As an example of some of the good work our Rotarians are doing, here is an outline, provided by your scribe Leigh, of the “homework” the group did. There are some interesting ideas which Leigh describes here:
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Five of our members met online to work on a case study as a follow up to the District’s 1st “The Year Ahead Webinar”. The workshop participants were Grant, Dianna, Ilan, Madhu and Leigh.
The case study we chose is “Rotary Embraces Flexibility”. This case study was selected as it meets today's special needs resulting from the Covid-19 virus pandemic and our post pandemic needs. We focused on the flexible meeting aspects. Here are notes from the workshop discussions:
Our Vision (What would this new change look like)
• Weekly meetings will alternate between in-person at the Arbutus Club and online using Zoom or a similar technology.
• Guest speakers via video.
• Reports from International project clubs, with pictures and video.
• Invite Rotaractors to attend our meetings.
• Joint meetings with our sister club, Sato-North, Japan.
• Cost of meeting attendance reduced by half.
• Allows younger members to join our club (reduced cost and meeting time).
Skills (What skills are needed to implement and sustain this change)
• Ability to use, and access to, technology (Zoom or similar).
Rewards (What are the benefits to our club and members)
• Opens our club to younger members, Rotaractors, speakers from outside our city and those who are not able to attend weekday luncheon meetings.
• Reduces the cost of attending meetings and therefore membership.
• Eliminating meals for online meetings can provide more time for Rotary topics or shorter meetings.
• Worldwide reach for members.
• International speakers.
Resources (What will be offered to ensure the change is supported)
• Zoom training sessions.
• Club subscription to Zoom.
• Meetings can be recorded for those unable to attend.
• R.I. e-Learning Centre sessions during meetings.
• Club webinars.
Action Plan (What we will do to ensure all key areas are in place and acted on)
• Take this action plan to the full club membership for questions, feedback and acceptance.
• Implement now.
• Set up a meeting schedule and Zoom invitation process for members.
Reason this change is valuable to our members
• Allows our club to remain viable during the pandemic and provides opportunities for addition membership growth now and into the future.
• Permits a greater diversification (younger members, distant members, shut-ins) of our membership.
• It's flexible and can be adapted to current situations.
• Continues to provide in person fellowship at alternating meetings.
• Significantly reduces the cost of membership.
• Expected to increase meeting attendance.
Reasons why our members might be resistant to change
• Inability to use or access technology.
• Fear of the unknown.
• Desire to meet in person.
What actions would show a resistance to change
• Members don't join online meetings and only attend in person.
• Loss of members.
• Technology issues.
What steps can we take to reduce resistance and help our members embrace this change
• Lead with a positive approach.
• Training sessions.
• Involve all members in the decision.
• Mentor those who need assistance.