August 11, 2011

Random Thoughts and Questions…08112011

Observations formed during the open forum at last week’s Club Assembly -

As a Rotarian, as a member of the Rotary Club of San Juan, my duties and obligations to the club are summed up in the acronym APPLES - I have pledged to attend our weekly meetings, to pay my dues, to participate in our club’s programs and activities, to continue learning about Rotary, to enjoy my association with other Rotarians, and to share my time, talent, and treasure. I support our Rotary Club by fulfilling all these obligations. Failing to do even one of said obligations does not make me a complete Rotarian.

As a Rotary Club, do we work collectively to receive awards? Are our plans and programs aimed at receiving distinction or other forms of recognition for the supposed good we do in our community?

At the June 24 District Awards Night, our club received a total of 23 plaques and trophies from the District Awards Committee for the group and individual work performed by some members - a good haul no doubt, and kudos to the men and women whose efforts were recognized in the various citations. This is what IPP Gina wanted, and the members supported her to attain this great honour.

Enter a new Rotary Year (2011-2012), with a new District Governor, a new set of District Officers, and a new set of criteria by which clubs will be measured in the next 12 months – a yardstick set by the District officers, criteria that are separate from those laid down by the R.I President for this Rotary Year – a lower hurdle yes, but a measure of effective Rotary Clubs nonetheless.

Reaching within to embrace humanity says nothing about working for awards.

In our 41 years of existence as a Rotary Club do we now need awards to keep us motivated? Have we become vain? Let us not lose track of what keeps our club relevant, to reflect on what makes us want to attend our weekly meetings.

When we elected President Nan Sallan, we placed a man with conviction to lead our Club for this Rotary Year. Let us give him a free hand in orchestrating, in shaping the manner how our club will perform during this Rotary Year and support him all the way by giving him APPLES.

Cheers and enjoy Rotary

PP Jovie