District Governor's message for August 2012
My dear Rotarians,
one of Rotary's greatest assets lies in our passionate, vibrant, and connected community, as it is this that allows us to see, hear and react to communities around the world as we strive to achieve 'Peace through Service'. To be a member of Rotary is to realize the power of one combined with the power of many because we are not Rotarians alone but part of a phenomenal organization with presence and visibility around the world.
This month, August, is officially identified at 'Membership and Extension' month. Therefore, I would like to remind you all that we must continually endeavour to increase our reach by growing our clubs in size and expanding our presence in untapped areas. Let's not let others miss out on the opportunity. After all, I would not be here today if a Rotarian had not asked me to become a member. I owe a lot to this incredible organization!
The moment I was asked to be a Rotarian is one that I will never forget. I'd heard of the vibrancy and the youthful energy of a young club – being represented by eager members forging a full spectrum of vocations. The Charter President of Rotary Club of Muthaiga approached me and gave me the "ask" if I would be interested in joining Rotary. And the rest is a history of roller-coaster experience of extending service and making new friends!
There are many people, just like you and I, looking to become involved in their communities and ready to embrace the opportunity. They possess the core ingredient, a burning desire to make a difference. Potential Rotarians are all around us; our neighbours, friends, business colleagues, and even strangers that ask about the special pin we're wearing. They just need to be invited. Every club I've visited so far this year has introduced me to at least one new member and some as many as three new members. We're off to a good start so let's keep the momentum going!
Our District target is to increase membership by 1100 by the end of this Rotary Year; a challenging target that must increase membership and manage attrition. It is said that for every new Rotarian that we induct, we lose a Rotarian. This is the reason that the Rotary global membership has stagnated at around 1.2 Million Rotarians, in spite of inductions every year. Why would a Rotarian leave Rotary? A person can only make this choice if they do not find Rotary to be fulfilling. Many of us have found great friendship and a worthy course in serving as Rotarians but if you, my dear Rotarian, are considering leaving Rotary please send me an email at d9200districtsecretary1213@gmail.com. Together with a special team that I have put together, we shall do our best to help you find the true meaning of Service Above Self. Unfortunately, many Rotarians are leaving Rotary due to forces beyond their control. Time, expense, relocation, health, and a variety of other reasons have caused good Rotarians to leave. In many cases, Clubs have been extremely creative in their attempt to save a member.
We have made long strides in Rotary extension in our District. So let us maintain our efforts in ensuring the support of these new clubs and the new Rotarians. Let us do everything in our power to save a Rotarian from leaving Rotary – and challenge ourselves to rekindle the passion for service and fellowship, by enhancing the core values of the Rotary way of life!
We're extending a myriad of resources online: www.Rotary9200.org which gives us many of the answers to the above mentioned circumstances. Forums on facebook to share ideas, and experiences as to how other clubs are addressing some of the same challenges. But more illuminating are the inspiring submissions of clubs successful projects – which really redirects the focus to the core of "Why Rotary?"
Rotary International provides a great deal of membership ideas and resources. Explore the website and you never know what you may find:
Enhance your Club Website:
(http://www.rotary.org/en/MediaAnd- News/Multimedia/Graphics/Pages/ Webads.aspx)
Membership Resources:
(http://www.rotary.org/en/Members/ GeneralInformation/ MembershipResources/Pages/ ridefault.aspx)
Membership Minute:
(http://www.rotary.org/en/Members/ GeneralInformation/ MembershipResources/Pages/ MembershipMinute.aspx)
Let us celebrate our successes of the past as we strengthen, consolidate and grow our Clubs through our membership as we attain Peace through Service. Rotarians we take our obligation of bringing in new members very seriously and District 9200 is successful because we focus on members' expectations. We all know that we are not doing Rotary a favour; it is our obligation. If all Rotary loving members invited just one compassionate person to Rotary a net increase of 1100 members is not a big challenge at all!
My dear Rotarians, I have no doubt at all that we can, we must and we certainly will.
Yours in Rotary,
Geeta Manek