John Bathurst introduced our District Governor, Bala Naidoo.
Bala joined all of Canada in expressing his sincere thoughts of condolence to Nova Scotia and all of those affected by the horrendous events where many were killed.
Bala congratulated our club for such a quick and early adoption of the technologies allowing us to stay connected and meet. Even better to follow up with a written summary. The on-line format presents a wonderful opportunity to widen the scope of speakers. Our club is known for have a great variety of speakers, now we can broaden it even further.
Bala will be sharing what we are doing with other clubs as an example of practices of excellence. Indeed all of the club Presidents are currently sharing what they are all doing, what works, what doesn’t so much, so that they can all improve during this difficult time.
Bala is attending bi-weekly meetings with RI Directors discussing all. The most important message being Rotary is open and will remain so.
What are the next steps for Rotary on the global stage? Mark Maloney has joined efforts with other global leaders to discuss how best to offset the long range impacts, social and economic, of COVID-19; this with Kiwanis International, Lions Clubs International, and Optimist international.
Bala and Dave Hamilton (DG Elect) have met with Toastmasters as a strategic alliance to discuss how to reach out to all members with on-line skill building sessions.
As the effects of the COVID-19 situation will probably last longer than we want, it would be beneficial to take the time now to re-tool how we do things. Bala highly recommends that each club to strike a task force of 5-6 individuals who can examine and evaluate what we do, what is important to us, what then we should focus on and how do we get it done. It’s important to have open-minded individuals who will think outside the box. For example, with regards to our annual bike-a-thon fundraiser, how about approaching Electronic Arts supporting/sponsoring via an on-line biking event?
Bringing up the community profile of the club… inviting civic officials to attend and perhaps present. Now is actually a good time, they are more easily available.
FYI for all there is a worldwide Rotary meeting in the pipe. Stay tuned…
Bala never imagined, as is true for all of us, that he would see such changes during his time as DG. He is still learning alongside all of us within our clubs and will share best practices and unique ideas.
The Tsawwassen club, for example, concerned about some of their members who were ill, organized a drive-by celebration, tying balloons to their cars. The parade of vehicles kept everyone safe but let their members know without a doubt that they were being thought of and cared about.
There is an opportunity now to increase involvement and potential growth by reaching out to former members and absentee members who could not attend meetings but may want to become involved again with the on-line format that is more convenient.
Do log in to the Rotary Learning Centre. There is a wealth of courses on offer. Bill Davidson has a summary of them all if you are interested.
Social meetings are possible, not just formal club meetings. Host a ZOOM recipe sharing dinner party or martini party.
Currently the club’s Board meetings and committee meetings are being held virtually. The good work you are doing continues.
Save the date: District 5040 Awards Event – Roscars Night. May 24, 2020 at 4:00 p.m. Attendees are asked to wear fancy hats and lots of them, perhaps with a favourite cocktail in hand. Check the District website for more information.
The Year Ahead sessions are easy and free for all to attend. There are at least two times/days for each so everyone should be able to fit it into their schedule.
Coming up in mid-May there will be some Wednesday & Saturday afternoon sessions for approx. 1 hours where the speakers who were going to present at our District conference will present virtually. Stay tuned for details.
The 2020-21 budget has been released already. We can apply for District Grants now. MOUs need to be completed. Trainings on how to do this is available on-line through the District.
Youth exchange programs for 2020-21 will either be postponed to a shortened January-June 2021 session or cancelled (most likely the latter). The decision will be made on May 1st.
Another exciting opportunity in the pipe is a 10-hour course that will be open to all Rotarians and the public as well. It will be a certification course for individuals to volunteer from home. Bill will be sent the details when it becomes available.
In closing, you are all encouraged to keep tabs on the District website. We are all learning and adapting to this new world and are making the best of it. Keep up the good work.
Meeting adjourned with a toast to Tom Calkin -- thoughts and prayers for his personal loss and the loss of all Nova Scotians.
For 70 years, Easter Seals BC/Yukon has been helping individuals with diverse abilities reach their fullest potential, and supporting their families along the way. Mary-Lynn Hanson with Easter Seals joins us to share their story and explain the two essential services they offer: Easter Seals House & Easter Seals Camps.
