Rotary has a proud history of community service but needs to be innovative and flexible to remain sustainable. That was the message from District Governor Gillian Jones who joined us at our breakfast meeting on 28 October. This was the 37th club she had visited in the district. Gillian, based in Greytown but a member of the Rotary Club of Wellington, said she was enjoying the DG role after a lifetime career
in education and that every club she visited was unique.
Gillian drew on Rotary International President Holger Knaak's advice to Rotarians that all clubs need to think about where they want to be, their actions and goals, and the values they represented. This includes focusing on the values clubs bring to existing members as well as new members. Gillian challenged us to think about how a visitor joining us for the first time might see us. Do they see us as welcoming, hospitable and inclusive? Are there aspects that are off putting? Would a visitor see members that "look' like them or do they feel they would not fit in? Is it a club they would wish to return to? Clubs need to
cater to both older and newer members.
Part of this includes thinking about our meeting formats, how often and when we meet and being
open to member feedback. Gillian referenced the thinking of Paul Harris who said that sometimes Rotary needs to be revolutionary and that now is the time to demonstrate such fervour.
At the same we have much to celebrate with both the Rotary Clubs of Auckland and Wellington turning 100. This is being turned into a broader centennial celebration. Gillian reminded us that Rotary has been instrumental in the establishment of many ground breaking initiatives including: milk in schools; the Karatane Hospital in Wellington; tb eradication;
health camps and much more. If this has been our contribution to date, there is much more we can contribute in the future.
In the Covid era, Rotary has a role to help our economic and social recovery. This includes using our networks and resources to support community groups,such as the Citizens Advice Bureaux, whose facilities are under pressure, or helping Pasifika students return home.
Gillian discussed some upcoming centennial projects including mana tangata, a history of Rotary. Clubs
will be encouraged to buy $450 boxes of books.
Other projects include a baton relay for polio and the Wellington Children's Hospital appeal.
Gillian challenged all clubs to create their own centennial projects. What could be our legacy?
Next year the District conference will be held in the Wairarapa in March 2021. The theme will be a "taste of the Wairarapa" and will centre around "future proofing our proud heritage". Club members will be asked to dress up based on clothing styles of the
year in which they were chartered.