Larry Horton, volunteer coordinator for the Tempe Police Department, is trying to rev up local Rotary Clubs through a pilot satellite project called Camelback Crossroads, a new type of Rotary involving young professionals committed to serving the community.
Horton is a member of the Tempe Rio Salado Rotary Club and initially started the Camelback Crossroads venture with Michael Sherron, current president of the new pilot club.
“It’s pretty exciting what the potential is,” Horton said, addressing members of the Kyrene Corridor Rotary Club during their Oct. 31 meeting. “This is a satellite project for the next generation’s club.”
Horton said three Rotary Clubs were chosen to run the pilot program inArizona: The Tempe Rio Salado, Winslow and Tempe Rotary.
“I met with Michael Sherron at the district conference, which was great,” Horton said. “He said you’ve got this great opportunity, let’s aim Rotary at folks with kids at home who have a job during the day that can’t necessarily make it to a lunch meeting.”
Horton added that Sherron came up with name Camelback Crossroads, and they worked together to recruit members from already existing clubs.
“We’re not necessarily going for the younger people, but for those who can go to a meeting after work,” Horton said. “It’s turning out to be younger people, and that seems to be the emphasis, but we’re open to anyone who wants to come to our club meetings.”
So far, Camelback Crossroads has held several meetings atTempe’s Robbie Foxes restaurant, in addition to undertaking service projects.
“This is an opportunity for service,” Horton said. “Our goal for membership is to have 15 members (in Camelback Crossroads) by 2012.”
Horton added that those 15 members will be tacked on to the Tempe Rio Salado Rotary Club, but it will be under the Camelback Crossroads umbrella.
Camelback Crossroads meets the first and third Thursday of each month, at 6:30 p.m. at Robbie Fox’s.
Information: http://www.camelbackrotary.org/
