 John Smarge is the Rotary International President's Representative at this year's District 5050 Celebration. He joined the Rotary Club of Naples, FL 40 years ago. He asked attendees if we wear a Rotary pin every day. He asked because initially wore his pin only on meeting days. But he often had to buy one each week at the check-in desk. He quickly learned that was cheaper than to be fined for not having one. John shared how he was having reservations about continuing his membership since no one talked to him at the meetings. His Club was made up of the movers and shakers in town, but John was this young (23) guy who had only recently moved into the area and opened a business. He shared that he was telling his wife this and she "In her infinite wisdom" suggested that perhaps John volunteer for something. So, he did the week and ended up talking two very quiet high schoolers to the nearby RYLA Conference. John ended up having to go get those students the following weekend and, he said, "they were completely different." They wouldn't stop talking all of the way home. John wasn't sure which ride was worse: The one to the event when the kids didn't talk at all or the ride back when they wouldn't stop talking! He shared this story because it began a change for him in how he perceived Rotary. Smarge talked about the very first service project Paul Harris did when Rotary was founded. It wasn't public toilets as every thinks. More on this in a minute. The first project was the purchase of a horse so a local doctor could get to his patients. The public toilets came about because someone figured out a way to keep customers in stores in the downtown area but, the few places that had inside toilets were generally bars that only allowed men. John added that was one of the first economic impact things that Rotary has had a hand in. He continued that we should stop running Rotary like a non-profit and run it like a business. There has to be a return for the members. Smarge asked "Why does a Rotary Club exist?" "To answer the needs of its members." Business relationships are important to members but, for many, Rotary becomes so much more than that. Smarge also encouraged us to invite younger people to join, but make sure they get engaged right away. Younger members need Rotary just as much as Rotary needs them. And, with every member are they committed or are they quitting? This is a task for the Presidents and Presidents-Elect. Retain your members by getting them engaged. |
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