Visioning Goals
As we look to the next three years, we are focused on building a stronger, more connected Rotary club that continues to make a meaningful difference. The seven visioning goals reflect the ideas, priorities, and aspirations that emerged from our May visioning session and the work that followed to bring those ideas together.
Membership Engagement, Belonging & Diversity
By December 2029, our Rotary Club will have cultivated an engaging and inclusive experience that fosters belonging, strengthens member retention, and builds a membership that increasingly reflects the diversity of our community.
The club will have maintained an annual membership retention rate of at least 92% and increased the number of members under age 40 and members from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. Membership growth will be a natural outcome of creating a club where members feel engaged, valued, and connected. These outcomes will be supported through a welcoming culture that embraces people of all backgrounds and identities, intentional outreach, and a structured new-member mentoring program.
Service, Fellowship & Fun
By December 2029, our Rotary Club will have fostered a culture of service, fellowship, and fun by offering at least 30 engagement opportunities annually.
These will include service projects and social activities that are intentionally inclusive and accessible to members of all ages, life stages, interests, and abilities. At least half will be family- friendly, encouraging participation by spouses, partners, and children, and selected fellowship activities will be expanded to include members from neighboring Rotary clubs. The club will also encourage the development and renewal of interest-based fellowship groups,
providing additional opportunities for members to connect around shared passions.
Committee Effectiveness & Member Participation
By December 2027, our Rotary Club will have completed a comprehensive review and renewal of its standing committees, refining the committee structure as needed to align with the club’s strategic priorities.
Each committee will have a clear mission, defined responsibilities, measurable annual goals, and meaningful opportunities for member participation. The renewed structure will strengthen communication with the Board and club, improve coordination and understanding across committees, and better integrate club-wide priorities into committee planning and activities. The process will begin with a member survey completed by March 31, 2027, followed by recommendations from the newly formed Committees Committee and implementation of a revised committee structure.
International Engagement
Our Rotary Club will have continued its longstanding commitment to the Rotary Youth Exchange program and supported a strong International Services Committee providing leadership, coordination, and oversight of the club's international initiatives.
By December 2029, the club will have:
● Completed at least 1 Friendship Exchange with a partner club in another country.
● Leveraged the unique opportunity presented by the Rotary International convention in Minneapolis (2028), achieving at least 50 member participations, including at least 10 member volunteer experiences and, where practical, hosting or facilitating opportunities for international Rotarians to visit La Crosse.
● Had at least 2 club members visit an international service project the club supported within the previous five years.
● Identified, planned, funded, and implemented at least 1 new international service project in partnership with an international Rotary club or community.
Public Image & Community Awareness
By December 2029, our Rotary Club will have strengthened its position as a leading, recognizable, and trusted service organization in the La Crosse community and a club of excellence in District 6250.
Through consistent branding and effective storytelling, the club will have increased awareness of who we are, what we do, and why it matters, highlighting Rotary’s impact in the community and around the world, as well as the friendships, purpose, and sense of belonging that make membership meaningful. Public Image will be integrated into the planning and promotion of club activities from the beginning, with the Public Image Committee working with club committees to promote their activities and share their impact. #PublicImageIsEverything will become part of the club culture, with committee chairs and members equipped to confidently serve as Rotary ambassadors,
promote club activities, and invite others to learn about and experience Rotary.
Financial Health & Long-term Sustainability
By December 2029, our Rotary Club will have maintained a fully funded annual operating budget supported by a diversified fundraising portfolio and established a long-term financial sustainability strategy.
The club will have:
● Completed a formal evaluation of the annual fruit box fundraiser by March 31, 2027,
including net revenue, volunteer hours required, member satisfaction, and community reach, and made a documented decision to revamp, replace, or supplement it with at least one new revenue stream.
● Achieved annual fundraising revenue of $75,000.
● Increased its operating reserve each year and established a clear path toward the long-term goal of maintaining 12 months of operating expenses.
● Selected and begun implementing at least one long-term financial sustainability initiative, such as an endowment, legacy giving program, or investment reserve, supported by an implementation plan and measurable funding targets.
Signature Community Project
By December 2029, our Rotary Club will have identified, planned, funded, and completed a signature community project that reflects the club’s enthusiasm for undertaking a large-scale initiative, creates opportunities for broad member engagement, and strengthens Rotary’s visibility in the community. The project will address a significant need, align with one or more of Rotary International’s Areas of Focus, and provide substantial, enduring benefit through an ongoing program, tangible community asset, or other initiative. Funding and support for the project may come from member contributions, grants, community partnerships, and collaboration with other Rotary clubs.