Karin Franklin leads discussion of Club Survey results.
Welcome to Vernette Knapp to her first official meeting as AM Club President!
President Knapp unveiled the Rotary banner and the theme for the 2024-25 Rotary International President, Stephanie Urchick, "The Magic of Rotary." Urchick challenged members to define what constitutes the Magic of Rotary means to each of us. President Knapp also thanked several members who are stepping up this year with special service: Mark Stanley, who agreed to serve again as Foundation Chair; Amanda McFadden, who will again serve as Webmaster; Liz Nichols, who will substitute for Vernette Knapp this year as Secretary.
Karin Franklin summarized some of the survey results: Among our 61 members 48 are actively attending meetings in person or online, which is a good participation level of 79%. The response rate for answering the questionnaire was 69%, which is also a very good response rate. Demographically, we are not in alignment with the composition of Iowa City. Iowa City has a male/female composition of 50/50, while in terms of race demographics the community is 76.5% Caucasian. Our club has 44% male membership and 66% female membership and is 97% Caucasian. Overall, our members are satisfied with our club fellowship, club projects and dues.
It is apparent, however, that our club should better match local demographics. The questions that were discussed in table talks were to identify ways of improving our reach into the community to increase diversity in membership and asked for suggestions to identify activities and service projects that might better reflect the interests and needs of the community. The responses from the table talks will be compiled and shared with the membership.