DISTRICT GOVERNORS
GOALS & OBJECTIVES & RESULTS: 2003-2004
Where Are We Going?
By DG Andrea Ives
In addition to the cosmic question regarding
our purpose "Why are we here?" we are all concerned with the question
of our future "Where Are We Going?" Speaking as a Rotarian, we are
here to provide Service Above Self to those in need, both in our local
communities and in the world community. It's harder to define where
we're going with any certainty, particularly without stated goals.
In short, in order to know where you're going, you have to have a
destination in mind.
The following categories reflect areas where
our district can make significant improvements, expansions, and impacts,
as we LEND A HAND:
Education: Every Rotarian who is
serious about his/her commitment to our organization should make every
effort to be as well informed about Rotary as they can be. The district
offers several training opportunities each year, and I hope we will
achieve 100% club representation at each of these events.
Presidential Citations: This citation
is a measuring stick for club performance, to insure that Rotary clubs
are working in all four avenues of service, and fulfilling the Object
of Rotary to the best of their ability. I know that every club in
our district is capable of achieving this citation. The Assistant
Governors will be working with each club to help them meet the criteria.
For instance, each club needs to identify a Family of Rotary Chairman
to promote the inclusion of the families of Rotarians in the activities
of their club. Gustavo Restrepo of the Sauquoit Rotary Club is district
chairman of the Family of Rotary Committee.
M&M's: This is what I call the two
critical elements necessary for the success of Rotary, both at the
club level, and worldwide. The M&M stands for MEMBERSHIP and MONEY.
The Membership Chairman for the district is Dennis Schonewetter of
the Rome Rotary Club. We can't do what we want to do without members
to do the work, and money to pay for what's needed. It's an old song,
and we all know the words and how important the meaning is.
Foundation Giving: Rotary International
is asking us to strive toward the goal of an equivalent of $100 per
Rotarian per year by 2005. In an effort to move toward that end, I
have set our district goal at the equivalent of $78 per Rotarian,
based on a district membership of 1600. That's less than 22 cents
a day! Doing the math, that's an Annual Programs goal of $125,000
for the 2003-04 Rotary year. Donna Schonewetter of the Rome Rotary
Club is the District Foundation Chairman. Elsewhere in the Credo you
will learn about some of the ways our District Foundation Committee
is going about the task of reaching that figure.
Fulfilling Our Promise for Polio Eradication:
Each club in the district has made a commitment, in dollars, to
the Polio Eradication Fundraising Campaign. Under the leadership of
PDG Ed Paparella, our district was one of only a handful that had
100% club participation. These pledges, worldwide, have exceeded the
goal of $80 million, at $88.5 million. We have made a promise, and
we need to keep it. Make-up: I know some of the male Rotarians are
saying "I knew it-feminine stuff from our first female DG." Well,
a make-up in Rotary is something quite different-it's the best way
for a Rotarian to enjoy the fellowship of new Rotary friends, and
a great way to learn something new, or share something of our own.
I would like every able-bodied Rotarian to do at least one make-up
meeting in another club this year, and expand their experience of
Rotary.
Jewelry: Here we go again! No, not
earrings (unless they are Rotary emblems), but please, WEAR THOSE
PINS! Everywhere you go, have that pin on your collar or lapel. You
might be surprised how often you are asked what it stands for, and
that's your opportunity to tell someone new about Rotary, and what
a significant contribution our organization is making in the strife-torn,
poverty-stricken and disease-ridden places of our world!
Newsletters: I have a goal that every
club in District 7150 will have a regular newsletter--one that communicates
the activities of the club to each member. In aid of this, I have
asked PDG Ward Vuillemot of the Skaneateles Rotary Club to chair the
Newsletter Advisory Committee. PDG Ward has already done presentations
at the District Assembly, and is ready to assist club presidents and
newsletter editors to improve their existing newsletter or start one
from scratch.
National Make-A-Difference Day: Once
again we are participating in National Make-A-Difference Day, October
25th, 2003. PDG Bruce Frassinelli of the Oswego Rotary Club is the
committee chairman. Each club (or a group of clubs) is encouraged
to decide on a project in their community, and get out there to MAKE
A DIFFERENCE, as we LEND A HAND.
Rotary Leadership Institute: District
7150 will be offering the Rotary Leadership Institute seminars at
Mohawk Valley Community College on Saturday, April 3rd, 2004. This
year we will offer Parts I, II, III and Graduate courses. I hope to
see 100 attendees take advantage of this exceptional training opportunity.
Talk to someone who has already taken Parts I, II or III, and you
will be inspired by their enthusiasm and their assessment of this
program's worth. PDG Ward Vuillemot of the Skaneateles Rotary Club
is Rotary Leadership Institute Chairman for the district.
Club Extension: We all know there
are needs in our communities, where our Rotary clubs are making a
difference. But do we realize that there are needs in nearby communities
or neighborhoods that have needs that are not being met? Can we identify
geographic areas within our district that could benefit from a Rotary
presence? Our district Club Extension Committee has the task of creating
new Rotary clubs, where there is a need. We have chartered two new
clubs in the past Rotary year, the Syracuse Inner City Rotary Club
and the Skaneateles Sunrise Rotary Club. Look around you, and if you
see a need, contact PDG Joe McCarthy to discuss the possibilities.
District Conference: This year the
District Conference is at a unique and memorable site-the Athenaeum
Hotel at the Chautauqua Institute on Chautauqua Lake (south of Buffalo).
District Conference Committee Chairman Jacquie Olmsted of the Baldwinsville
Rotary Club and our committee members have been working tirelessly
to make this an unforgettable and one-of-a-kind event. A Roaring Twenties
Party on Friday night will be just one of the opportunities for fellowship
and fun. Visit the District Conference website for more information
and registration forms. A club attendance of 100% is my goal! We currently
have over 190 people registered. Register now for best room selection.
In addition to these categories, we have
a Group Study Exchange going out to the Durbin area of South
Africa, District 9720. We are currently seeking candidates for Rotarian
Team Leader, and subsequently will be looking for four team members
from the professions of literacy, adult education, or reading education
for our Focus Exchange. The Group Study Exchange Chairman is David
Townsend of the Rome Rotary Club.
There is a saying that one's grasp should
exceed one's reach. I have always interpreted it that we are supposed
to stretch ourselves to achieve what we want. I realize that some
of these goals are a stretch, and will require additional time and
effort to achieve them. I am very grateful for the generous support
of the district staff, committee chairs and their committee members.
Their willingness to serve Rotary and the district in these capacities
is a tribute to their commitment to our organization.
We are all here to help the clubs and Rotarians
in this district be the best they can be, as they definitely make
a difference in the lives of others, and LEND A HAND where it is needed.
