On September 20, District Governor John Clarkner visited to provide an update and discuss membership priorities. John started by giving us some background on himself. He was born and raised in Ottawa and is the father of six children, worked for Sears for twenty-eight years and one of his many passions in life is Formula One racing (as a spectator rather than a participant).
John joined the Bathurst club in 1991 until he transferred to the Fredericton Sunrise club in 1993. John was the 7810 Assistant District Governor in 2006 and nominated as District Governor in 2008...
Introduction
John continued his speech by reiterating some of the district and international focuses. The focus of our region is three-pronged; membership, Foundation and public relations.
Our current RI President is Ray Klinginsmith. His 2010-2011 Rotary Theme is “Building Communities Bridging Continents,” and he has a motto that he uses almost as often, “Cowboy Logic.” Cowboy Logic means to keep it simple. He has also been quoted in saying “Bigger, Better, Bolder” when talking about the future of Rotary. He wants Rotary to get Bigger, Better and Bolder using the keep it simple motto of “Cowboy Logic.” The word “simple” might not be used in the same sentence as words like bigger, better and bolder very often, but I think he is on to something. We may need to think outside the box, although Rotary has a rule book, we need to keep in mind that the rule book is international and that some of the rules that were made for a club across the big pond may not be as applicable to our club here. What he means is don’t break the rules, but don’t let a rule in a rule book stop the club from pursuing a great idea; use the rule book as a tool and a resource but keep in mind that rules can be changed or amended for the better.
Membership
On membership, the average age of our club is healthy, around 50 years old. However, we have gone from 20 members in recent years to 16. John thought we should have a goal for growth of 5 net members by the end of the 2010-2011 Rotary year. He made a point that people tend to join causes rather than organizations, so if we are pitching our club, try to mention as many causes that we promote or sponsor as we can to try and encourage interest. On
Foundation
The official Rotary Charity is called The Rotary Foundation. Members can donate on different levels. The Arch C. Klumph Society – $250,000 or more Paul Harris Society of $1,000 per year Sustaining member of $100 per year and Every Rotarian – Every Year, which is any donation of no specific amount. The Foundation is planning on having a quarterly newsletter to promote and educate on many of their projects.
Public Relations
On public relations, this is a major priority in the 2010-2011 Rotary Year. Public relations is vital on every level from a local club having their mayor proclaim a week as Rotary week to the RI having a stamp to honour Rotary’s 100th Anniversary. John congratulated us on having the Purple Pinkie Booth at the Balloon Festival and said that to his knowledge, Sussex is at the top of the list in the district as far using the Purple Pinkie program raising public awareness. John likes the saying, “Stay the Course, Grow the Force,” meaning not to reinvent the wheel. He suggested that we keep contact information on all the exchange participants and approach them to join Rotary when appropriate. He talked a bit about Interact (High School Rotary Clubs), RYLA in April 2011; they will send the best and brightest in attendance to the 2011 International Convention in New Orleans.