The first of its kind in CNY Rotary, it was also part of a new process led by the North American Club Creation Team and Rotarian Patrick Langano. Langano is disrupting membership declines with his vibrant approach to establishing new clubs by giving them focus, having them as part of an established group in the companion format, and implementing new technology to make the chartering process simpler. Their customized app allows new club champions, the people who lead the charge in finding new members to charter a club, to send member applications and communications directly to prospective member's cell phones. It also simplifies the chartering process by forwarding all the applications entered into the app directly to Rotary International to formalize the new club. In using these new tools and partnering with the North American Club Creation Team, Albany Mosaic champions Pam Baxter and Lorenzo Murray were first asked to write a development plan. From that came their why.
WHY: The idea is to develop a new group of Rotarians by creating a club that looks and feels different from the traditional structure of Albany Rotary. Developing a club culture that is made up of a diverse mix of people, pulling from BIPOC, LGBQT+, blue collar, service oriented, inner-city communities. By creating a club that is a space for these communities we believe we can build a strong base of people who share Rotary values in a space they own, create and define. Once established, melding two distinct club cultures as groups is less intimidating than trying to bring diversity into a club, one or two people at a time. Our goal is to provide a space where all voices are more equitably heard and comfortable enough to bring their whole selves, creating a space where we all belong.
And our companion club champions Pam and Lorenzo have done just that, with a diverse group of charter members that were inducted and presented with their new member kits in the brewery party room that evening in front of onlookers of Albany Rotarians, CNY leadership and friends. Speakers included CNY Rotary Membership Chair Kimmy Talbot, Immediate Past District President Lizzy Martin, CNY Rotary President Bob, Mosaic Champion Pam and current Albany Rotary President Rafael Campiz. President Raf spoke passionately about the process of understanding the need for a companion club and how it will increase service and Rotary's visibility in Albany. "I don't pretend to know what keeps someone from joining a club like ours. I don't live everyone's experience. But Lorenzo and Pam stepped into that unknown and said, 'Let's make space. Let's do something different.' And that step doesn't divide us. It strengthens us." He went on to say, "We grow by being brave enough to try. And tonight, we celebrate that courage."
After a few months of recruitment that included personal conversations and a virtual info session about Rotary, enough members were gathered to start Albany Mosaic. Rotarians may be familiar with the concept of a satellite club, and a companion club is very similar, requiring eight members to get started.
CNY Rotary wishes to warmly welcome our newest club and its charter members:
Pam Baxter
Lorenzo Murray
Shameka Andrews
Sam Meislin
Keila dos Santos
Kizzy Williams
Ezra Scott
Michael Roach
Emceed by Lorenzo, who will serve as Albany Mosaic's first Club President, the evening included good food, and some inspiring words of motivation and excitement from charter member Kizzy, a local restaurant owner who has partnered with Rotary over the years. The many connections the new members have will bring a strong network to support service and fundraising opportunities right out of the gate.
You can follow Albany Mosaic Rotary on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. Consider referring any Capitol Region movers and shakers you know who are looking for a different way to serve their community. This celebration and formal induction is just the start of great things for Rotary in Albany!
