Tim Conners - Rotary Action Groups (RAGs)
Eden Prairie AM Rotary Member Tim Conners was today’s speaker and introduced the group to the various Rotary Action Groups (RAGs), support systems and ways to get involved. He is a personal member of the Environmental Sustainability RAG (ESRAG) and made the group aware during his presentation that the next ESRAG initiative is the ECO Expo, which they hope to expand to other locations, so look for more information to come on that in an email from Tim.
Tim discussed the primary way of getting involved in the Rotary is through the RAGs. There are roughly 25 different RAGs and the groups are international. The objective of the RAGs is to enhance productivity and offer support for projects within the community by providing knowledge and expertise, educating on the focus areas, coordinating events and maintaining websites. The support system includes the Cadre, which is made up of 600 advisors from across the world that help the RAGs get the job done. Within each RAG are special initiatives that are executed by specific task forces.
The following are examples of RAGs that may be of interest to you: Disease prevention and treatment, peacebuilding and conflict prevention (PEACERAG), water/sanitation/hygiene (WASHRAG), basic education and literacy, maternal and child health, community and economic development, and the environment (ESRAG).
A more informal way to get involved in the Rotary is through fellowship groups. Fellowship groups are specific to individual interests or classifications such as wine lovers, coffee lovers and homeowners. You can go to the website to see the complete list.
Tim encouraged people to get involved in what interests them. To learn more, you can find a webpage on Rotary International that lists all of the action groups and fellowships.
Vocational: Adam Sienkowski
Adam Sienkowski has been an active member of Rotary for the past ten years, serving on the Eden Prairie AM Rotary Club's Board of Directors. Growing up in Kenosha County, Wisconsin, his family owned a dog kennel. For college he traveled to Minnesota, where he earned his degree in Economics from the University of Minnesota and later pursued his legal education at William Mitchell College of Law, specializing in business and real estate. Married to his wife Emily for 14 years, Adam is a devoted father to three children, ages 2 (Aubrey), 4 (Jonah), and 7 (Nolan). As far as hobbies, Adam humorously states that now that he has children he doesn't have many hobbies of his own and that his consists of whatever his children like to do. Therefore, he enjoys coaching his kids in soccer, playing golf, and going to the park with his kids.
Future Meetings
- October 1, 2024: 2024-2025 Interns’ Presentation
- October 15, 2024: Tim Mulcron, Polio Plus
- November 5, 2024: Cozy Wittman, College Finances
Announcements
- Our next Swallowship will be held September 25 at 5:00 pm at Hackamore Brewing!
- The PROP Shop is looking for volunteers to help with the Winter Clothes Drive. Drop off clothing at meetings or at Blake and Lori’s house. (Details were emailed to members.)
- District Assembly will be held on October 26 at Base Camp. See the District website for further details.
- If any Past President is interested in becoming the 5950 Rotary District Governor, see district website for the application process.
- The Minneapolis club is having Dr. Michael Osterholm discuss “Covid and what we have learned from it” at the Minneapolis Club at noon on September 20. Lunch cost is $25.
- The Executive Board meeting will be held next Tuesday, September 24, at 7:30am. Location to be determined.
Happy Fives
- John Goergen is thankful for a recent fun trip to London!
- Josh Swanson is happy to report that he recently ran the Theodore Wirth trail. He also is glad that the EP school year is off to a great start! There will be a school parade on Saturday, September 28.
- Jenifer Loon is happy to report that PROP is sponsoring PROP-Toberfest from Noon—4:00pm on Sunday, September 22. There will be lots of fun family activities!