Terry Mathias

Mathias sets goals for growth and service

August 14, 2006

The pace of contemporary business life has taken its toll on community civic clubs across the board. Gone are the leisurely weekly luncheon meetings on Main Street, lost somewhere among corporate mergers, frequent personnel reassignments and commutes to distant offices.

Locally, about one-third of the membership is on hand for a typical meeting, and unfortunately many view attendance as a measure of strength and vitality within the club.

But Rotary is a way of life, Terry Mathias told the Putnam group in its noon meeting at Sleepy Hollow today. "People who see us as a Tuesday lunch club are missing the whole point," he said. "We need to engage every member with opportunities for leadership and service.

"Together, we have contacts in every part of the community," he said. "As a group, working together, we can bring about real change."

Most people -- even among membership ranks -- are not aware of the multitude of service activities supported by the local club.

Inducted into Putnam Rotary less than two years ago, Mathias has stepped up to the plate as club Treasurer and President-Elect. In addition, he has enlisted Teresa Baggette and Glenna Riggs as a special task force to build membership participation.

His four-point plan of action is (1) to recruit, (2) to orient, (3) to mentor, and (4) to engage.

His recruitment goal is twenty new members. With continuing loss to corporate transitions, he aims for a net growth of ten Rotarians in the coming year.

.A formal orientation program has been established for new members -- but old members are encouraged to take part as well. The special program will cover policies and procedures, opportunities for service, history and traditions. Orientation will take place in six 30-minute sessions before the regular luncheon meetings. Mathias has already set the dates on the calendar for September 12th and 26th, October 3rd, 24th and 31st and November 7th for the initial run.

Veteran members will serve as mentors to new members and attend the orientation sessions.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, new members will be guided into service activties and community support in areas of interest and ability.

Continuing education activities include a "Rotary minute" at luncheon meetings for information on Rotary at all levels -- local, district and international.

Hospitality hosts will be formally designated for each meeting to greet visitors and make sure of introductions to other Rotarians.

"We want prospective members to be informed early on as to what Rotary is and what we do in Putnam County," said Mathias. "Then they can make an an informed decision as to whether Rotary is a good fit for them and how they can be a part of the team."