DG'S MESSAGE FOR APRIL 2013
April is Rotary Magazine Month! Whilst we are fortunate to have access to "The Rotarian" magazine, spare a thought for those who are not able to buy magazines, read magazines and therefore keep unto date with information about current issues or even what Rotary does in the world. I am certain that during this month of April alone, you will probably read a dozen or so work-related reports, newspapers, perhaps even a couple of books, let alone read and answer an untold number of emails.Think of what it would be like if you couldn't read! What would you be missing? What would you have to talk about? All these things could push you back in the social world and possibly place you in a position of abject poverty. We need to ensure that those 1 billion people who cannot read or write are given the opportunity to do so. We have three months to go in this Rotary year. Perhaps some of the clubs, or a group of Rotary clubs, can put together a bit of a "quick fix" for some of the people of the world.
For me, "The Rotarian"magazine shares with us the most inspiring stories and information, sometimes sad news, other times joyand celebration. It is your magazine and if you have a storyto tell, then send it in for publication! Of more local relevance are our club bulletins, the weekly communication that bind us together,that keep us informed on club activities and member adventures and happenings with reports onspeakers and projects. Club bulletins help keep our partners informed and remind us of duties weare committed to. What I'm really talking about is communicating and all the benefits that flow frombeing in touch with one another.Communication through these forums provide for a wealth ofinformation about the ways in which can strive for Peace through Service, and provide for unique and innovative opportunities to share Rotary.
Please read these publications and share them with your partners, friends, colleagues andacquaintances. It is also a good idea not dispose of your old copies of 'The Rotarian' magazines; instead recycle them by collecting as many as possible from club members and placing the magazines where people wait, such as dental surgery, doctors surgery, hair dressers, libraries, waiting rooms etc. At least then we will provide an opportunity for a non-Rotarian to read about our programs. Moreover this is a great opportunity to enhance public relationsand attract potential members, thus meeting one of our goals and key pillars of service.I urge you to activelycontinue to share Rotary with others and to demonstrate that Rotary cares.
Talking of communication, leads me to mention about our greatest annual communication event, the 88th District Conference and Assembly from 24th to 27th April at the Leisure Lodge and Golf Resort, in Diani.The Conference is in its finalstages of preparation. The positive response, in terms of Registration, has been awesome. Everything is in place. District conferencesare always an excellent opportunity to hear moreabout Rotary, to meet new friends to enjoythe company of other Rotarians, to renewyour energies and celebrate the success ofyour personal and club involvement duringthe last year.The 88DCA Organising team have set out to give an experience with a difference - Giving a string of speakers and activities withinformation, inspiration, motivation, objectives and time for bonding andfun.I look forward to meeting everyone there and being a part of the buzz of this great communication forum and thebenefits that flow on from joining together in friendship and fellowship as we Celebrate our Past to Build our Future as we draw the curtain on D9200. For more information: http://www.rotary9200.org/districtconference/registration.htm.
Speaking of celebrating our past and building for our future - Do you ever stop to think about what the future might look like? What your Rotary Club will be doing in 3 years, 5 years, 10 years or even 83 years? Just over a year from now, the Rotary Club of Nairobi celebrated their 83rd year of service. Did they contemplate 83 years of service during their charter in 1930? Perhaps not. Has the road always been easy? No! A few years ago that club was close to surrendering its charter. But today, it has a bright future and the plans to make it so. Thanks to vibrant and seasoned leadership of the past, present and of course the future!
Many of us are more comfortable dealing with the present and have difficulty looking into the future. Sometimes the dynamics of the Rotary Club make it difficult to initiate new ideas. Why? All our clubs were new once and often took large projects on. We thought big. We were optimistic. We didn't know about something being impossible. Let's take the future on in a way that reflects plenty and abundance rather than lack and diminishment. We have terrific talents in our clubs and our communities and we are part of a great worldwide organization. What is the gift that you are to that Rotary future in your club? You will be amazed how far you'll are willing to go when someone lays their faith and belief in you!
When we take the time to listen to what our members are saying and when we assess our strengths and weaknesses and when we look at our passion for service and sustainability, we can formulate a plan that will engage ourselves and our club mates for a bigger better bolder future where we look within ourselves and find the peace within ourselves through our service.
I sincerely wish that all of you will put your heads together in the coming months to build strong and comprehensive plans for the future of your clubs. Take the needed time to do this right. Make it fun.Having a meaningful strategic plan in place will lead to better membership retention and new member engagement. It will lead to success in service. It will give you a road map.
While it takes time in an already busy life, I recommend visiting another club this month. Go for no purpose other than to enjoy fellowship. All our clubs with their meeting place and time are listed on the district website. There is always something to learn, something to bring back, something to share. You will be glad you did.
Still on communication, we need to appreciate all the benefits that flow from being in touch with one another. As I write this message in Kibaale, during my recent visit to western Uganda, the sun has just come out, the birds are singing far more than normal, and the trees are blooming with rich-green vegetation all around. I feel it's great to be alive – and it's a great sensation to be Rotarian! I've had phone conversations with a number of Rotarians and the emails keep coming. Several clubs have sent in their Peace Award applications today. Tomorrow may be too late. And though not due until mid-April, I already have numerous Presidential Citations applications on hand. And I urge others to follow suit, because I know you deserve to be recognised!
I thank you again for all that you do to keep the world's greatest organisation vibrant and energetic, infusing it with energy for growth so that we can reach farther as we walk hand in hand to enhance our efforts for Peace through Service.
With thanks and admiration, remember not to be afraid of making mistakes. Just be afraid of not learning from them. I wish you all the best!
Yours in Rotary
Geeta Manek
Source – District Website