KeyWay

This Week's Program: Della the Doula

Friday, July 24, 2026

Friday, July 24 , the Rotary Club of Atlanta West End is pleased to welcome Della the Doula , founder of Della The Doula , as our program speaker. An Atlanta native, Della is a birth and postpartum doula, childbirth educator, and womb reiki practitioner who has been serving the maternal wellness community for the past five years. Through her practice, she is dedicated to reclaiming and preserving the legacy of Black birth work by providing holistic, culturally rooted care that honors birth as both a sacred and transformative experience.

Trained through nationally recognized programs and grounded in community-based care, Della is passionate about creating safe, affirming spaces where birthing people and families feel empowered, respected, and supported. Her work is rooted in advancing birth equity while ensuring every family is treated with dignity, autonomy, and compassion. We look forward to hearing Della share her insights on maternal wellness, holistic birth support, and the importance of equitable care for families in our community.

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KeyWay Report: Board of Directors and Club Assembly

Board of Directors Meeting

The AWER Board Meeting meeting was called to order by AWER President Christopher Hempfling at 11:32 a.m. on July 17, 2026.

Attending: Mr. Christopher Hempfling, President; Ms. Rose Caplan, Past Treasurer; Mr. Jared Evans; Ms. Bee Long (virtual), Director of Community Service; Dr. Victoria Seals (virtual), Immediate Past President; Neil Shorthouse, Secretary.

Absent: Mr. Leo Chancey, Membership Committee Chair; Mr. Rodney Fields, President Elect and Club Administration Committee Chair; Ms. Marilyn Jackson, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee Chair; Ms. Melanie Sewell, Treasurer; Mr. C J Stewart, Public Image Committee Chair.

Also attending: Eric John, AWER Historian, Robert Stephens (virtual), Brandon Teal

Topics of Discussion - Recommendations

1) Payment of dues – Rose reported that several members are behind significantly in their payment of the quarterly dues to AWER. It was agreed that all members who are at least two quarters behind in dues will be requested to become current in their payment of dues OR be terminated from the AWER membership. In order to encourage members to participate, President Chris will send a message to each such person, offering an opportunity to connect on why they haven’t been able to attend and if they desire, how to become current on their membership dues.

a. Pay to AWER the amount AWER remits semi-annually to Rotary International and District 6900 and waive/forgive any amount owed to AWER. The AWER organization must pay RI and District 6900 these per member costs, even if the member does not. These “must pay amounts” per member are: (i) RI semi-annual (every six months) dues @ $76.27; and (ii) Rotary District 6900 semi-annual dues of $30.

b. Members who bring their financial commitments current to AWER will be retained as Active Members. This who chose not to not to will be terminated from the club membership.

c. Members who chose not to continue their membership will be encouraged to honor their minimum past obligations as outlined in 1) above.

d. Any member who does not pay the minimum obligation to AWER as outlined in 1) can return to AWER as a member when all complete past financial obligations to AWER are satisfied.

2) Supporting new AWER members – it was agreed that each new member should be assigned a veteran member to support the new member in her/his new role as a member so the new member becomes fully aware of the opportunities, benefits and obligations of AWER Membership.

3) Active Members – There are 27 Active members. This number will reduce when those in arrears decide which members are terminated from the club.

4) Honorary Members – (a) The following Active Members have become Honorary Members: Richard Gerakitis (2x Past Club President); John Ingersoll (2x Past Club President); Elma McCutheon, Past Club President. The following persons were awarded and chose Honorary Membership in AWER: the Honorable Byron Amos, Atlanta City Council Member; the Honorable Michael Julian Bond, Atlanta City Council Member; Ms. Myrna Fuller, President, West End Merchants Association; The Honorable Patrick Labat, Fulton County Sheriff; The Honorable Philip Olaleye, Member, Georgia General Assembly.

5) Tasse Trivia Funds – Rose Reported that AWER donated $1000 to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Home in June 2026. This donation was made possible by AWER Members’ $1 donations to the weekly quiz led by Don Schewe, and by an annually budgeted amount of $500 to ensure the donation to Our Lady is a least $1000 per year.

6) Member videos – CJ will be arranging for each member to do a 15 to 30 second video explaining their ‘Why Rotary.” A short 30 second recording about why they became a part of Rotary. Separately, CJ  has personally engaged the services of Ms. Madison Kilpatrick as his assistant to support fulfillment of his AWER duties.

7) AWER Annual operating budget – as soon as membership and dues payments become fully affirmed, an annual budget for RY27 will be developed.

8) AWER Memorabilia – Rose presented a large wooden chest created in 1972 containing records and information of AWER. Eric John, as AWER historian, will explore and protect its contents.

9) Targeted recruitment – In partnership with CJ, the club will work towards a targeted recruitment strategy to promote and enhance AWER membership.

The meeting was then ended by President Chris.

It was 1:21 p.m.

AWER Member Survey: What We Heard

June 2026 Member Feedback Summary

Ten members responded to the June 2026 survey. The results show strong feelings of fellowship, belonging, and clear communication, while also identifying important opportunities to strengthen attendance, service engagement, membership value, and the club's long-term sustainability.

Survey Snapshot

*Positive combines "Strongly Agree" and "Agree." Negative combines "Disagree" and "Strongly Disagree."

What Members Value Most

• Fellowship and belonging remain a clear strength. Eighty percent of respondents feel welcomed, included, and connected.
• Communication received the strongest overall rating, with 90 percent agreeing that the club communicates clearly and consistently.
• Most respondents believe meetings are a good use of their time, with 80 percent rating meeting value positively.
• Several members expressed appreciation for the support they receive with volunteer projects and for the fellowship within the club.

Opportunities for Improvement

• Service engagement: Members want more local service projects, particularly opportunities that directly connect the club with the West End community.
• Attendance and participation: Some respondents expressed serious concern about low weekly attendance, limited active participation, and the effect on leadership capacity and club sustainability.
• Strategic focus: One member recommended centering service efforts on Booker T. Washington High School and the broader school cluster to deepen the club's community identity and impact.
• Social connection: Members would welcome additional social gatherings that build camaraderie outside regular Friday meetings.
• Membership retention: One respondent indicated an interest in ending membership, reinforcing the importance of proactive member outreach and engagement.

Agenda, Connections, & Four-Way Test

Meeting Agenda

1. Call to Order
2. Invocation & Pledge
3. Introduction of Guests
4. Tasse Trivia
5. DEI Moment
6. Announcements
7. Program/Speaker
8. The Four-Way Test
9. Adjournment

Sign up to be a program chair in the new Rotary Year here today!

A Little Dues, A Lot of Good

Supporting District 6900 starts with staying current on your district dues. Keeping your dues up to date ensures we can continue providing leadership development, youth programs, district events, club support, and the many resources that help our clubs thrive.