There's no feeling quite like the one that comes with the experience of putting those two drops under a child's tongue. Knowing that those two drops have now taken the risk of a life with Polio out of the cards for their future. The look on their mother or father's face knowing that their child is protected. The youngest children are in ignorance of the significance, and are just pleased to receive their treat at the end, but many are old enough to know someone affected by the disease, and know how important these efforts are.

 

I've been in communities - walking through alleyways with parents holding their 1 day old babies looking for a vaccine - those drops being the priority of the day. I've been in schools where children are chanting "Bye Bye Polio" as we make our way through the crowd. I've been in hospitals, clinics and rehab facilities spending time with those whose creation of the vaccine came just a few years too late.

 

No matter if you're donating a few dollars for a handful of vaccines or flying across the world to deliver them - every effort, every dime, every action toward the end goal saves countless lives. No matter how small it seems, a life is forever changed; and we're this close to making it a change to the human race.

Your district has a variety of committees with dedicated volunteers who are People of Action, working to help your clubs thrive – these include Healthy Clubs/Membership, Foundation (with various sub-teams), Youth Services, Training/Leadership Development, and Public Image.  We also have nine Area Governors who serve as the first line of support to help clubs access resources – and again, to help clubs thrive, and we have a Secretary and Treasurer (and Finance Committee) to keep us on track.  These dedicated people all generally serve for three years.

 

We are always looking for interested people to serve on committees or to shadow current AGs.  Are you one of these people?  Let us know! 

What about the role of District Governor (or, as it is called this year, the Chair of the District Leadership Team)?  The Nominating Committee aims to have a pool of interested people – and it is ideal when they can select this leader from the current or recent team of other district leaders.  It is very helpful to have had that experience and be familiar with how the district serves clubs.  And, it is important to know that Rotary is changing so that the roles are easier for people who work full-time and/or have many other obligations to serve.  For example, this year’s RI President, Mark Maloney, makes it very clear that it is no longer necessary to visit every club.  There are many ways to help clubs thrive and with a great team, it is much easier to balance family, work and Rotary.  We are seeing many young professionals take on these roles around the world, for example, the current DG for the Manhattan area just turned 30!

 

Our district also shares responsibilities among the DG stream, each of whom formally serves for four years on the Executive Committee – that is, first as the DG Nominee, then DG Elect, next as DG and finally as Immediate Past DG.  The DGN has responsibility for Youth activities.  The DGE has responsibility for overseeing updates to the Strategic Plan, Foundation activities and Training. This gives these people a great opportunity to learn about these important aspects of our work over two years of preparation.  The IPDG has responsibility for Nominations, Membership and Alumni.  This leaves Governance, Finance, Public Image and New Club Development for the serving DG – and this is much more manageable than having everything on one person’s plate – and it is better for the development of those who will serve in following years.

In the past, there has also been a concern about the personal financial obligation of serving as DG.  This should no longer be an issue – it is quite possible to fill the role without the need for personal spending.

 

Then there are the fabulous learning opportunities – interacting with other leaders from across the world and participating in training offered by RI and the Zones are great benefits of these leadership roles… not to mention a bit of travel... and a whole lot of fun!  And the personal development is valuable for all aspects of one’s life. 

 

So what do you think?  We’d love to hear from you if you are interested in any aspect of District leadership – even if you are just starting to think about possibilities!  Please let Louisa know at rotarylouisa@gmail.com if you have want to chat about these great opportunities.