Greetings from the ADG
Posted by Bill Molesworth
Joyce introduced John Gordon, the ADG for Clubs in this area. John is VP for Finance for the YMCA of Simcoe-Muskoka and has been involved in Rotary for many years.
John had a story about the colours fighting each other for primacy and being shown by the rain how they could combine to create the rainbow - together we can work together for real results.
He felt that Rotary embodied a sense of common purpose and an appreciation of one another.
There are 10 ADG's in the District, reporting to the DG and acting as a conduit of information both to and from the Clubs. There are six Clubs he's responsible for in this part of Simcoe County and he encouraged members to feel comfortable enough to contact him with questions or concerns. He's pleased to be able to report to the DG that all 6 are thriving.
He mentioned that the Midland Club has been around for 55 years but has never provided a Governor to the District. He wondered if Dean might be interested but Dean figured he needed to lose a few more brain cells before he took that on. There was a strong sense that he might be wrong about that.
John complimented the Club on its terrific support of the Foundation, commented on the fact that there is a sister Club in Turkey and wondered if there is a Friendship trip planned.
He had another story about putting rocks in a tub and every time it seemed to be full, smaller pieces could be found to fit into the cracks. He felt President Boyd's job was to emphasise the big things - literacy, water, food and health - while the Districts and the Clubs find ways to fill in the spaces.
Clubs have to pay attention to membership. Given that about 10% of members retire every year we have to run pretty fast just to stay in place. And given the demands on our time it's hard to find new members. He suggested including families in our service and fellowship.
He feels we can effect change, we can lead the way, one act at a time. He congratulated the Midland Club for what it has achieved and challenged it to lead the way.
He felt that Rotary embodied a sense of common purpose and an appreciation of one another.
There are 10 ADG's in the District, reporting to the DG and acting as a conduit of information both to and from the Clubs. There are six Clubs he's responsible for in this part of Simcoe County and he encouraged members to feel comfortable enough to contact him with questions or concerns. He's pleased to be able to report to the DG that all 6 are thriving.
He mentioned that the Midland Club has been around for 55 years but has never provided a Governor to the District. He wondered if Dean might be interested but Dean figured he needed to lose a few more brain cells before he took that on. There was a strong sense that he might be wrong about that.
John complimented the Club on its terrific support of the Foundation, commented on the fact that there is a sister Club in Turkey and wondered if there is a Friendship trip planned.
He had another story about putting rocks in a tub and every time it seemed to be full, smaller pieces could be found to fit into the cracks. He felt President Boyd's job was to emphasise the big things - literacy, water, food and health - while the Districts and the Clubs find ways to fill in the spaces.
Clubs have to pay attention to membership. Given that about 10% of members retire every year we have to run pretty fast just to stay in place. And given the demands on our time it's hard to find new members. He suggested including families in our service and fellowship.
He feels we can effect change, we can lead the way, one act at a time. He congratulated the Midland Club for what it has achieved and challenged it to lead the way.