Our District Governor Marion Johnston paid her annual visit to the club this week and delivered her Governor’s speech for the 46th time, “and forgive me, I still refer to my notes.”
She came equipped with the tauwhiriwhiri stick, the traditional symbol of the Governor’s authority to speak and she gave out five messages for Rotarians in her district.
Marion and her husband Mike run an automotive business in Whanganui. Two of their five adult sons work in the business and collectively they have nine grandchildren.
She urged Rotarians to be open to change as “we must evolve to stay relevant.”
Secondly, she urged members to “take stock” of projects as many clubs have lots of small projects often owned and run by the same people year after year, which can be off putting and stifles innovation. She suggested an audit leading to a smaller number of larger projects.
Thirdly, on the question of fundraising Governor Marion said this was not an end in itself. “We are a service club, not a fundraising club.” Even though funds had to be raised to support projects. “but let’s not make this (fundraising) the total focus.”
She urged clubs to “look outwards,” to their communities and to be “welcoming, inclusive and representative.”
Finally, she stressed the importance of public image. “I am blown away by the volume of stuff that clubs do. Let’s shout about it and not keep the good we do secret.”
Marion is hosting the District Conference in Whanganui 17/19 May next year, with the theme “Light My Fire.”
President's Message
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