Thanks to Anne for the report
WHAT IS REGIONALISATION?
Our speaker, Michael Stillwell, Local Community Leader of the D9800 Regionalisation trial, is a man of substance with an impressive business and personal profile. He loves racing cars, flew planes and engages enthusiastically with people when sharing content and information, as testified by our President Elizabeth Shepherd.
Tonight, in his interactive conversation with each and everyone of us in The Rotary Club of Canterbury, he asked many questions which challenged the way we think about what Rotary International does and exactly how it does it. He began with some basic facts- membership in D9800 has declined by twenty percent. Zone Eight has lost some one thousand four hundred members per year.
He has to be a consultant because he required a white board (old school!). It was actually used to note the response from those present to his question (great use of this years theme)
What makes Rotary Magical. Lots of great responses in no particular order
- The things we do
- fellowship
- helping those in need
- giving back to the community
- being part of an international organisation
- giving one a sense of purpose
- efficiency (related to the very low administration fees)
- provides a personal challenge
- provides an opportunity to significantly impact others lives
- allows us to meet diverse people
- participation in educational opportunities
- teaches governance skills
As Local Community Leader, he is there to support Rotary Club Presidents and to encourage them to partner with community groups. The questions which followed dealt with how to engage Friends of Rotary, ways to utilise honorary members and turning around the branding of current (and future) Rotary Club projects.
His sober, thoughtful approach is very encouraging, as a Rotarian and as a member of the general community. Due to this, our knowledge of regionalisation has grown considerably. Thank you, Michael!