DG
Bernie's Message
ROTARY KNOWLEDGE
How much do you know about Rotary?
Every association and club has
rules and regulations set down about their workings and there is
usually a fair amount of tradition and history as well, depending on
the age of the organisation.
After 101 years of service to the
communities, both local and global, Rotary International has a vast
store of knowledge to improve our operations, assist with the
methods of communication and leadership and, particularly, to make
us feel proud at belonging to such a sensational fellowship.
But we find that many members, even
including those in leadership roles, flounder when it comes to
having knowledge about the history of Rotary through the past 101
years. I am not talking about knowing what all the acronyms mean,
although this kind of knowledge would certainly streamline our
communications. For instance, the Presidents Elect Training Seminar
is called PETS - so much easier, providing you know what it means.
The knowledge I am talking about is
that which helps us to immerse ourselves in the warmth and embrace
of Rotary, what it is and what is stands for. It is about the
assistance that has been given to millions around the world and the
programmes for working on improving lives in the future. If you do
not know or understand the workings of Rotary, how can you influence
others to want to join us in this massive work for mankind?
On my visits to the Clubs, I am
relating the way we can answer the question of "what does Rotary
do?" We do not want to be stumped in finding an answer nor do we
want to stumble or mumble because we are not sure. Tell them that
"Rotary does good in the world!" (the initial object of the Rotary
Foundation in 1917) - That would be a good start to the conversation
and you can take it from there, providing you know enough about
Rotary.
Don't let you friends and colleagues
say, "...you are a Rotarian, aren't you?" In our District, we are going to
promote the knowledge of Rotary, to attempt to educate all Rotarians
about the fundamentals of Rotary and Rotary Service so that you will
not be struck dumb when somebody asks, "What does Rotary do?" A good
place to start is by opening your District Directory which contains
much information about our many programmes and details our
structures, particularly in our District.
Together let us Lead the Way through knowledge of who we are.
DG Bernie Walshe
