STRATEGIC PLAN 2025-2028

On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Grosse Pointe Sunrise Rotary Club (The Club), we are excited to present to you this new strategic plan for our club.

The Club embarked on this process in October 2025 with the facilitation of Chris Porman so that both the board and club members could work together for a new common vision and embrace, together, new strategic goals and outcomes. Changes in our community and Rotary overall, necessitated but also demanded the need for a new direction. The world has changed dramatically over the last few years and the same can be said for The Club itself. It was time to take stock, reflect on the past but prepare for a bold, exciting new future.

Within these pages we hope you see your voice reflected. We hope you feel that this is “your” strategic plan. We also hope you are as excited about our future as we are.

Together, we will reach our potential. Together we will honor and further the mission of our Club and Rotary International. Together we will build on the success of those before us while creating a Club that we will all be proud of.

Mark J.  Heppner President	&	Dennis Hyduk Club Administrator

INTRODUCTION

As we look ahead to the next chapter in the Grosse Pointe Sunrise Rotary Club’s history, we are proud to present our 2025–2028 Strategic Plan—a roadmap that will guide our service, strengthen our membership, and deepen our impact both locally and globally. Building on more than three decades of “Service Above Self,” this plan reflects our club’s shared vision for the future: to be a dynamic, inclusive, and action-driven Rotary club that continues to make a measurable difference in the lives of others.

This 2025–2028 plan was developed through thoughtful discussion, input from members, and reflection on the changing needs of our community. It reaffirms our commitment to Rotary’s core values - fellowship, integrity, diversity, service, and leadership - while setting bold goals for growth and innovation. This plan challenges us to think strategically about how we can attract new members, enhance the experience of current members, and expand the reach of our service projects through collaboration and partnerships.

Our priorities over the next three years focus on community impact, member engagement, youth and education, and global outreach. Each priority area includes specific objectives and measurable outcomes designed to ensure that our club remains vibrant, relevant, and sustainable. Through these efforts, we aim not only to serve but also to inspire others to join us in creating positive, lasting change in our community and beyond.

This strategic plan represents more than a document—it is a living commitment to the people and communities we serve. By embracing innovation, fostering fellowship, and leading with purpose, the Grosse Pointe Sunrise Rotary Club will continue to build on its proud legacy and shape a stronger, more compassionate future for all.

PLANNING FOR THE NEXT THREE YEARS

The Grosse Pointe Sunrise Rotary Club has embarked on a comprehensive three- year strategic planning process designed to strengthen its impact, grow membership, and enhance community engagement. This initiative focuses on aligning the club’s goals with Rotary International’s core values while addressing the unique needs of the Grosse Pointe communities. Through a series of members surveys and a visioning session, the club identified priority areas such as youth involvement, local service projects, and global partnerships. The planning process also emphasized innovation—leveraging new technologies and communication strategies to attract younger members and ensure the club’s continued vitality and relevance. Over the next three years, the strategic plan will serve as a roadmap for sustainable growth and meaningful service. The Grosse Pointe Sunrise Rotary Club intends to set measurable objectives in areas like membership retention, fundraising, and community collaboration, ensuring accountability and progress tracking along the way. By fostering stronger partnerships with local schools, nonprofits, and businesses, the club will amplify its positive impact on the region. Ultimately, this forward- thinking plan reflects the club’s commitment to “Service Above Self” and its vision is to build a stronger, more connected community for future generations.

OUR IMPACT, STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS, & GOALS

OUR IMPACT

We inspire our members to invest time, talent, and money in their own communities and the global initiatives supported by Rotary International.

STRATEGIC DIRECTION AND GOALS

INCREASE OUR IMPACT
Continue and Increase Support for Scholarships
Establish Focused Meetings with Community Groups &
Establish & Execute an Annual Holiday Donation
Continue and Increase Support for
Establish Peace Garden Program at Ford
 
EXPAND OUR REACH
Establish a Stronger Presence Using Local and Social
Be More Action-
Offer Mentoring/Internship
Ensure a Culture of Fun, Playfulness, Friendships, and
 
INCREASE PARTICIPATION & ENGAGEMENT
Establish Member Presentations Program to Learn More About
Establish a Mentorship Development Program for New
Initiate Quarterly Social Activities for Club Members and/or Significant Others/Friends.
Establish New Done-In-A-Day Project
 
ADAPT & SUCCEED
Ensure More Annual Social Activities That Meet the Need of All Club
Diversify Club Activities, Planning, and Membership to Develop a Culture of
Identify and Support Changing Community

IMPLEMENTATION PLAN

INCREASE OUR IMPACT

Continue and Increase Support for Scholarships. •        Increase corporate support. 1Q2026-4Q2028 •        Increase named scholarships. 1Q2026-4Q2028   Lead: Scholarship Committee	2024 Scholarship Award Recipients
Establish Focused Meetings with Community Groups & Charities. •        Identify potential groups and charities. 2Q2026 •        Schedule meetings. 3Q2026-4Q2028 Lead: Community Service Committee	Showering Requirements For Peace Lutheran Church
Establish & Execute an Annual Holiday Donation Program. •        Establish what other rotary clubs (or nonprofits) are doing and consider partnering. 2Q2026 •        Develop list of potential program options and present to membership for vote (e.g. bell ringing). 2Q2026 Lead: Community Service Committee	Bell Ringing at Kroger in Grosse Pointe Woods 2025
Continue and Increase Support for Crossroads. •        Educate membership about Crossroads. 3Q2026 •        Develop options for continued and increased support and present to the      membership. 4Q2026 Lead: Community Service
Establish Peace Garden at Ford House. •        Meet with Ford House leadership to discuss feasibility. 1Q2026 •        Identify other options, if necessary. 2Q2026 •        Develop and implement installation and maintenance plan. 2Q2026 Lead: Community Service Committee	A Rotary Memorial Peace Garden Grosse Pointe Shores Park July 2021

EXPAND OUR REACH

Establish a Stronger Presence Using Local and Social Media. •        Develop action plan, including financial impact, and present to        Board of Directors for approval. 2Q2026 Lead: Communications & Engagement Committee Be More Action-Oriented. •        Hold Committees, thereby the membership, accountable by conducting quarterly        review of Implementation Plan of the Strategic Plan. 1Q2026-4Q2028 Consider Committee reports as part of standing agenda for regular        membership meetings. 2Q2026 Lead: Executive Committee Offer Mentoring/Internship Opportunities. •        Identify and define what we mean. 2Q2026 •        Strengthen club’s support and involvement with Interact Club. 2Q2026-4Q2028 Lead: Scholarship Committee/Communications & Engagement Committee   Ensure a Culture of Fun, Playfulness, Friendships, and Camaraderie. •        Keep pulse of the club. 1Q2026-4Q2028 •        Conduct member surveys twice annually. 1Q2026-4Q2028 Lead: Executive Committee & Events Committee

Rotary Kool-Aid For Outgoing President Sr. Jackie Wetherholt, August 2021

INCREASE PARTICIPATION & ENGAGEMENT

Establish a Members' Vocation Series to Learn More About Members. 1Q 2026
Lead: Membership Committee

Establish a New Member Orientation Program. 1Q 2026
Lead: Membership Committee
 
Establish Procedures and Accountability for DACdb Completion. 1Q 2026
Lead: Membership Committee
 
Establish a Mentorship Development Program for New Members. 2Q2026
Lead: Membership Committee

Initiate Quarterly Social Activities for Club Members and/or Significant Others/Friends
 Work with current President to determine calendar of events.  1Q2026, 1Q2027, 1Q2028
Consider existing partners and review what they are doing and opportunities to leverage their events and activities. 1Q2026, 1Q2027, 1Q2028
Lead: Events Committee
 
Establish New Done-In-A-Day Project Program
 Develop program parameters, criteria, and processes including budgets and timelines. 2Q2026
Lead: Community Service Committee

ADAPT AND SUCCEED

Ensure More Annual Social Activities that Meet the Needs of All Club Members

Plan and schedule quarterly social activities. 1Q2026, 1Q2027, 1Q2028

Develop proposed additional activities considering the diversity of the club members. 1Q2026, 1Q2027, 1Q2028

Lead: Events Committee

Diversify Club Activities, Planning, and Membership to Develop a Culture of Belonging.
Identify what a “culture of belonging” looks like. 2Q2026
Develop action items and timelines to achieve. 2Q2026
Lead: Executive Committee & All Committees

Identify and Support Changing Community Needs
Identify community needs.2Q2026
Develop action plan to address identified needs. 3Q2026
Lead: Community Service Committee
 
Increase Fiscal Sustainability and Impact
Establish an endowment program. 4Q2026
Establish a planned giving program. 4Q2026
Review current membership dues structure and other overall earned revenue opportunities. 3Q2026
Lead: Foundation Committee

Ford House Visitor Center At Night.  The location of our weekly meetings

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Many people shared their knowledge, experiences, and opinions in the creation of the Grosse Pointe Sunrise Rotary strategic plan. Special thanks to Chris Porman who facilitated the strategic planning and visioning session.

Additionally, the board of directors for your leadership and the membership for your engagement and support.