Someone some time ago said that RISK, is a one word definition of leadership. For a couple of minutes let’s consider that thought.
Leadership doesn’t have to have endeavors that are risk filled? Or, is it necessary to be a risk taker? Leading is going somewhere with a purpose. One can only lead if there are followers. Leading without followers is just a gentle walk by oneself. So leadership must include the risk of others doing more than observing. Leadership is having others engaged in the process of change, moving forward for a cause.
So, some questions must be asked: “If you are leading, where are you going?” Second question: “What do you plan on doing?” Third question: “How do you know that you are successful?”
Except from DG Tom's report on his first days as District Governor:
July 1 – First District Governor visit at Hart Rotary Club where Tom became a Rotarian in November of 1977 at age 24. Hart Rotary Club President Ingrid and Hart Rotarians “enthusiastically welcomed home” Tom and Denise as they began their 2015-16 year as District 6290 Governor. It was a privilege to install Ingrid as 2015-16 Hart Rotary Club President and recognize past Hart Rotary Club President Mary Sue with a Paul Harris fellow. July 2 – Tom, Denise, daughter Janell and granddaughter Lucy helped out the Hart Rotary Club with the popcorn and soft drinks fundraiser at Hart Sparks, a 4th of July week celebration with fireworks.
Africa’s last polio case occurred in Somalia on August 11 last year. Nigeria, one of the last three polio-endemic countries, reached one year without a reported case on July 24. The World Health Organization (WHO) may soon remove Nigeria from the list of polio endemic countries. When Africa goes three years without a case of polio, WHO will certify the region as polio-free.
If you have an interest in, or experience with, water and sanitation projects, plan to attend the 11th annual Thirsting to Serve Conference. Held Saturday, September 26th at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, this one-day event provides invaluable information for those that are interested in supporting an existing project and/or launching their own. Online registration is available now.
Check out the new Lead Your Club series, which includes vital information about the role and responsibilities of the club president, secretary, treasurer, and recommended committees. All the former officer/committee manuals have been re-written, re-branded and re-vitalized!
At the Committee level there are great resources for Membership, Rotary Foundation, Public Image, Service Projects and Club Administration.
As a member of Rotary, you’re part of a global network of community volunteers who are making a positive difference. The new Member Center at Rotary.org gathers all of the many benefits and resources available to you, including Rotary Global Rewards, which features discounts on travel, hotels, dining, and entertainment.
Paul Bergsma (left), President of the Rotary Club of Kentwood and Jim White, Rotary Club of Grand Rapids Past President, and District 6290 Assistant Governor completed the third part of the Leadership Curriculum at the Rotary Leadership Institute Great Lakes Division in Jackson, Michigan on Saturday August 8, 2015.
Paul and Jim are part of a graduating class that includes representation from multiple Districts. This is one of the great benefits of this program--you meet dynamic people and exchange best practices from a broad range of experience.
It's one of Rotary's most highly regarded programs--so much so, that some employers credit hours invested by Rotarians as formal leadership training! In District 6290 we feel so strongly about the quality and impact of this program that we have budgeted funds that are available as matching scholarship funds -- Clubs send one member and the District will fund a second. All you need to do is notify Kathy Hegedusat the District Office and she'll make it happen for you!
If you have attended Rotary Leadership Institute, PDG Tim Knaggs encourages you to share your experiences with your fellow club members. Encourage new members and emerging leaders to attend. To help us help you tell that story, please send your personal testimonials to tknaggs@charter.net.
Greenville Rotary used a matching grant 2 years ago to help fund the custom graphics on this food trailer. You'll find them front and center at many of their local events - including this year's Danish festival.
Is it easier to attract members and community-based financial supporters if they know about Rotary? You bet it is!
For the past three years our District has had the benefit of a $12,000 grant from Rotary International. When combined with District funds we had a $16,000 budget which we offered as matching grants for club-driven public image campaigns.It takes time to see returns and the bottom line is membership numbers are up across the District.
We've known/communicated for the past year that the matching program from Evanston was going away. We were actually lucky to be part of a pre-approved multi-year grant or we would have been without their match last year.
For 2015/2016 our District has $8,000 budgeted. The exciting news is that discussions are in process in attempt to double that number.
Our goal is to offer the same program we have in the past -- Clubs invest $500 and District matches with $750.
Earn a Presidential Citation from President K.R. Ravindran. This year’s citation goals are measurable using the information your clubs provide online. Club and district officers can track a club’s progress toward its goals – and see where help is needed – by checking the new Presidential Citation reports.
Through their clubs, Rotary members have the power to lead others by example. In his latest post on Rotary Voices, Evan Burrell, a member of the Rotary Club of Turramurra, New South Wales, Australia, writes that Rotarians are like modern superheroes. All through August, we’re celebrating Membership and New Club Development Month with posts by members who explain how they are making a difference.
During the upcoming year, our goal is to release the District newsletter at the start of each month. The deadline to submit materials is the 20th the month to issue. If you have an example of a 'best practice' or have other great news to share, please complete our 'Club News' submission form (found at www.ridistrict6290.org under Public Image, or in the FAQ section in our monthly newsletter). Electronic photos are encouraged. Please try to limit your submission to 300 words or less.
