Keeping up with the positive momentum, we began our second meeting by recognising members who have made an impact in the lives of others beyond our own community.
At the District Changeover,John Boscawen was awarded the Dr. Catherine Hamlin - Rotarian of the Year awardwhich our own member PDG Colin Nicholas created in 2006. PDG Malini selected John because “he is always very generous with his time and resources when it comes to Rotary… He has also made significant monetary contributions towards a now approved Microfinance global grant in Fiji which will enable small grassroots businesses in the rural areas of Fiji to get off the ground.” It was an extensive process that took a lot of time, perseverance, and collaboration across the clubs of Rotary Club of Suva, Auckland Rotary and Downtown Rotary to raise the NZ$100,000 which will make a big difference to the lives of many families in Fiji.
At the RYLA graduation dinner, Hilary Prior was awarded her third Paul Harris Fellow in recognition for her number of years fantastic service to RYLA. Going well beyond the call of duty to manage the many issues that arise before, during and after the event. A fabulous and highly regarded stalwart of RYLA.
Congratulations to both John & Hilary for their outstanding leadership & service to the community.
During the Club Assembly, I introduced both the Rotary International (RI) and District themes. RI President Barry Rassin’s theme “Be the Inspiration” uses the symbol of an ocean wave which represents the essence of Rotary- that we are a global organisation that goes beyond borders and continues throughout time. The 2018-19 RI vision is “Together we see a world, where people unite and take action to create lasting change- across the globe, in our communities, and within ourselves.”
Our new District Governor Ingrid Waugh’s theme is “Keep Rotary Real”. DG Ingrid will be a guest speaker at our club on 28th August to share more about her thoughts and aspirations for us in the District. Please send me any questions you have for DG Ingrid so we can make it an interactive session.
So how do these themes impact our Club?
To me, these themes talk about the importance of leaving a legacy and making our organisation stronger and better so that we can do more good in the world- that goes beyond any one term or person.
Our Downtown Club has a history of 34 years and 34 Past Presidents. Our present-day club is built upon the cumulative efforts, talents, and commitment of these Past Presidents and the club members before us. We have an imperative to keep our club as vibrant and as healthy as possible.
In order to remain relevant and to leave a legacy for the next generation, a diverse group of enthusiastic members from all backgrounds, came together in Feb to assess suggestions and inputs from the 2017 Members Survey and brainstormed to develop an Action Plan for the future.
This plan consists of actions that build upon our strengths and leverages technology and innovative thinking to help “Future Proof” our Club. To be able to accomplish this plan, we believe we need to have 4 C’s: CLARITY, CREATIVITY, COLLABORATION and COMMITMENT.
During the second half of the presentation, Directors Steve Briggs, David Graham and Gareth Juddery spoke about some exciting activities, targets and plans for Volunteer Service Projects, Fundraising and Fellowship. We finally ended the Club Assembly with a Q&A session.
The Club Assembly slides and Club Members Survey are available to download from Dropbox under “Member Resources and Namelists.” Feel free to email me if you have any questions or would like more information.
We have a great future ahead of us and I’m very excited about the plans our teams have developed.
Have a great week & see you next Tuesday!!
Lucy