August message from District Governor Doug
August is MEMBERSHIP and EXTENSION MONTH.
For most clubs, and the District, membership growth is a priority in the coming year. In the past year, some clubs have been relatively successful which, along with the establishment of the newest club in our District, St. Thomas Railway City, has resulted in a net growth in membership in the District. Our goal is to continue this growth over the next two years to 2000+ members in our District, which will require a net increase of approximately 150 or 1-2 members per club per year.
There is no magic method to achieve growth in membership. The most important action we can do is to make sure we “ask” family, friends and business associates if they would like to become involved in supporting our activities in the local and international community. Many club meetings during the summer are more informal, BBQ’s etc., which provides a great opportunity to invite non-Rotarians to attend and learn about the activities your Club does in your community.
I also urge you to hold “Rotary Days” by participating in community events during the summer and displaying the great projects that your Club has done, or is doing, in the community.
Extension also includes continued support of existing Interact and Rotaract clubs, as well as involving Youth Exchange students, and their parents, from your club or other area clubs, who have returned from their exchange year. Invite them to speak at your club meeting and by including the parents, you are introducing your Club to great ambassadors for Rotary.
I am looking forward to visiting all the clubs and meeting as many members as possible, starting August 12th. If there is anything special that you wish me to do during the visit, please advise your Assistant Governor.
One of the assignments to me by President Luang and RI, is to ensure your Club’s Constitution and Bylaws are current, which will require a short meeting with your Club board before or after your regular meeting. Your AG will be in touch to confirm.
The responsibility of District Executive, Assistant Governors, District Chairs, DG, DGE and DGN is to provide support to the clubs. Please do not hesitate to ask any of us for assistance as we work to LIGHT UP ROTARY in 2014-2015.
Doug Burnard
District Governor 2014-2015
District 633