• The New Membership Management Tool for Indy Rotarians!

    The New Membership Management Tool for Indy Rotarians!

    Member Profile DetailThe new Membership Management Tool is now available to ALL Rotarians. And, we have created a Video Training Series* so you can learn how to use it! The new tool will help Indy Rotarians keep track of their attendance, dues, events and will allow you to update your own profile including the ability to add your own profile photo. In addition, you will have access to view all other Indianapolis Rotarian profiles, plus our 40+ committees, Officers and Board Members.

    But it doesn’t end there…

    Because our new tool is tied to District 6560, Rotarians now have access to all other Rotarians in the District, District news and events and many, many more features. While the new tool is a wonderful addition to member benefits, it promises to be even better as DACdb Version 2 is slated for launch in late Summer / early Fall.

    In the meantime, please login today! If you need help logging-in, please feel free to call the office (317-631-3733), or view the help page, here.

    Thank you for all you do as an Indianapolis Rotarian!

    Please call the office at 317-631-3733 if you need the password to see our videos.

  • Rotary Golf’s “Fun Day,” September 19

    Rotary Golf’s “Fun Day” outing is at the famed Broadmoor Country Club (2155 Kessler Blvd W Dr  Indianapolis, IN 46228) on Thursday, 9/19/13. Bankers Handicap will be the format and tee times will be assigned starting at 1:45 pm. There will be the Etica Group putting contest run by Dr. Divot (Ron Baker) with cash prizes that will start at 1:30 pm. There will also be the litany of contests including: “shortest drive,” “closest to the near side of the creek in two,” “highest gross,” “closest to the pin in two,” “longest drive,” etc.

    Ruth’s Chris Steak House (Ramona Adams) will be providing food. Rumor has it Somerset CPA’s (Debbie Hyde) will be providing “Sneaky Pete’s” again; come and play to verify!

    There are only 32 slots so don’t delay…please make your check out for $75 payable to the “Rotary Club of Indianapolis” and mail it to Dave Leonards at 3612 N. Washington Blvd., Indianapolis, IN 46205-3592 today or give it to me at Rotary Golf on Mondays or at Rotary on Tuesdays.

    We are still soliciting sponsors for this outing. Already signed up are: the Etica Group (Ron Baker) as the Putting Contest Sponsor, One America (Dan Shelly), Williams Randall Markering (Charlie Williams), PNC (Joe Gaafar), Harrison College (Ken Konesco), Economy Plumbing (John Strong), Blue & Company (Jeff Moffatt) and International Entertainment Bureau (David Leonards). We have plenty of room for more; $75 for a Platinum Sponsor; $50 for a Gold Sponsor; $40 for a Silver Sponsor; $25 for a Bronze Sponsor or any prizes or golf goodies qualifies. Of course, we will accept any beer and/or food sponsor too.

    Rotary Golf continues its weekly play this Monday, 8/12/13, at River Glen just North of 116th off Allisonville Road. Be sure to tell them in the Clubhouse that you are with Rotary to get the discount – $26 for riders or $20 if you want to walk.

    Come down to the tee at 3:07 pm and get paired up. If you are running a little late, that is OK; but please try to be there by 3:30 pm. We socialize in the Clubhouse after the 1st nine which counts for League play (we have a handicapped League so you don’t have to be good), collect the scores, and then, those that want to, play the back nine for no additional charge. Guests (and they do not have to be Rotarians) are welcome. Furthermore, you don’t have to play every week; come when you can.

    Remember, “We always finish at Rotary Golf!”

  • New Grants Application System Through Rotary International

    New Grants Application System Through Rotary International

    Rotary International has changed how they structure Rotary grants. The new system (previously known as Future Vision) focuses primarily on three grant types—district, global, and packaged. It is both more efficient and sustainable, and will help make a greater impact around the globe.

    There is now a new website for all Rotary grants information. Looking to learn about the new grant system? Applying for a grant? Get information on managing your grant? You’ll find it all here.

    In Grant Basics, you can learn more about the grants offered to Rotarians and how to apply for them. The Learning & Reference section houses an extensive resource library, including useful reference documents, training materials, and much more.

  • Indianapolis Rotarian Betty Tonsing Exchanges Banner with South Africa

    Indianapolis Rotarian Betty Tonsing Exchanges Banner with South Africa

    Trading banners when visiting clubs in other cities and countries is a long-standing tradition. Recently, Rotarian Betty Tonsing, Executive Director of Right Sharing of World Resources, visited Grahamstown, South Africa for a banner exchange with President Les Roberts. We look forward to Betty’s return to see the banner from South Africa and hear her stories of the wonderful things Grahamstown Rotary is doing in the world!

    Betty has also traveled to other parts of the world doing good things. Please see the video about her trip to Kisumu Kenya to talk with Rotarian Rosa.

  • Another Wonderful 5:31 Event, with a Twist!

    Another Wonderful 5:31 Event, with a Twist!

    On Wednesday, August 7th the Rotary Club of Indianapolis held another successful 5:31 Club event. The “twist?” Originally scheduled to take place at the Blue Crew Sports Grill in Fishers, the event had to be moved (at the last minute) to Wolfies Grill just down the road. The Rotary Club of Indianapolis cannot thank Wolfies enough for accommodating large party of Rotarians – at the eleventh hour. THANK YOU WOLFIES! And, thank you Rotarians who helped come through with this venue change!

    The Rotary Club of Indianapolis 5:31 events are becoming a very popular “outside the norm” way to meet and greet. Including fellow Rotarians, new member prospects and familiar faces. Check out all the  images on our Facebook Fan page. Everyone is welcomed. The only requirement is that you be there between 5:31 and whenever! Our venue may change, but the good cheer and fellowship never changes!

  • November 1-2, 2013 – Rotary District Conference

    November 1-2, 2013
    Sheraton Indianapolis, Keystone at the Crossing

    Note: District Conference is being combined with the District Success Seminar. At least one representative from each club must attend the Success Seminar for their club to be eligible to apply for District Grants.

    Conference Registration Cost:

    • $129 per person for both days,
    • $80 per person Friday only or Saturday only,
    • Registration fee includes dinner Friday & Saturday and lunch on Saturday.

    If you and your spouse are both Rotarians, you will each need to register separately.

    Each Rotarian is responsible for their own hotel reservations.
    Note: Rooms are being held for the Rotary District Conference at the Sheraton Indianapolis Hotel at Keystone Crossing from Thursday, Oct. 31st through Saturday night Nov.2nd. Please reserve your room by phone at (317) 846-2700. The Rotary District Conference rate of $103 is guaranteed until Oct. 1st, 2013.

    Rotarians, click here to register.

  • Conner Picnic August 24, 2013

    Conner Bros Present:

    THE GREATEST PICNIC ON EARTH

    Saturday, August 24th from 12–5 pm

    Food and dessert provided by Country Boys BBQ and Ritter’s Ice Cream

    Don’t miss our magic show by Johnny Magic at 2:30 pm!

    Activities Include: Bounce House, Basketball Bungee, Dunk Tank, Miniature Horses, Face Painting, Swimming, Photo Booth

  • Participate in a Polio Immunization Exercise in Togo, West Africa!

    Participate in a Polio Immunization Exercise in Togo, West Africa!

    Play a part in an upcoming trip to Togo, West Africa in October 2013 to participate in a polio immunization exercise, attend the 9th Annual West Africa Project Fair, and engage in a hands-on work project.

    Trip Dates: October 15 – 24, 2013
    Travel to: Lomé, Togo, West Africa
    Per Person Price: $1,689, double occupancy

    Program includes: Hotel accommodations, transfers, most meals, polio immunization exercise, hands-on community service field work, West Africa Project Fair registration, special Rotary and fellowship events, sightseeing, etc.

    Have you ever heard a Rotarian speak about their personal experience participating in a polio eradication exercise, a cleft lip/cleft palate mission, or work on a humanitarian grant? These trips have a profound effect upon the individual. For those of you who have gone on one of these trips you know, and for those of you who have yet to enjoy this experience, you should.

    The experiences you have on one of these trips stay with you forever. You get up early in the morning, travel with local Rotarians to a village, health clinic or impoverished neighborhood, and for the next few hours, you change. Small children come up to you to say thank you. Mothers and fathers smile at you knowing that you are giving their child a chance for a better life. You meet with the leaders in the village to learn of their needs and their hopes. It is hot; it is dusty; it makes you uncomfortable; it is exquisite.

    The West Africa Project Fair is endorsed by Rotary’s Reach Out to Africa Committee (ROTA), who is trying to generate greater connectivity between the African and North American Rotarians to generate greater support of the projects of Africa. Your involvement, or your club’s involvement, in this Fair would not only provide an opportunity for project support, it would also help your members to grow and to understand the benefits of being a Rotarian. Involvement in Rotary gives the ordinary Rotarian extraordinary opportunities to do things that they could never do anywhere else. This trip is just such an experience.

    For more information contact Bradford R. Howard, PDG:
    Phone: (510) 834-2260
    FAX: (510) 834-1019
    E-mail: Rotary[at]HowardTours.net

  • Rotary Club of Indianapolis Website Explores New, “Responsive” Ground

    The history of our own Indianapolis Rotary website is storied. It has been designed many times over from the early 2000’s to the present day, as web technologies have steadily increased in their ability to deliver the goods. Our website remained “stuck” over the last five years because we needed both a “pretty” and functional website, but also something our members could use to navigate our rather large club efforts. After all, we have nearly 400 members, over 40 committees and lots going on – all the time!

    Wait for it… Wait for it…

    Designing for the mobile web is here to stay. It is more crucial than ever to have a mobile-enabled website. And, Rotary clubs are no different. However, (and sadly) there are some poor examples of Rotary websites in this world. But, we could not wait any longer, folks. A website that is not optimized for mobile devices, can do more harm than good. And, as a membership organization, COMPETING FOR MEMBERS – our website can be our most formidable weapon to attract prospects!

    In an article by Smashing Magazine about how presidential candidates (2012) would reach voters, they state that “…the US population is sitting at around 311 million. Of those 311 million people, about half of US adults own a smartphone. On top of that, for a whopping 28% of Americans, a mobile device is their primary way of accessing the Web. So, for a candidate looking to reach potential voters, mobile provides a tremendous opportunity to connect with their constituents.”

    For many years the prominent web designers of the world lobbied for standards. While the World Wide Web Consortium was established in 1994, it really listened to web professionals and began taking shape in the 2000’s. Today, it is the most respected web standards organization in the world. It drives and governs most of the standards that are used and created for all modern browsers and devices. Now, the device makers and browser manufacturers pay more attention. And, with the invention of the iPhone, Android and the Webkit rendering engine used in Apple Safari (and Google Chrome), it helped advance the use of basic HTML, CSS and Javascript in the modern browser.

    Therefore, for the new Rotary Club of Indianapolis “public-facing” website, we incorporated a newer method of web design technology, called “Responsive Web Design.” Basically, the website reformats itself based on the device used. Compare the new Rotary Club of Indianapolis website on your desktop, then on your smartphone or tablet. You’ll see the same content, but a different look. It’s the same website, but delivered optimally to meet the standards of the myriad variety of devices. It will deliver an excellent user experience, have much longer shelf life and work on new devices as they are introduced into the marketplace. Additionally, with a responsive site, maintenance and content updates are only needed for one website! LET’S REPEAT THAT — maintenance and content updates are only needed for one website. This is not the current “norm.” Many organizations with a mobile web presence, likely have separate websites for desktops, mobile and sometimes tablets. In fact, our new Membership Management Tool has two versions – one for desktop and one for mobile.

    The decision to build a site that recomposes itself based on the device used (desktop, smartphone, tablet) was a no-brainer. And, as we continue to look toward the future for enhancing our marketing presence as a membership club, our website will serve us well to attract the public and the membership. After all, what we do as Rotarians, matters. And, sharing what matters with the world in as many ways possible is what it’s all about.

    If you have any thoughts about our new website, please feel free to contact us directly. We are always looking for ideas and want to hear what you have to say!

  • Volunteer Opportunity at NFL Colts Back to Football 5K Run!

    Indianapolis Rotarians can volunteer to help out at this race! Each volunteer would receive a free t-shirt for volunteering as well as participating in a great community event. Please feel free to contact us regarding any questions or concerns or if you may be interested in volunteering!

    Click here to get started. And, for more information, contact Amanda Porterfield at: porterfield.amanda[at]gmail.com, Volunteer Coordinator. Or call (317) 869-7976.