HOW DO WE SPREAD THE WORD?

There are some organisations which, according to some quarters, have perfected the art od spreading the word. If we are to take pattern from thoses organisations, we would be required to hand out magazines or other forms of literature on the street or to chant Rotary Mantras or slogans at street corners or other public places.

Well, perhaps fortunately, Rotarians are not expected to do anything as drastic as referred to above. Yet, we are the ones on whom the responsibility lies to inform and educate the public about Rotary.

Over the years, there have been a variety of ways in which Rotary Awareness, viz a viz the public, has been pursued. These approaches have been at club level, district level and R.I level. The methods employed range from elaborate publications to the good old lecture/discussions. They have all worked well, and continue so to do, but we certainly need more. The fact is that inspite of all that has been done for over almost 100 years, there are still people who do not know about Rotary.

Since it is individual Rotarians and their respective Rotary clubs that do the work of Rotary, perhaps an approach whereby more one to one contact with members of the public might produce that extra. What perhaps is required is for Rotarians to make Rotary a way of life. And how, you might ask, do we do this ? It is not really difficult or complicated.

Firstly, and indeed as stipulated by the guidelines laid down a Rotarian must always be easily identified. The form of identification provided is the Rotary pin which we are required to wear on or lapels at all times, (with obvious exceptions, of course).

Next, in all our dealings with other people, both in Word and deed follow the principles on which this great organisation was founded and is sustained. The Four Way Test should be used, not only as a guide, but as Rotary's FOUR Commandments. Once these commandments are applied in conjunction with the overriding objective of Rotary, namely, improvement of the quality of life of the less fortunate and peace in the world, the objective could be achieved.

Rotary is about CARING; Rotary is about SHARING. We cannot truly care unless we make ourselves aware of the plight and needs of those whom we seek to serve. In like manner, we cannot truly share unless we reach those who are in need of our assistance. Seeking to know and to serve requires the kind of interaction that would result in the AWARENESS of Rotary by those with whom we interact.

Let's DO IT.

President Hendy.

Meeting of the 29th January, 2004.

Attendance : 62.5 %

Guests : Earl Clifford and John Gioanetti

Fellowship: Happy Birthday Rot. Judy

Rotary Information : R.I. President's address was read by Rot. Robert.

Club Service : Information regarding the District Conference and Assembly was given to members.

Club Assembly on 5th February, 2004 at President Hendy's home.

Members are reminded to fill out and return the questionnaires.

Vocational Service : Due to the samll hitch the HIV/AIDS talk may have to be postponed.

Did you know ?

That February is World Understanding Month.

Rotary's first cyberclub is Rotary Club One of District 5450.

The 2004 RI Convention will be held in Osaka, Japan.

December is now Family month on the Rotary callendar.

The original four Rotarians were : Paul Harris, Gustavus Loehr, Silvester Schiele and Hiram Shorey.