By Rowan McClean
David was invited to join Rotary Keilor in 1993 by charter member Angus Abbey, whom he knew well through work. Rotary Keilor’s membership recruitment success has seen it charter two other clubs, and in fact, there are now four clubs meeting in the area, somewhat inhibiting further membership recruitment.
Like-minded people enjoying fellowship has been a rewarding aspect of Rotary for David, and he has made some really good friends.
“Understanding how powerful Rotary is, and what it allows you to do is another positive,” David says. “For instance, there is real value in going overseas on a project and seeing different living conditions.”
David believes we need to get better at telling people what we do through improving club websites and promoting our work using the technology that is available such as producing impactful videos.
A dedicated contributor to the recycling operation at Donations In Kind (DIK), David explained that DIK began with Rotary District 9800 clubs, but now serves four Districts. During COVID19, David said that container availability and shipping time changes have made deliveries abnormally difficult to organise. However, as well as international projects, David said DIK is active in community service and just before Christmas, they received a large shipment of new shoes and 300,000 pairs were distributed to locals.
“I reckon that is the top community service project for the month,” David quipped.
DIK has a website and FaceBook page, but does not enjoy direct promotion to clubs.
“We do have Open Days, but getting people there is a problem” David laments. “There were previously District Rotary Australia Community Service (RAWCS) meetings monthly and two displays annually. These informed clubs about District projects like DIK. We should revive them, perhaps with special themes, such as the Environment Sustainability Group (ESRAG) that is leading Rotary’s new Area of Focus – 51 clubs from our District are already engaged,” he said.
While Rotary is a bottom-up organisation, David says we need to think more expansively and leverage Rotary’s global strengths.
David also sees another challenge for Rotary: “As members age, we fall back on fellowship rather than conducting projects. Young people want to do things!” he remarked.
The key for clubs is to remain active, David advises, and the key for Rotarians is to practice genuine Service Above Self.