August 18, 2011

Random Thoughts…08182011

On Strengthening Rotary Clubs And Why I Think This Year’s District Awards Criteria is Askew –

This article is premised on the principle that the District Governor’s primary role is to strengthen Rotary Clubs within the District’s territorial boundaries by following the thrusts and programs of Rotary International.

This Rotary Year, the District’s mandate to double the membership base of clubs was received with mixed reactions in our club because two schools of thought emerged – are we for quantity or quality?

New recruits need to undergo an education process to be Rotarized - to learn the philosophy, principles and disciplines of Rotary that have been handed down through more than 100 years and when blended with the customs and traditions inherent in each Club produces the personality and character of a Rotary Club – another argument against doubling in size because a club’s character will also change.

Can anyone answer the following questions - Last Rotary Year, how many clubs in the District conducted a new member’s orientation program (on a club level)? How many clubs did the Special Training for Action in Rotary (STAR) Program? How many clubs did fireside meetings? The reason for my asking is because these are the foundations of Rotary education from which Rotary Clubs should build upon to Rotarize its ranks to produce good Rotarians, and in turn collectively form good Rotary Clubs.

Ordering clubs to double their size within the first six months of this RY is an ambitious target but will be like building a tall building on sand if the foundations of Rotary Clubs who are weak, are not first reinforced to contain and retain twice the number of members.

Come to think of it, if Rotary Clubs who received the R.I Presidential Citation with Distinction last year gave the same effort for this RY, they still will fall short and not qualify to receive any District Award this year if only due to the 100% membership increase criteria. What happened with ‘continuity and cooperation’?

Corollary to this, “What is the difference between a Rotarian who donates $1,000 to the Rotary Foundation and one who donates $10,000? Does giving a smaller amount make you a lesser Rotarian?” In the same vein, “Does a club who doubles its size make them a better club that one that accomplishes just a net gain of 1 member?”

We Rotarians of the Rotary Club of San Juan are not in Rotary to work for awards. We have adhered to this principle for more than 41 years. I’m not advocating that we should not double our membership base, nor am I saying that we can’t. I am merely asking, “Must there be two sets of awards?”

Cheers and enjoy Rotary

PP Jovie