ROTARY CLUB OF ORANGE DAYBREAK
Origin of the Associate Program

How did this idea come about?

In March 2005, Orange Daybreak celebrated 10 years since Charter. At that time it was remarked by PP Rtn Graeme Fleming that it was timely to consider the future of the Club. The remaining charter members (5 from the original 46) were ten years older and whilst the majority of members were still full time in the workforce, the Club needed to think seriously about succession planning.

In 10 years a total of 98 people had become members of Orange Daybreak. Annual membership ranged from 46 in 1995 to 37 in 2005, with the average chronological age of current members being 56 years.

As a Rotary Club it is our collective duty to increase membership.

Focus group

The suggestion for a focus group was put forwarded by PE Peter Roan. A survey was conducted in July 2005 amongst young professional people in Orange to ascertain what young people knew about Rotary and whether or not they would see themselves becoming involved. In August 2005 at the District 9700 Membership Awareness meeting, PP Graeme Fleming and PE Peter Roan presented the outcome of the survey and plans for the future which had the full support of 2005 President Nan Stevenson.

Following on from the survey, more young people (25 years +) were invited to join and participate in the focus group. Rotarian representation also increased with another four Club members becoming actively involved.

Why the Associate Program?

The Associate program provides the opportunity for interested persons to gain a better understanding of what Rotary is all about by participating in the activities of Rotary and by working alongside the Rotarians without the need to meet all the obligations required by membership. It is our aim that through the Associate Program we can encourage others to consider membership of Rotary.

This marvelous idea was brought to fruition as a result of the commitment given by Peter Roan & Graeme Fleming along with other members of the Orange Daybreak Club and of course, with a small group of interested & selected members of the community culminating in the official launch in November 2005.

Interim guidelines for the program were developed which determined the required minimum level of involvement with the Club ranging from attendance at meetings/ assisting with Club projects and getting to know each other through attendance at social functions all of which were to be on a regular basis. The 3rd meeting of the month was established as the Associate meeting, in which they would attend as a group, however the Associates were welcome to attend any other Club meeting.

An Action Planning workshop was held in January 2006, open to all members and persons interested in the concept of the Associates. At the start of the workshop the formal structure of Rotary was emphasised (ie four avenues of services – Club/ Community /International & Vocational) and the decision that all Associate activities would sit within these parameters.

It’s Official!

February 15, 2006, the Associate Program was officially recognised with an introduction and formal welcome ceremony. On this inaugural occasion the honour of being the first official Associate was given to Michelle Goodwin-Stivens, one of the prime movers in liaison with Rotary representatives, with the formation of the focus group and subsequent action planning workshop. Michelle had been a member of the Centenary 2005 GSE team to Florida sponsored by RC of Orange North. Her interest in Rotary has remained as keen as it was then and Michelle’s enthusiasm and positive approach to the concept of the Associates has contributed greatly to the establishment of the group. Three other young professional people from the group were also formally welcomed and admitted as Associates.

Another Highlight- Overall from July 05 to April 06 ten new members were inducted to Orange Daybreak with 3 of the new members direct from the Associate program. The interest in the Associate program continues to grow. A positive initiative brought to fruition through shared ideas and enthusiasm, with great results.

Originally written by Nannette (Nan) Stevenson, President, Rotary Club of Orange Daybreak, April 30, 2006 and modified for the website in November 2009.