Membership Growth: Whose Responsibility is it Anyway?

 

This is a story about four brothers named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody and Nobody. There was an important job to be done and Everybody was sure Somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it but Nobody did it. Somebody got angry with that because it was Everybody’s job. Everybody thought Anybody could do it but Nobody realised that Everybody wouldn’t do it. It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have done.

You have probably seen, or heard this before, however you may not have thought of it as sound advice about taking personal responsibility for the important job of growing your Club’s membership, and moving your Club from strength to strength.

If you stop to think about it, you may realise that at some point in your journey as a Rotarian you may have met one, or two, or quite a few persons who probably share the view that the Membership Chair/Director, and sometimes the President, is the one solely responsible for the Club’s growth. If you haven’t met anyone like that then GREAT!

But let’s get to the meat of the matter and zoom in on the topic of this blog post. Who is responsible for attracting new members, retaining present members, and by extension growing the Club’s membership? YOU ARE! Yes You! So you’re just a member? That doesn’t matter. Realise that MEMBERSHIP IS YOUR BUSINESS, just as much as it is that of the Membership Director/Chair or President, and take responsibility for the growth of your club.

Take personal responsibility for sharing Rotary with someone.  Take personal responsibility for inviting a co-worker, a neighbour, a friend, to your Club’s meeting, project, or fellowship activity.  Take personal responsibility for making your Club’s visitors feel welcomed when they attend your meetings. Take personal responsibility for building your club.

The most essential truth concerning the growth of any Rotary Club is that the Club belongs to the members; therefore it requires the work of each member to build it.

The growth of your club depends on several factors:

  1. Effective club meetings that will make attending worthwhile for visitors and members alike
  2. Promoting the Clubs events and projects; let people see what your Club is about, let them see that Serving Humanity is FUN
  3. Retention of current members
  4. Recognition of Rotarians who truly exemplify Service Above Self

What other factors do you think contribute to the growth of your Club?

Reading an article recently, I was introduced to a fifth “brother”. This brother was called MINE.

Basically, this individual can be any Rotary member who views the growth and progress of the Club as his responsibility. The ‘Mine’ person is willing to devote the time, energy and creativity necessary to ensure that the Club grows from strength to strength, and is not willing to be derailed in his clearly envisioned goal because the other members of his Club will or won’t contribute.

The bottom line is this: EVERY MEMBER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE GROWTH OF HIS CLUB’S MEMBERSHIP.

If you want to grow your Club’s membership, you simply cannot be like Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, and Nobody.  You just can’t. Be more like the fifth “brother” and realise that the growth of the Club is your responsibility. Let us not allow Everybody’s Responsibility to become Nobody’s Responsibility.

All aboard!!! Choo Choo . . . .

 

President’s August 2016 Message

Fellow Rotarians;

The first month of the 2016 2017 Rotary Year went by quickly and we are already celebrating the theme for the month of August, Membership and Partnership. I consider this to be one of our most important themes for without members who give of their time, skills and resources, our club and Rotary would not exist.

August is Celebrated  as Membership and New Club Development/Partmership Month

I initially joined Rotary simply because I wanted give back, to be a part of a movement that was committed to making the world a better place through its members giving Service Above Self. The fact that my Club members became my second family was a welcomed bonus.

We cannot do it alone and it is through partnerships, be it cash or kind, that we are able to effectively meet the needs of the Portmore Community. These partnerships allow us to carry out service projects that will have a lasting impact on the lives of those most in need. We encourage you to partner with us, yes you, to “Be the Change”. Visit our meetings and service projects, get to know us because we would love to meet you and have you join our family.  

Margaret Mead said it best “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

Help us to Be the Change through Serving Humanity.

Yours In Rotary

Stephanie Harris

President 2016-2017

 

 

Rotary Club of Portmore President 2016-2017 Stephanie Harris

Haresh Ramchandani: The Man, the Rotarian!

Saturday July 9 2016, the day that Rotary International President John Germ installed Haresh Ramchandani as the 24th Governor of Rotary District 7020, was a historic day. It was the first time that a Rotary International President ever visited the shores of Jamaica; it was also the first time that any District 7020 Governor was installed by a Rotary International President.

District Governor Haresh Ramchandi and First Lady Vindu Ramchandani (left) share the lens with Rotary International President John Germ and First Lady Judy Germ

Dressed in his sleek All Star red converse,  and his classic grey suit, all eyes were on Haresh as he made his way towards the platform. His smile curved into excitement, his eyes twinkled with pride. Wondering why? He was about to be etched in history.

Haresh, reaching the platform, stood poised as his family and friends watched in delight as he became the District Governor DG of Rotary District 7020. After the vows were recited, RI President John Germ, declared: Haresh Ramchandani the Governor of District 7020.

The room erupted with unrestrained applause as the man, the Rotarian, DG Haresh became the leader of a new family, Rotary District 7020.

District Governor Haresh Ramchandani at the recently held Installation Banquet of the District Governors of Zones 33 and 34 at the Rose Hall in Montego, Bay Jamaica

Now, along with being a family man, DG Haresh Ramchandani has a passion for giving back, and so has spent over 19 years of his life as a Rotarian. With one year of District Governorship ahead of him, the DG spoke with RCP Review on what he hopes to achieve, what inspires him, and why being a Rotarian is one of the best ways to ‘Be the Change” you wish to see in the world.

District Governor Haresh Ramchandani getting his hands dirty

RCP Review: What are you looking forward to in this new District Governor phase of your life?

DG Haresh: Being able to motivate, inspire, and help Rotarians do even more good in the world. Help them to use the power, and resources of Rotary to create a better experience for the club members and the community.

RCP Review: Is there a principle that guides your life and everyday choices?

DG Haresh: Be the change you wish to see in the world. Accept people as they are. And simply Do good, Be good.

RCP Review: What is inspiring Haresh Ramchandani right now?

DG Haresh: That so many of our Rotarians are enthusiastic and excited. I feel their passion and it fuels and inspires me.

RCP Review: How would you describe yourself as a Rotarian?

DG Haresh: Genuine, passionate, caring, and loving.

RCP Review: Tell us about the demands and joys of being a Rotarian?

DG Haresh: I balance my time and life. Family, business, then Rotary. In that order. But with good time management one can dedicate your efforts and energy to all the things that matter to you.

RCP Review: What is your major focus for District 7020 right now?

DG Haresh: To strengthen clubs. Bringing back value to Rotarians and to Rotary Membership.

RCP Review: Looking back on your years as a Rotarian, what are you most proud of?

DG Haresh: That I have been able to help clubs apply for, and be successful in getting Grants for projects that have saved, changed, and helped lives.

RCP Review: What is your favourite part of the Four-Way-Test and why?

DG Haresh: The preamble “Of the things we think, say, or do”. The four way test works because of all four. I wouldn’t separate it and choose one over the other. The preamble sets the stage that it is all about what we think, say, or do.

RCP Review: What word would you like to leave with the RCP family, and other members of District 7020?

DG Haresh: Love . Just simply decide to Love your club, your members, your community, your neighbours, your family, and your friends. If love is at the forefront, it conquers all.

So there you have it, ladies and gentlemen, District Governor 2016-2017 Haresh Ramchandani in a nutshell. *Cheers*

Because Wellness Matters

FOR ROTARY TO DO WELL, THE CLUB MUST BE WELL….FOR THE CLUB TO DO WELL, THE MEMBERS MUST BE WELL.

(photo credit: Google.com)

Rotarian Wellness or Rotarian Welfare, is a relatively new concept for Rotary District 7020 although some clubs have been informally implementing Wellness principles for decades!  Wellness initiatives help alleviate the stress of family members.  Such a programme therefore strengthens the clubs’ and members’ commitment and ability to serve. Wellness also assists with membership satisfaction and retention.

Many clubs have a Family of Rotary chair or other person performing activities such as birthday, congratulatory and sympathy announcements,  or planning events involving members’ family and the greater Rotary family.  The “Wellness” element is an expansion of that concept.  Some years ago, our District 7020 came to terms with the reality that there were active members in crisis who may fall along the wayside. The recent economic crisis in our region (and the world) highlighted this.  DG Felix often exhorts Rotarians to look not just after others in the community but to also look after each other in the club.  Service to the world is not incompatible with service to each other.

(photo credit: Google.com

In a nutshell, each club is being encouraged to develop a Wellness programme suitable for that club.  Wellness depends on gathering information (sometimes confidentially) and responding with appropriate acts of kindness such as providing material, financial, physical or emotional support or by helping to locate sources of assistance when the club is unable to assist.

The purpose of Wellness is to develop a workable club-specific programme to identify and assist Rotarians who may need help or support during periods of transition or challenge.  The great thing about having a formal programme is that a Rotarian needing help is more willing to talk about it and will find offers of assistance less intrusive!  They will understand the motivation and intent behind the intervention, and that makes it easier for the club to intervene and more acceptable for them.

Here are some action steps:

1.Form a committee of trusted and respected Rotarians in your club  in whom persons will confide and who can intervene appropriately in difficult situations.

2.Brainstorm as to how you will approach this in your club. Be specific and reduce this to writing.  How will the programme work?

3.  Create a Wellness Log/Confidential Information Directory so that the committee or a Wellness Chair or other club delegate can reach relevant persons if something were to happen to a member.

(photo credit: Google.com)

 

What if a member became unconscious at a meeting – would the club know who to call?  If a natural disaster were to strike, do the members know how to physically reach a member?

I take this opportunity to wish your club a year of wellness!

 

Contributed by Past President Carla Stubs (Rotary Club of Nassau Sunrise – District 7020)

 

Bridging the Gap: The Importance of Rotaractors Transitioning into Rotary

Rotaract brings together people ages 18-30 in universities and communities worldwide to organize service activities, develop leadership and professional skills, and have fun. Rotary clubs sponsor them, but Rotaract members manage and fund their clubs independently.

Rotaract members work closely with their local Rotary club, and may join after their Rotaract membership ends. It is however, important to bridge the gap and have Rotaractors transition in a Rotary club whether it is their sponsor club or another Rotary club. Rotary International RI President Ravi Ravindran, in his August Membership month message, spoke about why Rotary needs Rotaractors to transition, how important Rotaract is to the future of Rotary and making the process smooth for transition by removing some of the obstacles faced by Rotaractors.

One way to bridge the gap is by having a mentorship program with Rotaractors and their sponsor club Rotarians. Another way is through Rotarians inviting Rotaractors to visit their meetings, or even propose having joint meetings.

At the recent Rotary International Convention in São Paulo, Brazil, there were several breakout sessions geared toward the next generation of Rotarians. A panel discussed the challenges and opportunities of allowing younger Rotarians into clubs worldwide. Throughout the question-and-answer segment that followed, there was quite a discussion about how to engage young professionals. Many great ideas were suggested, such as creating community-based Rotaract clubs or local satellite e-clubs to recruit members, as well as not being afraid to let younger members bring new ideas and energy to the club.

Bridging the Gap has been a topical issue in Rotary in recent times. These are some of the importance of having Rotaractors transition after they leave Rotaract:

*They bring their professions and skills to Rotary

*They are the future of Rotary

*Younger members bring new ideas and energy to Rotary

*They already know about the different areas of focus and will now add their experience to enhance the projects and activities in Rotary

Let us Bridge the Gap by Being a Gift to the World from Success to Significance while Serving From Within!

Contributed by: Rotaractor Sheena Taylor

 

The Family that Serves Together . . .

From the Brady Bunch to the Cosby’s, mainstream media ensures that images of happy families are almost always present, (we also get a look at the dysfunctional ones). Our Rotary Clubs are no different from a typical family, as we all have our good days, and our bad days. Rotary Clubs around the world have their own ideas of what a happy and healthy Rotary Club (family) should look like.

Does your Club fit the portrait of a happy family sold by mainstream media? With varying personalities coming together to form our Clubs, it is expected that difference of opinions will arise. However, the essence of a happy family is that the members truly uplift and respect each other. How we treat each other when we don’t agree on how to execute a project, a fundraiser, a fellowship, or a meeting, is important to the survival of our Clubs. Respecting each others’ opinions is the first step in the right direction.

As we close the chapter on the 2015-2016 Rotary Year, let us, despite our differences, come together and find the necessary compromise, to  move from Success to Significance, and Be the Change we want to see in the world.

As we Serve Humanity together, let us strive to maintain healthy relationships with each other, and in so doing, we will have healthy and happy Rotary Clubs. When Rotarians are happy great things happen, as we work together, putting Service Above Self, to change the world for the better!

From Rotaract to Rotary – the Transition of Shana Reid

Wanting to continue using her God given talent, as well as set an example for her once fellow Roractors, Shana Reid made the transition from Rotaract to Rotary. 

“Serving others is my God given mandate. I wanted to continue to serve and with 2015 being my year of personal transition, it was only fitting that I continued with becoming a ROTARIAN”.

Rotarian Shana joined the family of Rotary in 2011 when she was inducted into the Rotaract Club of New Kingston. Now the newest member of the Rotary Club of Portmore RCP family (since November 2015), Rtn Shana shared with us her reason for joining Rotary, as well as a little insight into how she has been enjoying her transition so far.

  1. Hey Shana. You have been a part of the Rotary family for quite sometime now, but tell me, why Rotary?

I don’t think I found Rotary. I believe that Rotary found me. I was introduced to the Rotaract by my college friend Barry Davis at a time in my life when I needed to channel my energy through a positive outlet. The pillars on which the organization stands aligns with my personal value system and the impactful projects undertaken by Rotary clubs worldwide inspire me daily to be the best version of Shana.

  1. You should have known that this question was coming: Why RCP?

The first day I walked through the door at Eden Gardens, I knew I was home. The reception I got from the members was simply phenomenal.

  1. While you have only been an RCP member for two months, what would you say is your favourite project with the Club so far?

The Care package distribution. It was heartwarming to see the amount of persons who would benefit from this labour of love. I also love the fact that the club has been doing this project for so long.

  1. And what about your most memorable experience with the Club to date, what would that be?

My induction… The Club really made me feel like a big deal!

Haha. She said we made her feel like a #bigdeal. Well Shana, you are! *cue Christopher Martin’s song “Big Deal! 

  1. What is your vision for RCP?

My vision is for RCP to become a household name in Portmore because of the impact we are creating in the city.

  1. Okay, and my final question to you is this, well final question for now. Haha. What would you say makes RCP stand out as a service club and as a group that people should become a part of?

I believe that camaraderie contributes to the success of any venture that is undertaken by a group. Once that is present, it gives individuals a little extra push to make initiatives successful. RCP is a family & the camaraderie amongst our members is unmatched. You feel re-energized everytime you attend a meeting, fellowship or project! If you want a home away from home…RCP is the club for you!

Well there you have it, ladies and gentlemen, Rotarian Shana Ried, RCPs newest member! *cheers*

File:Fireworks.png

 

New Year’s Resolution . . . Dare to Make it?

Did you make a New Year’s resolution last New Year’s Eve? How did that work out for you? Did you keep it? If you did, for how long?

On the eve of every New Year, many people make a resolution to do this, that, and everything in between. While some of these resolutions are practical, there are some that are quite far-fetched, (and while we know this, we make them anyway ). Well, the New Year which is 2016 is just around the bend! Literally! Tick . . tock . . . Tick . . . tock! 

So, what exactly is a New Year’s resolution? Well, New Year’s resolutions are kind of like a drunk uncle. You know you shouldn’t take him too seriously…but you can’t help but laugh and play along when he comes around once a year. (Taken from “Why New Year’s Resolutions Fail”)

Now with all jokes aside, a New Year’s resolution is basically a promise to yourself, or a decision to do something, especially to improve one’s behaviour or lifestyle in some way, during the year ahead. But you already knew this, right?

The idea of setting goals that you want to accomplish throughout, or by the end, of the New Year is not such a bad thing. One thing that you should keep in mind though is that, setting a goal, or making a RESOLUTION, that is attainable is super important.

Don’t set yourself up to fail. Set realistic goals and make a plan on how to achieve said goals.  Create the necessary road map to assist you on the journey for the year ahead.

As Rotarians, let our resolutions for the New Year, (AND FOR EACH NEW DAY) include moving FROM SUCCESS TO SIGNIFICANCE; but not only that, let us strive to BE A GIFT TO THE WORLD. And while this was last year’s Rotary theme, in everything we do throughout the New Year, let us always endeavour to keep the torch of service blazing, and continue to LIGHT UP ROTARY, and let us not forget the Four-Way Test, because it is our guide. 

So, still trying to figure out what your New Year’s resolution should be? 

Because we know that coming up with a New Year’s Resolution can be just as hard as keeping it, we’ve made a little list just for for you. Here goes:

  • Support your Rotary Club
  • Support other Rotary Clubs
  • Build Goodwill and Better Friendships
  • Spend more time in meaningful conversations
  • Read more good books
  • Spend more time with family and friends

Now with helmets on, let us LEAP forward into 2016, and continue to place Service Above Self, as we serve our communities, One Project At A Time!

Happy New Year from the Rotary Club of Portmore to you and your family!