Quick Links From the Editor...A Message from RI Pres. MajiyagbeRotary StoryDistrict Governors RY 2003-2004Dancing in Brisbane |
Dear fellow Rotarians,
This month we pay respect to the people and culture of Mexico . In Mexico , as in many countries of Spanish heritage, it is customary to enjoy a siesta, or nap, after lunch. The siesta restores and rejuvenates one's energy and enhances productivity for the rest of the day. In many regions of the world, the entire month of August is also a time for rest and rejuvenation in the form of a vacation.
If this is your vacation month, I trust you will have the time to read this issue and be reminded that the Rotary calendar also designates August as Membership and Extension Month. This is an ideal to recruit new members for your club. The continued viability of Rotary depends on successful membership development efforts at every level.
It has been said that membership development underpins both the Philosophical and operational cornerstones of Rotary International. The four Avenues of Service require an active and growing membership in order to fulfill the Object of Rotary.
A strong and growing membership base allow Rotary to expand humanitarian and educational work in our communities and throughout the world, strengthening our efforts to advance peace, understanding and goodwill. It also provides financial support for the Rotary Foundation of RI, enhances Rotary's public image, introduces fresh perspectives to our clubs, helps develop future leaders, promotes fellowship and creates opportunities to include non-Rotarian family members in the family of Rotary.
If we want this organization to be handed down to the next generation of Rotarians, we must constantly work to infuse new blood into our ranks. A 99-year-old man (the same age as Rotary) was asked on his birthday how he felt, to which he quipped, "Not bad, considering the alternative." If we do not focus on the challenges of bringing in new members and chartering new clubs, Rotary faces the same alternative.
In this Rotary year, I urge Rotarians not only to bring more men and women into Rotary, but also to instill the spirit of Rotary into these new members to help ensure that they remain Rotarians. Clubs should create a family of Rotary committee to help nurture new members and their families. When new members and their families feel "wanted," they will immediately know the difference between acquaintance and friendship. We should, of course, also work to bring in new members from underrepresented segments in our communities, including younger adults, women, and members of other ethnic and religious groups. In order to encourage grassroots membership growth, I urge clubs to conduct Rotary business in the predominant languages of their region and communities and to translate Rotary literature into these languages.
In the last two years, we have witnessed steady membership growth the world over, thanks to the efforts of our previous leaders, and the tools for promoting further growth and retention remain available. The RI membership zone coordinators are trained and at your disposal, ready to Lend a Hand to your growth efforts. Clubs and districts should strive to win two-year retention recognition awards, an incentive program launched last year. The criteria for recognition has been mailed to clubs and districts, so join the competition.
