President John and the current board, have worked extremely hard during the year and have achieved a lot including a very successful Eltham Festival. The coronavirus unfortunately has deprived us of some opportunities since January to deliver what was planned.
Due to the virus nothing is normal. It will be different. I intend that the changeover takes place on the due date 3rd July 20/20. It will be implemented using Microsoft Teams and I insist that all the board members have a glass in front of them. [I expect the details will be taken care of by Sally, Dale, Allison, Gary, and anybody else that can make it happen] There is an unlimited budget.
In these difficult times I am very fortunate as incoming President to inherit such a knowledgeable experienced team including the new treasurer Lou Bolzonello and Gary Williams. All of you are dedicated to community and delivering on behalf of our club.
To upgrade my knowledge and understanding, my original plan was to have a one on one coffee with each board member commencing April. The purpose is to give the individual board members an opportunity to express your concerns, individual wish lists, and what you would like to achieve and how to implement it during 20/21. I intend to continue the plan but by phone or teams.
Due to the circumstances and after lengthy discussion with John and Sally we have decided to implement a coordinated plan for my Presidents year. We will work closely together as a President’s team, as all circumstances are unknown. We will make changes and be flexible with planning activities and communication with the board and all club members. My intention is to have every club member involved in some way. Board members need to communicate with general members to help them understand how we can still make the club enjoyable and succeed in our efforts.
Members need support, and that is happening with the phone calls, and thanks to Sally the expansion of video chats Facebook etc.
Here is an update on my Presidential learning commitments. Due to the cancellation of the District Assembly in Benalla on Sunday 5th April, new arrangements have been put in place.
DGE Bruce Anderson has organised a Zoom meeting on Sunday April 19th, then there will be further breakout Zoom sessions each week, coordinated by the Committee Chair.
Sessions will include inputs from District Insurance Officer, Youth Protection Officer, and working on District Budget for next year. There will be an online survey for PEs with Survey Monkey.
There will not be a live district change over this year. District directories will be distributed directly to Clubs as soon as practical.
I have been directed to coerce my board members to visit training modules on various roles: https://learn.rotary.org/members/learn/catalog/view/19 All board members are invited to join appropriate Zoom breakouts.
During these very difficult months, we can grow the belonging of our members as we nurture and encourage them. While in isolation it is our aim that we grow stronger as a Club as we look out for each other.
With your support and advice we will make The Rotary Club of Eltham work and be successful during the rest of Johns year and my year 20/21. The virus should subside in 2021 and enable Sally to drive our Club successfully forward into the future.
Frank Lynch
President Elect 2020-21