Have you ever heard someone in your club or district say, "That won't work" or "That's a bad idea"? Consider the following:
"Well informed people know it is impossible to transmit the voice over wires and that were it possible to do so, the thing would be of no practical value."
--- Editorial in the Boston Post, 1865
"While theoretically and technically television may be feasible, commercially and financially, I consider it an impossibility, a development of which we need waste little time dreaming."
--- Lee DeForest, quoted in the New York Times, 1926
"Everything that can be invented has been invented."
--- Charles H. Duell, Commissioner, U. S. Office of Patents, 1899
"There is no reason for any individual to have a computer in their home."
--- Ken Olsen, President of Digital Equipment Corporation, at the Convention of the World Future Society, 1977
"The ordinary 'horseless carriage' is at present a luxury for the wealthy; and although its price will probably fall in the future, it will never, of course, come into as common use as the bicycle."
--- The Literary Digest, October 14, 1899
"I'm just glad it'll be Clark Gable who's falling on his face and not Gary Cooper."
--- Gary Cooper on his decision not to take the leading role in “Gone with the Wind.”
With thanks to RC Grants Pass, D5110
RI Zones 25-26 Rotary Coordinator News
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Membership Matters for February
Timely info in this edition on attracting younger members, Rotary passion and understanding Rotary statistics!
The January/February 2010 edition of Membership Matters is ready for download. It can be accessed at the Zone 24/32 website or by clicking on (or copy and paste to your address bar) the following link
http://www.clubrunner.ca/zonedata/22/html/810/February%202010.pdf
The editor thanks all of those who have contributed with special thanks to past Rotary Foundation Chair Bob Scott for his article. A very busy Rotarian who feels strongly not only about Foundation but Membership as well.
As always, the editor would appreciate any contributions that the readers can make. No story, anecdote or idea is too trivial to mention.
As we all know, Rotary was started from the idea of one man.
Bryn Styles [bryn.styles@gmail.com]
The January/February 2010 edition of Membership Matters is ready for download. It can be accessed at the Zone 24/32 website or by clicking on (or copy and paste to your address bar) the following link
http://www.clubrunner.ca/zonedata/22/html/810/February%202010.pdf
The editor thanks all of those who have contributed with special thanks to past Rotary Foundation Chair Bob Scott for his article. A very busy Rotarian who feels strongly not only about Foundation but Membership as well.
As always, the editor would appreciate any contributions that the readers can make. No story, anecdote or idea is too trivial to mention.
As we all know, Rotary was started from the idea of one man.
Bryn Styles [bryn.styles@gmail.com]
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Membership Thought from D5190
Thanks to Michael Hix, District 5190 Membership Chair, for sharing this motivational reminder.
Congratulations on getting through the first six months of your Rotary year!
As a past Rotary Club President, I remember getting through the first half of my Rotary year with a sense of accomplishment and relief. If it hasn’t already happened, it is often during these next few months that most Presidents begin to enjoy their position as they get used to the meetings, administrative demands and the feeling of their own skin as the President of the Club.
As the feeling of fun and enjoyment begins to seep in, it is important to remember what can make those feelings grow during the next six months. It is important to remember that a growing, thriving club will only enhance those feelings as they bring you and your club greater success.
District Governor Jan’s number one priority this year has been, and will continue to be, membership! Is it your priority?
Despite the economy and other challenges, our District 5190 has grown by a net 24 members from July 1 to December 31, 2009. As DG Jan recently put it “Membership is an area where our District is holding its own comparatively and considering the economy. We have the addition of Reno New Generations Club that has helped keep our overall numbers up. Don’t wait until April or May to try to attract or retain membership. It is so important this year to hold onto every single member we have.”
Re-examine the membership goal as directed in the Presidential Citation. How far off is your club from a net increase of one member by March 31, 2010. It’s not too late.
Concentrating on the five elements of membership development; Recruiting, Orientation, Education, Introduction and Retention can help you achieve this goal – even in the next couple of months.
Understanding why people join Rotary; (Friendship, Business Development, The Desire to “do something useful,” Personal Growth and Leadership), and examining whether your club provides the opportunity to achieve these aspirations will help you with retention and growth.
Get inspired to continue your great year with growth and fulfillment. Your inspiration will inspire your fellow Rotarians and they will ask others to join.
As DG Jan has said, “At mid point, the clubs should assess and capitalize on their strengths (i.e. If you are good at attracting new members, focus on membership…or literacy, polio fundraising, kids at risk, seniors etc. – again, focus on and publicize those areas where you excel.)”
By focusing on membership you will continue to achieve greatness and so will your club.
This "to-the-point" message can be adapted for your district -- add, subtract, personalize, or write your own mid-year reminder -- make it an "attention-getting" message to the clubs in your area.
Congratulations on getting through the first six months of your Rotary year!
As a past Rotary Club President, I remember getting through the first half of my Rotary year with a sense of accomplishment and relief. If it hasn’t already happened, it is often during these next few months that most Presidents begin to enjoy their position as they get used to the meetings, administrative demands and the feeling of their own skin as the President of the Club.
As the feeling of fun and enjoyment begins to seep in, it is important to remember what can make those feelings grow during the next six months. It is important to remember that a growing, thriving club will only enhance those feelings as they bring you and your club greater success.
District Governor Jan’s number one priority this year has been, and will continue to be, membership! Is it your priority?
Despite the economy and other challenges, our District 5190 has grown by a net 24 members from July 1 to December 31, 2009. As DG Jan recently put it “Membership is an area where our District is holding its own comparatively and considering the economy. We have the addition of Reno New Generations Club that has helped keep our overall numbers up. Don’t wait until April or May to try to attract or retain membership. It is so important this year to hold onto every single member we have.”
Re-examine the membership goal as directed in the Presidential Citation. How far off is your club from a net increase of one member by March 31, 2010. It’s not too late.
Concentrating on the five elements of membership development; Recruiting, Orientation, Education, Introduction and Retention can help you achieve this goal – even in the next couple of months.
Understanding why people join Rotary; (Friendship, Business Development, The Desire to “do something useful,” Personal Growth and Leadership), and examining whether your club provides the opportunity to achieve these aspirations will help you with retention and growth.
Get inspired to continue your great year with growth and fulfillment. Your inspiration will inspire your fellow Rotarians and they will ask others to join.
As DG Jan has said, “At mid point, the clubs should assess and capitalize on their strengths (i.e. If you are good at attracting new members, focus on membership…or literacy, polio fundraising, kids at risk, seniors etc. – again, focus on and publicize those areas where you excel.)”
By focusing on membership you will continue to achieve greatness and so will your club.
This "to-the-point" message can be adapted for your district -- add, subtract, personalize, or write your own mid-year reminder -- make it an "attention-getting" message to the clubs in your area.
Monday, January 18, 2010
2010 - 2011 RI Theme Announced
'Building Communities -- Bridging Continents' is 2010-11 RI theme
By Donna Polydoros
Rotary International News -- 18 January 2010
RI President-elect Ray Klinginsmith addresses district governors-elect at the 2010 International Assembly.
After taking the stage to the tune of "California, Here I Come," RI President-elect Ray Klinginsmith announced the 2010-11 RI theme, Building Communities -- Bridging Continents, during the opening plenary session of the 2010 International Assembly .
Klinginsmith said he arrived at the theme after reviewing RI themes of years past. He noticed that only a few spoke to non-Rotarians.
"As a result, I decided to search for a briefly stated theme that would fulfill two objectives: the first to explain Rotary to non-Rotarians, and the second to validate our work for Rotarians," he said. "The words I have selected to describe Rotary's current mission and to highlight our achievements are what we do best: Building Communities -- Bridging Continents. "
The president-elect described how his 50 years of Rotary experience have contributed to his focus on communities at home and abroad. For example, as a Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholar, he studied for a year in South Africa, becoming the first student from his small town of Unionville, Missouri, USA, to study abroad.
The timing of the theme announcement, which took place in the evening, was a break in tradition from past assemblies and a reflection of Klinginsmith's willingness to embrace change. He encouraged district governors-elect to reexamine traditional procedures that were no longer best practices and to begin new traditions where appropriate.
He also paid homage to Rotarians of the past who helped raise Rotary to a place of prominence on the world stage. He urged district governors-elect to meet the past RI presidents and other former officers in attendance to deepen their connection to Rotary's past.
For the complete speech and the logo, go to http://www.rotary.org/en/MediaAndNews/News/Pages/100118_IA10_theme.aspx
By Donna Polydoros
Rotary International News -- 18 January 2010
RI President-elect Ray Klinginsmith addresses district governors-elect at the 2010 International Assembly.
After taking the stage to the tune of "California, Here I Come," RI President-elect Ray Klinginsmith announced the 2010-11 RI theme, Building Communities -- Bridging Continents, during the opening plenary session of the 2010 International Assembly .
Klinginsmith said he arrived at the theme after reviewing RI themes of years past. He noticed that only a few spoke to non-Rotarians.
"As a result, I decided to search for a briefly stated theme that would fulfill two objectives: the first to explain Rotary to non-Rotarians, and the second to validate our work for Rotarians," he said. "The words I have selected to describe Rotary's current mission and to highlight our achievements are what we do best: Building Communities -- Bridging Continents. "
The president-elect described how his 50 years of Rotary experience have contributed to his focus on communities at home and abroad. For example, as a Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholar, he studied for a year in South Africa, becoming the first student from his small town of Unionville, Missouri, USA, to study abroad.
The timing of the theme announcement, which took place in the evening, was a break in tradition from past assemblies and a reflection of Klinginsmith's willingness to embrace change. He encouraged district governors-elect to reexamine traditional procedures that were no longer best practices and to begin new traditions where appropriate.
He also paid homage to Rotarians of the past who helped raise Rotary to a place of prominence on the world stage. He urged district governors-elect to meet the past RI presidents and other former officers in attendance to deepen their connection to Rotary's past.
For the complete speech and the logo, go to http://www.rotary.org/en/MediaAndNews/News/Pages/100118_IA10_theme.aspx
Friday, January 15, 2010
Past RI President Cliff Dochterman ....
Past RI President Cliff Dochterman has entertained, motivated and energized us for years with his speeches at Rotary meetings around the world. The following link takes you to a website that holds some of PRIP Cliff's messages that you can use in your membership endeavors. Be sure to also check out the video of PRIP Cliff addressing the San Francisco club on "Rotary History."
http://www.rotaryfirst100.org/presidents/1992dochterman/index.htm
http://www.rotaryfirst100.org/presidents/1992dochterman/index.htm
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Generational Humor
A little enlightenment why some of us older Rotarians have difficulty with “new” ideas……..
I thought about the 30 year business I ran with 1800 employees, all without a Blackberry that played music, took videos, pictures and communicated with Facebook and Twitter.
Under duress, I signed up for Twitter and Facebook so my seven kids, their spouses, 13 grandkids and 2 great grand kids could communicate with me in the modern way. I figured I could handle something as simple as Twitter with only 140 characters of space.
My phone was beeping every three minutes with the details of everything except the bowel movements of the entire next generation. I am not ready to live like this. I keep my cell phone in the garage in my golf bag.
The kids bought me a GPS for my last birthday because they say I get lost every now and then going over to the grocery store or library. I keep that in a box under my tool bench with the Blue tooth [it's red] phone I am supposed to use when I drive. I wore it once and was standing in line at Barnes and Noble talking to my wife as everyone in the nearest 50 yards was glaring at me. Seems I have to take my hearing aid out to use it and I got a little loud.
I mean the GPS looked pretty smart on my dash board, but the lady inside was the most annoying, rudest person I had run into in a long time. Every 10 minutes, she would sarcastically say, "Re-calc-ul-ating" You would think that she could be nicer. It was like she could barely tolerate me. She would let go with a deep sigh and then tell me to make a U-turn at the next light. Then when I would make a right turn instead, it was not good.
When I get really lost now, I call my wife and tell her the name of the cross streets and while she is starting to develop the same tone as “Gypsy,” the GSP lady, at least she loves me.
To be perfectly frank, I am still trying to learn how to use the cordless phones in our house. We have had them for 4 years, but I still haven't figured out how I can lose three phones all at once and have run around digging under chair cushions and checking bathrooms and the dirty laundry baskets when the phone rings. (When you call me, please let it keep ringing until I find it. . . don't laugh, I am serious)
The world is just getting too complex for me. They even mess me up every time I go to the grocery store. You would think they could settle on something themselves but this sudden "Paper or Plastic?" every time I check out just knocks me for a loop.
I bought some of those cloth reusable bags to avoid looking confused but I never remember to take them in with me.
Now I toss it back to them. When they ask me, "Paper or Plastic?" I just say, "Doesn't matter to me. I am bi-sacksual.." Then it's their turn to stare at me with a blank look.
Thanks to RC Grants Pass, D5110
I thought about the 30 year business I ran with 1800 employees, all without a Blackberry that played music, took videos, pictures and communicated with Facebook and Twitter.
Under duress, I signed up for Twitter and Facebook so my seven kids, their spouses, 13 grandkids and 2 great grand kids could communicate with me in the modern way. I figured I could handle something as simple as Twitter with only 140 characters of space.
My phone was beeping every three minutes with the details of everything except the bowel movements of the entire next generation. I am not ready to live like this. I keep my cell phone in the garage in my golf bag.
The kids bought me a GPS for my last birthday because they say I get lost every now and then going over to the grocery store or library. I keep that in a box under my tool bench with the Blue tooth [it's red] phone I am supposed to use when I drive. I wore it once and was standing in line at Barnes and Noble talking to my wife as everyone in the nearest 50 yards was glaring at me. Seems I have to take my hearing aid out to use it and I got a little loud.
I mean the GPS looked pretty smart on my dash board, but the lady inside was the most annoying, rudest person I had run into in a long time. Every 10 minutes, she would sarcastically say, "Re-calc-ul-ating" You would think that she could be nicer. It was like she could barely tolerate me. She would let go with a deep sigh and then tell me to make a U-turn at the next light. Then when I would make a right turn instead, it was not good.
When I get really lost now, I call my wife and tell her the name of the cross streets and while she is starting to develop the same tone as “Gypsy,” the GSP lady, at least she loves me.
To be perfectly frank, I am still trying to learn how to use the cordless phones in our house. We have had them for 4 years, but I still haven't figured out how I can lose three phones all at once and have run around digging under chair cushions and checking bathrooms and the dirty laundry baskets when the phone rings. (When you call me, please let it keep ringing until I find it. . . don't laugh, I am serious)
The world is just getting too complex for me. They even mess me up every time I go to the grocery store. You would think they could settle on something themselves but this sudden "Paper or Plastic?" every time I check out just knocks me for a loop.
I bought some of those cloth reusable bags to avoid looking confused but I never remember to take them in with me.
Now I toss it back to them. When they ask me, "Paper or Plastic?" I just say, "Doesn't matter to me. I am bi-sacksual.." Then it's their turn to stare at me with a blank look.
Thanks to RC Grants Pass, D5110
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Second Half of 2009-2010 -- Idea from D5160
The holiday break is an interesting time in the Rotary year -
Current Presidents are looking at their watches and saying to themselves "How the heck did six months slip by so quickly?"
Incoming Presidents are looking at a growing email box and asking themselves "What's the big flaming rush? I don't start for another six months!"
The other day, an incoming leader asked "What do THEY want us to do next year?” To which the correct response is "THEY is US!"
How do WE, the clubs, want to maintain and grow this incredible service organization of ours? The future of Rotary is truly in our hands, especially the hands of club leaders.
That's the membership segue - the first step is a good membership development plan because that is what healthy organizations do. If your club has a plan that works, that's great, keep up the good work.
If on the other hand your club does not have a plan, or your plan is not working for any reason, there is no better time in the Rotary year than right now to do something about it.
Some general tips -
• First, never beat yourself up - It's not fun. It's not productive. Corny as this is, today is the first day of the rest of your life.
• Power of positive attitude - You must believe you can change the status quo. If you believe you will not succeed, then you will not - a self-fulfilling prophesy.
• Propensity for action - the 80% plan implemented promptly with enthusiasm is better than waiting for a perfect plan. PS - there is no perfect plan.
• Membership is a team effort - One person cannot do it all. Multiple skills are involved.
• Chicken and egg - If it is not important to the President, it will not be important to the Membership.
• Members will bring guests - when they are confident that a team of membership professionals will properly handle the guest - starting at the front door – and when the club offers “fun” and “value.”
• 20/80 rule - 20% of the members will do 80% of the work and vice-versa. However, it is the energy of the 20% that causes the 80% to rise up and follow. Mobilize your core group and go.
• Knowledge is power. Rotary is strong in part because excellent leader training is available at every level. For Presidents it is PETS, (Presidents Elect Training Seminar.) For other club leaders, it is the District Assemblies. Do not pass up this once a year learning opportunity.
A suggested action plan -
• Identify your club's 2010 Membership Chairs and engage them in the second half effort.
• Identify your club's 2010 membership team members and solicit their involvement in the second half.
• Review your current membership plan or make one from scratch if you have to. Plan your work, and then work your plan.
• Encourage all key club leaders to take advantage of the District Assembly training.
• Publish your year end 2009 goal to the membership and engage them to bring guests.
• Make membership development a small but happy part of every meeting for the rest of the year
• Celebrate successes large and small. This is supposed to be fun!
• Once again - you aren't doing it for THEM, it is all about your club. Two or five or ten years from now, you'll be glad you did.
The Future of Rotary is in Your Hands
Thanks to DMC Vic Georgiou, D5160
Current Presidents are looking at their watches and saying to themselves "How the heck did six months slip by so quickly?"
Incoming Presidents are looking at a growing email box and asking themselves "What's the big flaming rush? I don't start for another six months!"
The other day, an incoming leader asked "What do THEY want us to do next year?” To which the correct response is "THEY is US!"
How do WE, the clubs, want to maintain and grow this incredible service organization of ours? The future of Rotary is truly in our hands, especially the hands of club leaders.
That's the membership segue - the first step is a good membership development plan because that is what healthy organizations do. If your club has a plan that works, that's great, keep up the good work.
If on the other hand your club does not have a plan, or your plan is not working for any reason, there is no better time in the Rotary year than right now to do something about it.
Some general tips -
• First, never beat yourself up - It's not fun. It's not productive. Corny as this is, today is the first day of the rest of your life.
• Power of positive attitude - You must believe you can change the status quo. If you believe you will not succeed, then you will not - a self-fulfilling prophesy.
• Propensity for action - the 80% plan implemented promptly with enthusiasm is better than waiting for a perfect plan. PS - there is no perfect plan.
• Membership is a team effort - One person cannot do it all. Multiple skills are involved.
• Chicken and egg - If it is not important to the President, it will not be important to the Membership.
• Members will bring guests - when they are confident that a team of membership professionals will properly handle the guest - starting at the front door – and when the club offers “fun” and “value.”
• 20/80 rule - 20% of the members will do 80% of the work and vice-versa. However, it is the energy of the 20% that causes the 80% to rise up and follow. Mobilize your core group and go.
• Knowledge is power. Rotary is strong in part because excellent leader training is available at every level. For Presidents it is PETS, (Presidents Elect Training Seminar.) For other club leaders, it is the District Assemblies. Do not pass up this once a year learning opportunity.
A suggested action plan -
• Identify your club's 2010 Membership Chairs and engage them in the second half effort.
• Identify your club's 2010 membership team members and solicit their involvement in the second half.
• Review your current membership plan or make one from scratch if you have to. Plan your work, and then work your plan.
• Encourage all key club leaders to take advantage of the District Assembly training.
• Publish your year end 2009 goal to the membership and engage them to bring guests.
• Make membership development a small but happy part of every meeting for the rest of the year
• Celebrate successes large and small. This is supposed to be fun!
• Once again - you aren't doing it for THEM, it is all about your club. Two or five or ten years from now, you'll be glad you did.
The Future of Rotary is in Your Hands
Thanks to DMC Vic Georgiou, D5160
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