Submitted by: District 5580 Governor-Elect Bob McLean
Following is an important message from District Governor 2020-21 Bob McLean.
Fellow Rotarians,
At the Tuesday, June 9 Club President Call with incoming club Presidents and Assistant Governors, one segment included a brief discussion of steps clubs have taken or are in the process of taking in order to restart in-person meetings.
To date, I haven’t found a published guideline from Rotary on how clubs might prepare for re-opening. Fortunately, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Ontario do have extensive guidelines on the current status of COVID-19 and each state/province is helping its citizens plan for re-opening. There are numerous factors that each state/province are considering but they all point to providing a healthy safe future for all concerned.
Below are links to help clubs as they make plans to re-open. The links relate to the current stage and guidance for Minnesota (first two), North Dakota, and Ontario. The last link provides a useful interactive summary of current COVID-19 activity (US only) along with a summary of current guidance from each state government.
- Rules and guidance for specific Rotary activities previously released by Rotary International
- https://mn.gov/covid19/for-minnesotans/stay-safe-mn/stay-safe-plan.jsp
- https://www.dli.mn.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/COVID_19_business_plan_template.pdf
- https://ndresponse.gov/covid-19-resources/covid-19-business-and-employer-resources/nd-smart-restart/nd-smart-restart-protocols
- https://www.ontario.ca/page/reopening-ontario
- https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/us/states-reopen-map-coronavirus.html
Without a doubt, we all want to “get back to normal” ... and this IS A NEW NORMAL. Across the entire world of Rotary, clubs are strongly encouraged to make Zoom-like platforms a part of your normal in-person meetings. This is an excellent way to support all members that can’t be there in person; especially those who have extenuating health issues. The same can be said of Rotarians who travel or who are “snowbirds”. Zoom has increased their capacity to participate every week in meetings and events.
As examples, last night we heard AG Kris Fehr share the steps her Dickinson club has taken as they have moved from Zoom only to a hybrid approach of Zoom and In-Person. I have attended a couple of these hybrid Dickinson meetings (participating via Zoom) and they have managed the transition well, learning much in the process.
The International Falls club has found Zoom to be a great vehicle for bringing in outstanding speakers from around the world! AG/Club President Ashley Hall has Past Rotary International President Barry Rassin speaking live via Zoom to the International Falls club this July 1. I definitely plan to attend that meeting!
Travel and time are no longer barriers. The opportunities are endless!
As your club makes its own plans to transition towards a new-normal in meetings, please do share with us the steps and criteria you are using to determine the best approach for your members. We want to share this information with clubs across the district as they prepare their own “re-opening”. Please also remember to work closely with the venue hosting your in-person meetings, while respecting any health and safety guidelines they are responsible for implementing.
Do Good, Have Fun, Make it Worthwhile for Everyone!
Bob McLean
District 5580 Governor 2020-2021