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2019-2020 Annual Report

Rotary Charities and Rotary Camps & Services

Rooted & Resilient

We need only look to our neighbors in Midland or Detroit to see that the complex crises of climate change and systemic racism are amplifying the devastating impacts of COVID-19. Recent events have shown our community is not immune to these common challenges, and determined teams are turning this wake-up call into a movement for transformative change. We are finding courage for a new, equitable way forward by looking to our roots - the resources and connections that sustain us, and the stories that shape us.

a letter from becky

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    Adapting to COVID-19

    This spring, we reached out to changemakers to see how we could best support them. As a result we:

    • Added flexibility to grant timelines, requirements and allowed new uses
    • Gathered a team of local consultants to provide crisis support at no cost to organizations, and curated resources for adapting to ongoing challenges
    • Contributed funding and leadership to the collaborative Urgent Needs Fund  at Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation

    "We cannot return to how things were before. We need to fully explore how we should be organized to build community." 

    - Nonprofits & COVID-19 survey respondent

    TENDING THE SOIL: CAPACITY BUILDING FOR IMPACT

     

    This year we continued experimenting with new learning and coaching services designed around collaboration and systems-thinking. As we test tools to help changemakers create cultures of inclusion and dynamic problem solving, our own culture comes into sharper focus.

    The local Leadership Learning Lab brought it all under one roof: adaptive leadership, inclusive facilitation, collaborative skills, and the time management required to make space for what's most important. Together we’re learning how to build organizations that allow us to grow our potential and impact - even more important as we adapt to the global pandemic and calls to show up for racial justice.

    Lessons from the Leadership Learning Lab

    Getting On The Balcony

    Amanda Holmes,
    Fishtown Preservation

    watch 

    Adaptive Leadership

    Matt Cowall,
    LIAA

    watch

    Taking Risks

    Gerri VanAntwerp,
    Benzie Area Christian Neighbors 

    watch

    Working Better Together

    Jeremy Cannon,
    Kalkaska Memorial Health Center

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    Learning Experiences

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    DIGGING DEEPER: INSIGHTS FROM OUR PARTNERSHIPS

    Laying the Groundwork

    Some of the most inspiring local responses to the pandemic - like the Local Food Relief Fund and the CHIR's real-time problem solving on Basecamp, both initiatives bolstered by Systems Change Accelerator grants - were able to quickly self-organize thanks to years of relationship building. It seems that one of the simplest things we can do to prepare for a more resilient future is connect with the people who share our vision, and trust that shared ideas, resources, and hope will flow when they are needed most.

    Treating Root Causes

    We are confident that staying focused on the root causes of complex problems will help us come out of this stronger, together. Two years in, our Systems Change Community of Practice is supporting each other to work in new ways to make lasting progress on issues that touch our whole community.

    Tapping New Resources

    When you shop at a Goodwill Northern Michigan store, your purchases and donations bring food and housing to people in need.  Goodwill faced a critical gap in the funding that fuels their community programs as retail outlets shuttered under the Stay Home, Stay Safe Executive Order. We pulled together a $3 million low-interest loan in partnership with Northern Trust to help them continue their essential work during COVID-19. Our Community Investment Program is a new outlet for our endowed funds to support community projects that are not eligible for traditional capital.

    LEARNING FROM NATURE: ROTARY CAMPS & SERVICES

    Back To Our Roots at GO•REC

    It has been 97 years since Rotary established roots in the 493 acres on Spider and Rennie Lakes.  Over the decades, the GO•REC property has fostered resilience, connectedness, and community through outdoor experiences.  Even in these challenging times, we’ve been able to remain rooted deeply and firmly in that mission by giving others virtual access to outdoor skills education.  As we continue to grow our online offerings and plan for future in-person experiences, we hope you will come along. 

    visit gorec safely

    Casting Out at Discovery Center & Pier

    Discovery Center is building a public pier for people of all ages, needs and abilities. This year, we expanded the harbor and new floating docks were installed. Every improvement we make is meant to facilitate access for everyone and help our the partners connect more people to Grand Traverse Bay.: Great Lakes Children's Museum, Inland Seas Education Association, Maritime Heritage Alliance, Traverse Tallship Company, Traverse Area Community Sailing and The Watershed Center Grand Traverse Bay.

    visit discovery pier safely

    Net Assets

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      Our Team

      ROTARY CHARITIES BOARD

      Allison Beers

      Lorraine Beers

      Marlene Bevan,
      Vice Chair

      Mark Eckhoff,
      Treasurer

      John Hall

      Jeff Hickman,
      Chair

      Sid Lammers

      Greg Luyt

      Benjamin Marentette,
      President’s Appointee

      Trevor Tkach

      ROTARY CAMPS & SERVICES BOARD

      Chris DeGood

      Katy McCain

      Mark Newhouse,
      Chair

      Pat Parker

      Lisa Pointe

      Dan Rickard,
      Vice Chair

      Bob Stow

      Rick Summers

      Lee Torrey,
      Treasurer

      Sharron Zimmerman

      ROTARY CHARITIES STAFF

      Freya Bradford,
      Director of Systems Change & Learning

      Tori Craig,
      Strategic Communications Manager

      Becky Ewing,
      Executive Director

      Stacey Foster,
      Office Manager

      Colleen Masterson-Bzdok,
      Director of Capacity Building & Operations

      Sakura Takano,
      Director of Community Assets & Impact Investing

      ROTARY CAMPS & SERVICES STAFF

      Becky Ewing,
      Executive Director

      Melissa Fri,
      Communications Director, GOREC

      Jamie Lewis Hedges,
      Director, GOREC

      Annie Linhart,
      Education Director

      Matt McDonough,
      CEO, Discovery Center

      Cliff Wager,
      Facilities Ranger, GOREC