In Rotary we often talk about the need for greater continuity. This is hardly surprising in an organisation based on a model of annual leadership change on a global scale!
As volunteers, there are many potential limitations on how much time we can invest in altruistic pursuits but do we ever take enough time to reflect on how much we gain from our work as well as how much we give?
Many of you may have heard me say that, to me, “Rotary is the gift that just keeps giving”…not just to the beneficiaries of our Service Above Self in our local and global communities but also to OURSELVES!
I personally have gained so much of a sense of purpose and leadership development through giving service in Rotary.
We can achieve so much more when we cooperate and collaborate.”
The same can also be said for my family who were also immersed in the various service projects I was part of.
Much like the Scouting organisation, Rotary offers opportunity to get involved and make a bigger difference in the world at every age: from RotaKids to Interact to Rotaract and ultimately Rotary as an adult, regardless of how old you are.
I will never forget the visual impact of seeing a line-up of Scouts on stage at District Governor David Morris’ conference in Hunstanton this past March.
From a “Squirrel” aged 4 to a Beaver, then Cub, then Scout, then Explorer through to adult leaders… the message of continuity and progression was crystal clear. I found myself questioning why we cannot see that so clearly in Rotary.
We are missing an opportunity to connect the dots between the various programmes we offer. Few Interactors become Rotaractors and even fewer Rotaractors become Rotarians.
“Rotary offers opportunity to get involved and make a bigger difference in the world at every age: from RotaKids to Interact to Rotaract and ultimately Rotary as an adult, regardless of how old you are.” – Nicki Scott, Rotary International Director
How can we do a better job to help bridge the gaps? Surely the story of continuous personal and professional leadership development is key to being at the heart of a solution?
But then how well do we model continuity in leadership in our own clubs and districts? How often do we hear the words “my year”?!
We can achieve so much more when we cooperate and collaborate. We are #bettertogether.
The new concept of districts working together in clusters is designed to foster this culture and model the benefits of greater impact achieved to clubs to do the same.
Rotary can be extremely rewarding at every stage of life for so many reasons. Let’s tell that story to others and invite them to join us so they too can enjoy the huge value Rotary contributes to both ourselves and those we serve.
