Service Projects Committee

March 24, 2011 Meeting Notes

The results of the March 15th Project Brainstorming session were reviewed and discussed in order to select specific projects for investigation and possible implementation.  The following action steps are proposed based upon this meeting and the results of the Brainstorming session:

“The Dictionary Program for Third Graders” will be researched and assessed as a potential project for completion possibly by June.  A subcommittee would be set up to tackle this project.

Another subcommittee would need to be established for International Relief Projects.  “Water Wells for Haiti” is to be considered in partnership with Chagrin Rotary and possibly others.  Contact will be made with the Chagrin group to understand current plans and how Akron Rotary can participate.  A program to provide shelter boxes for Japan and other disaster sites will also be considered.  Rotarian Marvin Sharpless will be contacted to gain information on what the Red Cross is doing and how Akron Rotary might assist.  Doug Hausknecht suggested organizing a “Relief Day” with three or four displays set up at a high visibility site such as a mall or ballpark to raise public awareness and funds for these projects.  These displays could be developed in cooperation with other service organizations and should include a shelter box set up.

These activities would not rule out exploring other projects at a later time.

There was discussion and concern that funding requirements for these projects could be substantial and that Rotary members, their friends, and associates were already heavily committed to the support of the camp.   It may be necessary to ask Rotarians to plan their year in terms of their contributions of time, effort, and funding.

The after-hours group needs to be kept up to date on what is happening with service projects and we will be contacting them shortly to seek their input and involvement.

I will explore with President Janet how we might respond favorably to Dylan Schulz’s request for help with his Eagle Scout project.

The meeting ended at 8:29 am.

Yours in Rotary,

Graham Reinke  

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