How do we perceive ourselves?

When talking about the image of Rotary we are usually thinking about what others see of our organisation from the outside looking in.  I believe it is as much about our 'internal image' of ourselves as what others perceive us to be.

What do I mean?

Who are our most effective marketers?  Ourselves of course.  Every Rotarian is an advertisement of who we are and what we do.  But I would challenge all Rotarians with the question - are we good ambassadors of Rotary - do we know enough about Rotary and the numerous programmes and benefits for the community - are we able to speak with confidence and passion about the organisation we belong to?

I would venture to say for that for many - the answer is maybe!

In  recent months a professionally conducted survey has been been carried out to develop a better understanding of how Rotary is perceived by both the members of Rotary and the communities they serve. Most Rotarians will have a view about their Rotary Club and of the wider national and international Rotary movement, but this knowledge has not been captured in a formal study that could be said to be representative of New Zealand Rotarians. Likewise, the knowledge and perceptions of Rotary in the New Zealand community at large are not well known.

This research programme has two main stages. 

Stage One: two focus groups followed by a quantitative survey of the public at large, i.e. New Zealand residents aged 15 and over to obtain a perspective on their knowledge of, and attitudes to, Rotary in New Zealand (Now completed)

Stage Two: a survey of Rotarians to establish their views of the place of Rotary in New Zealand, their views of their own clubs in the context of Rotary in New Zealand and internationally, and their view of the direction Rotary should adopt to achieve the vision of bigger, stronger and bolder clubs.

Stage One has yielded some excellent and insightful results.  I will share these over the next few weeks.  In the meantime we are looking at obtaining funding for Stage Two.   If you have contacts for any such funding - do send Howard Tong contact information.