District Gov. Russ reflects on his year.

I’m honored to see and report D5950’s accomplishments from a perspective that’s different from yours as club members.

We are outstanding. That is, we “stand out” in many ways:

 We are one of few U.S. districts to grow this year. We have a net growth of ~90 new members!

 We added three new clubs this year, again a standout ranking in the U.S.

 We promote and support innovation better than any other district. Check this out in our Eco, Veterans and Elimination of Human Trafficking Clubs.

 We implemented programs that add value for our members. Other districts are just starting to understand and embrace this focus.

 Our generous personal giving places us at the top of The Rotary Foundation (TRF) and PolioPlus standings year after year.

 D5950’s top-notch grant committees ensure due diligence for projects.

 Grant mentors help passionate clubs maximize the value of their philanthropic projects.

 Our training and communication offerings are the envy of other districts.

 We meet challenge with aplomb and enthusiasm. Evidence: Clubs went to virtual meetings without a pause.

 

When did this heritage of strength begin? I believe our district’s strength is built on the shoulders of the many champions among us -- many unsung, unselfish heroes who serve with the best of their abilities -- not expecting praise or reward. Starting three new clubs involved hundreds of hours of volunteer time, by many Rotarians and new recruits, with a commitment to grow Rotary in any way possible. Thank you! Membership growth within clubs does not happen automatically. Dedicated Rotarians are behind that growth. Thank you! Champions led the way to create projects for the benefit of our local and international communities. Thank you to them, their supporters, and their cheerleaders! Club leaders deserve credit for their go-for-it attitude when new ideas were proposed. Creativity can be easily tamped down by leadership that is fearful of change. I did not hear once this year the excuse that “we don’t do things that way.” Finally, I need to thank the district leadership team that supports all of our clubs’ success. Whether it is providing governance, operational expertise, communication, education, or administrative services, the District 5950 leadership team has unselfishly provided thousands of hours of service. To them I say a sincere “Thank You!” Being able to see Rotary from the larger district lens, rather than just a club view, is its own reward. The value of Rotary to our society becomes clearer the bigger view you create for yourself. I encourage all of our district members, when the time is right in their careers, to expand their Rotary horizon by supplementing their club experience with a district role. You, too, will be very proud of District 5950! -- District Governor Russ

 

 

All year I shared with clubs that value from Rotary comes through the emotional elements of Enjoyment of Fellowship, Fulfillment from Service Above Self, and Personal Pride from Self Development. The elements of Enjoyment and Fulfillment were already alive and well in our district clubs. But I shared that the third element of Personal Pride -- helping Rotarians improve themselves for their own benefit -- is deep in our origin and heritage but was not being nurtured in our clubs. It impacted our retention rates. I believe the purpose of Rotary is to meet the needs of our Rotary members. We are first and foremost a membership organization. Rotary’s customers are the members of the clubs. Without member growth, Rotary will fade away.

 We cannot fulfill Service Above Self unless we have vibrant membership.

 We cannot have vibrant membership unless we focus on providing value to our members.

 We cannot provide value to our members unless we understand their needs.

 We cannot understand their needs unless we ask them.

 

I charged each club to identify a champion in their club to carry the mantel of creating value through self improvement and career development opportunities. Some clubs designated a passionate champion to bring value; some added a focus on self-improvement; some added networking and peer group opportunities; some offered alternative meeting opportunities to better meet the needs of their members. The language of Enhancing Rotary Value has begun to emerge more often in our club, district, Zone, and Rotary International discussions. Our district is again leading in making this important change to our collective value proposition. Keep up the great work, clubs!