DARTMOUTH, NS – District 7815 Governor Marcel Gervais visited the Rotary Club of Dartmouth on Monday, November 24, 2025, to present the district's strategic priorities and encourage innovative solutions to membership challenges. Governor Gervais, accompanied by Assistant District Governor Tim Creedon, met with the club's Board of Directors and addressed a joint gathering of members from both the Rotary Club of Dartmouth and the Dartmouth East Club.
During his address, Governor Gervais outlined the key focuses for his tenure in District 7815. These priorities include enhancing membership growth and establishing a robust follow-up structure for prospective members, supporting the vital work of The Rotary Foundation, and investing in young leaders programs.
Innovation in Membership
Addressing the issue of lagging recruitment among potential Rotarians, the District Governor encouraged the formation of companion clubs. He explained that these affiliated clubs can cater to individuals who share a special interest in one of Rotary's Areas of Focus, or whose scheduling conflicts prevent them from joining a "mother club. The companion clubs communicate all their updates to the board of directors for better cooperation, Governor Gervais explained, emphasizing the need for flexible structures. He noted that Rotary International has established a dedicated committee to help local clubs explore and implement this companion club model.
Addressing the issue of lagging recruitment among potential Rotarians, the District Governor encouraged the formation of companion clubs. He explained that these affiliated clubs can cater to individuals who share a special interest in one of Rotary's Areas of Focus, or whose scheduling conflicts prevent them from joining a "mother club. The companion clubs communicate all their updates to the board of directors for better cooperation, Governor Gervais explained, emphasizing the need for flexible structures. He noted that Rotary International has established a dedicated committee to help local clubs explore and implement this companion club model.
Community Impact Highlighted
Assistant District Governor Tim Creedon then shared a successful initiative from his home club in Bridgewater, NS. He highlighted their annual partnership with local clubs and the municipality to distribute dictionaries to all Grade 3 students across the South Shore. The project delivers approximately 400 dictionaries annually to students in 16 schools. Creedon stated the program's dual purpose: to help students develop foundational research skills and to provide Rotarians with an opportunity to engage directly with students in the classroom, informing them about the organization's mission.
Assistant District Governor Tim Creedon then shared a successful initiative from his home club in Bridgewater, NS. He highlighted their annual partnership with local clubs and the municipality to distribute dictionaries to all Grade 3 students across the South Shore. The project delivers approximately 400 dictionaries annually to students in 16 schools. Creedon stated the program's dual purpose: to help students develop foundational research skills and to provide Rotarians with an opportunity to engage directly with students in the classroom, informing them about the organization's mission.
Dartmouth Recognized for Highest Per Capita Giving
The meeting concluded on a high note when Governor Gervais presented the Rotary Club of Dartmouth with a prestigious award for achieving the highest per capita giving to The Rotary Foundation within the district. He commended the club for its outstanding philanthropic support, acknowledging both the club's annual organizational contribution and the cumulative individual member donations. District 7815 continues to encourage Rotarians to support The Rotary Foundation through regular contributions, regardless of size.
The meeting concluded on a high note when Governor Gervais presented the Rotary Club of Dartmouth with a prestigious award for achieving the highest per capita giving to The Rotary Foundation within the district. He commended the club for its outstanding philanthropic support, acknowledging both the club's annual organizational contribution and the cumulative individual member donations. District 7815 continues to encourage Rotarians to support The Rotary Foundation through regular contributions, regardless of size.