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
RI Zones 25-26 Rotary Coordinator News
Friday, September 17, 2010
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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