It has been another busy month in the District with ongoing Club visitations and joining Clubs at various projects and celebrations. Over the coming weeks I will complete my official Clubs visits. These visits have been a highlight of my year- enjoying the fellowship and hospitality of our members and learning of the great contributions that Clubs have made to their communities over many years.
I often speak of our need to change and adapt to the expectations and relevance of Rotary in our communities during my Club visits. Over the past month, it is with excitement that I have observed many Clubs growing their membership with several Clubs inducting up to three new members. My advice is to:
- Dare to make changes.
- Be present in your community.
- Promote what your Club has and how it contributes to your community.
- Tell your story.
- Do more fun social activities.
- Include interesting speakers at your meetings.
- Use technology to enhance the experiences.
- Adopt changes that makes your Club welcoming.
- Reach out to other like minded organisations in your community.
Ongoing fundraising events by Clubs for the QLD floods, NSW floods and the Ukraine humanitarian crisis are being conducted throughout the District.
Special call out to our Alfredton Club for their project collecting goods that will support pets and their owners who were and continue to be affected by the floods. This project is being led by DGE Kathy Rivett. Well done Kathy and to all those people who have contributed to the appeal including the volunteers for the transport coordination. I also thank those Clubs that have made contributions and have become collection centres in their local areas. Remember that the RAWCS appeal provides tax deductibility for those seeking this benefit.
For President Elects and other Club Executives I encourage you all to attend the upcoming District Assembly training being conducted online from 10th of May. You will have all received your invitations. This training is essential to your knowledge and development in understating your roles in the coming Rotary year. District trainers have contributed a lot of their time and energy in bringing the program together so please give your time in attending.
I look forward to hearing of your successes over the coming month.
Yours in Rotary,
John