Rotary comprises a multitude of moving parts, and juggling those all to assure they continue in proper working order is the primary task of the Club President. It has been a joyful (for the most part) challenge for this year to coordinate these various details, but it has also been a huge learning curve. Despite attending PETS (President Elect Training School) provided by our Rotary Zone, attending an International Rotary Convention, and Rotary University (32 hours of training), there has been much that I have learned during my year.
One of the primary learnings is that there are not enough people involved in the day-to-day processes of running the Club. From setting up for a meeting, to responding to the multiple emails that come through each week; coordinating youth, fundraising, community service and international activities, more hands are needed.
Throughout the year our newly established Presidential Committee met monthly and serves a tremendous benefit of sounding board and advice. One piece of advice I have passed to President Elect Dawn is to have a designated person to fill in the blanks for her.
We are a volunteer organization comprised of industrious people who are hard-working professionals who give back through many organizations. And life happens, meaning illnesses, deaths, travel and other unexpected events which interrupts what people intend to do. Having someone who can assist each of our key leadership positions and substitute when needed is a factor we need to add.
The most recent example is Steve Weible, our Flag Coordinator, who will be gone for our first deployment of this season due to a family commitment. He needs someone to step up and tke over his responsibilities for this one time and I hope that person will be willing to continue to engage as his assistant. Not only will it make Steve’s efforts more effective, but will also spread the pleasure of service to another person, and assure that our Club has a knowledgeable persona available to step into Steve’s shoes when the time comes.
There’s an old saying “it takes a village” speaking of child raising, but it applies to Rotary as well. We all need to play a part to allow the Club to be the best possible. I encourage anyone who is not currently leading an area to ask where you can connect to learn and help. Making a difference takes everyone’s participation.
