Stephen is the Executive Director of The Aspen Forum for Community Solutions at the Aspen Institute, overseeing work that includes a focus on building the "collective impact" field, launching and implementing the Opportunity Youth Incentive Fund, and engaging in community change. Previously Steve worked with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Steve explained that “collective impact” is the idea of communities coming together to work collaboratively to affect change. “It’s how the world should work,” he said. The needed components: 1. A common agenda; 2. Agreement about shared measurement, such as the successful Cradle to Career work in schools; 3. Mutually enforcing work. Also needed is a "backbone organization" - a selfless leader asking how am I going to connect these systems to work more effectively.
The Opportunity Youth Fund at the Aspen Institute has given away $15 million over the last four years to some of the more than five million young adults who aren’t connected to work or education. 10s of 1000s of kids are now reconnecting to get their HS degrees. This system requires a cultural shift to care about young people as much as we do others, so Steve says they try to change the narrative. Rotary could be a huge partner in that, he said. "We’re stitching together a comprehensive second chance system!”
A Peaceful Transition of Power!
Jon Kelly thanked Craig Melville for a fantastic year as president and for hosting a great change-over dinner. He also gave kudos to Scott Russell as he takes the reins of the presidency for the next year.
Scott Russell thanked his outgoing board members - Chris Heaphey, Deborah Breen & Mark Favro. He also thanked his officers and new board members for this year - Sam Johnston – president-elect; Emily Burr – secretary; Jason Teats – Treasurer; Jon Kelly - Sergeant at Arms and Christina King, Steve Wickes, Chris Bendon and Tom Clark.
Scott’s focus for the year is Rotary Youth Exchange. “Let’s keep it alive and healthy.” Former pres, Mike Hoffmann has taken over the chair duties from Maurice Emmer, although Maurice is still involved at the District Level.
Scott’s membership goal is more diversity of membership in various categories. He plans to have Rotary host a once-a-quarter, casual, evening social event to expose our club to other groups in community
Ducky Derby Adoption Papers are here. Pick them up at Rotary on Thursday
Maurice Emmer went to the training for youth exchange officers and volunteers last weekend in Grand Junction. All Rotarians were welcome to attend.
Lorraine reports that the Raffle pot is up to $355 and one-half of the cards remain!
Tomorrow, Thursday, July 20 - Bring your calendars! Signup for Ducky Derby Mall sales at Rotary, We have two weeks of mall sales.
Tomorrow, Thursday, July 20 - Silent Auction committee meeting following Rotary. All past members and newbies are welcome!
Friday, July 21 – Rotary Board meeting at Mountain Chalet (changed from the 2nd Friday, only for this week)
Lots of HAPPY BUCKS for the High School Beta Service Club:
Ruth Krueger is happy to be back from her time away from Rotary. Sam Johnston’s brother and wife are connecting with our exchange student, Audrey, while they are in Spain. Susan Gomes said it was truly an honor to receive the Tom Sardy Rotarian of the Year award. John Moore is happy that Susan Gomes was finally recognized for her great work. Dwayne Romero liked marching with the vets in the July 4th parade and acknowledged “the great stuff” that Susan does. Craig Melville had a rough week – he lost his elevator, his boiler, his walk-in freezer and the phone system! Bill Small is heading to Belize, then the Guatemala Literacy project with his teenage daughter. Charles Cunniffe’s kids had fun with riding on their first float - the Ducky Derby float.
The Weekly Newsletter of the Rotary Club of Aspen.
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