An article from Colleen McCarthy, Bendigo Sandhurst Rotary
Is Leadership in Rotary About Position — Or Participation: Earlier this year, I attended the Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI). It delivered an engaging leadership course designed to strengthen knowledge and confidence within Rotary. The program is structured into four parts, each exploring different aspects of Rotary and effective leadership.
I am often curious about where everyday members fit into leadership. Organisations such as Rotary depend on members stepping forward. Dynamic, thriving clubs encourage growth and mentoring, opportunity and partnerships creating environments that strengthen members’ commitment and empower participation rather than directing solely from the top.
During group discussions, participants reflected on some of the challenges facing clubs. Some noted that long-established clubs, often with rich histories and strong traditions, can unintentionally undervalue the enthusiasm and fresh perspectives of newer members. Comments such as “it’s all been done before” may discourage innovation and stunt growth. I would like to reframe this perception. Rotary today is built on the dedication of long-standing members who helped establish clubs when membership expectations were far more formal. Their years of service provide wisdom, stability and continuity. Many continue to demonstrate leadership quietly, offering guidance and perspective from the background after decades of commitment to service above self.
As I progressed through each lesson, noting and reflecting on new ideas and opportunities within Rotary, I experienced an unexpected realisation. I was not attending solely for my own development. Every insight felt like something I could take back to my club – an opportunity to spark new thinking, encourage fresh direction and potentially create new pathways for service and funding. A better understanding of Rotary’s history and layers has increased my confidence.
Also challenged was my understanding of leadership itself. Through both the course and my own research into leadership, I have come to strongly believe that leadership begins with how we lead our own lives. Showing up, consistency, reliability, being organised and informed, able to manage projects and solve problems are all leadership behaviours. Women bring exceptional strengths in these areas. Many women join Rotary with extensive professional and life experience, in roles that require collaboration, community-focused decision making, emotional intelligence and strong listening skills such as business, education, health and government sectors. Female members should take stock of the valuable skills they bring to Rotary and recognise themselves as leaders now, not at some future point when they hold a formal title. Rotary leadership thrives through influence, participation and contribution rather than hierarchy.
I enjoyed the stories shared by members from other clubs and was inspired by the diverse ways they serve their communities and international initiatives. While not every project would suit every club, there were many nuggets of gold that participants could take back and adapt within their own communities. Rotarians from across Melbourne and regional Victoria took part in the course, representing a broad range of experience, some as Rotarians with just three months through to an incredible 38 years of service, highlighting the Institute’s relevance and value for all members at every stage of their Rotary journey.
The course reinforced a powerful message: Rotary's future leadership already exists within its membership. It grows when members feel valued, supported and encouraged to contribute in ways that reflect their individual strengths as well as the future of Rotary.
