The RI president’s monthly message
October 2010
“Way Down Yonder in New Orleans”
There have been many songs written about New Orleans due to its history and heritage as one of the music capitals of the world. I particularly like the happy sound of “Way Down Yonder in New Orleans,” whose lyrics now beckon us as we think about the 2011 RI Convention in that city, 21-25 May – a full month earlier than the RI conventions in recent years!
The New Orleans convention will officially start on Saturday – not on Sunday as it has for the past few years. The House of Friendship, the showplace of our annual conventions, will open on Saturday morning, and all preconvention meetings will end at noon on Saturday, to allow Rotarians and their guests to spend more time there before the plenary sessions start on Sunday.
Additional good news is that the House of Friendship will be located right next door to the plenary session hall in the convention center, and the hours of operation will be extended to permit more fellowship and networking time for our visitors from around the Rotary world. It will be the place to be for Rotarians and their families!
How does one adequately describe the magic, the vibrancy, and the inspiration of a Rotary convention? Our conventions almost defy description because they are so diverse in their appeal. Rotary fellowship and networking are at their best as we meet our fellow Rotarians from around the globe, and international service is truly enhanced as Rotarians make new friends from faraway places. So the best way to understand and appreciate a Rotary convention is to attend the outstanding event being planned for New Orleans. It will be one of the best RI conventions ever! I guarantee it!
Come join us in New Orleans as we work together to make the world a better place. And Let the Good Times Roll … Again! Laissez les bon temps rouler … encore!
Ray Klinginsmith
President, Rotary International
RI Zones 25-26 Rotary Coordinator News
Friday, September 24, 2010
A Rotaractor’s Perspective
Guest post by Rotaractor Mary Kathryn DeLodder
While it is not unheard of for Rotary clubs to have members under the age of 30, many young people in their 20s may not quite be ready for membership in a Rotary club. This may be due to a lack of flexibility in their work schedule, financial limitations, or other family or life constraints. This is where Rotaract offers the perfect bridge into Rotary. Rotaract provides college students and young professionals with a way to connect to Rotary while conforming to their needs and circumstances.
While one of the stated goals of Rotaract is to motivate young people for eventual membership in Rotary, there are certainly many other reasons to sponsor a Rotaract club beyond just the potential to develop future Rotarians. Through Rotaract, Rotarians have the opportunity to help mentor the next generation of community and business leaders. In turn, Rotaractors often bring enthusiasm and energy to their sponsoring Rotary club. Rotaractors and Rotarians often work side-by-side on service projects, thus extending the impact made on the local community. Whether or not Rotaractors choose to become Rotarians will largely depend on the impressions made by members of the sponsoring Rotary club.
Having been involved in Rotaract for nearly a decade, I have had the pleasure of meeting many Rotarians who have helped to shape me as a leader. I have been fortunate to be included in various club and district functions where I was able to learn about the workings of Rotary beyond my own community. Sometimes, I just invited myself to events in order to learn more. Rotarians made sure I had information, and I was able to use that information to become a better leader within Rotaract. Without a doubt, I can say that I WILL be a Rotarian when the time is right for me. I cannot imagine Rotary not being a part of my life!
As a Rotary Coordinator, you can encourage Rotary clubs to be responsible sponsors of Rotaract clubs. Encourage Rotary clubs to maintain a strong, healthy, and active relationship with their Rotaract club. Interaction with the sponsoring Rotary club is the key to success for a Rotaract club. Strong connections with Rotaract clubs today will ensure vibrant Rotary clubs tomorrow.
I've had the good fortune to get acquainted with Mary Kathryn first through Facebook then at the Rotaract Pre-Convention in Montreal. She is a dynamite lady - wish we all had her energy and Rotary passion!
While it is not unheard of for Rotary clubs to have members under the age of 30, many young people in their 20s may not quite be ready for membership in a Rotary club. This may be due to a lack of flexibility in their work schedule, financial limitations, or other family or life constraints. This is where Rotaract offers the perfect bridge into Rotary. Rotaract provides college students and young professionals with a way to connect to Rotary while conforming to their needs and circumstances.
While one of the stated goals of Rotaract is to motivate young people for eventual membership in Rotary, there are certainly many other reasons to sponsor a Rotaract club beyond just the potential to develop future Rotarians. Through Rotaract, Rotarians have the opportunity to help mentor the next generation of community and business leaders. In turn, Rotaractors often bring enthusiasm and energy to their sponsoring Rotary club. Rotaractors and Rotarians often work side-by-side on service projects, thus extending the impact made on the local community. Whether or not Rotaractors choose to become Rotarians will largely depend on the impressions made by members of the sponsoring Rotary club.
Having been involved in Rotaract for nearly a decade, I have had the pleasure of meeting many Rotarians who have helped to shape me as a leader. I have been fortunate to be included in various club and district functions where I was able to learn about the workings of Rotary beyond my own community. Sometimes, I just invited myself to events in order to learn more. Rotarians made sure I had information, and I was able to use that information to become a better leader within Rotaract. Without a doubt, I can say that I WILL be a Rotarian when the time is right for me. I cannot imagine Rotary not being a part of my life!
As a Rotary Coordinator, you can encourage Rotary clubs to be responsible sponsors of Rotaract clubs. Encourage Rotary clubs to maintain a strong, healthy, and active relationship with their Rotaract club. Interaction with the sponsoring Rotary club is the key to success for a Rotaract club. Strong connections with Rotaract clubs today will ensure vibrant Rotary clubs tomorrow.
I've had the good fortune to get acquainted with Mary Kathryn first through Facebook then at the Rotaract Pre-Convention in Montreal. She is a dynamite lady - wish we all had her energy and Rotary passion!
Are We Dissatisfied?
Dissatisfaction guaranteed
"Great brands are built on dissatisfaction. After all, if you are satisfied with your Revlon makeup or your Nike sneakers or your iPad, why would you buy another one? Satisfied means done, finished, I don't need any more.
In fact, most great commercial (and non-profit, and political) brands create a cycle of purchase based on ever-greater dissatisfaction with what we've got."
From another great blog by Seth Godin (blogmailfromsehth@yahoo.com)
"How does this apply to Rotary?" you ask. Think of it this way.......If we are content with the things we've accomplished: "almost" eradicating polio, membership at 1.2million,dictionaries to all third graders, wells built in Africa, some help to Haiti after the hurricane..... are we going to stop? Are we "content" with things just they way they are? Are we afraid of change? Of more effort? Are we leery of bringing strangers into "our" Rotary who might be different from us? Are we doubtful about the ideas of new (perhaps younger) members?
I love Rotary! I am so proud of all we've done and do for our local and world communities! But I'm "dissatisfied!!!" We have not "arrived" -- there is so much more that can be done -- but it will take more hands and new ideas and a lot more work -- it will take BIGGER, BETTER, BOLDER Rotary clubs!
Thank you for all you've done - just think what more we can do!
"Great brands are built on dissatisfaction. After all, if you are satisfied with your Revlon makeup or your Nike sneakers or your iPad, why would you buy another one? Satisfied means done, finished, I don't need any more.
In fact, most great commercial (and non-profit, and political) brands create a cycle of purchase based on ever-greater dissatisfaction with what we've got."
From another great blog by Seth Godin (blogmailfromsehth@yahoo.com)
"How does this apply to Rotary?" you ask. Think of it this way.......If we are content with the things we've accomplished: "almost" eradicating polio, membership at 1.2million,dictionaries to all third graders, wells built in Africa, some help to Haiti after the hurricane..... are we going to stop? Are we "content" with things just they way they are? Are we afraid of change? Of more effort? Are we leery of bringing strangers into "our" Rotary who might be different from us? Are we doubtful about the ideas of new (perhaps younger) members?
I love Rotary! I am so proud of all we've done and do for our local and world communities! But I'm "dissatisfied!!!" We have not "arrived" -- there is so much more that can be done -- but it will take more hands and new ideas and a lot more work -- it will take BIGGER, BETTER, BOLDER Rotary clubs!
Thank you for all you've done - just think what more we can do!
Monday, September 20, 2010
Rotary PR Tips
-ROTARY PR TIPS-
20 September - edited by Joseph Lorenzo
Share Rotary’s social media release for the International Day of Peace on 21 September and help publicize Rotary’s commitment to fostering peace and world understanding through education. The release is hosted on PitchEngine, a social platform that allows users to easily share content with journalists, bloggers, and other influencers around the world. Scroll to the end of the release to distribute it through one of your social networks.
Public service announcements promoting peace available
Add one of Rotary’s peace-related public service announcements to your club’s website or blog by copying the embed code located at the bottom of each video on YouTube. Preview “A New Symbol for Peace” and “Peace (We All Want the Same Thing)” on YouTube, and download these and all other Rotary public service announcements on the RI website. Consider sharing the videos on your Facebook page, through Twitter, or in your club or district newsletter, or sending them to your friends and family via e-mail.
Revised poster and brochure available
Promote The Rotary Foundation’s Rotary Peace Centers program with the Rotary Peace Centers brochure and poster. Available in six languages, these resources are designed to help Rotary clubs publicize the program among qualified candidates and the general public. Consider dropping off the brochure and poster at your local library, favorite coffee shop, restaurant, or workplace to promote the Rotary Peace Centers in your community. Download the PDF.
Did you know that Rotary PR Tips reaches more than 9,000 people in 115 countries from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe? It's a great opportunity to learn how the media works and how other cultures promote their projects. What PR tip would you share with readers? Send it to pr@rotary.org.
To access the links, go to:
http://echo4.bluehornet.com/hostedemail/email.htm?h=93ba09099ecd76d992d6b3fde8ef53cb&CID=10947296661&ch=26ECD980AEAAA2B4963D3B4D3B401D78
20 September - edited by Joseph Lorenzo
Share Rotary’s social media release for the International Day of Peace on 21 September and help publicize Rotary’s commitment to fostering peace and world understanding through education. The release is hosted on PitchEngine, a social platform that allows users to easily share content with journalists, bloggers, and other influencers around the world. Scroll to the end of the release to distribute it through one of your social networks.
Public service announcements promoting peace available
Add one of Rotary’s peace-related public service announcements to your club’s website or blog by copying the embed code located at the bottom of each video on YouTube. Preview “A New Symbol for Peace” and “Peace (We All Want the Same Thing)” on YouTube, and download these and all other Rotary public service announcements on the RI website. Consider sharing the videos on your Facebook page, through Twitter, or in your club or district newsletter, or sending them to your friends and family via e-mail.
Revised poster and brochure available
Promote The Rotary Foundation’s Rotary Peace Centers program with the Rotary Peace Centers brochure and poster. Available in six languages, these resources are designed to help Rotary clubs publicize the program among qualified candidates and the general public. Consider dropping off the brochure and poster at your local library, favorite coffee shop, restaurant, or workplace to promote the Rotary Peace Centers in your community. Download the PDF.
Did you know that Rotary PR Tips reaches more than 9,000 people in 115 countries from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe? It's a great opportunity to learn how the media works and how other cultures promote their projects. What PR tip would you share with readers? Send it to pr@rotary.org.
To access the links, go to:
http://echo4.bluehornet.com/hostedemail/email.htm?h=93ba09099ecd76d992d6b3fde8ef53cb&CID=10947296661&ch=26ECD980AEAAA2B4963D3B4D3B401D78
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Networking and Business Advertising in Rotary?
A recent post on LinkedIn asked the following question:
What would Rotary look like if they were to allow business advertising and networking. Would we grow in member size? Would we cease to be a service organization? Would we retain more members? Would the world look at us differently?
As with most LinkedIn discussions, the responses were varied, but the person who I believe went right to the heart of the question was Past RI President Cliff Dochterman, who said:
That is an interesting "what if" question -- because there is nothing in the policies of Rotary which would prevent networking or advertising within one's Club. Networking, if there were such a concept was the essence of the Rotary organization in 1905 -- and it really has not changed. However, it seems that some Clubs have artifically put a barrier on promoting one's business. Let's not forget that Vocational Service is our second Avenue of Service! The very definition of Vocational Service in our Manual of Procedure is "It is the opportunity each Rotarian has to represent the dignity and value of his or her vocation to other club members..." Just read the "Declaration for Rotarians in Business and Professions." There is no prohibition of mentioning a Rotarians business or profession at a Club Meeting -- it is an historic part of Rotary.
A Rotarian should be aware that Rotarians neither seek nor grant to a fellow Rotarian a privilege or advantage not normally accorded others in a business or professional relationship. Just remember -- business success and profit are not bad words in Rotary.
In a followup response to me he added:
It always amazes me how some of the myths develop in the world of Rotary. I've been to clubs where the mere mention of a business or profession is "subject to a fine." How absurd. We wouldn't be in Rotary if we didn't have a profession or business -- so why not take advantage of it. In our house we always ask, "What Rotarian sells that product or whom should be ask about some item we need." We go to Rotarians because we believe that they live up to just a little higher standard and can be trusted for honesty and fair dealing. That's the Rotary way. It is always great to walk into a hotel or restaurant and see a sign "Rotary Meets Here." Somehow, it gives us just a little satisfaction. I've always said, "One benefit of Rotary is that you never have to buy insurance from a stranger!"
Thanks, President Cliff!
What would Rotary look like if they were to allow business advertising and networking. Would we grow in member size? Would we cease to be a service organization? Would we retain more members? Would the world look at us differently?
As with most LinkedIn discussions, the responses were varied, but the person who I believe went right to the heart of the question was Past RI President Cliff Dochterman, who said:
That is an interesting "what if" question -- because there is nothing in the policies of Rotary which would prevent networking or advertising within one's Club. Networking, if there were such a concept was the essence of the Rotary organization in 1905 -- and it really has not changed. However, it seems that some Clubs have artifically put a barrier on promoting one's business. Let's not forget that Vocational Service is our second Avenue of Service! The very definition of Vocational Service in our Manual of Procedure is "It is the opportunity each Rotarian has to represent the dignity and value of his or her vocation to other club members..." Just read the "Declaration for Rotarians in Business and Professions." There is no prohibition of mentioning a Rotarians business or profession at a Club Meeting -- it is an historic part of Rotary.
A Rotarian should be aware that Rotarians neither seek nor grant to a fellow Rotarian a privilege or advantage not normally accorded others in a business or professional relationship. Just remember -- business success and profit are not bad words in Rotary.
In a followup response to me he added:
It always amazes me how some of the myths develop in the world of Rotary. I've been to clubs where the mere mention of a business or profession is "subject to a fine." How absurd. We wouldn't be in Rotary if we didn't have a profession or business -- so why not take advantage of it. In our house we always ask, "What Rotarian sells that product or whom should be ask about some item we need." We go to Rotarians because we believe that they live up to just a little higher standard and can be trusted for honesty and fair dealing. That's the Rotary way. It is always great to walk into a hotel or restaurant and see a sign "Rotary Meets Here." Somehow, it gives us just a little satisfaction. I've always said, "One benefit of Rotary is that you never have to buy insurance from a stranger!"
Thanks, President Cliff!
RI Weekly Updates
Several topics on this week's updates from Rotary.
http://echo4.bluehornet.com/hostedemail/email.htm?h=0757d31e581abef96a2df4c4c2a7fd3a&CID=10920484703&ch=B60A4AB3EEB716D8CAB853B0ACB34EF7
We are all talking about the importance of Strategic Planning, or Club Visioning. You might be particularly interested in the link to:
Does your club have a strategic plan?
Has your club used the Strategic Planning Guide? The Leadership Education and Training Division is interested in your feedback on this resource. E-mail your ideas to leadership.training@rotary.org.
http://echo4.bluehornet.com/hostedemail/email.htm?h=0757d31e581abef96a2df4c4c2a7fd3a&CID=10920484703&ch=B60A4AB3EEB716D8CAB853B0ACB34EF7
We are all talking about the importance of Strategic Planning, or Club Visioning. You might be particularly interested in the link to:
Does your club have a strategic plan?
Has your club used the Strategic Planning Guide? The Leadership Education and Training Division is interested in your feedback on this resource. E-mail your ideas to leadership.training@rotary.org.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Making Strong Clubs Dynamic - with VISIONING!
Many of the clubs in our districts have taken advantage of the Visioning process as a means of Strategic Planning for the future. In my travels around the Zone, I've heard a couple of comments in the vein of "We aren't in trouble - we don't need to do this!" Au contraire! The Visioning process is for ALL clubs -- true, it can be a real benefit to struggling clubs, but it also helps strong clubs be stronger, more focused -- DYNAMIC!
Kudos if your district or club has already embraced this process - if you've not yet had the opportunity, I strongly encourage you to explore this terrific tool for strengthening clubs.
Following is a link to A View on Visioning.
http://library.constantcontact.com/doc205/1103640950906/doc/3cawRn20QS27kVl3.pdf
Kudos if your district or club has already embraced this process - if you've not yet had the opportunity, I strongly encourage you to explore this terrific tool for strengthening clubs.
Following is a link to A View on Visioning.
http://library.constantcontact.com/doc205/1103640950906/doc/3cawRn20QS27kVl3.pdf
Friday, September 10, 2010
Opportunity to Get Better Acquainted With Rotaract!
Joanna Kwong is the immediate past president of Cal Rotaract (at UC Berkeley) and immediate past DRR/Rotaract Governor of District 5160. She writes the following:
A West Coast regional conference is being hosted by Rotaractors. Rotarians and Rotaractors alike are invited to participate in a weekend-long string of fantastic events.
On Oct. 15-17, 2010, Rotaract D-5160 will host a multi-day, regional West Coast Conference in Berkeley, CA, for Rotaractors throughout the area. This is the first conference of its kind on the West Coast. The conference is a call to action for Rotaractors to network, share, and inspire one another by "Bridging Connections."
You can visit our website - and register online - at www.westcon2010.org.
Highlights
• 16 interactive workshops on service, Rotaract, and leadership
• Keynote address by Past Rotary International President Cliff Dochterman
• 4-hr late night cruise on a $1.5 million yacht around the SF Bay; incl. dessert buffet, bar, & live DJ
• Welcome Night Mixer w/ live music & light appetizers
The entire package is only $55--including the possibility of free, sponsored housing should Rotaract opt in (read more about it at www.westcon2010.org/lodging) Smaller packages and individual tickets are also available.
Please help publicize this event among Rotaractors, New Generations committee people, and other interested Rotarians in your district!
Best regards,
Joanna Kwong
UC Berkeley undergraduate, c/o 2010
UC Berkeley Rotaract, Immediate Past President
Rotaract District 5160, Immediate PDG
Rotaract ACCT, Vice President
calrotaract.org | office phone: 1(510)371.5756 | email: jkwong@calrotaract.org
A West Coast regional conference is being hosted by Rotaractors. Rotarians and Rotaractors alike are invited to participate in a weekend-long string of fantastic events.
On Oct. 15-17, 2010, Rotaract D-5160 will host a multi-day, regional West Coast Conference in Berkeley, CA, for Rotaractors throughout the area. This is the first conference of its kind on the West Coast. The conference is a call to action for Rotaractors to network, share, and inspire one another by "Bridging Connections."
You can visit our website - and register online - at www.westcon2010.org.
Highlights
• 16 interactive workshops on service, Rotaract, and leadership
• Keynote address by Past Rotary International President Cliff Dochterman
• 4-hr late night cruise on a $1.5 million yacht around the SF Bay; incl. dessert buffet, bar, & live DJ
• Welcome Night Mixer w/ live music & light appetizers
The entire package is only $55--including the possibility of free, sponsored housing should Rotaract opt in (read more about it at www.westcon2010.org/lodging) Smaller packages and individual tickets are also available.
Please help publicize this event among Rotaractors, New Generations committee people, and other interested Rotarians in your district!
Best regards,
Joanna Kwong
UC Berkeley undergraduate, c/o 2010
UC Berkeley Rotaract, Immediate Past President
Rotaract District 5160, Immediate PDG
Rotaract ACCT, Vice President
calrotaract.org | office phone: 1(510)371.5756 | email: jkwong@calrotaract.org
"That Will Never Work!!"
As you already know, I find Rotary ideas among many non-Rotary sources! Following is a blog by Seth Godin who writes about criticism that is sometimes directed at new ideas. How often do we, in Rotary, hear or even say..... "That will never work!" when a new project or way of doing something is suggested?
Interpreting criticism
Heartfelt criticism of your idea or your art is usually right (except when it isn't...)
Check out this letter from the publisher of a magazine you've never heard of to the founder of a little magazine called Readers Digest:
"But, personally, I don't see how you will be able to get enough subscribers to support it. It is expensive for its size. It isn't illustrated... I have my doubts about the undertaking as a publishing venture."
Of course, he was right--given his assumptions. And that's the except part. Criticism of your idea is usually based on assumptions about the world as it is.
Jackson Pollock could never have made it as an painter in the world as it was. And Harry Potter was rejected by just about everyone because for it to succeed the way kids read would have to change.
The useful element of this sort of criticism isn't that the fact that people in the status quo don't like your idea. Of course they don't.
The interesting question is: what about the world as it is would have to change for your idea to be important?
In the case of Readers Digest, the key thing that changed was the makeup of who was reading magazines. Most of the people (and it was a lot of people) who subscribed to the Digest didn't read other magazines. And so comparing to other magazines made no sense, except to say, "this is so different from other magazines, the only way you're going to succeed is by selling it to millions of people who don't read those magazines." And Starbucks had no chance if they were going to focus on the sort of person who bought coffee at Dunkin Donuts or a diner, and the iPad couldn't possibly succeed if people were content to use computers the way they were already using them." And I might add...Rotary will not grow and thrive without embracing new ideas and the potential members who will help incorporate change!
Keep that in mind the next time a gatekeeper or successful tastemaker explains why you're going to fail.
To subscribe to Seth's Blog: [blogmailfromseth@yahoo.com]
Interpreting criticism
Heartfelt criticism of your idea or your art is usually right (except when it isn't...)
Check out this letter from the publisher of a magazine you've never heard of to the founder of a little magazine called Readers Digest:
"But, personally, I don't see how you will be able to get enough subscribers to support it. It is expensive for its size. It isn't illustrated... I have my doubts about the undertaking as a publishing venture."
Of course, he was right--given his assumptions. And that's the except part. Criticism of your idea is usually based on assumptions about the world as it is.
Jackson Pollock could never have made it as an painter in the world as it was. And Harry Potter was rejected by just about everyone because for it to succeed the way kids read would have to change.
The useful element of this sort of criticism isn't that the fact that people in the status quo don't like your idea. Of course they don't.
The interesting question is: what about the world as it is would have to change for your idea to be important?
In the case of Readers Digest, the key thing that changed was the makeup of who was reading magazines. Most of the people (and it was a lot of people) who subscribed to the Digest didn't read other magazines. And so comparing to other magazines made no sense, except to say, "this is so different from other magazines, the only way you're going to succeed is by selling it to millions of people who don't read those magazines." And Starbucks had no chance if they were going to focus on the sort of person who bought coffee at Dunkin Donuts or a diner, and the iPad couldn't possibly succeed if people were content to use computers the way they were already using them." And I might add...Rotary will not grow and thrive without embracing new ideas and the potential members who will help incorporate change!
Keep that in mind the next time a gatekeeper or successful tastemaker explains why you're going to fail.
To subscribe to Seth's Blog: [blogmailfromseth@yahoo.com]
Thursday, September 9, 2010
The Fifth Avenue of Service - What Does It Mean??
Thursday, September 9, 2010
The Fifth Avenue
by Sharon Cyr and Amanda Runge, RI Programs Division
The Avenues of Service, long a cornerstone of Rotary service, first appeared in Rotary literature circa 1939. Service to youth has also been prevalent for most of our history. Some of you may ask, “What took so long for youth to be recognized in the Avenues of Service?” Traditions can be hard to change, and for many years, the Council on Legislation rejected proposals for a fifth avenue dedicated to youth. At the 2010 Council, an enactment was passed that established New Generations Service as the fifth avenue. Some of you may say “It was about time!”
What does this new avenue mean for clubs? New Generations is defined as service to young people up to age 30. Clubs can support the New Generations through RI Programs such as Interact, Rotaract, RYLA, and Youth Exchange, but also through any project that works with young people such as mentoring or scouting. One strategic plan goal is to balance activities in all Avenues of Service. With the addition of a fifth avenue, clubs should consider projects that address the needs of the New Generations.
How else does this support and strengthen clubs? Service Above Self, is a message that resonates with people from all generations. By combining the energy from the New Generations, we can move Rotary forward.
How will ..your clubs and.. district recognize New Generations Month?
What New Generations Programs work well in your area?
What programs might need more support from you to thrive?
The Fifth Avenue
by Sharon Cyr and Amanda Runge, RI Programs Division
The Avenues of Service, long a cornerstone of Rotary service, first appeared in Rotary literature circa 1939. Service to youth has also been prevalent for most of our history. Some of you may ask, “What took so long for youth to be recognized in the Avenues of Service?” Traditions can be hard to change, and for many years, the Council on Legislation rejected proposals for a fifth avenue dedicated to youth. At the 2010 Council, an enactment was passed that established New Generations Service as the fifth avenue. Some of you may say “It was about time!”
What does this new avenue mean for clubs? New Generations is defined as service to young people up to age 30. Clubs can support the New Generations through RI Programs such as Interact, Rotaract, RYLA, and Youth Exchange, but also through any project that works with young people such as mentoring or scouting. One strategic plan goal is to balance activities in all Avenues of Service. With the addition of a fifth avenue, clubs should consider projects that address the needs of the New Generations.
How else does this support and strengthen clubs? Service Above Self, is a message that resonates with people from all generations. By combining the energy from the New Generations, we can move Rotary forward.
How will ..your clubs and.. district recognize New Generations Month?
What New Generations Programs work well in your area?
What programs might need more support from you to thrive?
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Is Grief Holding Us Back?
One of the blogs I read on a regular basis is written by Paul Kiser, Rotarian from District 5190. You will remember his blogs as often being re-posted here on "Rotary 360."
An excerpt from Paul's latest blog on Rotary and change reads:
For some it is the first stage: Denial:
“There is no membership crisis. The world is the same today as it always has been. Our club is fine, we’ve been around for decades and we will continue to be here for decades to come.”
For others it is Anger:
“This is our club! We don’t need to change, if someone wants to belong to our club they need to change to our way of doing things! Don’t tell me what to do, I’ve been around a lot longer than you! Most of our members aren’t even on Facebook!”
For those of us working to take our clubs into the next century of Rotary service, this is information to ponder and discuss with our Rotary leaders.
I encourage you to read the whole article. You will find it here:
http://paulkiser.wordpress.com/2010/09/07/rotary105-grieving-change
An excerpt from Paul's latest blog on Rotary and change reads:
For some it is the first stage: Denial:
“There is no membership crisis. The world is the same today as it always has been. Our club is fine, we’ve been around for decades and we will continue to be here for decades to come.”
For others it is Anger:
“This is our club! We don’t need to change, if someone wants to belong to our club they need to change to our way of doing things! Don’t tell me what to do, I’ve been around a lot longer than you! Most of our members aren’t even on Facebook!”
For those of us working to take our clubs into the next century of Rotary service, this is information to ponder and discuss with our Rotary leaders.
I encourage you to read the whole article. You will find it here:
http://paulkiser.wordpress.com/2010/09/07/rotary105-grieving-change
Monday, September 6, 2010
Developing a Club Website
Take part in a FREE WEBINAR: Developing a Club Website
Get tips on how to develop and manage a website for your club or district from a panel of Rotarian website experts.
For those attendees who express interest before the webinar, the panelists also may offer tips about the attendees' websites and offer suggestions for high-impact changes that are easy to implement.
Register now, This 60-minute webinar will be offered twice and conducted in English only.
Registration is free.
Go to the following link to register.
http://www.rotary.org/en/Members/RunningAClub/Announcements/Pages/100825_annc_webinar.aspx
Dates are 13 October at 10:00 CDT, 20 October at 18:00 CDT, Times are U.S. Central. Please check for your local time.,
You will receive an e-mail confirming your registration with information you need to join the webinar.,
System requirements for the webinar,
PC users: Windows® 7, Vista, XP, 2003 Server or 2000,
Macintosh® users: Mac OS® X 10.4.11 (Tiger®) or newer
Get tips on how to develop and manage a website for your club or district from a panel of Rotarian website experts.
For those attendees who express interest before the webinar, the panelists also may offer tips about the attendees' websites and offer suggestions for high-impact changes that are easy to implement.
Register now, This 60-minute webinar will be offered twice and conducted in English only.
Registration is free.
Go to the following link to register.
http://www.rotary.org/en/Members/RunningAClub/Announcements/Pages/100825_annc_webinar.aspx
Dates are 13 October at 10:00 CDT, 20 October at 18:00 CDT, Times are U.S. Central. Please check for your local time.,
You will receive an e-mail confirming your registration with information you need to join the webinar.,
System requirements for the webinar,
PC users: Windows® 7, Vista, XP, 2003 Server or 2000,
Macintosh® users: Mac OS® X 10.4.11 (Tiger®) or newer
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Enhance Your Club's Image
ROTARY – AS EFFECTIVE AS EVER…BUT QUIET N O M O R E!!
An idea gleaned from the District 6110 Newsletter
Ron Petersen, Sr, District 6110 PR Chair
President Ray Klinginsmith wants your club to be Bigger – Better & Bolder!
"August 26 through 28 I attended the Rotary Institute in Nashville, TN. I purposely wanted to cover one of the break-out sessions on Public Image. This will be my first of many installments to benefit you as PR Chair for your club.
INFORM YOUR CLUB MEMBERS – The internal audience of your club is just as important as the general public. They are spokespersons for your club. You also need a really sharp person to be your official spokesperson to handle the media for each of your events or fund raisers. This person should be assigned the task of making an appearance on the local Television stations MORNING SHOW! Their camera crew might be assigned by the News Director to show up at the event. Have a member of your club that's good with a digital camera shoot some digital photos and then email one of the best action photos to the local newspaper. Be sure to only include a short “by-line” about the picture along with your clubs name – chances are it will get used. A prepared news release may need editing which is too time consuming and will not get in the paper.
THE HOOK – When dealing with the media remember the hook. Reverse your thinking - suppose your club is doing a fund raiser “Wine & Food Fest” with wine tasting booths sandwiched with local restaurants serving their specialties. HERE COMES THE HOOK, 45 days before the event invite the local media to a “Wine Tasting event” where you unveil the fund raiser and explain where the proceeds will be used. Let's say it's for Scholarships given to seniors at their awards night at the local High School held each May. The hook as you might think is the Wine and Food Fest.. NOT it's the seniors who can be given media exposure along with your club doing this project to help them. Sell the “sizzle” not the steak!
SIGN UP NOW FOR PR TIPS SENT TO YOUR EMAIL – Go on line to http://www.rotary.org/en/Members/RunningAClub/InformingTheCommunity/Pages/PRTipemailnewsletter.aspx
BUILDING ROTARY'S BRAND / PUBLIC IMAGE – What does Rotary mean to others? Branding is important to create Rotary awareness just like any business. Branding is building a reputable image. BUT be sure to use the right message and reach the right audience."
Thank you Ron and District 6110 (includes Rotary Clubs in four states: Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma.)
An idea gleaned from the District 6110 Newsletter
Ron Petersen, Sr, District 6110 PR Chair
President Ray Klinginsmith wants your club to be Bigger – Better & Bolder!
"August 26 through 28 I attended the Rotary Institute in Nashville, TN. I purposely wanted to cover one of the break-out sessions on Public Image. This will be my first of many installments to benefit you as PR Chair for your club.
INFORM YOUR CLUB MEMBERS – The internal audience of your club is just as important as the general public. They are spokespersons for your club. You also need a really sharp person to be your official spokesperson to handle the media for each of your events or fund raisers. This person should be assigned the task of making an appearance on the local Television stations MORNING SHOW! Their camera crew might be assigned by the News Director to show up at the event. Have a member of your club that's good with a digital camera shoot some digital photos and then email one of the best action photos to the local newspaper. Be sure to only include a short “by-line” about the picture along with your clubs name – chances are it will get used. A prepared news release may need editing which is too time consuming and will not get in the paper.
THE HOOK – When dealing with the media remember the hook. Reverse your thinking - suppose your club is doing a fund raiser “Wine & Food Fest” with wine tasting booths sandwiched with local restaurants serving their specialties. HERE COMES THE HOOK, 45 days before the event invite the local media to a “Wine Tasting event” where you unveil the fund raiser and explain where the proceeds will be used. Let's say it's for Scholarships given to seniors at their awards night at the local High School held each May. The hook as you might think is the Wine and Food Fest.. NOT it's the seniors who can be given media exposure along with your club doing this project to help them. Sell the “sizzle” not the steak!
SIGN UP NOW FOR PR TIPS SENT TO YOUR EMAIL – Go on line to http://www.rotary.org/en/Members/RunningAClub/InformingTheCommunity/Pages/PRTipemailnewsletter.aspx
BUILDING ROTARY'S BRAND / PUBLIC IMAGE – What does Rotary mean to others? Branding is important to create Rotary awareness just like any business. Branding is building a reputable image. BUT be sure to use the right message and reach the right audience."
Thank you Ron and District 6110 (includes Rotary Clubs in four states: Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma.)
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