Tuesday November 30th was a banner day as we officially launched the first EarlyAct club in Vancouver at Strathcona Elementary School. What's an EarlyAct Club you might ask? Read about the "family" of Rotary clubs for all generations in the story below about our recent presentation to the Vancouver School Board.
A giant thank you to teacher Doug Sherrett and our club member Ron Suzuki who have been the drivers behind this initiative and the main reason we were able to get this initiative up and running in spite of the pandemic challenges.
Ron was joined at this first meeting by our Club President Ed Kwan and Strathcona Interact President Eva Yueng. The kids were very excited about this new youth leadership club which is already being considered as a "student council." In this initial meeting they elected two “Co-Presidents” (one grade 7 and one grade 6), a Treasurer, and two Co-Secretaries. Three candidates volunteered for each role - except Secretary which had two candidates who decided to share the role. Each candidate did a brief nomination speech before the new group of 20 members from grades 4-7 conducted a “secret ballot” to determine the first Board for their EarlyAct club. Students from Grade 3 will be invited to join the club before the December meeting.
Ron and Ed spoke about Rotary's support for Strathcona school and community activities and Eva talked about her club's activities and how they will provide mentorship and support to the New EarlyAct Club because the majority of the Strathcona Interactors are Strathcona Elementary alumni.
The EarlyActors will meet bi-weekly on Tuesdays and their Executive will meet in between general meetings. Rotary Liaison rep Ron will be present at every meeting along with a teacher advisor and Interact rep(s). With support from their adult advisors, the club will arrange for speakers (e.g. police, teachers, community leaders) and will organize a School, Community, and an International Project.
It was really amazing to see how much was accomplished in this first meeting and we can't wait until the next meeting. Rotarians take note and take heart, the future is looking very bright!