DG Hans June Newsletter
Dear friends and fellow Rotarians,
This is my last District Governors newsletter for my year, 2011-12. It has been an honour and privilege to have served as your District Governor.
The hospitality and inclusiveness which was extended to me was sincere and most heartfelt. Whether it was club meetings, social gatherings, fundraisers or community events , I was made to feel a part of your activities. Our district is blessed to have so many well established and relevant Rotary clubs serving their communities. Rotary is alive and well throughout our district.
This past year saw the introduction of 4 new types of membership categories. Associate, corporate, Satellite and innovative and flexible memberships. The 4 designated pilot clubs will be using these new memberships and their successes will be monitored by Rotary International , that they might become a permanent part of our membership attraction into Rotary.
Our district has held the line on overall membership and we are starting to see a gradual increase in membership in the district. These are as a direct result at the club level to recognize the need to grow Rotary in their club and within their communities. The need is there, for Rotarians to undertake service work that would otherwise be overlooked.
Continued support for Rotary’s Polio Plus campaign has seen individuals and clubs contribute just over $100,000 to this effort , that is “this close “ to eradication.
The Rotary Foundation has also seen club and individual contributions add up to $200,000 towards the Annual Programs Fund, as of May 31. This is the fund that returns the monies in 3 years, for use by district clubs’ via District Grants or Global Grants. The more we contribute to The Rotary Foundation, the more your club can receive in doing service projects at home or abroad.
There have been some other remarkable changes within our district concerning how clubs operate. There are now more clubs than ever who are co-operating with other clubs, either in their own community or region. This can be joint fundraising, public relations campaigns, combined events like
Christmas celebrations or just simple social events.
Our strength is our membership, or product is service. This years’ District Conference showcased the service projects of 6 of our clubs, 3 undertaking local projects and 3 doing international projects.
We all succeed when we share ideas, experiences and interests. As club members you need not need to go alone into project work, there are many others you can contact, and learn from their work and experience.
In closing, I wish to say that the work of Rotarians, locally or internationally, through our service projects, distinguishes us from others, who also do their best at what they do.
Our million point two members worldwide, is a strong and cohesive force for change in making our world a better place for so many who otherwise would not have been given the opportunity to improve their lives. A hand up is much more effective than a hand out.
Thank you for your efforts to “Reach within, to embrace Humanity.” Please continue your work and support for Rotary in your communities and especially for your incoming Governor , Rebecca MacPherson, from Quesnel.
And thank you for allowing me live my Rotary dream.
Hans Doge
DG 2011-12