This Posting by Geof Lambert got me thinking – and judging by its 250+ views, has started lots of Rotarians and friends thinking. Let me start by saying that I think it's a great idea, and that I'm going to be coming at it from that basis. And for those of you still not sure what I'm talking about, the 2-minute rule as proposed by Geof, is that at every Rotary event to which you are party – be it an outing, a meeting, a service project... someone (you) take 2 minutes of video footage that is released/shared to the internet. Whether you want to share it here on digaria, or youtube, or on your club website, just so long as it is released.

Fresh thinking. Here at digaria we're steeped in the vocabulary of the digital divide. We're aware that it's going to take more than just will to bridge the chasm. The 2-minute rule is not a solution, but it is an action with some interesting side-effects. First, whichever club and whoever decides to take up the challenge, will necessarily increase their digital awareness. The individual will go from whatever their passive state of tech-literacy to an active participant in the digital process. Further, the digital trace that they've produced can serve as a reminder to less-digital club members, that technology and Rotary make good partners. Just as news production has transitioned from paper bulletins, to radio, to television, to clips on web logs and feeds, Rotary is no longer limited to paper transcripts and can choose more dynamic media that reflect the vibrant nature of its activities.

Promotion. And what of 'getting Rotary's name out to the leaders of tomorrow?' Are these leaders likely to rely on paper promotional materials in other parts of their life? Are these leaders the ones who will stick with a company for 50 years and expect to have their retirement taken care of? I would venture to say that the dynamic leaders are likely up to speed with technology, resourceful, and anticipate a shorter tenure at any given company – for their own development. Further, if they are going to start participating in a service organization, they are going to want to see more than can be conveyed convincingly in one or two meetings. Short clips of rotary successes, activities, individuals and examples of different meetings might then prove more substantial promotional materials than the say-so of a gung-ho rotarian. In addition, casually curious individuals would be presented with a face and personality to Rotary, and if used in combination with other promotional materials, the clips might help potential rotarians see the benefits of joining this otherwise abstract faceless entity.

Saturation – some numbers. And now, just as a thought, what if each geographical area (couldn't find statistics for numbers of districts), and somewhere around one in fifty clubs were to take up this call even as few as twenty times in a year (well below mandatory rotary participation for a weekly club). 30,000/50 = 600 clubs participating 200 areas = 200 more bodies 800 times 20 videos = 1,600 2-minute clips or more than 53 hours of Rotary footage. Every year.