Flamingo of change
President Barry Rassin wrote the following in his December message:
"It's traditional that the first Rotarian magazine of the Rotary year carries a profile of the incoming RI president and his or her family. I've always read those profiles with interest, never giving much thought to the possibility that one day, I might be the one bringing a writer from the magazine to my Rotary club meeting! I have never liked a lot of attention, and the idea of having my picture on the magazine cover made me a bit uncomfortable. But when I saw the photo the editors chose, I smiled. Because the star of that picture definitely isn't me, or even my wife, Esther. It's the flock of flamingos, none of which could care less about Rotary, all strutting past us in the same direction. All of them — except one.
I couldn't think of a more appropriate image to reflect the message I want to convey to Rotarians. That one flamingo, going the other way, represents so much of what we need to do in Rotary. That flamingo knows everyone's going one way. She sees it. But she also sees that maybe the path they're on isn't the best path. Maybe, just maybe, there's a better path over there, and she wants to get a good look before she goes marching on with her friends. And if, when she does stop and look, that new path does seem better, she'll call the rest of the crew to come over and check it out with her. And maybe, just maybe, they'll all choose that better path together.
Change is hard. And the longer we've been going one way, the more friends we have with us, the harder it is to be the one who turns around and does it differently. But change — not change for its own sake, but careful, considered, goal-directed change — is essential for any organization that wants to evolve, stay relevant, and move forward in the right direction.
So take a look at that picture, but don't look at me. I'm not the one that cover's about. That cover is about the flamingo. It's about having the curiosity, the courage, and the conviction to look at different paths that might be better — whether you're out for a stroll on a beautiful Bahamas morning, or helping chart the course for our organization."
We have all been challenged to be a "Flamingo of Change". Inviting more people to our club is one way to do that because we are a perfect example of change in Rotary.
We've Done it Again!
Make-ups
Finish the Rotary year by adding in your make-ups! Dates for July and August 2019 have now been added, but do not use them if you have any unused dates in 2018-19. It does not matter if a meeting date is marked as closed, it can still be used. At the end of June we will be able to tell what our final average was. Right now we are at 55%. At the end of June last year, our activity rate was 60%. Some did more than others, but every activity counts.
WEEK 51 THE ROTARY FOUNDATION
Our Rotary year is almost over, but the continuing mission of the rotary foundation never ends. For you see, the programs of The Rotary Foundation are for present and future needs - educational programs, medical assistance programs, community assistance and development programs, and various self-help programs - all to improve the lives of the people of the world. It’s not too late to contribute, check the Donate button on the left. Thank you for your support of The Rotary Foundation programs and allowing “the good work” of Rotary to go forward!
Rotary ABC’s - The District Training Assembly
In view of the annual turnover of Rotary leadership each year, special effort is required to provide the more than 32,000 club leaders with appropriate instruction for the tasks they will assume. The annual District Training Assembly is the primary training event for incoming club officers.
The District Training Assembly offers motivation, inspiration, Rotary information, and new ideas for club officers, directors, and committee chairs. Experienced district leaders conduct informative discussions on all phases of Rotary administration and service projects. The assembly gives participants valuable new ideas to make their club more effective and interesting. Usually, 8 to 10 delegates from each club are invited to attend the training session, which is held in April or May.
The District Training Assembly also offers the incoming district governor a chance to introduce the RI theme and presidential emphases for the coming year. District goals and objectives are also described, and plans are developed for their implementation.
Participation in the annual District Training Assembly greatly contributes to the success of each Rotary club during the following year.
Using Icons
Using iconography is a great way to convey a message, concept, or idea. They are universal and can be understood by anyone regardless of the language they speak. We all speak different languages, but we all see the same picture making icons ideal for an international audience like Rotary.
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