Doing Good 6220!

Sarah Diller - Research-Based Strategies for Membership Growth

Part 1
We interview Sarah Diller - Regional Membership Development Officer with Rotary International about what she's learned from working with clubs and districts on membership growth. It is a conversation loaded with practical insights to promote growth and member retention. Sarah shared a number of helpful resource links, which we've included below. 
Part 2
We learn more about Sarah and how she ended up working with Rotary International.
Resource Links
Hosting a Prospective Member Event
Finding People to Invite: A Prospective Member Exercise
Managing Prospective Member Inquiries
Rotary Club Health Check
Membership Assessment Tools
...and additional resources can be found at www.rotary.org/membership

Scott Foster - Dolly Parton's Imagination Library

Part 1
We talk with Scott Foster about the Dolly Parton Imagination Library and the role that the Rotary Club of Eagle River has played in getting the program going in Vilas County. The Imagination Library program mails one age-appropriate book each month to any family that signs up from birth to five years old. A great way for clubs to work with partners such as libraries and schools to promote literacy in their communities.
Part 2
We learn about Scott's background, how he joined Rotary, and his Rotary journey. 
Resource Lins
Dolly Parton's Imagination Library
Imagination Library Impact Model and Research 
News story about Imagination Library launching in Vilas County

Rotaract at Northern Michigan University

Part 1
We talk with people involved with Rotaract Club at Northern Michigan University - Paul Hein, Liaison from the Rotary Club of Marquette Harbor; Carol Johnson, Faculty Advisor; and Halle Johnson, student and club Vice President. Listen and learn how the club got started, what attracted students join and what they get out of membership, the challenge of sustaining a club amidst student turn-over, and how the club is benefiting its community while creating a valuable experience for its members.
Part 2
We learn more about Paul, Carol, and Halle.
Resource Links
Rotaract NMU Instagram Page
Information about Rotaract on Rotary International website
Tips for Starting a Rotaract Club on a College Campus

Rich Lepping - A Life Lesson in Vocational Service

In this interview, we learn about Rich Lepping and how he has been applying the skills and experience gained through his successful career as a successful Taco Bell franchisee to leading the Rotary Club of Lakewood (Minocqua). Rich's story is a great example not only of how to live out Rotary's 2nd Avenue of Service (Vocational Service) in the world, but how to translate business experience to club leadership. 
Resource Links
Helpful article on history and purpose of Rotary's 2nd Avenue of Service - Vocational Service

Rotary Club of Escanaba - Vino at the Casino Keeps Getting Better

Part 1
As District Governor, I (Chuck) travelled to Escanaba to volunteer for their Vino at the Casino fundraiser. I took away at least three great ideas and a huge amount of respect for the team that put on such a fun and profitable event. In the first part of the interview Club President Sarah Slagstad and event leader Dough Leisenring talk about their club, Vino at the Casino, and what they do to make the event better and more successful every year. You will get some great ideas from this podcast, we're certain.  
Part 2
We get to know Sarah and Doug as they talk about their careers and Rotary experiences.  

Doing Good 6220 - Tom Boldt

Tom Boldt is Chairman of The Boldt Group, a $1.5Billion 100% employee-owned family of companies specializing in construction management, general contracting, and real estate development. Talking with Tom, it's clear that what sets Boldt apart is its culture which is at the root of their employee experience, strategic adaptibility, and how they treat their customers, suppliers and labor partners. It is no accident that the Boldt family has been deeply involved in Rotary and that there are many parallels between the values of the Boldt Group and Rotary. 
A truly informative, interesting and entertaining discussion. 
Resource Links
Boldt Group Website
Boldt Group Values
Bold Group on LinkedIn  

Rotary Club of Houghton - Starting a Service Companion Club

Part 1: We talk with Houghton Club members Greg and Ann Campbell about their club, including:
The impetus for developing a Companion Club
How the Board decided to launch the club the club
How the club operates (meeting times, place, agenda, etc.)
The types of projects it has completed already
The club's relationship to its host club 
Impact on club growth and culture
Part 2: We learn more about Greg and Ann and their Rotary journeys.
Resource Links
Blog Post on Service Companion Clubs
Fact Sheet from DACdb
 

Garrett Singer - Fox Cities Rotary Membership Event

The five Rotary Clubs in the Fox Cities are collaborating on an event where professionals in the community will be able meet, network, and learn about Rotary. In this brief episode, we learn how Garrett Singer got involved with Rotary and about this membership event, the theme of which is Friendship, Service, Fun.  
 
Find event details on this event registration page. 
 

Tom Gump - RI Director Nominee

Part 1: A wide-ranging and fun discussion with Tom covering his career, how he became involved in Rotary, how he led strong membership growth at his club in the Twin Cities, and his experience as a leader in Rotary International. 
Part 2: Tom talks about how Minneapolis landed the RI International Convention in 2028, what to expect, and how - as a neighboring district - we'll be able to get involved in making the convention a great success.
Resource Links
Tom was kind enough to share a number of links to helpful Rotary resources. 
Membership strategies guide - Practical tactics for recruiting and retaining members (e.g., referral campaigns, information hours, classification gap analysis) that help clubs grow and deepen engagement. 
Opportunities beyond the club - District posts highlighting fellowships, partnerships (e.g., Habitat for Humanity), and international service trips as ways Rotarians can engage outside regular club activities.
Creating an engaging experience - District guidance on improving the member experience at meetings, events, and projects so members stay active and take on district or international roles.
Guidance on alternative club models - examples from zones that have successfully launched new clubs.
Practical tactics from membership toolkits - run a “Who Do You Know?” campaign, host service‑first events to recruit, and create a simple online onboarding flow.
Rotary International’s host announcement - explains that Minneapolis was selected to host the international convention and gives the official dates and expected scale, which frames all local planning and volunteer needs.

Rotary Club of Marquette - Partnering with Feeding America

Part 1: Chuck Blaksmith and Joe Meyskens of the Rotary Club of Marquette tell us about their partnership to run a monthly mobile food pantry for Feeding America - what it entails, how the opportunity came about, and how the club made the bold decision to commit to the partnership. 
Part 2: We learn more about Chuck and Joe - their careers, how they joined Rotary, and their Rotary experience.
Resource Links 
Rotary Club of Marquette website
Rotary Club of Marquette Facebook page
Feeding America - West Michigan
Contact Doing Good 6220! with your comments, suggestions, and guest ideas at doinggood6220@ridistrict6220.org