10 Things I Learned at PETS (President Elect Training Seminar)

1. Rotarians Are Amazingly Generous:

Upon arriving to PETS, I was greeted by some familiar and friendly faces…and a lot of underwear, I mean…seriously…A LOT of underwear. Check out the picture of the boxes of socks and underwear Rotarians brought for the Chicago area Salvation Army. This isn't even all of it, there were dozens of the huge boxes full of the stuff. In addition, thousands of dollars were raised for the Foundation and Polio Plus through raffles and such. Rotarians seriously know how to step it up.

2. We Have To Tell Our Story:

As Rotarians, we are all a certain level of humble. While in my opinion, this is a beautiful thing, just as we are all responsible for doing the things we do for humanity, we all have to remember to spread the word of our deeds on occasion. This is essential to recruiting new members, creating awareness for our club and Rotary International. Did you know that 4 out of 10 people have never even heard of Rotary? Another 4 out of the same 10 have heard the name "Rotary" but have no idea what we do. In fact only 2 out of 10 people have at least some basic knowledge of Rotary. This must change. Do you have a Rotary "Elevator Speech"?

3. End Polio Now (We really, really are THIS close):

Nigeria, Pakistan and Afghanistan are all that are left. Nigeria hasn't had a case since July, if that can hold for a year. Africa, yeah…the continent…Africa, will be Polio free. Despite new challenges from the Taliban, Polio is being forced to the corners of Pakistan and Afghanistan. Polio Plus needs to remain a focus of our organization, now more than ever.

4. Rotary's New Brand Identity:

Being a graphic designer, I got my fingers on this one before PETS, but the fact that Rotary is actually pushing this brand out all the way down to the club level is fantastic. We've already updated our website, and we'll continue to update club documents and other materials in the near future.

5. District Grants Are Powerful:

The cash is available. The cash can be used for so many great things. Every club is in a community that needs the cash. Every club can use the cash for something locally or globally. Seems simple to me. Let's put our heads together and see who our club can help next.

6. We Need To Set Some Goals:

While our club has always done a great job raising money for Polio Plus and the Foundation. Can we step it up? Do we need to step it up? I don't know that answer yet, but in my presidential year, with your help, we'll answer those questions. (Did you know that clubs who don't have a clear Foundation goal donate $45 per capita, whereas clubs that DO have a goal donate $103 per capita?...That number is real.)

7. Rotary Direct is Super Easy:

Donating to the Foundation, Polio Plus or any other Rotary cause of your choosing is so easy. A simple form can set you up to give with a bank account or even a credit card. Any amount, quarterly, monthy, pretty much as often as you'd like. If we all signed up, we'd be at 100% Paul Harris in our club in no time (Bob Trussoni just smiled :) All the contributions go to Every Rotarian Every Year.

8. Feedback is Good:

We have a great club, but what could we do better? Getting feedback is essential to finding that answer. It won't be constant, but checking in with our members is something I'd like to see us do a bit more. That way you can yell at me for creating silly Top 10 lists.

9. We Need a Renewed Focus on Membership:

The skills and gifts that we all bring to our club are the reason we are able to do the great things we do. But in our club, our district and even worldwide, Rotary's membership has either dipped or stayed level. Who in our lives would make a great addition to our club? Why haven't we asked them? Our district membership has stayed level or lost members for 15 years straight. Our club has lost 13 members since 2011. Let's turn this thing around.

10. Our Club is AWESOME:

While the previous 9 items on the list, may have proposed some challenges to our club, that doesn’t mean we're not "doin' it right". We do a TON of things right. Hearing some of the issues that other clubs have, hearing the positive things that several people have said about our club at a district event, and not to mention my love for our club and this organization tells me that we are doing a lot of things right. We are essential to our community, and we accomplish so much. The sky's not the limit for our club, let's shoot for the moon, or further!

Opening Plenary Session of Midwest PETS

Some of the Pair and a Spare items donated.

Rotary International President Elect addressing PETS