DG John August 2011
District Governor's August Message
We are over half way through the summer. July and August are times when the new club leadership begins its year. It is a period of renewal for clubs. The leisurely pace of summer also affords Rotarians some moments to reflect on their membership. It is the time to remind ourselves why we joined Rotary.
There are many reasons for joining a Rotary Club. Some of us joined to make new friends or spend time with older friends. We may have joined for the fellowship. We may have joined to share our vocation. Others may have joined because they were new to an area and membership provided an opportunity to network. And for all Rotarians, we joined to give something back. We wanted to provide service to others, whether locally or internationally.
Whatever the reason or reasons for joining, I would encourage every Rotarian to reflect on their membership and to re-energize their commitment to Rotary. If you currently are not active in the club, ask to serve on a committee. If you have been attending meetings regularly, but sitting in the same seat, with the same individuals, week after week, sit elsewhere this summer and learn something new from another member. Inquire about her family or his vocation. Challenge yourself to learn more about every club member during the coming year.
This summer, commit to sharpening or sharing your leadership skills by chairing one of your club’s projects or committees. Share the joys of service by involving your family in some of the club’s projects and activities.
Commit to learning more about Rotary by attending the District Conference (October 28-30), the District Assembly, and/or attending the Rotary Leadership Institute. Promise yourself that you will attend another club’s meeting either as a make-up or just to make new friends. Bring back some of the ideas you learn for your own club.
Use the Rotary year this summer to help your club become more vibrant. Move from being a member of a Rotary club to being a Rotarian.
Yours in Rotary,
John Heise