Weekly Newsletter | May 21, 2024

May 22nd – Stephanie Bednarz and Rotaract Clubs

Stephanie Bednarz will present about Rotaract, Rotary International clubs for young adults at least 18 years old. Stephanie was president of the Salem Rotaract club during her post college years in Salem and the District 5100 Rotaract representative.  

She will also share her experiences traveling on three Rotaract international trips to Russia, Serbia and Mexico.

Program Chair: Linda Bednarz

Meeting Location: Willamette Heritage Center – Dye House

 
President’s Message

Involving Young Leaders

“Tell me and I forget; teach me, and I remember; involve me, and I understand.”

Different versions of this great principle have been attributed to many sources, including Benjamin Franklin and the Chinese philosopher and reformer Confucius (551 BCE-479 BCE). Since I first encountered it in my kitchen one late afternoon when I was about 11, I’ll simply credit my parents, Scott and Patricia Kelley. They LOVED diving into deep truths around the dinner table, and honestly, it was fun to listen to their passionate debates.

The truth behind this principle is unassailable; it rings true every year when we grownups steps aside and invite high school students to run our Student-Led Rotary Club of Salem meeting. I am so grateful to those of you who made it a priority to attend that meeting last week – I loved seeing all of you in the room while I watched the recording! I was so sorry to have missed it due to a work conference. Those students did such a fabulous job!! It was fun to watch!!

This week we will hear from an up-and-coming leader, Stephanie Bednarz, about her experiences in Rotaract. I can’t wait to hear how Rotaract has inspired her; what a brilliant model for involving our young leaders!

I appreciate each of you and look forward to seeing you Wednesday!

Yours in Rotary Service,

Kindly,
 
President Alison Kelley
Rotary Club of Salem
2023-2024