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Retention Central is monitored occasionally by its creator, Jim Henry, who may be contacted by email at jrhjr255@gmail.com.


Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Is Rotary International Really Serious . . .



about bridging the gap between it and those who fund its operations?  Maybe, because Rotary Coordinators’ primary responsibilities, at least for this year, are: 
  • To strengthen clubs and districts by encouraging innovative retention and new member attraction strategies to support membership growth and promote the benefits of membership;
  • And emphasize member engagement through effective volunteer activities, networking, and New Generations programs.
      This could be a sound element to use in bridging the gap between R.I. and its members clubs, but the 2007 I-35 bridge collapse in Minnesota that killed 13 and injured 145 proved that a single weak element can cause a bridge to fail.
   What about all the other elements needed to support and build a dependable bridge?  The Rotary International Directors and Staff; Rotary Foundation Coordinators; Public Image Coordinators; District Governors – are these elements also going to support the bridge serving R.I.’s member clubs or will each element be used to support different institutional bridges?  Should not all elements primary purpose be to support and strengthen local clubs? Of course!  Because anywhere in the world the first line of advancing the Object of Rotary is local.  Strong local clubs make for strong districts, a strong Rotary International and a strong Rotary Foundation!
     If Rotary International's history prevails, this new attempt to bridge the gap will collapse just as previous bridges have because it most likely does not have sound structural support and will not be completed before the whimsical winds of future leaders weaken all elements.  All bridge elements should be selected, assembled, and strengthened using sound data, foundations, plans, and principles.  Only after the bridge is proven dependable will it become useful in strengthening clubs.  To construct this bridge using a sound plan and strong components will take more than one year.  Proving the bridge over the gap is strong enough to survive ever-changing wind pressures will take even longer!

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