DG Pravin's January Message

A time to learn more about our organization, and a time to focus on our public image.  Raising awareness of Rotary is an important part of the RI Strategic Plan and it should also be one of the priorities in every Rotary club.  The more Rotary is known for its good work, the more good work Rotary will be able to do. On July 1, RI President John Kenny put "The Future of Rotary in Your Hands". What have you done with this assignment? I would like to urge every Rotarian in District 7090 to spend the remaining six months of this Rotary year increasing the awareness of Rotary.
As a Rotarian, increasing awareness of Rotary should start at home. There was a time when the weekly club bulletin was mailed to your home and everyone in your family looked forward to reading the bulletin. Much of the other Rotary information also came in the mail to your home. In the age of emails and electronic communications, most Rotary information now comes in your inbox. Do you share this with the members of your family? Please share what your club does and all the good that Rotary does with your family, including your extended family. You will be pleasantly surprised to see an increase in support, both physical & financial, for Rotary programs from members of your family.
 
Beyond your family, you should work on increasing awareness of Rotary with your friends as well as business and professional associates. Rotary membership is a gift. As Rotarians, we have a duty to share this special gift with others. I believe there is nothing nobler in this world than to make a positive impact on the life of a human being. And this is what Rotarians do, doing good in this world. Invite others to participate in all the good work you do in your community and the world. They will be happy and, so will you.
 
Increasing awareness of Rotary is simple. One way is to wear your Rotary pin each and every day - a real easy way to create awareness and an opportunity to take action when someone asks you about the pin. Another is to display the Four Way Test and the Objects of Rotary in your office. Yet another is install auto license plate holder on your car. Whatever method you utilize, do it now. More than ever, people out there are looking to give back. Most of them have no idea where to go. They have not heard about Rotary.
 
As we embark on the second half of our Rotary year, and the beginning of a new calendar year, let us all resolve to build awareness, share Rotary and take action. Please JUST ASK. Invite potential Rotarians to visit your club. Have an evening of Rotary information and fellowship. You may want to do this jointly with a neighboring club. Always display your club Rotary banner during these meetings and at all hands-on service projects. This will promote awareness in your community. Invite parents of Rotaract, Interact, and Early Act students to your club meeting. Also invite parents of RYLA and Youth Exchange students. They all make good Rotarians.  
 
I would like to congratulate the clubs that are showing membership growth this year. I am counting on every club to make our district goal of a net increase of two members by June 30^th. I know you can do it.