Last week at our club meeting we had a great presentation from PDG Kalma McClellan on the Regionalisation Project. We heard that changing volunteer needs and ageing demographics demand new opportunities for innovation and collaboration in the ways we serve our communities, enjoy fellowship, engage participants, develop leaders, and grow Rotary.
Our region, or Zone 8, which includes Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands, has been selected as one of two potential regions from across the globe to pilot a regional approach to governance. The overarching aim of this project is to provide better and more direct support to Rotary and Rotaract clubs through a less layered and more devolved contemporary approach.
To help achieve this objective, the project is seeking to develop and test a streamlined governance approach to:
• Allow clubs sharing geography, culture, and language to organise in ways that suit them.
• Eliminate duplication and remove layers of hierarchy to make Rotary more responsive and cost effective
• Bring together the best resources from across the region and make them easily accessible to every club.
• Improve communication effectiveness to enhance club and member engagement.
• Grow membership through new club types, flexibility, and partnership options reflecting our diversity.
• Attract more community, corporate, and government sector support by communicating with one voice.
• Enhance leadership and personal development activities to better suit our modern world.
• Foster more diverse perspectives in decision making.
• Reduce the burden of administrative responsibilities placed upon leaders.
In September 2022, the clubs and districts in our zone are scheduled to vote on whether to participate. Prior to this, it was important for our club to understand what the project is all about and ask questions. We will be seeking members opinion on the proposed project, and I will be voting on behalf of the club. If you were not able to attend Kalma’s talk and would like to know more about the Regionalisation Project, please visit the website creatingtomorrowrotary.org which has fact sheets and FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions).
Our meeting on Friday 12 August is a Zoom meeting. Two of our members, Brian Bailey and Bob Selinger, OAM will be talking about their life story. It is always great to hear from our members and I am looking forward to their talks.
The following Friday, 19 August will be a Club Assembly at Dunmore Lang College. The meeting will include a hot breakfast and if you are attending the breakfast, please RSVP to Garry Maloney by Friday 12 August. Our Assistant Governor for the Riverside group of clubs, Bruce Jacob will be attending the meeting.
A final reminder regarding Member Satisfaction Survey which will close this Friday. More than 50% of us have responded and it will be great to have all members complete the survey. It is a great opportunity to provide your feedback and suggestions for improvement. It is important to do this so that we can provide a more satisfying experience for all members.
I thank everyone in the Club for their commitment, energy and contribution towards making a difference.