Why Rotarians are Leaders
Posted by Michael Milston
August is a time when we reflect on our ability to share the great benefits of being a Rotarian.Rotarians say that they enjoy being one because they participate in networking which leads to friendship and fellowship, a sharing of common values about helping and supporting those in need, and the personal and professional development that comes through community leadership, advocacy, and project planning and management. Have you shared your respect for Rotary by inviting a respected friend/colleague to recognise their leadership skills/potential as a Rotarian?
Now Rotarians realise they cannot do it all by themselves, they come together into the local Rotary Club where the many differently skilled Rotarians can achieve incredible things. And Rotarians, while they achieve many goals, are not immune to the ageing process! In fact many Rotarians are getting older - who would believe it
So like all great organisms and organisations Rotary is in a constant state of renewal. When Rotary was conceived in 1905 by some businessmen and professionals there was no internet, in fact there was only just electricity, the car was a steam one not battery powered, and there was no TV, let alone YouTube.
In the Central and Southern NSW District 9700 Rotarians have numbered around 1200+, all doing great local and international service, raising funds and putting in the hard yards. And now Rotary is going through a period of renewal, club traditions are changing, the focus on service is replacing attendance, networking continues to be a major social cohesion for Rotarians.
People become Rotarians for a number of reasons: to meet new people, to provide service, to give back, to acquire new skills and reach new goals. And there are now different challenges in mobilising potential Rotarians to take up the role - often not enough time is mentioned or the cost is difficult when the family now needs two incomes to survive.
So what can local Rotary Clubs do to meet these challenges of TIME and MONEY?
This is a question we all need to reflect upon. Interestingly most people don't tell us they 'don't want to help people in need' nor do they say 'I am not prepared to put myself out to ensure some people get a better opportunity in life'.
This is a question we all need to reflect upon. Interestingly most people don't tell us they 'don't want to help people in need' nor do they say 'I am not prepared to put myself out to ensure some people get a better opportunity in life'.
How do we as Rotarians tackle the renewal need? How do we ensure that we are building sustainability into our plans and our Rotary goals? Have we got a workable, understandable response to the "What is Rotary?" question? Do we see Rotary as processes and procedures? Or do we promote Rotary as Service, Networking, Personal Development, Leadership and striving for Peace?