Transcribing the DG’s talk on Friday, likewise summarising the interactive discussion that followed was challenging. Captain Mymoena has captured the essence of DG Stephen’s talk brilliantly in her log this week, touching on the primary areas of focus: District structure from committees to teams with each “layer of the onion” representing teams, filtering down to club success, working independently (See organogram below). This will generate much discussion on Friday at our business meeting.
Whilst focus was on growing membership (we have two new RC’s in the pipeline – Malmesbury and Springbok), DG Stephen spoke at length on retention (the District lost some 150 members in the last year, 55% because of dispute/conflict in clubs). He also dwelt on the importance of succession planning and bringing in younger members. With the new PI marketing plan, communication would focus on messaging – creating positive Rotary stories.
Stephen encouraged crew to continue to support the Rotary Foundation, also to donate to the End Polio Now Campaign. He challenged all members in the district to donate R10 for every year of their life to the RF as he had done. “Every donation counts, no matter how small.” He highlighted the incredible work Rotarians in Angola were doing, now tackling their third round of NID’s (Natonal Immunisation Days). The wild polio virus has spread from the DRC. The Rotaract partnership with district is being strengthened – the D9350 Discon will run concurrently with the Rotaract Discon in Worcester on 3 May 2025. Two Rotaractors now sit on the District Finance Committee.
Concerns raised by crew in the interactive session –
1. Diversifying team representation in a highly modern tech environment. Not just a name change?
2. Understanding how the “onion layer” organogram works, filterering down to Club success i.e. quality vs quantity of membership (see graphic below).
3. Understanding how a self-sufficient club such as RCW, supports the District without being caught up in the bureaucracy i.e. digital/apps etc.
The meeting was vibrant, interactive, interspersed with good humour. Big thanks to our DG for being inspirational.
The New Structure of District 9350 for 2024-2025
DISTRICT 9350 GOALS
GOAL ONE – IMPACT: Strengthen the awareness and impact of Rotary externally with relevant organisations, while continuing to communicate effectively internally;
GOAL TWO – PARTNERSHIPS: Encourage clubs in partnership with others, to undertake key projects that have life changing and sustainable impacts on communities in line with Rotary’s 7 areas of focus, using Global Grants where appropriate;
GOAL THREE – REACH: Expand our Reach by 30% in District 9350 by 2026;
GOAL FOUR – ABILITY TO ADAPT: Bring Rotaract and Rotary together at District level to serve the needs of Rotary, support projects, train leaders and make best use of resources;
GOAL FIVE – IMPROVING MEMBER EXPERIENCE: Encourage the further development of effective, vibrant Rotary and Youth programmes and support interaction between clubs, the district and external partners;
GOAL SIX – PERSONAL GROWTH: Provide opportunities for personal growth and development for individual members in D9350;
GOAL SEVEN – GIFTING: Increase donations to the Rotary Foundation and the End Polio Now campaign.
(The Object and Actions applicable for the above goals are on pages 21 & 22 of the D9350 Handbook and Directory for 2024-2025).
The meeting seating configuration worked well, with our Captain and DG perfectly positioned to field the Q&A after the DG’s talk that finished at 08:40, providing adequate opportunity for an interesting interactive session, with a fair share of humour and fun!
Our beloved Michael Goldman (unable to attend the induction event) was identified by Captain Mymoena for the 2023-2024 “Timeless Inspiration/Legacy of Dedication Award”. DG Stephen was delighted to belatedly do the honours. Mike, a stalwart of our club, reiterated the important role that the “Family of Rotary” had played in his life over many decades.
