
Finally, we must ensure that Fayette Rotary becomes
a visible and recognized force within our community. By elevating our
presence and showcasing the incredible work we do, we can inspire others
to join our mission. Let’s make Rotary a name that stands for
leadership, service, and community pride in Fayette.
Closing Thoughts
As we embark on this journey together, I encourage
each of you to see this as an opportunity to shape the future of our
club. By embracing a culture of growth, adaptability, and shared
purpose, we can ensure that Fayette Rotary remains strong, vibrant, and
impactful for years to come.
Together, we can build a Rotary Club that not only
meets the needs of today but lays the foundation for a thriving future.
I am grateful for your trust and support, and I look forward to working
alongside each of you to make this vision a reality.
Thank you for your dedication to Rotary and to the
Fayette community. Let’s make 2025-2026 a year of positive change and
remarkable achievement!
Yours in service,
Angi Allphin
President, Fayette Rotary 2025-2026
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