District Governor Martin's June Message

Like all officeholders for the year, Denise and I are reflecting on what we have been able to achieve, what we would like to achieve in the next month and what will have to flow over into future years.  I recall vaguely from my studies in quality management in manufacturing that a job should be passed on to the next person in the condition that you would like to receive it.  I am sure we have all been able to achieve something along these lines as we prepare for District and Club changeovers.

Throughout the year, Denise and I have been impressed with the huge amount of voluntary service you are providing our communities throughout the lower North Island.  We often learn of these efforts through Club bulletins. In Clubs and in Districts there are also people working, often behind the scenes, to support our efforts as Rotarians.  Our aim as a leadership development organisation should be to help others succeed, which is truly ‘Service Above Self.’   

For example, our District’s risk management policy is being reviewed, including our approach to youth protection.  Others in the District and in Clubs are considering how to update our District Constitution.  Clubs will also have looked at changing their Constitutions and Bylaws in light of Council on Legislation changes.  Officeholders are providing support in our avenues of service and in functional areas such as administration, club development, learning and development, The Rotary Foundation and public image.  All of the support being provided in our Districts and Clubs needs to be acknowledged.

My experience has been that those Clubs who engage in District roles, attend our various training courses and the District Conference are better connected and able to much more easily access resources and people. 

We have really appreciated the generosity of Rotarians who have offered their support or respond to calls for assistance in areas where we have needed help.  I am sure such support will continue to be provided when DGE Mitchell assumes office on 1 July. 

Clubs have made a huge effort to introduce new members to Rotary and we have seen inspiring examples of several people being inducted on one evening and younger members being brought in to Rotary.  This encourages me for the future of Rotary and we need to engage these new members early and introduce them to the richness of Rotary that they can share in.

I will be making more comments about the year at the District Changeover on 1 July in Palmerston North, which I encourage as many as possible to attend.  

In the final month of the Rotary year, I ask Clubs to pay particular attention to achievement of the RI Presidential Citation.  I can see results of all Clubs on a dashboard.  Only 15 of our 54 Clubs have achieved even some of the thresholds for the Citation, which are in the seven areas of mandatory activities, membership, Foundation giving, online tool adoption, humanitarian service, new generations and public service. 

Club officers should be able to view their progress at https://my.rotary.org/secure/application/436  and more information is here at https://my.rotary.org/en/news-media/office-president/presidential-citation

Denise and I wish you all the very best for the last month of the Rotary year.