Chris Justice
July 2021 –
A new year always brings the promise of moving forward in a positive way. There’s renewed energy and excitement as leadership changes. We are so fortunate in District 7690 to have robust members who Serve to Change Lives every day that are primed to get out and serve.
Rotary International President Shekhar Mehta has challenged Rotarians to be change makers. Change seems to be a never-ending theme in the context of Rotary. I’ve never been a proponent of change just for the sake of change, but evolution is a necessity. Covid accelerated our need to evolve and evolve we shall.
We know that our “product” is amazing. We’ve been a bit slow to adapt to how potential members want that product delivered. And in some ways, we haven’t focused on all of our product’s attributes.
Successful clubs are focusing on Networking, Fellowship, and Service. Those clubs are fund raising to support their local needs. Those members are giving to the Foundation to support our global efforts. They are supporting each other’s businesses…and as importantly they are having FUN together. Doesn’t all of that sound ATTRACTIVE? Attraction means different things to different people at different times. If we address all of those needs, we can’t go wrong, and our membership will grow!
July’s RI theme is all about LEADERSHIP. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the leadership change events I’ve been able to attend. Learning more about you all and your clubs is the best part of this job. To support you all in your leadership endeavors I am announcing the “Leadership Lounge”. The Leadership Lounge will be held on the 1st Tuesday of every month at 8 AM and the 3rd Tuesday of every month at Noon.
The lounge will be open for 30 minutes to an hour depending on that day’s interest. The purpose of the lounge is to give our District’s leaders the ability to have direct face to face contact with each other to discuss Rotary issues and share. Come prepared to share the good and the challenging! Zoom invites will go out to Club Presidents and District leaders.
The purpose of opening the lounge twice a month is to give folks who might otherwise have a conflict the ability to attend one of the lounges. Attendance IS NOT mandatory. However, if a club’s President or President-Elect attends a leadership lounge, that club may claim one bonus point towards their Achievement Award per month that they attend. I hope that many of you will take advantage of this opportunity!
Enjoy the journey Rotarians! I’m so proud to serve alongside you ALL!
Fellow Rotarian,
Chris