The nine Rotary clubs of Southern Oregon – known as United Rotary Clubs of Southern Oregon hosted a gathering on Thursday, September 24th, with local business owners, nonprofits and other community members to talk about the challenges we see in the Rogue Valley and how Rotarians can work together towards solutions. Each club is a different size, a different energy and were able to share the projects they are currently working on across the community. The event was held at The Urban Cork in downtown Medford. The goal was to introduce community members to Rotary and the impact the clubs have in the community as well as attract potential new members.

After Rotarians shared and the 33 guests (45 registered for the event) mingled everyone broke up into smaller tables to talk about the projects that mean the most to them. We all talk about wanting change, and on that Thursday night, neighbors from around the valley took time to talk about what projects we can tackle first.

Since the event four requests have taken shape: The Rogue Valley After Five Club stepped up to help the Downtown Medford Association with hanging flags for a holiday every year, Central Point Rotarian Carrie Hanson is helping the Innovation Academy School get funding so students don’t have to share FFA (Future Farmer’s of America) jackets, various Rotarians have volunteered to be representatives on the Rogue Valley Food System Network and getting more rural youth signed up for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. Four additional project requests are being investigated by a committee.

Additionally, two participants are now Rotarians and two more are proposed members.

With the help of PDG Chris Waugh and AG Gary Manly, the Eugene clubs are looking at replicating the event in Spring 2027.

Funding for this large scale event was made possible by RI’s District Membership Chair Grant. Thanks for the support of District 5110!

News Source : https://rotarydistrict5110.com/rotary-in-action-hosting-a-community-conversation/