Hello fellow Rotarians,
We, members of the Rotary Club of Madison- After Hours, are the future of Rotary. We are young. We are generous with our time, money, and knowledge. We are driven to improve lives in our community and in the world. And we have to be better. We must work hard to make our club reflective of our community, because only then can we truly serve our community. And yes, this will be work!
Just hoping that our club will evolve is not enough. Every one of us must make an effort to notice and seek out the potential Rotarians that are around us every day and then invite them to join us. I truly believe that we are capable of this. The diligence of our membership team paid off this year by growing our club by 50% (from 20 to 30 members). However, growing and nurturing the club is not a role that belongs solely to a select few. I cannot emphasize enough that it is everybody’s responsibility! In fact, I am a Rotarian because someone asked me “Why aren’t you in Rotary?” Eight weeks later I joined, and two years later I am writing the penultimate newsletter of my presidency.
We have the freedom to mold our club in whatever way we see fit. My vision for our future includes members of diverse backgrounds, professions, points of view, experiences, and yes, skin color. I pledge to do my part to make it happen, and I invite you to join me.
See you soon,
Erin Luken
Club President 2019-2020
Race and racism is a reality that so many of us grow up learning to just deal with. But if we ever hope to move past it, it can’t just be on people of colour to deal with it. It’s up to all of us – Black, white, everyone – no matter how well-meaning we think we might be, to do the honest, uncomfortable work of rooting it out. It starts with self-examination and listening to those whose lives are different from our own. It ends with justice, compassion, and empathy that manifests in our lives and on our streets." – Michelle Obama in a statement following the harrowing death of George Floyd
Upcoming Events
Now- June 21st: Thank you to Partita 3-D Printing Volunteers
Our club received a disaster relief grant from the district/RI that we used to help fund Partita, a local company 3-D printing face shields for first responders. For our club’s participation we said we would write thank you’s to all of their volunteers. We now have the list of volunteers and their email addresses, so I’ve made a large poster for everyone to sign so we can send a virtual thank you to them. Please stop by Erin’s house at 1826 Chadbourne Ave to sign the poster. It is on the back deck with markers and Clorox wipes.
Sunday, June 7th - Club Meeting, Wisconsin Literacy
Join us on Zoom, social at 6:30 pm, meeting at 7 pm
Our speaker this evening is Liz Fitzpatrick, Data and Communications Manager for Wisconsin Literacy, Inc. Wisconsin Literacy supports member literacy agencies statewide and advocates for more resources throughout the field of literacy. The
Wisconsin Health Literacy (WHL) division provides health literacy programming in communities throughout the state. Liz says “Everyday I get to be part of the transformative power of the written word. I hear and share stories about how accessing literacy opens doors to new possibilities and leads to a better life."
Saturday, June 13th- Lussier Food Pantry
Lussier Community Education Center, 55 S Gammon Rd, Madison, 11:45 am- 1:00 pm
Volunteer with us at the Lussier Community Center Education Center food pantry. Four volunteers are needed to work from 11:45 am- 1:00 pm. Sign up here or email
madisonrotaryah@gmail.com Please keep an eye on the club calendar for any changes or cancellations.
Saturday, June 20th- District Conference and RI Conference
A bright spot amidst the quarantine is that our district conference and the Rotary International Conference are both virtual and FREE! Please click through to see the schedule of events and register (for free!) to get the virtual meeting invite. District Conference info and registration. RI Convention schedule and activities The RI Conference break-outs include topics on greening Rotary events, how to start and grow microfinance projects, Adopt-A-River initiative, and using tech to implement club change. I highly encourage you to check it out and take advantage of this opportunity to learn and gather inspiration.
Sunday, June 21st - Club Meeting, Best-Selling Author Andra Watkins
Featured in January 2017’s Rotarian Magazine, New York Times best selling author Andra Watkins chose a crazy way to launch her debut novel. She is one of the only living persons to walk the 444-mile Natchez Trace as the pioneers did. She had a life-changing adventure with her 80-year-old father. Her NYT best selling memoir Not Without My Father chronicles that experience.
Andra is a Past President of the East Cooper Breakfast Rotary Club in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. She is past District Communications Chair for District 7770-Eastern South Carolina, founder of the District 7770 Friendship Exchange program, a two-time Rotarian of the Year, a multiple Paul Harris Fellow, and recipient of her District’s Distinguished Service Award. She is an active member of the Rotary Club of the Southeast and Caribbean.
Sunday, June 28th- 5th Sunday Brunch Club
10:30 am, Olbrich Park, 3527 Atwood Avenue, Madison
Dane County has lifted restrictions enough that we can have a socially distanced picnic in a park. Get out your picnic blanket, sunscreen, and picnic food! See you there!
