The surgery over - recovery begins

Hi folks - I'm back!

My DG visit to Fitzroy Club (Taranaki, NZ)
wearing 'that' Crombie!

I have just experienced corrective surgery on my shoulder - an injury I received (I think) when I was DG last year when I was putting on my heavy Crombie overcoat.  I managed to dislocate my shoulder - it did quickly "pop back in" but I had not realised what damage had been done.  I didn't think much about it at the time.  I could still function, but there was pain (which I denied existed - a real man thing!!) every time I put my arm into a coat or a shirt.  In fact I was in denial until Jenny insisted I go to the doctor for a scan.  This actually revealed the real truth of my situation.  An independent assessment and the scans could not lie!  I had to face the truth.  Since my dislocation episode I have only had a few strands of tendons holding my muscle onto to my humerus bone.  The surgery I have just had was to screw in anchors to the ball of the bone to then suture the muscle.  In medical terms I has a "left shoulder arthrscopy open" and a "rotator cuff repair bisceps tenotomy" -  OUCH!  Now it is a loving partner Jenny and exercise that will get me back fighting fit again.

So, why the story?

1.  Many Rotary Clubs need to accept they need "treatment".  Just as I was in denial and doing all the right things, I see many Clubs in my District and beyond who see the good they do but do not recognise the need for an independent diagnosis.  As we look to the future of Clubs, we see many who in 5 years may no longer exist - assuming they continue doing what they have always done.  Sir Ray Avery at my District Conference is a world-acclaimed humanitarian scientist with an inventive approach to helping others.  He encouraged me and other Rotarians to take time to observe - to step back, the read the signs, to project into the future and to face the hard facts.  Are "we" (and I ask you to read "my Club") going to survive?

Myself speaking at the Fitzroy Club that evening

2.  Secondly, I believe there is a need for many Rotary Clubs to undergo radical attention ("surgery") in order to survive.  Rotary International recognises this fact with the efforts they are taking on promoting a clear strategic plan.  There are plans to re-look at our branding and to focus on the need to tell out story to others through effective marketing.  IPRIP Ray said there are 'things for sale and some things that are not for sale' - and encouraged Clubs to question everything to do and ask if it is attracting or keeping prospective members from joining.  This change is vital for many Clubs.  Yes, we are doing wonderful work, but the "surgery" required may not necessarily be major and painful - but it does need to happen if things are to change.  No big scientific name - but merely, changing venue, promoting women to join Rotary, changing meeting format, developing youthful leadership, encouraging more vocational activities in the community, being noticed - and above all having a plan based on good diagnostics!!

3.  Finally once the 'operative procedure has been completed' - exercise.  Yes, physiotherapy can be painful.  With the current Rugby World Cup there are many players who are taking the field fit and healthy after much painful treatment.  As a Club undergoes change it need to support those implementing the change, to encourage and assist where possible.  How often we hear 'that won't work', that's just not how we DO IT', 'it didn't happen in my time', and so the knockers (albeit unintentional) thwart change.  The actions of every Rotarian count!  Whether it be in supporting or van-guarding this "life saving" activity.

So I'm on the road to recovery (with Jenny prompting me to do my exercises).  I am  over the hard bits of realising I needed treatment and finally doing something about it, despite the pain.  So what about you and your Club?  Don't wait for 'others' to recognise the symptoms (declining membership, disinterested members, stale projects, a lack of 'electricity' in Club meetings, and so on), but instead take on the responsibility yourself and be vocal, encourage proper diagnosis, the correct treatment, and very soon your Club will be on the road to recovery like me.  I'm off to do more exercise!

Keep visiting this Blog (and encourage others to do the same) as Dick Garner and I continue to provide ideas on re-imaging your Club, of marketing in today's society and to provide some suggestions to bring your Club or the Clubs you support back to "full health".  These messages are international!