Thank you to Emily Doerr and Andy Holmes for carrying forth one of the cultural traditions of Rotary- exchanging club banners when visiting a club.
When we are each inducted into the club, part of the welcoming speech is that as a Rotarian, we are able to attend meetings at any Rotary Club in the world. Emily and Andy took that to heart and participated in a meeting of the Rotary Club of Mid-City when they recently traveled to New Orleans. As you can see from the first photo, they presented the club with a banner from the Rotary Club of Flint as a sign of friendship.
Emily Doerr, the Mid-City club president, and Andy Holmes
So, the next time you find yourself traveling... why not look up the Rotary clubs in that area and visit? We'd love to hear your stories of being a visiting Rotarian.
Ways to Signal Belonging
This is an excerpt from the weekly email newsletter "5 Ally Actions" from Better Allies for April 17. The full newsletter along with an archive is available here.
Consider how your organization can signal belonging for employees, job candidates, customers, and vendors. For example,
Photos, art, or messaging in your lobby that reinforce an inclusive culture.
Website language that clearly states your values of belonging and inclusion.
Slack emojis with Pride flags, varied skin tones, and diverse family or faith representation.
Conference rooms named for people, places, or historical milestones meaningful to marginalized or underestimated groups.
Leaders who consistently speak and act in support of belonging.
Next Up: April 24 Regular Meeting at Noon at the Food Bank- Dr. Jim Weber, Hurley Emergency Medicine Physician
Thirsty Thursday: They Came Thirsty and Left Happy
Rotarians spent an evening at Queens' Provisions for our monthly Thirsty Thursday meet-up. It takes place on the third Thursday of the month and rotates to different places each month.
It's a great way to spend time with Rotary friends, and maybe introduce one of your friends to Rotary. The next one is on May 21.
News You Can Use!
The Blue Water Bridge
District Conference
There are some exciting things happening with Rotarians in our neck of the woods. The first is that the District 6330 conference will be held just across the border in Sarnia on May 29-31. Registration is now open. The conference will feature our District Governor, Genesee County's own Jeff Ferweda, and a keynote address by Bobby Mukkamala. A room block with the discounted rate of $134 CAD per night is available, but only through April 30. Conference registrations are available for the full conference or for Saturday only.
NASCAR, Anyone?
NASCAR is inviting Rotarians to purchase discounted tickets ($40) for a NASCAR Cup Series Race at Michigan International Speedway on Sunday, June 7. For questions, please contact Kylee Moenter at 517-594-4375 or kmoenter@nascar.com. Tickets can be purchased here or by using the QR code on the right.
Crim Volunteer Registration
And... since this week has us enjoying a taste of summery weather, let's talk about the Crim Rotary Mile. District 7 clubs will once again be staffing the water station and intersections along our section of the Crim Festival of Races on Saturday, August 22. We are getting an early start on recruitment-- please sign up to volunteer! It starts with a fabulous breakfast at Mike Chaffee's at 6 am and you will be done before noon. It's a great way to be part of one of Flint's premiere events as you enjoy some Rotarian fellowship.
