Rotary Club of Cambridge North
Vision & Strategic Plan
2010-2015
Preamble
The Rotary Club of Cambridge North is a well-run, strong and active Rotary Club with a proud history and tradition of involvement in both local and international Rotary activities. The purpose of the strategic planning exercise undertaken by our club is to reaffirm our basic values and beliefs; to identify areas of operation in which we do well and those that could be improved upon; and to establish or confirm specific goals and action plans to ensure that the efforts of all club members are as focused and effective as possible.
The Vision and Strategic plan that has resulted from this exercise will assist the club with its continued growth and improvement over the next five years. It does not speak to every single aspect of club operations but provides the club with an overall direction and focus. The plan will be reviewed on an annual basis to check the progress of all aspects of the plan and to make adjustments as required by changing circumstances.
Foundation of the
Rotary Club of Cambridge North
1. Our History
Established in 1974, the Rotary Club of Cambridge North was the third Rotary Club in Cambridge and has been instrumental in forming the Rotary Club of Cambridge Sunrise. The efforts of the members of the Cambridge North Club have led to the establishment of the Rotary Children's Centre – now KidsAbility Centre and the Cambridge Women’s Shelter – Haven House.
2. Our Values
We, the members of the Rotary Club of Cambridge North:
• Are open, inclusive, and fun,
• Are visible in our work in the community,
• Make financial contributions that are significant to the agencies that we support,
• Encourage family participation, and promote the Family of Rotary, and
• Bring hope worldwide through Rotary International and in partnership with other NGOs.
3. Our Mission
The Rotary Club of Cambridge North is an organization comprised of community leaders that supports the work of the Rotary Foundation and focuses primarily on children and the environment around the globe and here at home.
Club Management and Structure
1. Club Size
Overall Goal
By 2015 the total active membership of the club will be 55.
Strategy / Interim Goals
The goal of 55 members in the club by 2015 will be met through the sustained efforts of all members in recruiting new members on an ongoing basis. An annual net increase per year of approximately 2 members per year will allow the goal to be achieved.
Specific Action Plans (to be initiated in 2010-2011)
- Continue the initiatives already undertaken by the Membership Committee.
- Host/conduct New Member Orientation Sessions (Fireside Meetings) with the intention of informing new members of the expectations of membership and getting them involved quickly.
- Encourage attendance at additional meetings/socials.
- Support all members in taking an active roll in recruiting new members and establishing a mentoring system.
- Focus on specific target groups/organizations such as Business Associations, Cambridge Chamber of Commerce, larger employers in the City, etc.
- Expand role of Membership Committee to include tracking of attendance and follow up with members with unexplained extended absences.
- Explore opportunities for attracting new members through involvement with, and support of, a Public Relations program at the Cambridge Cluster level.
- Maintain a membership directory with photos and general member information on our website and encourage regular use.
2. Leadership Development
Overall Goal
To develop a continuous stream of highly effective club leaders at the committee, board and district levels.
Strategy / Interim Goals
With the implementation and ongoing operation of the specific action plan described below the overall effectiveness of club members taking on leadership roles within the club will build continuity year over year.
Specific Action Plans (to be initiated in 2010-2011)
- Maintain the Director at Large position for new members to experience Board of Directors activities.
- Maintain the newly formed President’s Council of the two immediate past president, president, and president elect.
- Reintroduce Firesides original format with a variety of topics covered such as:
Organization and Time Management,
Running Effective Committees, (see additional attachment)
Motivating and Working with Volunteers
Setting Goals and Accountability,
Effective Communication Skills
Leadership Styles, and
Teamwork and Building Consensus.
3. Club Service
Overall Goal
To ensure the Clubs Program continues to provide high quality and informative speakers. To increase our participation in Hands on Projects that include our family members and add a social element.
Specific Action Plans (to be initiated in 2010-2011)
• Hold a club assembly quarterly to seek input and provide direction on current club operations, and disbursement of monies raised through fundraising and to review progress of the strategic plan goals and make adjustments as required.
• Provide training for all members of the Board of Directors and Committee chairs in the effective use of the International, District and club websites and the internet application - Club Runner through which they operate.
Specific Action Plans (to be initiated in 2012-2013)
• Convert the club’s Constitution, By-laws, Procedures and archives into an electronic format to be made available to all members through the club’s website.
4. Fundraising
Overall Goal
By 2015 the three major fundraising projects of the club will provide a net income to the club of $85,000 per year.
Strategy / Interim Goals
The fundraising efforts of the club will increase incrementally to $65,000 in the 1st year, $75,000 by the 3rd year, and attain $85,000 in the 5th year by focusing on building our three main activities:
Golf Tournament.
Christmas Cakes & Hams
Fun Run
In addition the club will consider one new fundraising project.
i) Specific Goal for the Golf Tournament Fundraiser
By 2015 the Golf Tournament fundraising project will produce a net income of $35,000.
Specific Action Plans (to be initiated in 2010-2011)
• Continue to build on previous successes.
ii) Specific Goal for Christmas Cakes & Hams Fundraiser
By 2015 the Christmas Cakes & Hams fundraising project will produce a net income of $20,000.
Specific Action Plans (to be initiated in 2010-2011)
• Continue to refine current operation.
Specific Action Plans (to be initiated in 2011-2013)
• Continue to build a database of customers.
iii) Specific Goal for Fun Run Fundraiser
By 2015 the Fun Run fundraising project will produce a net income of $4,000.
Specific Action Plans (to be initiated in 2010-2011)
• Continue to refine current operation.
iv) Specific Goal for New Fundraising Project
By 2012 the Fundraising Committee will recommend and initiate one new fundraising project that will not interfere with the existing fundraisers that will produce a net income of $26,000.
Avenues of Service
1. Vocational Service
Overall Goal #1
Increase support for Youth Programs. By the year 2013 there will be an ongoing strong and active youth-leadership initiative within the club.
Strategy / Interim Goals
We will build on previous interactions with Rotaract and other Youth programs.
Specific Action Plans (to be initiated in 2010-2013)
• Start an Interact Club of Cambridge.
• Maintain support of Camp Enterprise and other existing youth programs.
• Explore possibilities for other Youth programs within our community.
• Sponsoring members of the Rotaract Club of Cambridge to various Rotary events.
• Tie Rotaract membership to our vocational efforts in the community.
• Increased and ongoing support for, and interaction with, the Rotaract Club of Cambridge.
• This we be achieved through:
Contacting District for ideas and assistance.
Researching the RI website for information.
Maintaining annual RYLA sponsorships.
Overall Goal #2
Increase visibility in the community with visitation type vocational-focused club meeting programs.
Specific Action Plans (to be initiated in 2010-2011)
• Request the program committee to include visitation type vocational-focused programs through out the year.
2. Public Relations
Overall Goal #1
Establish a greater awareness of Rotary and the Four Way Test in Cambridge.
Specific Action Plans (to be initiated in 2010-2011)
• Continue to build and expand the effectiveness of our Public Relations Committee
• Establish a plan for one major Environmental Hands On project per year.
Specific Action Plans (to be initiated in 2010-2011)
• Develop a number of smaller Hands On projects to be established with other community organizations such as:
The Bridges
Cambridge Self Help Food Bank
Kids Ability
Other youth groups.
3. International Service & Foundation
Overall Goal #1
Continue to support our Youth Exchange Program and maintain our clubs 100% Club Members EREY Sustaining membership.
Overall Goal #2
Increase level of knowledge of understanding of club members on role of RI Foundation and our own club’s international projects. Ensure members are aware of the opportunities for becoming involved in international projects and the process for doing so.
Overall Goal #3
Support children’s health & education in the Developing World
Strategy / Interim Goals
Establish an increased and permanent budget for the International Service Committee so that long term planning is possible.
Specific Action Plans (to be initiated in 2010-2011)
• Designate one of club’s fundraising activities to support international projects.
• Focus efforts of International Service Committee on a major international project and re-evaluate project regularly.
• One Exchange Student hosted by Cambridge North only
• Encourage more involvement of Club members in the Student Exchange process.
• Identify needs and potential health & education projects for children.
4. Community Service
Overall Goal
Reaffirm the Club’s traditional and stated focus for the disbursement of all service funds, to be reviewed annually.
Specific Action Plan (to be implemented in 2010)
Review, amend and formally adopt Funding Focus Guidelines as stated below.
The Rotary Club of Cambridge North shall adopt the following guidelines for the disbursement of all service funds:
1./Minimum 20% of budgeted disbursements will be designated for International Projects, either through Rotary International or through specific projects determined, from time to time, by the club.
2./Minimum 25% of budgeted disbursements will be designated for the KidsAbility Centre for Child Development. This amount may be dedicated to operating or special expenses, specific equipment or support requirements or mortgage reduction, as determined, from time to time, by the club.
3./All other funds will be designated for individual and personal needs and/or child and youth programs of a humanitarian nature, or for support and enhancement of the natural environment,benefiting residents of Waterloo Region only.
4./In no case, other than previously specified, shall club service funds be dispersed to fund raising organizations or service providers with a fund raising or service delivery system outside of Waterloo Region.
5./In no case, other than previously specified, shall club service funds be dispersed to any organization raising funds not directly in support of programs they provide directly to end users.
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Rotary Club of Cambridge North Strategic Planning Process