Who is
Kelly?
Kelly C. Atkinson has been a chartered member of the West Jordan Rotary Club since 1986. He served in the Utah State Legislature for a decade and was the first member of his party elected from his Legislative District since the Great Depression.
KELLY'S BIO
Kelly is a passionate Rotarian who enjoys the many friendships and acquaintances that come from membership in the most important non-denominational, non-governmental organization on the face of the planet,Rotary!
Past Rotary International President Ray Klinginsmith has encouraged Rotary's Past District Governors to stay active and involved. Kelly does this by providing Rotarians with his insights and experiences learned throughout his Rotary journey.
NOTE: In 2012, to promote better communications among the PDGs, President Klinginsmith, created a PDG Fellowship in Rotary. To learn more about the fellowship, go to the website: ww.PDGsFellowship.org .
Experience
his "R"
journey
Kelly's Rotary journey started in 1987 when a hospital administrator, Bob Ladenberger, asked the newly elected State House Congressman to join Rotary. He joined and is a chartered member of the
West Jordan Utah Rotary Club.
He has served in many different Rotary capacities including Club President (twice), District Youth Exchange Chair, District Foundation Chair, District Membership Chair (twice), District Governor, Zone Assistant Regional Rotary Foundation Coordinator, and Rotary Coordinator.
LEADERSHIP STARTS AT THE CLUB LEVEL
"Everything of importance in Rotary starts with a Rotarian and his or her Rotary Club."
Kelly C. Atkinson, PDG
his "P"
journey
Kelly's professional journey started when he was just 19 years of age. The first college graduate in his family, Kelly worked his way through the University of Utah as a janitor for the Granite School District. It didn't take long for his fellow workers to see that Kelly stepped to the beat of a different drummer. He was elected to head the 500 member Granite Classified Employees Association. He sat across the negotiation table from T.H. Bell, School Superintendent, and negotiated the first wage settlement for classified employees equivalent to certified personnel in the history of the district.
In 1975, Kelly was hired as a field organizer by the Utah School Employees Association (U.S.E.A.). He quickly became the organization's top recruiter. Kelly parlayed membership in the statewide organization for support personnel from 2000 to 6000 individuals. Later, he served as the Executive Director of U.S.E.A. and grew the organization into the second-largest public employees association in the state to a membership of 7,200 members. In 1997, he was elected to lead the 325,000 member American Association of Classified School Employees.
Kelly retired from U.S.E.A in 1997.
After retiring from U.S.E.A., Kelly manages a successful consulting practice in Utah. He specializes in membership organizations and has assisted his clientele in engaging and attracting their members.
why
Rotary?
Kelly believes that Rotary
is the most important non-denominational, non-governmental organization on the face of the planet. While there are many ways today that people may render exceptional service, only Rotary has a plan for world peace. Has there ever been a time in the history of the world that peace is needed more than now? Rotary, the world's first service organization, offers a pathway toward more stability, prosperity, and hope on a planet in turmoil.
For forty-nine years, Kelly has successfully led membership organizations. His belief that attracting and engaging members is a function of planning and organization has resulted in astronomical growth and prosperity in the organizations he has led.
MEMBERSHIP
Every club needs a SMART goal and an accompanying plan. After a club has accomplished this objective, the club needs only to be held accountable by leadership for implementing the plan.
Excuses are like heads; everyone has one, some better than others. However, attracting and growing membership is more procedural than circumstance. To blame young people for our current plight of decline is, in Kelly's judgment an excuse. Once we provide a clear vision and reason of "Why Rotary"
over other worthy service organizations, clubs and districts will grow.
Through developing and fostering goals and plans, Rotary membership can grow and prosper. Kelly's proven methods
of attracting and engaging members have resulted in record
membership growth not only in his club but in his district during the years he was responsible for engaging and attracting Rotarians.
Couple Kelly's successes in membership attraction and growth in the Rotary world with his career as an organizer and the record is clear - Kelly knows how to engage and attract members.
Speaking
Kelly is a sought-after speaker at Rotary functions. He has spoken at break-out sessions at International Conferences, Zone Institutes, symposiums, P.E.T.S and club meetings (see the YouTube video below for a sample).
He talks frequently on the subject matter of '"Why Rotary?", the "Power of One," and "Every Thing I Need to Know I Learned from Rotary Exchange Students." A master storyteller, Kelly's chats will bring laughter, tears, and inspiration to any Rotary function.
Kelly does not charge for speaking at Rotary events. However, he does appreciate assistance with travel expenses.
NOTE:
This address was given at the Denton all-clubs event outside of Dallas, Texas in 2018.
Make An Impact -Inspirational Short Video
by Ben Lionel Scott
Why Rotary - August 23, 2017 Speech by Kelly Atkinson
In his speaking repertoire, Kelly has five uplifting topics that he addresses with his audiences:
1. Why Rotary: A 40-minute address filled with humor and motivational stories, focusing on why someone would choose to join Rotary, a membership organization, rather than volunteering in an organization that does not require dues. This talk will ignite passion and commitment in anyone considering joining Rotary.
2. The Four-Way Test: A 30-minute address that will have your members laughing and crying as Kelly explains the profound meaning behind the four-way test. While it is recited frequently at Rotary meetings, many people simply do not grasp what Herbert J. Taylor was advocating. This talk will provide a deeper understanding and appreciation of the test's significance.
3. The Power of One: A 40-minute address focusing on the profound impact one dedicated person can have on the lives of others, especially when they have a worthy ideal or purpose. Kelly's journey will tug at your heart and rekindle your spirit towards reaching out and doing more good in the world.
4. The World of Youth Exchange: A 40-minute address sharing the experiences Kelly has had hosting 31 exchange students in his home over the last 38 years. Kelly’s moving and uplifting experiences are sure to inspire and uplift any audience, showcasing the life-changing impact of youth exchange programs.
The right questions are key in maximizing your Rotary journey. You can learn by on-the-job training, failing, and learning from those failures, or you can benefit from the experiences of others who have walked the path. Kelly is dedicated to assisting those open to the possibilities of heightening successes while minimizing failures.
GREAT IDEAS & PRODUCTIVITY TOOLS
As a student of organizational structure and planning, Kelly believes that if you can't measure it you can't evaluate it. If you can't evaluate it, you can't change it.
PUSH YOUR LIMITS
Kelly enjoys working with DGNs, DGEs, DGs, and just regular Rotarians like himself to make their Rotary experience more enjoyable and productivity. Below you may locate productivity tools that can be used by those in leadership to enhance the Rotary experience and grow Rotary.
Rotarians: If you have a program to address challenges faced by our beloved organization and would like to send the program for posting on this site, please feel free to do so.
256
addresses
172
facilitations
Kelly has spoken to rave reviews at both High Country PETS & Lone Star PETS.
61
conferences
“I have known and worked with Kelly for over ten years. He is a fantastic speaker and motivator. This master storyteller will move your Rotary group to action with his energy and tremendous desire to make a difference.”
Greg Podd, RIPVP
Rotarian | District 5450 Rotary International Past Vice President
Testimonials
Jennifer Deroin, P.D.G
Rotarian | District 5400 Rotary Coordinator Zone 27
I have had the pleasure of experiencing Kelly as a trainer and as a motivational speaker at my Rotary events. He has a compelling Rotary story to tell and has great energy that he imparts to his listeners. He is a gifted speaker who will use laughter and tears to inspire you to greater heights.
Gary King, P. D.G.
Rotarian | District 5520 Former Attorney General, New Mexico
We needed a jump start in our clubs and districts. Focused, energetic, and engaging, Kelly's wit and wisdom inspired us to renew our Rotary service with enthusiasm and purpose.
Charles Starnes, P.D.G.
Rotarian| District 5730
George Small, P.D.G.
Rotarian | District 5470
Kelly has been an inspirational part of my Rotary career of 44 years. He was a co-trainer during my DGE year. Further, as a Zone Coordinator, we had the opportunity to share our Rotary experiences and knowledge. Without question, Kelly was at the top of my list to be the opening speaker at my district conference. Kelly uses humor to help his audience envision the world as Rotary sees it. In addition, his passion will bring one to tears.
Carol Holmes, P.D.G.
Rotarian | District 5840
When planning my District Conference, my first thought was speakers. My next thought was Kelly Atkinson. I called Kelly, I had heard him before with his humor, knowledge, and passion for Rotary. He agreed, only cost was travel expenses. He was the “hit” of the conference—and he is one of us! Why pay $10,000 for an unknown speaker when you have Kelly. You will not be disappointed.
Contact
Contact Us
Kelly enjoys speaking or facilitating at various Rotary events to pay-it-forward. He does NOT charge a fee to speak, but appreciates assistance with traveling expenses.