Our first order of business was to enjoy the "humble pie" treats that President Nancy made forus as an apology for sleeping in the week before. I'm sure it won't happen again, but the treatswere good enough that we wouldn't mind much.
We approved the budget for the coming year for club business and projects. One of our first projects will be a gift of $500 to the new CrimeStoppers program. We also will be cooking a meal at the Homeless Shelter and will have some involvement in the North/South football game again. In addition to all of these projects,
President Nancy suggested that this year we might add to our recognition as a 3 Star Club and Outstanding Club in District 5220 by earning a Presidential Citation. This would mean increasing by at least 1 member with a 2% increase in women and those under age 45, continuing an 85% retention rate of members, induct a member into the Foundation and have every member of our club give some amount to the Foundation with an average of at least $100 per member. We traditionally do most of these things anyway, so this goal should be attainable this year.
Our speaker was Lamar Henderson from the Merced County Human Services Agency fatherhood program, "All Dad's Matter." Lamar told us about this nationally recognized program, which includes, Bootcamp for New Dads, Weekly Men's Groups in English and Spanish, HeadStart interactions with dads and their kids as well as an annual event the weekend before Father's Day.
These efforts are aimed to benefit children and prevent problems before they start. This work is especially important in the face of grim statistics such as 85% of prison inmates come from fatherless homes. The programs encourage fathers to be involved in their children's lives and to talk about goals and dreams for the future.
There may be opportunity for Rotary involvement in the June event or through our literacy program since reading and storytelling are good ways for children and their fathers to bond.