When I look at the picture above, I realise that all of these characteristics can be developed in the service of Rotary. Rotary is as much about making a difference to yourself, as it is about making a difference to others. Just being the President this year has tickled all the steps, but I am still standing on HOPE with a hand on PERSEVERANCE. SELF-CONTROL has had a workout lately, but GRATITUDE to my team and fellow Rotarians has made the difference. While you are reading this, you might find you know people who might benefit from joining Rotary and adding a new intangible asset to their life too.
I believe that our Rotary Club has come a long way this year, despite COVID and all that has been put in our way. We have great ideas, social connectivity, and projects that bring meaning and purpose into the Club. Meaning and purpose are the two things that motivate (most?) us to get out of bed in the morning, and if you can share that meaning and purpose with others, that is a bonus! The one thing we have not done is grow and grow substantially we must!
The active members of the Club make the Club what it is today: happy, vibrant and productive. We still need to replace ourselves and add some refreshing vigour into our membership, to ensure the work we have put in will be built upon. To grow, we need to ask people, who we know will enhance our Club and build our ability to make a difference in the world, to join our Club. It might even mean telling our friends and families about what we do at Rotary. I have been quite surprised by what people already know about Rotary and how willing they are to talk about it to learn more. I do know the efforts that Public Image Chair, Sam McCurdy with his contacts in the local media, are not going unnoticed! Brand recognition is also a very important part of bringing Rotary into focus as a good volunteer organisation to belong to.
I would certainly like to think that all Club members will invite someone to visit our Club in the coming few months. You should be prepared and know all the good things about what our Club stands for, its direction, its projects, its culture and its social benefits. It is only your positive and knowledgeable recommendation of our Club that will bring new people into Rotary. We are past being just sausage turners! We have a lot of projects that need doing, but not enough people to do them.
Just for your information: Word of mouth (WOM) is the most meaningful form of marketing and has been that way for centuries. If you believe that Rotary is a great organisation and the Rotary Club of Berwick is the best Club, your personal recommendation matters to people who want to join an organisation that can effectively serve the community. If you also believe the Rotary Club of Berwick is fun and welcomes new members, your recommendation also satisfies the social aspects of joining a great club.
Believe in our Club and invite someone to Rotary soon!
