Welcome to this August edition of the District Newsletter.

 

It does not seem like a month ago that we had the District Changeover – how time flies.

 

Since the Changeover, I have been busy visiting Clubs. I have been bowled over by the warmth of the welcome that I have received, the strong fellowship that exists in our clubs, the acceptance for the need for change – to attract in the Rotarians of tomorrow and the general desire to be involved in an area or joint project.

 

This month’s theme is “Membership and New Club Development”.  In a recent talk, RI President Mark Maloney suggested that even if your club is thriving – we should still consider whether there is scope to create maybe a satellite club – that will attract into Rotary those who may be the traditional format of Rotary does not fit with their lifestyle. Food for thought for all of us.

 

On the subject of new members – we should also be considering how we continue to connect with those people who have been involved with us at some stage. Whether that connection is through Rotary Youth Exchange, our Enrichment Program or through a Club project. If clubs have not already done so – can I suggest that you should be considering someone, on your membership committee to act as your Alumni officer, to keep in touch with these people and to invite them along to events and projects where their help would be useful. This group should also include ex-members who because of work or family life commitments have had to pull back from full membership.