Rotary's theme for the month of August is "Membership". In her August 2018 letter, District Governor-Elect Beth Selby talks about the value of membership and what is means to her to be a Rotarian. She sees this value all over District 7070 as she and her spouse, Rotarian Barry Vail travel throughout the District, meeting new Rotarians and rekindling friendships with Rotarian friends. Here is her second newsletter to Rotarians in District 7070. .....
My fellow Rotarians,
Membership in Rotary International has many privileges. As a member of our international organization, we have access to over 35,000 plus clubs world-wide. Visiting clubs while traveling for business or pleasure is a great opportunity to meet fellow Rotarians around the world.
On our recent trip to France, we visited the Rotary Club of Nérac. We enjoyed an evening of socializing and fellowship as we shared our clubs' interests and learned more about each other's districts. On previous trips, we have attended Rotary meetings in Lake Elmo/MN, Saint Martin, Barbados, Paris/France, Maidenhead/UK, and Victoria/BC. All have been a tremendous learning experience about what Rotary means to us.
As I visited clubs in our district last year as District Governor Nominee and now this year as District Governor-Elect, my husband, Rotarian Dr. Barry Vail, and I are enjoying meeting new Rotarians at their Club meetings and re-kindling friendships with Rotarians in Clubs in which we have previously been members. Thank you to all Club members for your very warm welcome. It's great to get to know you.
As a member of the District Membership Committee, I am consistently reminded of the necessity to attract, engage, and retain members. Potential members are always asking themselves "What's in it for me, if I join Rotary? " Our responsibility as members is to demonstrate the value of membership in Rotary International and our local clubs with an emphasis on our Rotary motto, 'Service Above Self'.
At a recent online district membership meeting, we talked about the value of asking someone to a Rotary Club meeting and talking with them about Rotary. On the July 1st Canada Day weekend, the Rotary Club of Cobourg held its annual Arts & Crafts Festival as part of the Cobourg Waterfront Festival. One of the vendors impressed with our Club Rotarians approached my husband, Barry. They talked about the festival and Rotary. Barry invited this person to a meeting. Harry came and liked what he saw. He is definitely interested in Rotary and joining our Club. The power of the ask! For more tips on improving membership in your Club, read the article, 'Step Right Up! ', in this August's issue of the Rotarian.
Yours In Rotary,
Beth
Beth Selby, District Governor 2019-20