March 14, 2013

Secretary’s Corner_03142013

At last week’s meeting, PP Ado Niguidula was vocal about his displeasure on the present conduct of Rotary District affairs so at one point during the program we gave him the chance to vent out his feelings. He however only pointed to the President Elect Training Seminar and asked if it was really necessary. Apparently he and PP Tony Abola never had to undergo a P.E.T.S. prior to their Presidency but were effective club presidents nonetheless. This concern was squelched when several members took turns to share what really happens in a P.E.T.S.

To note, the District Governor Elect is given the chance to meet and work with the President Elects of all the Rotary Clubs in the District and District Officers who will work in the following Rotary Year. This allows them to “be on the same page” and get themselves organized before their term begins in July 1. The Rotary Theme for their Year is disclosed and the thrusts and priority projects from R.I. are cascaded down to the Club level. They also are made aware of the District Uniform and a Name by which to associate themselves with. Though the PETS is a recent embellishment that long standing Past Presidents never experienced but nonetheless were able to serve their terms successfully, there were no objections when the benefits of the PETS were explained.

What turned up to be a hotter topic was why Rotary in our District (at least) has become more lavish and complicated -- where a District Governor wants to surpass or out-do the accomplishments of his predecessors. This “one-upmanship” to my mind is the crux of the matter that makes Rotary expensive and time consuming. A case in point was the time dedicated for rehearsals and cost of costumes for the Governor’s Ball and Talent Night at DISCON 2013. 

When I interviewed members of the inbound GSE team from Canada and USA, they concurred that our DISCON is extravagant compared to their version of the DISCON.

As the Rotary Club of San Juan, let us campaign that Rotary should not be expensive. Who knows, if we succeed, perhaps reluctant future club presidents and district governors will have a change of heart.

Cheers and enjoy Rotary J

Sec/PP Jovie