This week provided a very rewarding opportunity to pursue the theme of Membership and New Club Development by a visit to two dynamic Clubs, Carlisle Sunrise and Uptown York. Both Clubs illustrate how to achieve the object of Rotary by providing a welcoming setting for members to find fellowship, friendship, fun, and fulfillment, and from that firm foundation to enable the development of acquaintance for the opportunity to serve and contribute.
It is a moving story, repeated daily by Clubs throughout our District. From early morning coffee to late afternoon wine, from multi-stage drawings to happy dollars, there were super examples of ways to have fun and make a difference in a positive environment that exemplified Paul Harris’s view that ‘shared efforts have no limits.’ By the way, Paul accompanied me on the road (in cutout form), and was well received at both stops! If you look carefully, you can see him in the photos.
In discussions with Club members, the relevance of Rotary was very evident, as members discussed ways to engage themselves, first at the Club level, then in the community and beyond. It is, in fact, essential for all members to ensure their club possesses the culture and operational capability to provide a meaningful experience for everyone. That includes veteran members who have already completed the leadership cycle and recent members who are just beginning to engage.
The strategic priorities of increasing Rotary’s reach and impact through greater engagement and adaptability can first be practiced at the Club level before being done likewise in the community and the world. For both member development, and club development, especially if there is a plan to form a satellite, e-club, or cause-based club, it is incumbent on every Rotarian to assess current Club culture and operations to ensure readiness and responsiveness. Every member can find ways to undertake that Club health check, and then address any Club needs, from internal operations to the execution of service projects, and youth involvement.
It is not a magic number to paraphrase Paul Harris that member engagement in Club operations should be ongoing, and at the 100% participation rate! I plan to bring him to the next meeting!
In Rotary,
DG Paul Thompson