Rotary coordinators (RCs) serve as a resource on Rotary International for districts and clubs, working in partnership with their zone’s RI director, regional Rotary Foundation coordinator, and district governors.
RCs are trained in and knowledgeable about all aspects of RI. By planning and conducting district and regional seminars and workshops with the support of district leaders, RCs
* Inform Rotarians about RI programs and motivate them to participate
* Share ideas, success stories, and best practices to motivate club and district leaders
* Increase membership by creating stronger and more effective clubs
* Serve as an RI resource in the field, as well as a consultant, adviser, mentor, and catalyst for change
* Advocate creative approaches that strengthen clubs, programs, and public image
* Identify resources and connect people
* Encourage long-range planning at the club and district levels
* Promote the core values of RI
* Establish communication tools that work regularly, in all directions
* Promote the RI Convention
The Rotary coordinators program will begin 1 July.
The Rotary Coordinator for Zone 25 is Judi Beard-Strubing (judi5110@comcast.net)
The Rotary Coordinator for Zone 26 is Don Kremer (dekremer@pacbell.net)
http://www.rotary.org/en/Members/RunningADistrict/Rotarycoordinators/Pages/ridefault.aspx
RI Zones 25-26 Rotary Coordinator News
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Eco-clubs attract young members
By Arnold R. Grahl
Rotary International News -- 21 April 2010
A growing number of Rotary clubs have found that focusing on the environment helps them bring in new members and gain visibility in the community.
The Rotary Club of Duluth Superior Eco , Minnesota, USA, was chartered in November 2008 with the purpose of attracting younger people by being project oriented and environmentally minded.
Club president Marti Buscaglia says the club founders reasoned that young people would be more likely to have time on their hands than disposable income, and would be more engaged if they could take part in hands-on projects for a cause they felt strongly about. The club now has 54 members, most under the age of 40, and mostly women.
"The eco brings them in, and then they learn more about Rotary," says Buscaglia. "It's a good introduction to Rotary for younger people. They know they are going to be involved in something they personally care about."
Buscaglia says conducting green projects has also given the club increased media coverage. "It's a hot topic right now, something everyone is reporting on," she says. For Earth Day, 22 April, the club is planning a large beach-cleaning project. Members have also planted trees and pulled buckthorn.
The Duluth Superior Eco club has caught the attention of other clubs. Kay Biga, secretary and cofounder, says she has heard from several clubs interested in following its model. The success is contagious, she says.
"Having eco in the name sends a message that we are different from other clubs in town," Biga says. "We are going to attract more younger people because the environment is very appealing to them. I also like themes. It seems people really gravitate to something if there is a theme involved to direct your activities."
Robert Hunt, who now lives in Florida but often attended club meetings in Duluth, took the concept with him to the Rotary Club of East Manatee, where he serves as club president. Hunt says that being green has helped the club attract members, make a lasting impact on the community, and gain exposure for Rotary.
"Prospective members who have the same mindset will naturally be drawn to the prestige of what an eco-club can offer them," he explains. "As we build more awareness, education, and identity, the membership will naturally increase."
The East Manatee club conducts a road cleanup every three months, sorting out anything that can be recycled. It also held a successful shred-a-thon in March, encouraging community members to bring in old documents to be shredded and recycled. During a fall festival, club members collected hundreds of disposable plastic bottles in special containers they provided for the event.
Biga sees more and more service organizations adopting an environmental slant. "Green products are everywhere," she says. "Everyone is becoming environmentally conscious. Service organizations have to be on board with the trends and with what's appealing to people."
Does your club conduct environmental projects? What is your club doing for Earth Day?
http://www.rotary.org/en/MediaAndNews/News/Pages/100421_news_ecoclubs.aspx
Rotary International News -- 21 April 2010
A growing number of Rotary clubs have found that focusing on the environment helps them bring in new members and gain visibility in the community.
The Rotary Club of Duluth Superior Eco , Minnesota, USA, was chartered in November 2008 with the purpose of attracting younger people by being project oriented and environmentally minded.
Club president Marti Buscaglia says the club founders reasoned that young people would be more likely to have time on their hands than disposable income, and would be more engaged if they could take part in hands-on projects for a cause they felt strongly about. The club now has 54 members, most under the age of 40, and mostly women.
"The eco brings them in, and then they learn more about Rotary," says Buscaglia. "It's a good introduction to Rotary for younger people. They know they are going to be involved in something they personally care about."
Buscaglia says conducting green projects has also given the club increased media coverage. "It's a hot topic right now, something everyone is reporting on," she says. For Earth Day, 22 April, the club is planning a large beach-cleaning project. Members have also planted trees and pulled buckthorn.
The Duluth Superior Eco club has caught the attention of other clubs. Kay Biga, secretary and cofounder, says she has heard from several clubs interested in following its model. The success is contagious, she says.
"Having eco in the name sends a message that we are different from other clubs in town," Biga says. "We are going to attract more younger people because the environment is very appealing to them. I also like themes. It seems people really gravitate to something if there is a theme involved to direct your activities."
Robert Hunt, who now lives in Florida but often attended club meetings in Duluth, took the concept with him to the Rotary Club of East Manatee, where he serves as club president. Hunt says that being green has helped the club attract members, make a lasting impact on the community, and gain exposure for Rotary.
"Prospective members who have the same mindset will naturally be drawn to the prestige of what an eco-club can offer them," he explains. "As we build more awareness, education, and identity, the membership will naturally increase."
The East Manatee club conducts a road cleanup every three months, sorting out anything that can be recycled. It also held a successful shred-a-thon in March, encouraging community members to bring in old documents to be shredded and recycled. During a fall festival, club members collected hundreds of disposable plastic bottles in special containers they provided for the event.
Biga sees more and more service organizations adopting an environmental slant. "Green products are everywhere," she says. "Everyone is becoming environmentally conscious. Service organizations have to be on board with the trends and with what's appealing to people."
Does your club conduct environmental projects? What is your club doing for Earth Day?
http://www.rotary.org/en/MediaAndNews/News/Pages/100421_news_ecoclubs.aspx
Monday, April 19, 2010
Is Rotary membership "STABLE" at 1.2 million?
In response to recent comment by a Rotary colleague about Rotary doubling to 1.2 million........yes, BUT, a startling statistic that I just learned when I was in Chicago for Rotary Coordinator training in February --
7 years ago, Rotary had approximately 1.2 million members......
Currently we are STILL approximately 1.2 million members........
Does that indicate we're "stable?"
......Well, no, because in that same 7 year period we INDUCTED 1.2 million members!!
Another statistic -- 40% of Rotarians worldwide have been in Rotary less than 3 years!
(To examine this at your own club level, sit down with your club secretary and ask him or her to show you the records for the last 5 years -- how many (and who?) were inducted and how many were terminated. Then compare a club roster from 5 years ago to your current club roster. I'd be very interested in what you find by looking at your own club.)
We seem to know how to "recruit" but, by and large, we don't know how to "keep" members once they come into our ranks.
This could be a topic for a whole seminar or workshop, but it means we all need to take a look at how well we're educating our prospects BEFORE inducting them, how well we continue that education AFTER their inducted, and do we give them "value" for the time and money they give to Rotary? Are we finding out what THEY expect from Rotary?
All this leads into RIPE Ray's plan to develop stronger Rotary clubs -- "Bigger, Better, Bolder" --to get more information and "action steps," take advantage of the Zone Assemblies coming to a convenient location near you in July or August -- put on by your very own Zone Rotary Coordinator and Foundation Coordinator.
July 10 D5020 and D5030 and inviting D5080 (probably Seattle area)
July 17 D5130, D5150, D5160 and inviting D5180 (someplace north of Bay Area)
July 24 D5100 and D5110 (expected to be in Salem area)
Aug 14 D5080 (Spokane)
Aug 21 D5180 and D5190 (probably Reno)
7 years ago, Rotary had approximately 1.2 million members......
Currently we are STILL approximately 1.2 million members........
Does that indicate we're "stable?"
......Well, no, because in that same 7 year period we INDUCTED 1.2 million members!!
Another statistic -- 40% of Rotarians worldwide have been in Rotary less than 3 years!
(To examine this at your own club level, sit down with your club secretary and ask him or her to show you the records for the last 5 years -- how many (and who?) were inducted and how many were terminated. Then compare a club roster from 5 years ago to your current club roster. I'd be very interested in what you find by looking at your own club.)
We seem to know how to "recruit" but, by and large, we don't know how to "keep" members once they come into our ranks.
This could be a topic for a whole seminar or workshop, but it means we all need to take a look at how well we're educating our prospects BEFORE inducting them, how well we continue that education AFTER their inducted, and do we give them "value" for the time and money they give to Rotary? Are we finding out what THEY expect from Rotary?
All this leads into RIPE Ray's plan to develop stronger Rotary clubs -- "Bigger, Better, Bolder" --to get more information and "action steps," take advantage of the Zone Assemblies coming to a convenient location near you in July or August -- put on by your very own Zone Rotary Coordinator and Foundation Coordinator.
July 10 D5020 and D5030 and inviting D5080 (probably Seattle area)
July 17 D5130, D5150, D5160 and inviting D5180 (someplace north of Bay Area)
July 24 D5100 and D5110 (expected to be in Salem area)
Aug 14 D5080 (Spokane)
Aug 21 D5180 and D5190 (probably Reno)
Friday, April 16, 2010
Assistant governors: prepare for final club visits
Rotary International News -- 29 March 2010
As the end of the Rotary year draws near, assistant governors prepare for their final quarterly visits to their assigned clubs.
Depending on the number and location of assigned clubs and the district budget, this may prove to be a daunting task. While assistant governors should visit each of their assigned clubs at least once in person, they can explore other ways to check in with clubs if personal visits become unfeasible.
* Use web conferencing software to virtually attend a club meeting or assembly.
* Check in with club leaders with frequent phone calls and e-mails.
* Conduct a multi-club visit (if clubs are near each other) to minimize travel and expenses.
Whatever the method, it is important to find a way to communicate with clubs about their progress toward their goals. During the final visit, remind clubs to submit updated membership lists and semiannual dues to RI. (Both can be submitted using Member Access.)
After the final visit, be sure to complete the Memo of Club Visit form and submit it to the district governor by 15 May.
As the end of the Rotary year draws near, assistant governors prepare for their final quarterly visits to their assigned clubs.
Depending on the number and location of assigned clubs and the district budget, this may prove to be a daunting task. While assistant governors should visit each of their assigned clubs at least once in person, they can explore other ways to check in with clubs if personal visits become unfeasible.
* Use web conferencing software to virtually attend a club meeting or assembly.
* Check in with club leaders with frequent phone calls and e-mails.
* Conduct a multi-club visit (if clubs are near each other) to minimize travel and expenses.
Whatever the method, it is important to find a way to communicate with clubs about their progress toward their goals. During the final visit, remind clubs to submit updated membership lists and semiannual dues to RI. (Both can be submitted using Member Access.)
After the final visit, be sure to complete the Memo of Club Visit form and submit it to the district governor by 15 May.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Is Rotary like James Bond?
Don’t Know How to Use Facebook? You’re Fired!
Tuesday, April 13, 2010 7:49 PM
By Jessica Ramirez
"According to the Daily Mail newspaper, the British intelligence agency MI5 has rolled out plans to lay off workers (including spies) who do not know how to use social-networking tools like Facebook and Twitter."
Okay, so admittedly this is a bit of a stretch -- but..... the real fact is, if Rotarians (that's you and me) don't embrace all resources and technologies -- if we "just keep doin' what we've always done" -- we're going to get left in the dust.
Please be assured that Rotary International is indeed using (very successfully) Social Media including Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. To truly reach our members and those outstanding younger professional, business and community leaders that we hope to invite to Rotary, then our clubs and districts also need to be using every available new communication tool available to us.
Just because we're 105 years old and the oldest service organization, doesn't mean we have to act like it!
To read the whole article go to:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1265219/MI5-pensions-spies-use-I-T.html
Tuesday, April 13, 2010 7:49 PM
By Jessica Ramirez
"According to the Daily Mail newspaper, the British intelligence agency MI5 has rolled out plans to lay off workers (including spies) who do not know how to use social-networking tools like Facebook and Twitter."
Okay, so admittedly this is a bit of a stretch -- but..... the real fact is, if Rotarians (that's you and me) don't embrace all resources and technologies -- if we "just keep doin' what we've always done" -- we're going to get left in the dust.
Please be assured that Rotary International is indeed using (very successfully) Social Media including Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. To truly reach our members and those outstanding younger professional, business and community leaders that we hope to invite to Rotary, then our clubs and districts also need to be using every available new communication tool available to us.
Just because we're 105 years old and the oldest service organization, doesn't mean we have to act like it!
To read the whole article go to:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1265219/MI5-pensions-spies-use-I-T.html
Monday, April 5, 2010
Chartering a New Club?
A couple of hints to assure success of that new club:
Though the “rules” say a club may be chartered with 20, RI strongly encourages at least 25 charter members due to what will be some inevitable attrition in the first few months. It’s been found that those who start with 25 or more members do a lot better in the long run – they aren’t as likely to struggle in the first few years.
Another idea to consider is to ask a couple of your PETS instructors to give a half day of PEITS to the charter president (President-Elect-Intensive-Training-Seminar.) The DGE and AG for the new club would probably like to be involved in that as well.
Encouraging all the provisional or charter members to attend the conference and the district assembly is another great way to make basic Rotary information available to them -- as well as give these new Rotarians an opportunity to meet, talk, and learn from Rotarians from around the district – good “networking” if you will.
At least one year of regular mentoring of the new club by the sponsor club is imperative! This includes:
*regular club visits by the sponsor club members
*sponsor club board member(s) attend new club board meetings
*invite charter club board to attend sponsor club board meetings
*work on a joint club project
*plan a joint club social
*match mentor/charter jobs (i.e. President mentors President, Secretary mentors Secretary, etc.)
What ideas can you suggest to help in the successful chartering of new clubs? Email your ideas to judi5110@comcast.net
Though the “rules” say a club may be chartered with 20, RI strongly encourages at least 25 charter members due to what will be some inevitable attrition in the first few months. It’s been found that those who start with 25 or more members do a lot better in the long run – they aren’t as likely to struggle in the first few years.
Another idea to consider is to ask a couple of your PETS instructors to give a half day of PEITS to the charter president (President-Elect-Intensive-Training-Seminar.) The DGE and AG for the new club would probably like to be involved in that as well.
Encouraging all the provisional or charter members to attend the conference and the district assembly is another great way to make basic Rotary information available to them -- as well as give these new Rotarians an opportunity to meet, talk, and learn from Rotarians from around the district – good “networking” if you will.
At least one year of regular mentoring of the new club by the sponsor club is imperative! This includes:
*regular club visits by the sponsor club members
*sponsor club board member(s) attend new club board meetings
*invite charter club board to attend sponsor club board meetings
*work on a joint club project
*plan a joint club social
*match mentor/charter jobs (i.e. President mentors President, Secretary mentors Secretary, etc.)
What ideas can you suggest to help in the successful chartering of new clubs? Email your ideas to judi5110@comcast.net
What do our Rotarians want out of Rotary?
An excerpt from a speech given by RI Director-Elect John Smarge at the March Rotary Coordinator seminar:
"Over the last few years there have been numerous surveys conducted regarding member satisfaction. There have been country wide surveys, Zone surveys in all parts of the world, as well as district and club surveys. Though in most cases the questions were posed in different manners, for the most part, overall, the responses have garnered the same results. I would like to reference, as an example, a survey conducted for the Rotary Club of Buffalo, NY USA, which fairly represents many of the other worldwide surveys.
"The Rotary Club of Buffalo contracted a company to do a survey of its members. They did so to try to understand the feeling of the members on a multi-million dollar, multi-year community service project that they were about to undertake. As part of the survey, they asked other questions, many of them relating to how the members felt about the club and their motivation for being part of the club.
"The survey revealed some interesting conclusions. When reviewing the results from the assorted questions on “why you are a member of the Rotary club” the survey takers found that the answers were very conclusive, yet varied depending on how many years you were a member of the club, which also can correspond the relative age of the member.
"For those members who had been in the club less than five years, what they wanted most out of the club was personal growth, business and professional development skills and networking opportunities. Networking!! In many parts of the world, the idea of being a member of a Rotary club for self-interest is unacceptable. Yet that, for the most part, is what our new members are looking for. Now understand that this group wants to be involved, yet are very often not finding the outlet in our clubs to do so. Think of the opportunities that experienced members have to mentor the newer members. Not necessarily in offering Rotary knowledge, but in providing professional development skills. I will tell you, from personal experience, that I joined Rotary at 22 years old for those exact reasons. 28 years later, I am the business person; I am the person that I am today, by following the examples and listening to the wisdom of those experienced Rotarians in my club.
"Looking back at the survey, we find that those members who were in the club 5 to 20 years, they were looking, most importantly, for opportunities to connect with their communities through hands on projects and secondarily, to make a difference in the world. This is the aspect of our organization that we are best identified with and which we have traditionally done quite well at delivering. Those worldwide studies will tell you, if you can get a member to the 5-20 year period, you’ll keep them
"More than 20 years? They wanted the social aspect, fellowship, staying in touch and connected with their Rotary friends, having a place to come each week where they feel comfortable."
This information is important not only in serving the members of our own clubs, but to remember when we're talking to prospective members. Are they being given the opportunity to talk about what they need to make Rotary a good value for their invested time money? Have you surveyed your current membership to see if their needs are being met?
Thank you for making Rotary a priority!
Judi
"Over the last few years there have been numerous surveys conducted regarding member satisfaction. There have been country wide surveys, Zone surveys in all parts of the world, as well as district and club surveys. Though in most cases the questions were posed in different manners, for the most part, overall, the responses have garnered the same results. I would like to reference, as an example, a survey conducted for the Rotary Club of Buffalo, NY USA, which fairly represents many of the other worldwide surveys.
"The Rotary Club of Buffalo contracted a company to do a survey of its members. They did so to try to understand the feeling of the members on a multi-million dollar, multi-year community service project that they were about to undertake. As part of the survey, they asked other questions, many of them relating to how the members felt about the club and their motivation for being part of the club.
"The survey revealed some interesting conclusions. When reviewing the results from the assorted questions on “why you are a member of the Rotary club” the survey takers found that the answers were very conclusive, yet varied depending on how many years you were a member of the club, which also can correspond the relative age of the member.
"For those members who had been in the club less than five years, what they wanted most out of the club was personal growth, business and professional development skills and networking opportunities. Networking!! In many parts of the world, the idea of being a member of a Rotary club for self-interest is unacceptable. Yet that, for the most part, is what our new members are looking for. Now understand that this group wants to be involved, yet are very often not finding the outlet in our clubs to do so. Think of the opportunities that experienced members have to mentor the newer members. Not necessarily in offering Rotary knowledge, but in providing professional development skills. I will tell you, from personal experience, that I joined Rotary at 22 years old for those exact reasons. 28 years later, I am the business person; I am the person that I am today, by following the examples and listening to the wisdom of those experienced Rotarians in my club.
"Looking back at the survey, we find that those members who were in the club 5 to 20 years, they were looking, most importantly, for opportunities to connect with their communities through hands on projects and secondarily, to make a difference in the world. This is the aspect of our organization that we are best identified with and which we have traditionally done quite well at delivering. Those worldwide studies will tell you, if you can get a member to the 5-20 year period, you’ll keep them
"More than 20 years? They wanted the social aspect, fellowship, staying in touch and connected with their Rotary friends, having a place to come each week where they feel comfortable."
This information is important not only in serving the members of our own clubs, but to remember when we're talking to prospective members. Are they being given the opportunity to talk about what they need to make Rotary a good value for their invested time money? Have you surveyed your current membership to see if their needs are being met?
Thank you for making Rotary a priority!
Judi
Thursday, April 1, 2010
More Info and Data on Social Media
Rotary is using many form of Social Media which is becoming more and more important in accepted communication and PR.
We've heard that prospective employers search Social Media sights for insights into potential hires. Kelli Matthews, who teaches public relations and social media at the University of Oregon says the volume of Web postings and the prevalence of social media sites, including Facebook and Twitter, has helped make even anonymous posters fairly easy to identify. "There's really no such thing as being anonymous," Matthews said. "If you're being inappropriate, you have to know everything you say is live and permanent and searchable. And the Internet never forgets."
For more interesting information is about "who" is using "which" forms of Social Media, click on this link for some interesting information from Paul Kiser, PR chair of 5190:
http://paulkiser.wordpress.com/2010/04/01/who-uses-facebook-twitter-myspace-linkedin/
We've heard that prospective employers search Social Media sights for insights into potential hires. Kelli Matthews, who teaches public relations and social media at the University of Oregon says the volume of Web postings and the prevalence of social media sites, including Facebook and Twitter, has helped make even anonymous posters fairly easy to identify. "There's really no such thing as being anonymous," Matthews said. "If you're being inappropriate, you have to know everything you say is live and permanent and searchable. And the Internet never forgets."
For more interesting information is about "who" is using "which" forms of Social Media, click on this link for some interesting information from Paul Kiser, PR chair of 5190:
http://paulkiser.wordpress.com/2010/04/01/who-uses-facebook-twitter-myspace-linkedin/
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