Imagine Rotary- A Message from District Governor Greg O'Brien
One of the best things about attending a Rotary International convention is the opportunity to meet Rotarians from around the world. At Rotary’s most recent convention in Seoul, I struck up a conversation with a Rotarian from the eastern U.S. We have so much to be proud of that I suggested that Rotary should spend more money on public awareness.
My fellow Rotarian disagreed. “I like to think of Rotary as the quiet organization that no one knows about yet does so much good in the world” she said brightly.
I found her comment puzzling. Just days earlier, our opening session had featured addresses by U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, Republic of Korea president Park Geun-hye and the prime minister of Sri Lanka, Ranil Wickremesinghe. Indisputable, the world’s leaders know Rotary.
On the other hand, my follow Rotarian may have a point. Individual Rotary clubs often fail to get recognition for much of the good work we do within our own communities. I think part of the reason for this is that “news,” as the name implies, usually involves something new. If you want publicity, it can’t be the same story as last year.
As past RI president Cliff Dochterman says, “There is no Rotary club in the world that cannot be improved.” Are our service projects fresh and newsworthy, or are they solid but no longer of reader interest? Is our fellowship creative? Do our meetings tend to recycle the same themes, such as local government and public utilities? When was the last time your club program was a talent show, a comical fashion show, a partnered event with the Chamber of Commerce, with another Rotary club, or—dare I say it?—a joint meeting or project with another service club in your city?
Variety is the spice of life. When we think outside the box, we wake up our members and attract public attention. Happy members bring guests to Rotary. Take a look at your club. Is anything stale? If so, change it or at least give it a new paint job. Use your creativity. Imagine Rotary! Build it and they will come.