Cabinet Meeting – December 31, 2024 DI – 9 Zone Chair Report – Shelley Sweeney District Governor and fellow Cabinet members, This past year, we have had an incredible opportunity to refresh and rejuvenate our activities, ensuring that we not only sustain but grow stronger as a community. Our clubs have been busy in their respective communities and always lead by example. As a result, Membership is also growing. Our Goals for 2024 and moving forward remain: 1. Increase Community Profile 2. Encourage New Leadership 3. Collaborate with Other Service Clubs Visitations with FVDG Steve Sweeney have included 14 clubs over November and early December. Additional visitations are planned for February, with seven more clubs on the schedule. It has been great getting to know everyone and I continue to admire the dedication and commitment these clubs continue to have to their communities. Let’s strive to thrive! Warm regards, Shelley Sweeney Zone Chair, District I – 9 Report from D I – 9 clubs Over the past year, all three of our clubs have been deeply committed to serving our communities in various impactful ways. While membership has grown in one club, two of our clubs are experiencing a decline. We’re also facing the reality that many of our members are getting older and are finding it more difficult to participate. Despite this, the demand for our involvement in the community remains high, highlighting the need for us to attract a younger demographic who can carry the torch forward. Membership Challenges and Opportunities It’s clear that we need to focus on drawing in younger members who can bring fresh energy and ideas to our clubs. This is crucial if we are to ensure the longevity of our service and continue making a difference in our communities. I am encouraging everyone to think about ways we can reach out to younger people—whether through social media, community events, or personal connections. Addressing the Website/Portal Concerns I also want to address a concern that has been consistently raised across all three clubs: the ongoing frustrations with our website/portal. Many of them have shared the difficulties in maintaining records or even accessing the information they need. I share the frustration, as I have been waiting for over a month to gain access to the Zone Chair documentation and website. While we all understand that there can be hiccups when rolling out new systems, this issue has persisted for too long. The inability to access critical information is not only frustrating but also hampers our ability to function effectively as clubs. I want to assure you that I am actively working to ask for their patience, but I am also stressing the need for your persistence in making sure this gets resolved. Moving Forward Together Despite these challenges, I believe in the strength and resilience of our clubs. By working together and focusing on solutions, we can overcome these obstacles and continue to thrive. Let’s keep the lines of communication open and support each other as we navigate these challenges. Thank you for your dedication and commitment to our shared mission. I look forward to seeing us all grow stronger together. Warm regards, Shelley Sweeney Zone Chair, District I - 9