Before the regular meeting, ADG Ron Shaw introduced DG Shirley-Pat Gage. Shirley-Pat has been very active in the Rotary program Right to Read, which has set up libraries in 27 First Nations communities, Because of these connections she has been adopted by three First Nations groups. She obtained a Phd. from the University of Edinburgh’s Centre for Canadian Studies exploring the role of civil society organizations in indigenous and settler lived experience of social citizenship in Canada.
Gabriel reviewed our Strategic Plan. Each director summarized his/her portfolio, what we have done, where we are and where we are going.
At the regular meeting, 4 new members (Ann Matimu, Ata Malfuzi, Georginah Sithole and Andrew Woods) were inducted into our club by DG Shirley-Pat. She asked these new members "are you ready and able to help the Rotary Club of Burnaby provide service to the community. She encouraged the new (and old) Rotarians to set up an account in MY Rotary and go to the Rotary Learning Centre and learn from the 90 different courses available. Her philosophy is to "try, learn, possibly fail, and repeat - don't stand still, be messy."
Shirley-Pat suggested that the club provide the new members some money (say $1000) and have them come up with a new service project for the club. An established member of the club should be on the committee to provide some guidance.
Shirley-Pat instilled much energy into the meeting and enthusiasm in what our club is doing and the leadership provided by Gabriel.
