One of the great success stories of Rotary International has to be what Kelly Kyle and her team at the Redmond Rousers Rotary have done in the local area. It reminds me of the old childhood story of the “Little Engine that Could” and how it just kept trying and trying and trying and finally succeeded. This could also be said for the little unknown Rotary group in Redmond, WA known as The Redmond Rousers. At least they were unknown until this past year…then they took the stage and limelight because of their phenomenal comeback…
When I first met Kelly, I knew she was the one, if anyone, to breathe life back into a fledgling Rotary chapter. They were on their last leg and down to only 4 members. Rotary requires about 10 active members to keep a chapter open. This had once been a thriving chapter, but due to a variety of factors, had lost the majority of its members. And with a growing community like Redmond, the heart of Microsoft country, there was no reason there shouldn’t be another chapter of Rotary in the area. Kelly agreed and took, no, more like grabbed and wrestled the bull by the horns down to the ground to pull this off.
You can read their remarkable story of comeback and literally feel her emotions as she “transparently” tells her story and the the story of the the little engine that could, the Redmond Rousers. Her blog post, “Kelly’s story of our Redmond Rousers Rotary Club Comeback,” tells it all and should motivate any n0n-profit or for profit organization to never give up and stay the course. And to cap off Kelly’s story of the comeback, she was named “Rotarian of the Year for a small Rotary” – what a great recognition for her and the club!
Why am I sharing this wonderful story with you? Two reasons. First, it is an incredible story of how someone who has the passion, drive, vision, and guts can make something happen in an economy and world fraught with negativity. It is a story of success and there aren’t as many as there used to be so it is worth sharing. Second, Social Media and Word-of-Mouth were the drivers and catalysts that allowed Kelly to do what she does best – get people involved. The combination of the two is what made this a true success story. My hope is you read it and take away from it how PASSION, combined with the power of SOCIAL MEDIA, creates significant, and positive, WORD-OF-MOUTH that can help just about anyone accomplish just about anything. I would love to hear your thoughts and comments and also encourage you to share them with Kelly on their blog site as well. It’s inspiring…way to go Kelly and Redmond Rousers!!
WOW…This is some article… Thank You Blaine, for spreading the word and sharing this story. I must say I was totally inspired to do this, and I’m so glad we had such wonderful results. I knew we would from the start because I could feel your passion about Social Media. I felt I was being trained to do it the right way….by the right guy. Thanks for all you have inspired in me! I will be eternally grateful. Your humble student… Kelly Kyle
Way to go, Kelly! You da MAN (err) let’s make that WOMAN!! David
Kelly-
You and the Redmond Rousers Rotary are most welcome – you definitely deserve the recognition and support from the community for the efforts you have made and what you have contributed to everyone in Redmond and beyond. I am definitely an “Advocate” of yours and Redmond Rousers!!
Blaine