Article

Personal Interest

Looking to the Future

by Rick Thornton
Monday, May 23, 2005. 03:29PM
737 Views 7 Comments

I went to my first District assembly the other day. Had a great time, learned a lot and met many new friends. Felt odd when someone just walks up, sits down, says "Hi Rick" and starts talking. But that is what is nice about Rotary. I was exposed to Rotaractors, Interactors (who hosted the day at their school and did a great job!) and a new group called Earlyactors for years 4 to 7 in primary school.

The new DG has streamlined the District board to reduce administration, focussed heavily on the use of technology for communication (if a president isn't registered online he is not going to get much info) and cost saving in terms of paper and postage. Interestingly, there was no "centenary" logo and no mention of it or the past. The focus was on the future and what we need to do. He ended by quoting the new RI president and invited us to join in "writing the first page of history of the next hundred years of Rotary". Things are going to be very interesting this year I think. We need to revitalize some of Rotary, get rid of some "administrivia" and really get out there and push ourselves as relevent to the 21st century.

I said I was exposed to Rotaractors. What a fun loving, innovative and active group of people. Some of the (dare I say) aging Rotaractors expressed some misgiving about joining Rotary due to the age difference and approach. What does that tell you?

For me I'm ready to buy a wig and lose some weight and join Rotaract but I can't afford the facelift and tummy tuck! They'd pick me as a Rotarian straight away!

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Comments

 7 shown
Monday, June 13, 2005. 10:45AM by Rajesh Bajracharya
Dear Rick Sir Although I assume you might be busy for RI Convention, I'm hopeful you will read my message within a few days. My Rotaract Club is coming up with annual souvenir publication. I would request you to send us a relevant message cum article for the same. We aim to release it on our installation ceremony scheduled for 25th June. Hope to receive inspiring article or hear from you.
Wednesday, May 25, 2005. 08:29PM by Rick Thornton
I think that is a top idea Rajesh. Regular invitations to Rotaractors and visits to Rotaract clubs should provide the bridge.
Wednesday, May 25, 2005. 12:35PM by Rajesh Bajracharya
Dear Rick Sir All we have been talking about is the future and there's no denying that youth is the future for good or for worse. What better way could we have than encouraging the youth for good, the Rotaractors, Interactors who are in tune with the new technology! Just a thought of possibility that I really like to advocate. Let's focus on having Rotaract Clubs and Rotaractors involved in Rotary Meetings..(RI Bylaw allows it and honors them the make up card as well), they get to know more of Rotary processes and would help in bridging the digital divide on its skill part. Allow them and they will prosper their skills further bringing the technology and the ideas of seniors together. At least I'm advocating on this to Rotary Clubs in Kathmandu valley in spite of some risks that involve deadlines and professional commitments. Could this idea be promoted??
Tuesday, May 24, 2005. 02:46AM by Rick Thornton
Florence, this is one of the things Rotary needs to address in the new century. I don't think we can operate like a "guild" putting limitations on hard to come by new members. These people pay a premium to be a rotarian! Why deny someone of rotaract or other service experience because of an outdated (to me)idea of classification. If the body is willing. of good character and of a Rotarian view then lets get them in! The younger the better.
Tuesday, May 24, 2005. 12:17AM by Florence Hui
Hi, Rick, I couldn't agree more, being one of those who suffer identity crisis because of my age! When Rotaractors turn 30, SOME of them are invited to their mother club whereas some are left behind (yeah, it's true!) We'll think if we become Rotarians, how about those left behind? They can't claim themselves Rotaractor; maybe ex-Rotaractors or alumni. There is a question on my mind: do we make friends with people/personality or their identity/occupation? I'm sorry to say that Rotary Club choose the latter in terms of membership. Otherwise, how come some over-aged Rotaractors aren't invited to become Rotarians.
Monday, May 23, 2005. 09:29PM by Rick Thornton
I guess many websites exist because “everyone has one” and there are places that provide a template service to host the sites. Many of them are the same. I wonder if any real planning goes in to the decision to have one, such as “WHY” they have one. If it is just as a means of passing info within the club a blog would be fine and very simple to manage. If the site is to do more in terms of the community then a lot more planning and operator knowledge is required. Development and maintenance are the keys to any successful website and this is where it becomes difficult for many as some “e-skills” are needed. Ideas there would be to operate a community bulletin board, perhaps a youth or other forum and as a point of reference for other information such as Government or local education services. This all takes time and skill that many Rotarians don’t have. Perhaps a partnership with a local ISP or other e-business to host and manage the site as a “Friend of Rotary” and as a means of attracting people to their own business could be considered. I know of one club locally that have a major Fun Run event where registration is online. They have an appropriately skilled person in the club. I don’t think Rotary clubs have really considered the potential of the net in terms of community service other than to “be there”.
Monday, May 23, 2005. 04:03PM by Geof Lambert
Great account of your experience at the assembly! I think another thing we as members of the Rotary community need to start thinking about is the usefulness of the typical Rotary Club website. Is it worth the expense? Are we getting out "bang for the buck"? I would argue that perhaps there might be a better way to conduct that communcation at lessor cost. With the money we save we can help a lot of those who can't for whatever reason help themselves!