The "Power" is in the Clubs.

I have just returned from Evanston where I attended a Strategic Planning committee meeting. It was a useful time to reflect on where Rotary is heading and to ponder what the next generation may want from the organisation. The more meetings I get to attend in Evanston the more I appreciate the “power” of the organisation is in the clubs.
However the board has tried to support the strategic plans goal of strengthening and supporting clubs by recommending some changes to our rules to be considered at the next Council On Legislation. They are also investigating social media as means for clubs and individuals to connect and work together.
As you know the board has already approved an extra $2,000,000 USD for District PR grants this year lifting the total available to $4,000,000. Are you in?  The big spend approved by the board is focussed on a “brand revitalisation” plan.  They are down to a short list to undertake this work and I am expecting some exciting things will emerge in the next couple of years.  I do however believe our brand does really start in our clubs. It is how our communities see us and our most recent survey results are a bit disappointing in that recall of our name is higher than the last survey but what we do
is lower. We have plenty to do in this critical area yet. The board has also increased the spend on PR around the eradication of polio to ensure we get the credit we deserve for this huge project. Expect to see more from RI in this area in the 12 months or so.
The final big challenge in the pipeline is the Rotary Foundation Future Vision plan roll out on July 1 2013.  The pilot of 100  districts is continuing but now roll out plans are beginning as well. The plan is to have all programs and supporting software ready by July 1 2013.....and that is only a little over a year away.  Plans are currently on time and on budget but there is a lot to be done to get the 430 non pilot districts up to speed. Keep an eye out to ensure you don’t miss your turn and take the training opportunities as they arise.
The big strategic issues still being discussed include membership growth and retention and a numerical shift from west to east. The COL may change some attendance rules but the cultural change from attendance to participation will take some time to gain real traction. A real effort to establish projects around our six areas of focus could certainly create plenty of opportunities for clubs to get busy with and who knows maybe a busy club is one that needs to meet regularly??
I think the board has accepted the challenge of accelerating change and attempted to provide funding and expertise in a couple of critical areas BUT it is up to the clubs to really drive the change. Each in their own way. Each meeting the needs of their members and their communities. Rotarians will get the job done.

We do it better than anyone else.

Stuart Heal