Club Business Update – March 4 Meeting

Our meeting included several important updates on current club initiatives, fundraising progress, and upcoming opportunities for engagement.

Full Plates, Full Hearts Fundraiser
The club celebrated reaching its fundraising goal for the United Rotary Clubs of Southern Oregon initiative. Medford Rogue Rotary set a goal of raising $6,500 by the end of February and successfully exceeded that target, bringing in approximately $6,710 through member support and contributions.

SMART Reader Program
A thank you was shared with members for their continued support of the SMART Reader Program and the impact it has on local students.

Member Recruitment Initiative: “In the Bag”
To encourage members to bring prospective Rotarians to meetings, the club launched the “In the Bag” program. Members who bring guests will be entered into a monthly drawing along with their guest. Winners can choose between a coffee gift card or a bottle of wine. The goal is to have 75 percent or more of members bring a guest during the year, helping expand awareness of Rotary and strengthen membership. This ties in nicely with the District 5110 #TryRotary Contest

Board Update – February 2026
Highlights from the most recent board meeting included several approvals and recommendations:

• Support for a 2026 Rotary Youth Exchange student with funding up to $3,500
• Recommendation of a $4,000 donation to Kids Unlimited Basketball for the 2026 program
• Approval to purchase two shade structures for the Lithia & Driveway Pickleball courts at a cost of $30,100
• Discussion about encouraging more members to participate in Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) training opportunities.

PELS Experience
The meeting also included an overview from Angalee O’Connor of the President-Elect Learning Seminar (PELS), giving members insight into Rotary leadership training and preparation for future club leadership roles. We also got a sneak peek at next year’s Rotary theme!