April District Bulletin

I imagine Clubs are still reflecting on some of the messages received from our Conference in March. I know mine is. During the meeting following the Conference we played Mark Huddleston’s video presentation. While there was a strong attendance of members at conference it was an opportunity to share the message with those who didn’t attend.We also reflected on the ideas shared in the panel discussion of Club representatives and considered which of those ideas we might be able to adapt for our own Club’s growth. Both triggered a valuable conversation across the Club. I encourage other Clubs to do the same.
 
Mark’s video will soon be available on the District website and Facebook Group, as will be the wonderful message from Deepak Patel from India discussing India’s success in the fight against Polio. I strongly encourage Clubs to use these videos to inform and facilitate conversations.
 
I encourage all Clubs who are finding innovative ways to grow their Clubs to share those ideas in our next Bulletin. We can all learn from each other, and I know our Public Image & Relations Chair would love some further additions to the District Bulletin (Please remember the cut-off Friday 14th this month).
 
Mark Huddleston’s message challenged us to be open to change – to doing things differently to grow Rotary in the future.  Of course, change can be daunting and threatening – we generally like the way we do things and change disrupts that comfort.  But, with diminishing numbers across our District and others, we must create a Rotary that will take us into the next century. This means a shift from a ‘meeting’ focus to a cause / service focus. With this, there is the opportunity for people whose lives may be too busy for them attend regular meetings focused around a meal and guest speaker to still be part of Rotary, meet over a coffee perhaps while they plan their service project. Of course there will still be room for the more traditional Clubs, many of whom provide a worthy service to their communities. In this Bulletin is a valuable article on managing change. I encourage you to read it. Change does not succeed if the President tells the members what will be done differently. It succeeds when all members have an opportunity to discuss and have input into new thinking, thus gaining buy-in from all.  
 
Of course our experience in Rotary is similar to Service Clubs everywhere.  We’ll all facing the same challenges. It was fascinating for our Governor train to have a conversation recently with the Governor train of Lions in our area.  They are in a similar position to us and we agreed to work together more collaboratively for the good of our communities.  We are already working together on some projects.
 
We continue to celebrate our centenary across the District and nationally. I know quite a few Clubs have taken my challenge to identify a specific community focused project that can be their centennial legacy.  Do share those ideas too.  Reading inspiring and motivating stories of ways we are making a difference in our communities makes us proud to be Rotarians.
 
Ngā mihi
DG Gillian
 
In a world where change is a given, managing the process can still prove difficult, especially when dealing with those who resist change. For leaders in volunteer organisations such as Rotary, this can be challenging, but research shows that there are key actions that can be taken manage change effectively.
 
The recommended steps are:
  1. Explain the change so that others understand and cooperate
When change is announced, people immediately ask themselves “How does this affect me?” Addressing concerns openly and honestly can help reduce uncertainty and mistrust. People are more receptive to change when they understand the logical reasons and thinking behind it, which in turn can lead them to thinking about what they have to do to make the change successful
The way you handle this key action will set the tone for the rest of your discussions. Communicate to people, from the outset, that you appreciate their feelings and value their right to understand what is happening.
First, describe the change and its background and why it is needed. This helps people see the big picture. Then specifically describe how they will be involved in the change.
It doesn't hurt to describe a change in its best light, as it is good sense to make sure everyone understands the benefits to be gained from the change. But don't paint a partial or too rosy a picture, as people don’t react well to being misled. It is far better to present both the negatives and positives of the situation to build trust.
  1. Handle objections to the change
Ask for reactions to the change. Explaining a change and its impact should not be just a “show and tell” exercise. Because change temporarily disrupts and complicates things, people need access to the right information if they are to respond positively. They need an opportunity to ask questions and get answers, not just be “talked at”.
By asking for reactions to a change you create an atmosphere of openness. By listening to what people say, you help them feel more involved in the change and you find out if they have any concerns or misunderstandings. You also communicate that airing concerns is okay. Even if nothing new surfaces, the fact that you really listen to people's thoughts and feelings goes a long way to reinforcing trust.
Using open-ended questions stimulates discussion. If new information or an overlooked issue arises, give credit to it. Let people have their say and do not treat people who have objections harshly or unfairly, as this will only destroy the work you have done.
  1. Collaborate on how to make the change go smoothly
It is important to get people thinking and talking about what they can do to make the change work. A bias for action will help avoid unproductive deliberation. Ask for implementation ideas directly and ask what could be incorporated into the plan. Listen and respond actively.
  1. Gain commitment to support the change
The key is to ask for support and commitment, as it can maintain understanding in the group, even when some people are not 100% in agreement with the change. One approach might be to say, “It seems we are all clear on what needs to be done. I need your support on this or it won’t work. Can I count on your help?”
  1. Follow-up by monitoring the plan and reinforcing progress
The job is not over because you have introduced a change and made some plans. You need to manage the implementation. The people involved in the change need your personal attention as well. Tensions and fears may increase as the change process moves towards completion. People also deserve, individually and collectively, your recognition and appreciation for progress made.
Give high priority to the follow-up process and allocate sufficient time to hold meetings and keep closely in touch.

Note on Branding for All Clubs

 
There is a big push from Rotary International and from our Zone to make sure all our Clubs are using the correct and consistent branding. To this end the Public Image Team will begin emailing Clubs whose branding on their website / Facebook Pages are not matching the Brand Guidelines available (with login) here. Additionally, this will be reported to the District Board.
 
If you would like the correct branding, and are unable to login to the above, please contact your PI&R Chair and he will provide you the correct logo for whatever project / need you have.

IMPORTANT NOTICES ON
POLICE VETTING

And now for the Secret Squirrel Stuff!
Police Vetting 1
 
If you have been following my articles over the past few months you may not have to ask the question “WHY?”.
 
An answer to this question if you need it, and in the simplest terms I can think of, Police Vetting is a matter of protection.
 
  • It protects YOUR REPUTATION
  • It protects THE PEOPLE YOU DEAL WITH
  • It protects YOUR ROTARY CLUB
  • It protects YOUR ROTARY DISTRICT
  • It protects THE REPUTATION OF ROTARY
     
I know that some of you feel that Police Vetting is an insult, that it casts aspersions on your integrity as a Rotarian. However, I consider it a privilege to be able to work with the young, the vulnerable and the aged and if vetting is necessary, so be it. Under New Zealand law, Police Vetting is mandatory for people working with children (under 14) or young people (14 to under 17).  If you want a detailed definition of “Working” go to www.education.govt.nz/assets/Uploads/VCA-Definitions-H.PDF  Vetting is further mandated by Rotary International and District 9940.  

SO:  NO VETTING, NO CONTACT, END OF STORY
 
“One believes things because one has been conditioned to believe them.”  Aldous Huxley
More Secret Squirrel Stuff
Police Vetting 2
 
So how does this Police Vetting thing work?  Start with your computer!  Go to the District 9940 Youth Protection Page. You will find the necessary forms there. Any issues please contact me here.
 
You will need to complete:
  • The District 9940 Consent to vetting form; and
  • Vetting request and consent form; or
  • Vetting request and consent form including Australian check – only if you have lived in Australia for any length of time.
At the moment you have to send original signed forms either to me or to the District Youth Protection Police Liaison Officer Linda Wellington.  Even better, have everyone in your club do it at the same time and send them in bulk.
 
Linda applies to the Police for vetting and is notified of the results.
You will then be advised of your successful application.  In the very unlikely event that your application is declined, you have the right to apply to the police to view your records.
Your vetting is valid for three years (Exceptions Check) and up to 10 years, for a Clean Slate Check.
 
IT’S THAT EASY – DO IT NOW
Mana Tangata Launch
 
 
 
Reminder the Mana Tangata Launch is on Wednesday the 12th of May, 5.45-8pm. Invites should already be in your inbox.
 
This is a reminder if you wish to RSVP please do so by the 3rd of May, per the invite instructions.
YEAR END & 2021-22 LOGO USAGE / ORDERS
 
The Rotary 2021-22 Logo is out here.
 
Please note that while this logo is currently available that it is not to be used for anything until 1 July onward as the Rotary Opens Opportunities remains our brand for the 2020-21 year.
 
It is the recommendation of the Public Image and Relations Team when considering expenses next year that this logo not be printed onto banners, this is especially the recommendation for smaller Clubs with limited funds. Although banners can be printed for a relatively cheap cost (ranging from $200-$300 standardly) as the logo is only current until the 30th of June 2022, it will be passed its use by date within a year.
 
The most effective way to use this logo after 30 June 2021 is on PowerPoints, E-Signatures and Facebook LogosYour PI & R Team are working on providing each Club an option to incorporate this in their current branding.
 
2021 Virtual Convention
 
 
Registration is open! Don’t miss your chance to connect with Rotary members at the 2021 Virtual Convention: Rotary Opens Opportunities which will take place from 12 through 16 June 2021.

Enjoy a special rate of $49 through 7 May 2021. After that, the registration fee is $65.

You can also join us early at a preconvention, 10-11 June, for Intercountry Committees, Rotaract, and Rotary Youth Exchange officers. Each preconvention will cost an additional $20.

The 2021 Virtual Rotary Convention and preconventions are open to all Rotary members and participants and include access to the virtual House of Friendship.

Don’t forget to visit the
 convention event page on Facebook to connect with others and stay up-to-date on event news and program highlights!
 

Fundraising & Fun with the Rotary Club of Carterton

New World Carterton and Carterton Rotary Ambrose Golf Tournament

Sunday 30 May 2021 at Carterton Golf Club

11 am shot-gun start

Three-person teams

Food provided after the round

Entries to john.reeve48@outlook.com (tel 021 560 461) by 23 May please, stating your team name, players’ names, club ID number and handicap index, and if no official index, whether you are a non-golfer.  

Individuals entering will be placed in teams trying to ensure they are teamed with at least one experienced golfer.

Entry fee is $25 per player (payment on acceptance of entry), with proceeds going to support community rooms in the new Wellington Regional Children’s Hospital.

The last month has been the month for Maternal and Child's Health. At this time it is important to remember the work that we are doing as a District for these projects.
 
We have Rotary Give Every Child A Future that do amazing work in the Pacific to support the health of children and girls against many preventable diseases.
 
As a District we also have the Rotary Children's Health Trust which is still the throws of being formally made a Charity. The work this new District-Supported project will do is vital for all the children in our District as we help equip the Whanau rooms of the Wellington Children's Hospital.
 
Lastly, we have the work of our Charity of choice the Rotary Foundation. The work we do here is vital and as we are encouraging all our Clubs to become Centurion Clubs we too are encouraging any member wishing to help Rotary in any of their 7 Areas of Focus to become a Centurion and Support the Cause. If you are keen we ask that you email our Rotary Foundation Representative: Martin Garcia.
 
As we head into May we are moving into Youth Service Month - this month it is  important to think not only how we help our Youth in an ever changing world (especially after COVID-19) but so too the service our youth through Rotaract and Interact provide our communities, and how they can become more involved.
 
Have an idea of how we can get Interact and Rotaract involved in the work that we are doing? Reach out and start making magic happen! We have the ability - together - to change the world.
 
Tawa Rotary celebrates 50+1 years
 
9-11 April 2021, Tawa Rotary has celebrated its 50+1 years. The 50th anniversary was postponed due to COVID-19 lockdown. It’s been a great weekend meeting to celebrate with Rotarians and friends from over the years with a social gathering on Friday night and a more formal dinner on Saturday.
 
Over the years Tawa Rotary has contributed the infrastructure of Tawa through numerous projects. Our Anniversary book published last year shows many of these. A tour of these projects was led by Phillip Harland and PDG Martin Garcia
District Governor Gillian joined Tawa’s evening gathering of fun, stories and awards to recognise service above self. Paul Harris awards have been awarded to PDG Martin Garcia (Ruby - the highest PHF award for service) and Dianne Patchett for her significant service to Inner Wheel, a project in Nepal and teaching. We heard from two of the Charter members of Tawa Rotary, Murray Jensen and Rewi Chaney, supported by Robert Armstrong with great stories of the Club at its very beginning.
 
Tawa Rotary has published ‘Creating and Enhancing Communities – the first 50 years of the Rotary Club of Tawa’. This publication records some of achievements since 1970 – from the lighthearted to the most urgent and profound. 
 
Left & Above: An Award of a PHF Award during the event.
 
Right: Cutting of the 50th Celebration Cake
Note from Acting District Bulletin Editor
Following a LARGE amount of late entries this edition was delayed. The next edition will be available from the mid April. Please get send all stories here by the 11th of April. 
 
Please do send me anything you want included - as you can see this month we have been quite short of stories being shared to be included.
 
Please note too, we have Volunteer Week coming up from the 20 - 26th June 2021. If any Club is doing an event this week PLEASE LET ME KNOW! We would love to capture this to help advertise our work in the community both for the District Bulletin but further too for membership based advertising for the 2021-22 Year.
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