Governor Doug's December Message
We finished our official club visits last week. As Executive Aide Extraordinaire Joe Vasquez and I reflected on what we witnessed during our 45 stops (yes I know, there are 46 clubs, but that’s too long a story!) we recognized some very common traits.
My definition of a successful club is one that is high on enthusiasm, has meetings that emphasize fun and Rotary pride, and is either growing or maintaining a reasonable (20+) number of members. That certainly describes the majority of our clubs.
Successful clubs are looking to the past in order to secure their future and in doing so can offer the best Holiday gift suggestion.
This of this as you plan your holiday season and gift giving to your family and friends. Give the gift of sweat!
Sweat is what made this organization strong. Lack of it has weakened too many clubs. We became a service organization because our early members saw the need to do something. Something visible, something that members could stand back and see, share and tell others how they built, planted, cleaned, joked and did something meaningful for their community. In doing so, they created a grab bag of memories for members, families and non-Rotarians who pitched in to help. In short, the club that sweats together, stays together and perhaps will then face another problem: Too many members! We have three clubs facing this dilemma! Each of them has regular project opportunities that allow them to sweat, together!
Giving your family an opportunity to work together in the betterment of your community is a gift that will last in your memories and heart throughout a lifetime. In the years to come, to be able to drive by a tree that was planted, a dwelling that was built, a property improved and remember the day that you, your family and your Rotary friends spent sweating together is truly the gift that keeps on giving.
Plan a project, look forward to a little sweat and give a gift that matters! Rotary Cares Day is just around the corner, a great time to deliver your gift!
To the families related by blood, to the families we’ve grown to love, to families near and far: Happy Holidays!
-Doug