Rotary District 9800
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A Guide to Better Communication Within Rotary
There is no doubt that we live in an increasingly hectic world and one where communication is critical to ensuring an effective and efficient flow of information and understanding. When I think about the various written methods we use to communicate in this day and age, it is easy to be misunderstood. The misuse of a word, the perceived tone of an email or text message or ambiguity in what we write can lead to all sorts of misunderstanding by the reader, no matter how well intentioned we are being. It is important therefore to consider carefully what we put in writing and how the recipient may interpret what we have said.
We all receive hundreds of emails from work, friends, and of course Rotary. We need to be aware that what we say to one person, may not be appropriate for another. Emails have become an easy, if almost casual way of conversation and we all need to be mindful of their content. It is also important to think about forwarding emails on to others, or replying and adding others to the email. Sometimes, it may be best to start a new conversation/email and leave the last conversation in the computer.
Communication within Rotary also comes in the form of our various publications and gatherings. Networker is a ‘vehicle’ for District news for the benefit of all. Club bulletins provide an avenue for more localised club matters, activities and rosters. Rotary Down Under is for the bigger Australian and International Rotary outlook. And then we have the many meetings in Rotary that confirm verbally all is understood and that allow plans to be made. We have a District Board that meets monthly, and a DLT (District Leadership Team) that meets monthly. Both of these are held at International House. Any concerns, issues or matters that Rotarians would like raised can be done easily via your Assistant Governor, who attends the DLT meetings.
Communication between us all, at all levels, is very important in this fast moving world!
Another important matter I would like to talk about this week concerns “goodwill”. As Rotarians in D9800, let’s ensure that we have goodwill not only in our Clubs but between us all. We are all trying to do our best and as volunteers, some are able, at different times, to do more than others. I think we should all respect this and perhaps think twice before we react too hastily, as we sometimes do. Let’s respect our fellow Rotarians and try at all times to be courteous, friendly, helpful and kinder to one-another.
The glue that binds a Club together is indeed fellowship. I would like to squeeze this glue beyond our own individual clubs and out to all the clubs in D9800, so that we all bond together in this great District.
Have a great week in Rotary!
Iven
