Committees

Our Club Committees: Where Service Begins

In Rotary, our committees are the engines that turn ideas into action. This is where the real work of planning our projects, socials, and community impact happens. Every member is encouraged to join a committee that matches their passion and skills. Find your place and see how we put "Service Above Self" into practice every day.

Membership Committee

Director: David Rhynes, President-Elect and J. Elaine Rhynes

Our Mission: To grow our Rotary family and ensure every member feels welcome and valued.

This committee is the front door to our club. They focus on sharing the story of Rotary with the Ada community and guiding prospective members on their journey to joining.

What We Do:

  • Create a welcoming atmosphere for all guests at our Friday meetings.
  • Host fun and informative New Member Orientations.
  • Guide prospective members through the application and induction process.
  • Develop strategies to attract new members who share our passion for service.

This committee is perfect for you if: You're a "people person," a natural connector, and you love making others feel welcome.

Club Service Committee

Director: Dr. Shirley Mixon

Our Mission: To manage the internal heartbeat of the club through engaging programs, fun, and fellowship.

This committee is responsible for making our club meetings and events the best part of our members' week. If it happens during our Friday meeting or at a social event, Club Service had a hand in it.

What We Do:

  • Plan our weekly meetings, including organizing Bell-Ringers, the Friday Song, and other traditions.
  • Schedule the fascinating guest speakers that keep us connected to the Ada community.
  • Organize our monthly social events, like recent outings for axe-throwing, bowling, and mahjong nights.
  • Foster a spirit of fun and friendship in everything we do.

This committee is perfect for you if: You love planning events, are full of creative ideas, and believe that service should be joyful.

Community Service Committee

Director: Christen Puckett-Smith

Our Mission: To identify community needs and lead hands-on projects that make a tangible impact in Ada and Pontotoc County.

This is where "boots on the ground" service happens. This committee plans and executes the local projects that our club is known for.

What We Do:

  • Organize our signature fundraisers and events, including the Fireball Classic and the Back to School Basics program.
  • Manage our ongoing local projects, such as the Dictionary Project, Little Libraries, and the Pecan Sale.
  • Lead rapid-response service projects when needs arise, like our recent tornado cleanup efforts.

This committee is perfect for you if: You are a planner, a doer, and you want to see the direct results of your hard work in the community.

Vocational Service Committee

Director: Jason Fontaine

Our Mission: To connect our professional lives to our Rotary purpose and celebrate the diverse talents within our club.

This committee highlights the "vocation" in Rotary, emphasizing professional development, networking, and the importance of high ethical standards in our careers.

What We Do:

  • Organize "Vocational Meetings" that give us a behind-the-scenes tour of local businesses, like our recent visit to the Ada Vet Clinic.
  • Schedule "Classification Speeches," where members share their unique personal and professional journeys with the club.
  • Explore ways to use our collective professional skills to mentor others or serve the community.

This committee is perfect for you if: You are proud of your profession, love to learn how things work, and enjoy networking.

International Service Committee

Director: Gbenga Adegbule

Our Mission: To connect our club to the global Rotary family and support international service efforts.

This committee broadens our horizons beyond Pontotoc County, focusing on Rotary's worldwide initiatives and fostering international understanding.

What We Do:

  • Champion Rotary International's global campaign to End Polio Now.
  • Educate the club about opportunities for international grants and global projects.
  • Support programs like the Rotary Youth Exchange to promote peace and cultural understanding.

This committee is perfect for you if: You have a global mindset, are interested in different cultures, or are passionate about Rotary's worldwide impact.

New Generations (Youth Service) Committee

Director: Christine Pappas

Our Mission: To invest in the next generation of leaders in our community.

This committee focuses on mentoring and empowering young people through Rotary's youth programs.

What We Do:

  • Serve as the primary liaison and support system for the ECU Rotaract Club.
  • Promote youth leadership opportunities like the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA).
  • Explore new ways to engage and mentor students in the Ada area.

This committee is perfect for you if: You are an educator, parent, or anyone passionate about helping young people succeed.