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The Ellsworth Noontime Rotary Club membership represents a diverse array of business skills and experience in both the for-profit and non-profit sectors. The Club seeks to form mentoring relationships with small businesses and non-profit organizations that are facing a strategic challenge or opportunity. Based on the pioneering Springboard program of Common Good Ventures, Club members will develop actionable recommendations during a facilitated brainstorming session. This new approach to community service allows businesses and organizations access to the Club’s collective experience and the opportunity to gain new insights and ideas. The Ellsworth Noontime Rotary Club gains the satisfaction of volunteering their time and talent in a directed, meaningful way while meeting its community service mandate. Partner Selection procedure
Interested businesses or organizations will be asked to complete an application form along with a single page cover letter describing their organization and its challenge or opportunity. A club committee will review applications as required and make recommendations to the board. The Mentoring Process
Preliminary Meeting(s)
A club committee will meet with the business or organization prior to the brainstorming session. They will help focus and clarify the strategic question. Give guidance on the kind of background club members will need on the organization prior to the meeting. And they will review and give the organization feedback on their presentation. Brainstorming session The brainstorming session is 90 minutes (including a 20 minute lunch) and is directed by a professional facilitator. The schedule will be as follows:
12:20: The organization has 10 minutes to present background information and the question
12:30: Club members have 5 minutes to ask clarifying questions
12:35: Brainstorming session leading to specific recommendations
1:20: Organization has 10 minutes for follow up questions Return visit
Within a year of session, the organization is given the opportunity to come back to the Club and present on the outcomes or impact the session had. Club responsibilities
Club members are expected to do homework consisting of reading proposals, cover letters and other accompanying material prior to each session. After the presentation and Q&A portion of the session members will engage in philosophical discussion of the question/challenge and strategic problem solving. The discussion period should be free wheeling, but on point; positive and upbeat and result in solid recommendations that the organization may implement immediately. The goal should be for a lively, enjoyable session that both the membership and organization will find mutually rewarding. Organization responsibilitiesSelected business or organizations are expected to present a professional presentation to the Club. They should also be prepared to provide organizational data to Club members prior to the brainstorming session. These materials may include current financial information, strategic plan, program descriptions, or other relevant material. Business or organization members are asked to be a silent participant during the brainstorming session so that they can be open to new approaches.
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