(as edited by President Doug)
The conversation started with DG Gailmarie Anderson thanking RIP Holger for the following quote “Together we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change across the globe, in our communities and in ourselves”. Holger indicated that this was not his quote, but Rotary’s Vision Statement. (It came out in the 2018-2019 Rotary year when I mentioned to then RI President Barry Rassin that based on the words “across the world” one would conclude that whoever came up with that Vision Statement had to have been a member of the Flat Earth Society!)
Holger went on to observe how, in his travels, as RI President, he was surprised to see that Rotary is very different from one country to the next. The emphasis on the various parts of the Vision Statement, the “4-Way Test” and the “Core Values” is different in different countries and different Rotary regions. For example, in North America the core values start with “Service” but in his country (Germany) it starts with “Friendship” (He likely meant “Fellowship”.) President Knaack made a comment on the first question of the 4-Way Test (“Is it the truth”) and what is happening in our neighbouring country. He indicated that the question is not meant to be directed at someone else, but rather towards oneself. So what that really is asking then is “Am I honest?” Honesty includes everyone and is the most important question for Rotarians.
Then President Knaack turned his focus on to growing Rotary. He tells Rotarians to look for people who are “the best fit to your Rotary Club”. Diversity and inclusion are also important to consider. He mentioned that our current club models do not fit well with young professionals. New and different clubs are the answer, but existing clubs don’t like that. It’s important to pursue the new and different club styles because they will produce another image of Rotary and attract a younger, active club member instead of a club just having lunch and talking. That will ensure that Rotary will be relevant in the future.
Following this, RI President Knaack invited questions.
Melfort Rotary Club President Mona talked about her club having a strategy meeting at the end of July that focused on the younger members of the club. The younger members indicated that by meeting at lunch on a Tuesday, there was a “lack of socialization” (i.e. no time for fellowship). Subsequently, the club has changed from Tuesday noon to a Thursday evening for a business social taking place at the Legion, where members can move to a lounge after the meeting and where social distancing can take place. Younger members and some older members are enjoying the changes.
DGN Jean Marque Nadeau asked what Rotaract clubs (of which there are 3 in D5550) will look like in the future. The first answer was that “this is still under construction” Since Rotaract was made a part of Rotary at the last Council of Legislation, the details are a work in progress at the committee level, at the board level, etc. for the next 2 to 3 years, finding benefits and responsibility in the District and Zone structure for the Rotaractors. DGN Nadeau wondered, if RI dues and District dues for Rotaract members would in the future be lower than those dues are for Rotary members, would it be possible for a 51 year old, for example, to join a Rotaract Club because of the reduced cost. Answer – Rotaract will decide themselves what the upper age of members would be – an upper age for new members, an upper age for their board of directors in the club and an age after which Rotaract membership ends to ensure that they are young members.
Rob Tisdale ‘s question dealt with the politicization of the Four Way Test in populist countries of the world. Answer - Rotarians can raise their voice without being political (i.e. without involving political parties).
Signe Holstein asked about possible future options in club flexibility to grow Rotary. Answer “Nothing is written in stone what we are doing.” Sometimes we have to convince older members, other times, to convince younger members to undertake changes that will grow Rotary. Personal growth results from becoming a member of a Rotary club. Flexibility would allow older members to form their own “traditional” satellite club of the main club, where the young professionals run their meetings in the manner that best suits the younger members.
Ken Singer sought ideas on how to go about improving the visibility, the public image or Rotary clubs. Answer: Public image doesn’t happen overnight. There is a danger of misrepresentation in Rotary’s “People of Action” campaign when a prospective member shows up to a club where the average age is 61 years. It’s important to have a good relationship between a Rotary club and the media – and to wear a Rotary pin.
PDG Fred expressed his appreciation of Holger’s words about raising one’s voice without being political.
Ken Thiessen asked about how flexible Rotary is about obstacles (like requiring that a person be a Past District Governor in order to serve as the District’s representative to the Council on Legislation. Holger didn’t have an answer to that question – it depends on the By-Laws of the organization involved. If it’s possible, there could be a waiver from the General Secretary or probably they would come to the RI President with the issue. PDG Fred Wright informed the group that the RI Board had removed that qualification at their last Board meeting.
DGE Dan Sutton thanked RI President Knaack for participating in this conversation and Holger thanked the District for inspiring him.
President Doug asked DG Gailmarie if she had any comments or if members had any questions. DG Gailmarie indicated that she learned more from hearing a replay of the meeting than she had picked up at the original meeting. She went on to say that current discussions regarding Rotaract does include membership dues. Then she indicated that she had read a quote the previous day of a US senator who was running for the position of President in 1984, Garry Hart, who said “The world changes when young people give a damn” and realized how true that is when ANYONE cares – but it takes a while for the changes to happen.
PDG Nancy asked DG Gailmarie how difficult it was to arrange a Zoom meeting of the Board with Holger Knaack. Answer: It wasn’t very difficult, but you had to be very persistent!”
In ending the meeting, President Doug mentioned the latest Peter and Mandy’s “Talking Rotary” podcast - their 8th – which deals with a teacher who is providing funding and emotional support for a young student who is going through a horrible time in her life right now.
