(Pictured is Phoenix 100 Rotary’s Carl Balderson and Rotary International president D.K. Kee, with author!)

As some of you may know, I was heavily involved in Phoenix non profits and business groups prior to my sabbatical including sitting on the boards and or being a member of:

Enterprise Network

National Association of Women Business Owners

Arizona Angels

American Marketing Association

Phoenix Advertising Club

Enterprise Women’s Golf Association

You get the picture. So, now that I’m back, I’m looking for ways to contribute. I’ve decided to try to do some more volunteering rather than just joining a club for networking. 

So far, I’ve joined the Independent Film Project in Phoenix and the Phoenix Holocaust Survivors Association. I now have an office that the IFP referred me to, so I’m loving them along with my monthly free movie screenings, workshops and, great networking. (Oh well.)  The PHSA suggested I join, due to my involvement with a Holocaust film, and I am continually doing research, so it made sense.

I still have some time, so I am researching local organizations.  I really like WasteNot but it turns out that my former business partner is on the board.  I will wait for her invitation to become involved, (and, I may be waiting awhile, apparently..)

I accompanied a fellow filmmaker to the Rotary Club in Phoenix, called the Phoenix 100, last week.  I have never been to a meeting and it was basically a meal during a number of announcements and awards, and then a speaker, fairly typical, I guess. It felt a little long to sit that long although I liked hearing the speaker. Luckily for me, it was the president of Rotary International for 2009, Dong Kurn (D.K.) Lee, whose message his Make Dreams Real. I like that!  I think he means others, not my own, but its definitely catchy. (Just kidding.)

After our meal, my friend wanted her photo taken with D.K. After I snapped the shot, and thanked him, he invited me to take a photo with him and noticed I had a guest badge. The next thing you know, he handed me a Rotary pin and a membership application, introduced me to Carl Balderson, of the Phoenix group, and made me feel like the most important person in the room. He absolutely would not take no for an answer and demanded I promise to join the group. I did.  (I didn’t say when.)

My friend, member Barbara A. from New York, is a great representative and promises she only invited me for make up points, and not to sign me up.  (Hmmm.)

So, I’ve taken a glance at the web site, and membership fees (about $1,000.00 for the first year) and I have some feedback for D.K. and the club to attract new young blood to the group.

I absolutely LOVE your four way test. I would like to be a member of a club whose members feel that way:

THE FOUR WAY TEST:

Of the things we Think, Say or Do:

1. Is it the Truth?

2. Is it Fair to all concerned?

3. Will it build Goodwill and Better Friendships?

4. Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

I love the diversity and amount of groups you support. Including the golf tourney! Sign me up!

Of course, in this economy, that seems like a hefty amount for a new professional membership. For a non profit, it is a nice contribution, and I think it is reasonable. I wish I wasn’t starting a new venture, but I am, so it would go in the future pile.  Every dime is being directed at making my first feature film, see An Unbroken Chain: The Movie.

But, if money wasn’t an object, I guess, I would say off the top of my head, besides my guest, the speaker made me feel important. I didn’t get that feeling from others at my table, not that they weren’t nice but they didn’t seem to care whether they saw me again or not. No one offered their card, nor did I offer mine.

Attire. It was Friday, and many were in business suits. I am at a point where I’d rather dress down, even wear jeans on Friday, and I don’t think I’m alone, especially in Arizona.

Location. I like the Heard, and I love Tradicionales. I would definitely love to go there every Friday for lunch!

Frequency.  Weekly? Seriously? That feels like such a huge commitment! The last person who asked me for that kind of commitment was my husband, and I dated him for seven years before accepting his proposal!  Can’t we just be friends and see each other casually? (Maybe  a casual membership for the commitment phobes?)

Web Site. Needs an overhaul, along with a blog, Twitter, Facebook account, maybe a NING group, and the rest of today’s Internet tools to keep the ADD generation interested. Then, link with all the charities you support, have them do the same, and now you’re talking!

OK I used to get paid a lot of money for this advice, DK so I hope you will share it with your board, and whoever else cares, and have them call me, and we can barter my membership this year in return for my efforts to update your web presence and advise you on my generations’ hot buttons.

Please feel free to comment, or contact me directly to discuss! D.K., thank you for the invite and the pin, and I do hope to keep in touch!