In this season of festivities, mysteries, blessings and miracles, I reflect upon Rotary International and the profound impact it has had on my life. I joined Rotary just seven years ago and since that time, I have gotten to meet, and get to know, hundreds and likely thousands of people I would otherwise not have… Continue reading Rotary, a Gift of Peace
Tag: #DoingGood
Service Above Self
He was tall and thin, of indeterminate middle age and with a pock-marked face. He commented about the weather, almost shyly while standing a little apart from the line in the fast food restaurant. My husband, David, and I had stopped on our way home from a Rotary training seminar, to get coffee and a… Continue reading Service Above Self
How will YOU Make an Impact as a Rotary Leader?
Rotary International, in the booklet Rotary Basics, illustrates how clubs are the hub, the central focus of Rotary International. On page 3 it states: “The club is the most important component of Rotary’s organizational structure. … Rotary clubs are autonomous…” (emphasis mine). However, as a club leader, sometimes it doesn’t feel that way. Rather, it… Continue reading How will YOU Make an Impact as a Rotary Leader?
It takes more than once!
Anything worth doing takes time and effort. It isn’t learned on the first try, whether it is a new language, playing the piano, or learning to skateboard! So, why is it that Rotarians think that if they ask their friends to join them at a Rotary meeting, that they’ll get a ‘yes’, the first or… Continue reading It takes more than once!
Celebrating Diversity!
When most of us think about diversity, in a Rotary context, we usually think of having a wide array of club members of differing ages, genders, ethnic backgrounds and professional credentials (dare I say ‘classifications’?). Having a diverse club membership is important; the varied talents and perspectives will add strength to the club and ideally… Continue reading Celebrating Diversity!
I Feel Good!
Membership Toolkit–Step 2 In Step 2 of the Membership Toolkit, we examine the benefits of being a member of the Kerr Tar Rotary Club. If you haven’t already done so, please complete Step 1—Contact List and develop a list of potential Rotarians. People buy things and join organizations, not because it is logical, but rather… Continue reading I Feel Good!
What Is So Magical About 25?
In a previous post, I mentioned that it is widely believed that a Rotary Club needs to have at least 20-25 members to be healthy and effective. What is so magical about 20-25 members? First, recall the 80/20 rule (Pareto Principle); 80% of the work is done by 20% of the people. If a club… Continue reading What Is So Magical About 25?
Houston, We Have a Problem!
Membership Toolkit–Step 1 During Rotary training this weekend, we learned that the typical Rotary club member attrition rate is about 15% and new member acquisition averages 12%. This means that most Rotary clubs are losing members. It was also mentioned that most members leave during the first 3 years of joining a club. As discussed… Continue reading Houston, We Have a Problem!
What is Rotary? – Part 1
There are as many ways to answer this question as there are Rotarians. The approaches I believe work best are when you speak ‘heart to heart’. ME: I would like to share with you, one of the VERY best decisions in my life. To become a Rotarian! Friend: What’s Rotary? ME: Rotary is a group… Continue reading What is Rotary? – Part 1
Well, That Didn’t Work, Now What? The Joys and Challenges of Starting (or Reviving) a Rotary Club
In January of 2016, I asked, and was granted, permission from our District Governor to start a new Rotary Club. As an Assistant Governor covering five clubs in four rural counties, I had three clubs with membership in the low 30s and two clubs with a membership around 12. All clubs were getting older and… Continue reading Well, That Didn’t Work, Now What? The Joys and Challenges of Starting (or Reviving) a Rotary Club
Rotary Express - Marie's Blog 