The topic of Leadership could not be more relevant to us since we have remarkable leaders throughout our District!  In reality, all our Members are leaders by being true Rotarians. They know who they are, what they stand for, and where they are going; and, if called upon, at any point, they can lead the effort. They have knowingly joined Rotary to expand meaningful acquaintances in order to do good in the world, and they are constantly seeking ways to do just that. 

 

Their Rotary rationale is impressive: the 4-way test is clearly a well-blazed default path to everything they think or do; the ideal of ‘service above self’ is programed into the consideration of every need they come across during their engaging lives. They know an army of fellow Club members who care about what every other one cares about, and together, when mobilized, they become people of action to soon resolve the task at hand.  And they do all this while benefiting from interacting and having fun--because they can.  

 

The gratifying news about Rotary is that good leaders are also good followers. Rotarians gladly support the plans, participate in the performance, and meet the priorities, illustrating how Rotary is a bottom-up, member-centric, organization where enlightened, self-starting, members provide the magic for success!

 

From that grass-roots foundation, our District is very fortunate to have strong Committee Chairs who attend to the major aspects of who we are and what we do to meet our plan of action. They oversee the finances (John Anthony), they attract and retain members (Juliet Altenburg), they help us learn everything Rotary (Gary Crissman), they tell our story to the outside world (Juliet plus), they connect us to the foundation of fundraising and grant/scholarship/peace expenditures (Kathleen Stoup), help us achieve real DEI awareness (Vlad Beaufils), expand our role in sustaining the Environment (Joe McNally), deal with essential youth and education programs (Jill Tenny), and International and community service (Dennis Zubler), and business and professional development (Alden Cunningham).  There are many more essential roles and activities.  And, on every one of those Committees are numerous, highly dedicated Rotarians.  And then, when one considers all the Club Boards and Committees to carry out their important operations, it is inspirational, indeed. See a full list of District committees here.  

 

So, leadership opportunities await every Rotarian in our District. Think about where and when you want to join the amazing group of volunteers who enable District and Club operations.

To become involved in the execution of so many exciting Committees and activities, check the District website.  If you wish to round out leadership techniques and insights, there are about 50 courses on Club and District Leadership at the Rotary Learning Center (rotary.org/learn).  That site also has dozens of courses on professional development. The content of these courses applies to Rotary leadership but also to effective functioning in any community and professional setting.  So, explore that vast archive which is easily accessible and included in the cost of RI membership.  And, then put your leadership skills to work, to contribute to our many Rotary actions.

 

The rewards of engaging in leadership for the Club, or District, are exponential, and complete the Rotary vision of people of action uniting to create lasting change in the world, the community, and themselves.