Our District Nominating Committee is made up of representatives from all eleven areas and it's purpose is to select future District Governors. It is preferable, but not necessary, for the individual to be a Past Assistant Governor so they understand a little more clearly both the responsibilities of being a District Governor and the leadership skills required to be successful in that position.
The position is appointed for three years. Each year either three or four members will rotate off the committee and their replacements selected. Also, if anyone can not or does not fulfill their obligation to the committee, they are replaced.
You guessed it. It is the District Governor Nominee's job to do this. This year three members rotated off naturally but an additional four had to be replaced as well. Two had to withdraw and they selected someone from their area to sit in their chair for that day only. One had moved out of her area into another where there was already a representative. One did not show up. This was a first, an anomaly, but I ended up having to choose replacements for seven areas. The four that were finishing cycles I had to replace for either one or two years. The three natural rotations I had to replace with a full three year term.
I sent my ideas out to the Governor Corps and asked for their input and ended up with a good group consisting of all Past AGs or at least in the AG Tri Level currently. So far five of the seven have accepted. I am still waiting to hear from the other two.
I often refer to this as the single most important day in district committee work so I tried very hard to choose candidates that would take the job very seriously. The DGE was most helpful in one case where I had chosen a candidate that would do a good job, but there was some uncertainty as to her future availability. The DGE suggested a couple others, both were excellent ideas that I have overlooked so a possible problem was averted by selecting one of those two. The rest were received well.
This is the reason for this blog. There are so many things that your are responsible for at each governor level, but there is no document listing it. I mean you can look up the Governor's Training Manual online, but the district specific items aren't there or anywhere else. When my journey is over, or perhaps after each year, I think I will revisit my blog and just create a list of responsibilities that I learned about only after being selected.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
A Slow Week?
The past eleven days have seen the DGN doing the following:
I was the speaker at the DG's club. The subject was TRF so it was easy for me and required very little prep time, just printed out some TRF Direct and Benefactor forms for handouts.
My wife and I attended three club fundraisers. Two were very large with multiple food and wine vendors, live music, etc. The third was rather unique in that the club charged $5 for a copy paper size box of documents to be shredded. They had a shredding truck on the premises and you could watch through a window and see your documents being destroyed. Pretty cool. We actually paid them double because it was worth that for us to clean house a bit and this little club does really nice things so the money was well spent.
At our club meeting I picked up dictionaries for an elementary school near my home. Our district gives dictionaries to all the third graders. My wife and I handle the school nearest us. This year they have seven third grade classes. We go into each classroom and show the kids the different parts of the book. There is a section on presidents, states, the constitution, etc. and, what the kids like best, is the longest word in the English language. Inside the front cover we stick a book plate from our club, signed by a club member, with a line for the student to put their name. For some kids, this is there very first book.
I attended the monthly board meeting of Rotary's Camp Florida which is getting ready for a capital campaign. The organizational/kick off meeting will be in a couple weeks.
My wife and I were invited to a VIP reception the evening before one of the fundraisers. It was very pleasant with light jazz, live, heavy hors d'oeuvres and a wine tasting. We bit on a couple live auction items but were not successful. (However at their silent auction the day of the even we took home 5 items and made a real dent in our discretionary spending account...lol.
As part of the District Training team I have two presentations to prepare, one on the tri level leadership model our district uses, the other on running a successful club. This week I completed the draft, including PowerPoint presentation for the tri-level part. I have two weeks to complete the other one. This is one of the more difficult exercises but I have been collecting best practices and will put them to good use here.
This was the week I selected Rotarian's to sit on the District Nominating Committee but I will make a separate post for that item.
The time since my last post seemed rather slow, Rotary wise, until I checked out my calendar and started to update this blog. I guess there was a lot accomplished even though it didn't seem like it. I am enjoying this journey a lot but it certainly is a very large commitment with regards to time and resources.
I was the speaker at the DG's club. The subject was TRF so it was easy for me and required very little prep time, just printed out some TRF Direct and Benefactor forms for handouts.
My wife and I attended three club fundraisers. Two were very large with multiple food and wine vendors, live music, etc. The third was rather unique in that the club charged $5 for a copy paper size box of documents to be shredded. They had a shredding truck on the premises and you could watch through a window and see your documents being destroyed. Pretty cool. We actually paid them double because it was worth that for us to clean house a bit and this little club does really nice things so the money was well spent.
At our club meeting I picked up dictionaries for an elementary school near my home. Our district gives dictionaries to all the third graders. My wife and I handle the school nearest us. This year they have seven third grade classes. We go into each classroom and show the kids the different parts of the book. There is a section on presidents, states, the constitution, etc. and, what the kids like best, is the longest word in the English language. Inside the front cover we stick a book plate from our club, signed by a club member, with a line for the student to put their name. For some kids, this is there very first book.
I attended the monthly board meeting of Rotary's Camp Florida which is getting ready for a capital campaign. The organizational/kick off meeting will be in a couple weeks.
My wife and I were invited to a VIP reception the evening before one of the fundraisers. It was very pleasant with light jazz, live, heavy hors d'oeuvres and a wine tasting. We bit on a couple live auction items but were not successful. (However at their silent auction the day of the even we took home 5 items and made a real dent in our discretionary spending account...lol.
As part of the District Training team I have two presentations to prepare, one on the tri level leadership model our district uses, the other on running a successful club. This week I completed the draft, including PowerPoint presentation for the tri-level part. I have two weeks to complete the other one. This is one of the more difficult exercises but I have been collecting best practices and will put them to good use here.
This was the week I selected Rotarian's to sit on the District Nominating Committee but I will make a separate post for that item.
The time since my last post seemed rather slow, Rotary wise, until I checked out my calendar and started to update this blog. I guess there was a lot accomplished even though it didn't seem like it. I am enjoying this journey a lot but it certainly is a very large commitment with regards to time and resources.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
International Convention - New Orleans
I would be remiss if I didn't mention the International Convention. Our Zone Director's excellent idea of having class hospitality rooms at Zone Institute paid off big time. My classmates are actively participating in planning a reunion for us in New Orleans. Is that cool or what? Looks like it will be on Sunday. I am sure I will have updates as the time draws nearer but my wife and I are registered and have our rooms.
We Have A New DGND!!!!! It has been a year already!
I find it so hard to believe but it has been a year since I started this journey. Now, I am no longer the lowest rung on the DG ladder. I was very pleased to see a friend of mine selected this year. When we had discussed running for DG it was to be he followed by me in our dreams - we reversed the order but this is very, very cool.
I sat in with the nominating committee. The chair and the three people in the Governor Corps are non voting members of the committee. One representative from each of our eleven areas votes for the DGND after the interviews.
This year was a bit odd. I thought my friend was a very clear cut victor - was I biased? I really don't think so as the DGE and Committee Chair also had him as a clear winner. Still, there was spirited conversation amongst the voting members, and the non voting members.
I feel the best person was selected. As I have tried to keep this blog pretty anonymous, I will not mention his name but "You know who you are - Congratulations!"
I sat in with the nominating committee. The chair and the three people in the Governor Corps are non voting members of the committee. One representative from each of our eleven areas votes for the DGND after the interviews.
This year was a bit odd. I thought my friend was a very clear cut victor - was I biased? I really don't think so as the DGE and Committee Chair also had him as a clear winner. Still, there was spirited conversation amongst the voting members, and the non voting members.
I feel the best person was selected. As I have tried to keep this blog pretty anonymous, I will not mention his name but "You know who you are - Congratulations!"
Monthly Recap
Boy, I am not good at keeping this blog current. I have two years and eight months to get better - maybe longer if I delve into PDGland.
So what has gone on this past month?
On October 8th I attended the dinner for discussion leader for the Rotary Leadership Institute and the next day facilitated session for TRF and Membership.
After a week at my factory in Wisconsin I returned in time to spend some time at our club exhibit at Bay Fest, a fun, food, craft etc. annual program. Great fun.
On October 18th I picked up our Ambassadorial Scholar from Nigeria and took her to a club meeting. Nothing but fun. She is incredible.
After our club meeting and a new member induction on the 19th, the 20th found me at a meeting of our District Training Team.
A quick trip to California to visit my brother was followed by an appearance at a local club's fundraiser kick off gathering for sponsors and VIPs on October 28th.
Picked up my new car on the 29th. I only mention this because I wonder how many miles we will put on together during the 39 month lease. I cannot imagine.
Monday, November 1st brought me to Rotary's Camp Florida for a Governance Committee Meeting.
November 2nd found me at another District Training Team meeting. I have three major projects. I have to rewrite the AG tri level leadership criteria, complete with flow charts and scenarios. I also have to create Power Point Presentations for the Tri Level Leadership plan and Running effective club meetings for part of Pre PETS. I have three weeks to complete these tasks. Plus I have to do a TRF presentation at our Governor's club on November 12th. I am cool with TRF so it will not be an issue, still, I have to do some planning.
I know it looks like a lot of work, but I am enjoying every moment so far. My DGE has included me on every step, I have attended all her PETS meetings, I have taken an active role in her leadership training. This is so great because the transition from her year to mine will be totally seamless - something I will do with my successor as well.
So what has gone on this past month?
On October 8th I attended the dinner for discussion leader for the Rotary Leadership Institute and the next day facilitated session for TRF and Membership.
After a week at my factory in Wisconsin I returned in time to spend some time at our club exhibit at Bay Fest, a fun, food, craft etc. annual program. Great fun.
On October 18th I picked up our Ambassadorial Scholar from Nigeria and took her to a club meeting. Nothing but fun. She is incredible.
After our club meeting and a new member induction on the 19th, the 20th found me at a meeting of our District Training Team.
A quick trip to California to visit my brother was followed by an appearance at a local club's fundraiser kick off gathering for sponsors and VIPs on October 28th.
Picked up my new car on the 29th. I only mention this because I wonder how many miles we will put on together during the 39 month lease. I cannot imagine.
Monday, November 1st brought me to Rotary's Camp Florida for a Governance Committee Meeting.
November 2nd found me at another District Training Team meeting. I have three major projects. I have to rewrite the AG tri level leadership criteria, complete with flow charts and scenarios. I also have to create Power Point Presentations for the Tri Level Leadership plan and Running effective club meetings for part of Pre PETS. I have three weeks to complete these tasks. Plus I have to do a TRF presentation at our Governor's club on November 12th. I am cool with TRF so it will not be an issue, still, I have to do some planning.
I know it looks like a lot of work, but I am enjoying every moment so far. My DGE has included me on every step, I have attended all her PETS meetings, I have taken an active role in her leadership training. This is so great because the transition from her year to mine will be totally seamless - something I will do with my successor as well.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Ambassadorial Scholar 2012-2013
At the Zone Institute, in our hospitality room, the DGN from District 7020 in the Caribbean and I agreed that my district would sponsor a scholar from their district to come and study here. We had tried a couple years ago and had a candidate from Haiti, but that was the year of all the hurricanes and communication was so bad we never received a completed application. I am glad we have a chance to try it again. The candidate may not be from Haiti as there are several counties in District 7020, but the DGN was quite sure they could put it together.
Speaking of Ambassadorial Scholars, my committee vice chair has completed her planning and we have a new committee in place. She has to confirm with a couple Rotarians yet, but on paper it is complete. We expanded the committee from 7 to 9 voting members, three from the north, three from the central and three from the south section of our district. In each area there will be a 3 year position, a two year position and a one year position to assure total continuity. I am very pleased with this change. It may be "the lasting mark" I leave after seven years of service.
Speaking of Ambassadorial Scholars, my committee vice chair has completed her planning and we have a new committee in place. She has to confirm with a couple Rotarians yet, but on paper it is complete. We expanded the committee from 7 to 9 voting members, three from the north, three from the central and three from the south section of our district. In each area there will be a 3 year position, a two year position and a one year position to assure total continuity. I am very pleased with this change. It may be "the lasting mark" I leave after seven years of service.
Zone Conference Summary
Wow. Wow. Wow. What an incredible event. Actually, it was two events, the Governor Elect and Governor Nominee Training Seminars, and the Zone Institute.
You may recall that I was tapped to do a couple jobs and received the title "Class Captain". This was primarily because the event was in our district so it made the most sense.
My first job was to make arrangements with a local restaurant to host our "Class Dinner". This was really quite simple. I asked our Zone Director's wife for recommendations because they live there and quickly identified a good venue. I contacted the restaurant, told them we would be a group of a maximum of 58 guests and secured their private room for that date. I then contacted all the DGNs and started getting commitments as to whether or not they or their spouse would be attending. We ended up with 28 of 29 DGNs attending and a total of 46 people.
My second job was to organize and furnish a hospitality room for our class. This was a bit more involved. The Zone Committee paid the difference between a room and a suite so we had a nice area to entertain. I polled my classmates to find out what they would like to eat and drink but on a few responded so it was pretty much guesswork. I charged each district $20 and purchased wine, beer, snacks, juices, water, etc. Any booze and mixers were to be furnished to "sip and share" by the attendees.
We arrived Tuesday around 2:30 PM, checked in and paid a bellman to haul all the stuff up to our room. I am just too out of shape to even consider it. We opened the room at 5:00 PM and shut it down around 6:00 PM each day, as there was a reception and dinner each day, then reopened after dinner until about 10:30 PM or so. A couple nights it got a little later. Friday we didn't open until after dinner because we had to catch buses for our Class Dinner at 5:30 PM. The room ran smoothly. Nobody got rowdy or noticeably intoxicated and except for the beer, we had too much beer, we ran out or close to out of everything by the last day. I did haul home a little wine and soda too, but not too much. I will donate the beer to our club and we will use the other stuff around the house. In exchange I will make a $100 donation to TRF as no one wanted a refund.
Okay, so we arrived Tuesday and besides the hospitality room we had a reception for the DGEs and DGNs and then a nice dinner. The food at this event was top notch the whole time. Probably the best banquet eating experience I ever attended. The next morning at 8:00 AM we went to school.
Day 1. Class began at 8:00 AM. All 29 DGNs were in one room, DGEs in another as the content would be different. We reviewed time lines, organization, event planning, budgeting, TRF, tossed questions to a Senior Leadership Panel and finally discussed membership. There was a lunch break with a speaker and class ended at 5:00 PM. Hurried up to the room to get ice and get it open, then dinner followed by more fellowship in the room. By this time our classmates were all beginning to get comfortable with each other and information sharing between district was almost as helpful as the formal classes. One classmate actually said he learned more in the room than in the formal classes and he might be right. I assume this was the purpose of the room in the first place.
Day 2. We got an extra hour of sleep as we didn't start until 9:00 AM. The first session was the DGNs and Spouses. (The rest of the time the spouses were in their own sessions. I will not list all that content here, but it was pretty intensive as well.) A panel of PDGs and their spouses, both male and female, spoke about their year and then fielded questions that we had each submitted ahead of time. After a break we had a session on available resources followed by something pretty cool. Three DGNs would sit at a table with 4 DGs or PDGs and just talk, ask questions, get advice, etc. After half an hour all the DGNs rotated to another table with new mentors. After lunch there were ancillary meetings. I was invited to two of them. The first was our PETS meeting where DGNs are invited to watch and listen as the DGEs and the PETS Executive Committee continued planning the 2011 Florida PETS. I took a lot of notes. This was the third meeting of this group and things are coming together. The second meeting was a session on our database by the person who created it. It included a look ahead to where the programing was heading and plenty of time for Q&A. Done at 5:00 PM, hurry upstairs to get ice and open the room....sound familiar? Dinner was followed by more fellowship in the room. I should mention that all meals had speakers.
Day 3. The Zone Institute Begins. This one started out early with a breakfast at 7:15 AM for TRF Major Donors and at 8:00 AM the house of friendship opened, as well as a silent auction. (We donated a serving tray valued at $100.) The first plenary session opened at 8:45 AM with an overall focus on Public Image and Strengthening Clubs. It was outstanding. General Secretary Futa was one of the speakers, as was a person called The Branding Doctor who talked about Rotary as a brand name. This was followed by small breakouts where groups got together and discussed the plenary session. After lunch the second plenary session started. This one was focused on Focus and Increase Humanitarian Service and was again followed by breakouts to discuss the plenary. At 5:00 PM there was a Puerto Rican Rum Fest and my class had just about time for one Mojito before boarding out buses for our Class Dinner. Dinner was fun. One table, closest to the restrooms, would not allow anyone to pass without donating to the CART fund. Well, you have to go and CART raised $200. Grabbed buses back to the hotel, got ice, opened the room, fell into bed around 1AM.
Day 4. Plenary 3 opened at 8:45 AM with a Haiti Symposium. After lunch we were on our own and there were several activities you could take part in. I caught up on email and actually took a short nap. We opened the room at 4:00 PM instead of 5:00 PM. It was one of our classmates birthday and her district furnished a cake and had a little party. Regular fellowship followed, then dinner and back to the room for more fellowship.
Day 5. The day started with a memorial service honoring all the governors that passed away since the last institute, complete with a choir of Rotarians, it was very moving. Plenary 4 began at 9:15 AM and included discussions on the project our silent auction was for called Youth Haven, a home for abandoned, battered, molested or otherwise harmed children. Another part was an introduction to next years Zone Institute in Virginia and the International Convention committee for 2016 was introduced. That is the year the International Convention comes to our Zone and, specifically, Atlanta.
Time to check out and hit the road.
We stopped on the way out of town for lunch and, of course, ran into other Rotarians and an enjoyable conversation took place.
You will notice there was not a lot of down time. I slept 11 hours that night. But the GNTS and Zone Institute is not something I will soon forget and I am already looking forward to the next one in Virginia. Prior to that our class is discussing getting together at the International Convention in New Orleans next spring.
I was told becoming a District Governor would be a lot of work. It has been. I was told there would be unforgettable moments. This was one. If you choose to become a DG, you will enjoy Zone. I guarantee it.
You may recall that I was tapped to do a couple jobs and received the title "Class Captain". This was primarily because the event was in our district so it made the most sense.
My first job was to make arrangements with a local restaurant to host our "Class Dinner". This was really quite simple. I asked our Zone Director's wife for recommendations because they live there and quickly identified a good venue. I contacted the restaurant, told them we would be a group of a maximum of 58 guests and secured their private room for that date. I then contacted all the DGNs and started getting commitments as to whether or not they or their spouse would be attending. We ended up with 28 of 29 DGNs attending and a total of 46 people.
My second job was to organize and furnish a hospitality room for our class. This was a bit more involved. The Zone Committee paid the difference between a room and a suite so we had a nice area to entertain. I polled my classmates to find out what they would like to eat and drink but on a few responded so it was pretty much guesswork. I charged each district $20 and purchased wine, beer, snacks, juices, water, etc. Any booze and mixers were to be furnished to "sip and share" by the attendees.
We arrived Tuesday around 2:30 PM, checked in and paid a bellman to haul all the stuff up to our room. I am just too out of shape to even consider it. We opened the room at 5:00 PM and shut it down around 6:00 PM each day, as there was a reception and dinner each day, then reopened after dinner until about 10:30 PM or so. A couple nights it got a little later. Friday we didn't open until after dinner because we had to catch buses for our Class Dinner at 5:30 PM. The room ran smoothly. Nobody got rowdy or noticeably intoxicated and except for the beer, we had too much beer, we ran out or close to out of everything by the last day. I did haul home a little wine and soda too, but not too much. I will donate the beer to our club and we will use the other stuff around the house. In exchange I will make a $100 donation to TRF as no one wanted a refund.
Okay, so we arrived Tuesday and besides the hospitality room we had a reception for the DGEs and DGNs and then a nice dinner. The food at this event was top notch the whole time. Probably the best banquet eating experience I ever attended. The next morning at 8:00 AM we went to school.
Day 1. Class began at 8:00 AM. All 29 DGNs were in one room, DGEs in another as the content would be different. We reviewed time lines, organization, event planning, budgeting, TRF, tossed questions to a Senior Leadership Panel and finally discussed membership. There was a lunch break with a speaker and class ended at 5:00 PM. Hurried up to the room to get ice and get it open, then dinner followed by more fellowship in the room. By this time our classmates were all beginning to get comfortable with each other and information sharing between district was almost as helpful as the formal classes. One classmate actually said he learned more in the room than in the formal classes and he might be right. I assume this was the purpose of the room in the first place.
Day 2. We got an extra hour of sleep as we didn't start until 9:00 AM. The first session was the DGNs and Spouses. (The rest of the time the spouses were in their own sessions. I will not list all that content here, but it was pretty intensive as well.) A panel of PDGs and their spouses, both male and female, spoke about their year and then fielded questions that we had each submitted ahead of time. After a break we had a session on available resources followed by something pretty cool. Three DGNs would sit at a table with 4 DGs or PDGs and just talk, ask questions, get advice, etc. After half an hour all the DGNs rotated to another table with new mentors. After lunch there were ancillary meetings. I was invited to two of them. The first was our PETS meeting where DGNs are invited to watch and listen as the DGEs and the PETS Executive Committee continued planning the 2011 Florida PETS. I took a lot of notes. This was the third meeting of this group and things are coming together. The second meeting was a session on our database by the person who created it. It included a look ahead to where the programing was heading and plenty of time for Q&A. Done at 5:00 PM, hurry upstairs to get ice and open the room....sound familiar? Dinner was followed by more fellowship in the room. I should mention that all meals had speakers.
Day 3. The Zone Institute Begins. This one started out early with a breakfast at 7:15 AM for TRF Major Donors and at 8:00 AM the house of friendship opened, as well as a silent auction. (We donated a serving tray valued at $100.) The first plenary session opened at 8:45 AM with an overall focus on Public Image and Strengthening Clubs. It was outstanding. General Secretary Futa was one of the speakers, as was a person called The Branding Doctor who talked about Rotary as a brand name. This was followed by small breakouts where groups got together and discussed the plenary session. After lunch the second plenary session started. This one was focused on Focus and Increase Humanitarian Service and was again followed by breakouts to discuss the plenary. At 5:00 PM there was a Puerto Rican Rum Fest and my class had just about time for one Mojito before boarding out buses for our Class Dinner. Dinner was fun. One table, closest to the restrooms, would not allow anyone to pass without donating to the CART fund. Well, you have to go and CART raised $200. Grabbed buses back to the hotel, got ice, opened the room, fell into bed around 1AM.
Day 4. Plenary 3 opened at 8:45 AM with a Haiti Symposium. After lunch we were on our own and there were several activities you could take part in. I caught up on email and actually took a short nap. We opened the room at 4:00 PM instead of 5:00 PM. It was one of our classmates birthday and her district furnished a cake and had a little party. Regular fellowship followed, then dinner and back to the room for more fellowship.
Day 5. The day started with a memorial service honoring all the governors that passed away since the last institute, complete with a choir of Rotarians, it was very moving. Plenary 4 began at 9:15 AM and included discussions on the project our silent auction was for called Youth Haven, a home for abandoned, battered, molested or otherwise harmed children. Another part was an introduction to next years Zone Institute in Virginia and the International Convention committee for 2016 was introduced. That is the year the International Convention comes to our Zone and, specifically, Atlanta.
Time to check out and hit the road.
We stopped on the way out of town for lunch and, of course, ran into other Rotarians and an enjoyable conversation took place.
You will notice there was not a lot of down time. I slept 11 hours that night. But the GNTS and Zone Institute is not something I will soon forget and I am already looking forward to the next one in Virginia. Prior to that our class is discussing getting together at the International Convention in New Orleans next spring.
I was told becoming a District Governor would be a lot of work. It has been. I was told there would be unforgettable moments. This was one. If you choose to become a DG, you will enjoy Zone. I guarantee it.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
August summary
During August I spoke at a several clubs but the my main time, early in the month, prior to my bleeding adventure, was taken up by planning for Zone and working with the District Training Team.
The District Training Team met twice and things are coming along nicely. A lot of the redundancy we've had in past years is being removed, in fact an entire meeting date has been removed - which the members will appreciate. We have a suggested list of subjects President Elects should have knowledge of before taking office. We are waiting to see the final PETS curriculum so we know what we have to cover at Pre PETS, Leadership Training or during the District Breakouts at PETS. That information should be made available to us at the Zone Institute next month.
I was asked to set up a dinner at Zone for my classmates, those that will be Governor in 2012-2013. I have contacted everyone and have a tentative count of 48 DGNs and their spouses or significant others. I thought I was just about done with the planning when I was asked to also host a hospitality room for my class. Zone will upgrade my room to a suite at no charge to me and I just need to pick up some wine, beer, soda, water, snacks and paper products and keep the room accessible during down times. Our class and the DGE class and we will buy stuff together for the quantity discount, haul it down to Naples and set up the room.
The reason I have been asked to do these two jobs is because it is my district that is hosting the Zone Institute. It adds a little work but I am really looking forward to meeting my classmates.
The District Training Team met twice and things are coming along nicely. A lot of the redundancy we've had in past years is being removed, in fact an entire meeting date has been removed - which the members will appreciate. We have a suggested list of subjects President Elects should have knowledge of before taking office. We are waiting to see the final PETS curriculum so we know what we have to cover at Pre PETS, Leadership Training or during the District Breakouts at PETS. That information should be made available to us at the Zone Institute next month.
I was asked to set up a dinner at Zone for my classmates, those that will be Governor in 2012-2013. I have contacted everyone and have a tentative count of 48 DGNs and their spouses or significant others. I thought I was just about done with the planning when I was asked to also host a hospitality room for my class. Zone will upgrade my room to a suite at no charge to me and I just need to pick up some wine, beer, soda, water, snacks and paper products and keep the room accessible during down times. Our class and the DGE class and we will buy stuff together for the quantity discount, haul it down to Naples and set up the room.
The reason I have been asked to do these two jobs is because it is my district that is hosting the Zone Institute. It adds a little work but I am really looking forward to meeting my classmates.
Blood Drive
I organized a blood drive for August 7th where we had a foundation willing to donate $50 for each pint given, to Rotary's Camp Florida. I was not happy with the results as we came in well below our goal, but we did raise $3100. Hopefully the sponsoring foundation will give us another shot at it next year. I have always believed in giving blood, and am a regular donor, but after needed so much blood myself it has a whole new meaning to me. Donors saved my life.
Conference Venue???
July 22nd was kind of exciting as we went to a tour of the venue my District Conference Committee chair has recommended. We looked at the different room options, areas we would use for meetings and meals, conference check in and the areas to be used for fellowship and fun. It is an older venue but well respected in the area for both hospitality and good food. We have nearly three years to get things set up but this was a very nice start. Did we hit the jackpot the first time?
Rotary's Camp Florida - Capital Campaign
After speaking to a club during lunch I drove up to RCF for our monthly board meeting. The camp is beginning a $3M capital campaign, half of which will be used to build a new dining hall, the rest for a list of projects that are on the shelf right now. I only mention this because my club and its members furnished the technology for the campaign. One member donated an all in one printer/fax/scanner, my wife and I donated a color laser printer, and my club donated a new computer, set up the way they wanted it. I really am proud of my little club. They accomplish a lot.
August....tough month
In August I decided to see what if feels like to nearly bleed to death and I must tell you, it isn't very enjoyable. A major blood vessel in my colon opened and things went pretty quickly. Within minutes I had lost enough blood that I was getting light headed. Home alone, I was still able to dial 9-1-1 and get help. Another first, my first ambulance ride. We were part way to the hospital when the paramedic told the driver to "Light it Up" as my blood pressure tanked. I continued bleeding heavily in the Emergency Room as they scrambled to find both blood and an on call gastoenterologist. It seemed to take for ever. Finally they wheeled me into a procedure room, which they had to unlock first, and performed an emergency colonoscopy. It had been such a rough time that I told the doctor I was actually looking forward it just for the drugs that knock you out. He burst that bubble by telling me my blood pressure was way too low for the drugs. He closed the vessel with four titanium clips and I was moved to Intensive Care where they continued to push blood back into me. The doctor described my blood loss as "massive".
Once stabilized they gave me one additional unit of blood, bringing my hemoglobin up over 9 and sent me home to regrow the other 4-5 missing pints.
So I am finally back to my computer, albeit for short periods, and what better thing to do than catch up my blog. I will got back through my calendar since my last post on July 18th and bring this thing back up to date.
Sorry for the disruption. Doc says I should be pretty much back to normal a month from now.
Once stabilized they gave me one additional unit of blood, bringing my hemoglobin up over 9 and sent me home to regrow the other 4-5 missing pints.
So I am finally back to my computer, albeit for short periods, and what better thing to do than catch up my blog. I will got back through my calendar since my last post on July 18th and bring this thing back up to date.
Sorry for the disruption. Doc says I should be pretty much back to normal a month from now.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
DGN Jobs
As promised, just for fun I am going to try to list all the jobs that have come my way since being selected by the district nominating committee.
1) Locate Rotarians to function as my Assistant Governor in each of the eleven areas.
2) Work in coordination with the Membership Chairman, utilizing my AGs.
3) Perform Sgt. at Arms duties at PETS
4) Present of various topics at Pre PETS, District Leadership Training, District Assembly and TRF Seminar.
5) Attend a membership workshop at RI HQ in Evanston.
6) Sit on the Board of Directors and at least two committees of Rotary's Camp Florida. (I have Governance and Nominations)
7) Attend 5 PETS planning meetings each year for next two years.
8) Member of the District Training Team
9) Organize a dinner at Zone Institute for the 29 DGNs and their guest, Included restaurant selection, invitations, meals, headcount, etc.
10) District resource for TRF Future Vision
11) Speak at clubs when asked.
12) A fun one - we are forming a district rock band called the Arch Klumph Six.
13) Member, Finance Committee
14) Member, District Simplified Grants Committee
15) Chairman, Ambassadorial Scholarship Committee
Wow, those fifteen came to mind with no effort at all.
16) Member, College of Governors
17) Continue work on the District Strategic Plan
18) Create job descriptions for district leadership personnel
Getting tougher now.
19) Attend Zone Institute
20) Attend International Conference in 2011
Okay, I'm going to stop at 20. I'm sure I am missing a few but you get the idea. My stepping back from responsibilities in the VFW is turning out to be a really excellent decision. Rotary is basically going to be a full time job for the next three years.
1) Locate Rotarians to function as my Assistant Governor in each of the eleven areas.
2) Work in coordination with the Membership Chairman, utilizing my AGs.
3) Perform Sgt. at Arms duties at PETS
4) Present of various topics at Pre PETS, District Leadership Training, District Assembly and TRF Seminar.
5) Attend a membership workshop at RI HQ in Evanston.
6) Sit on the Board of Directors and at least two committees of Rotary's Camp Florida. (I have Governance and Nominations)
7) Attend 5 PETS planning meetings each year for next two years.
8) Member of the District Training Team
9) Organize a dinner at Zone Institute for the 29 DGNs and their guest, Included restaurant selection, invitations, meals, headcount, etc.
10) District resource for TRF Future Vision
11) Speak at clubs when asked.
12) A fun one - we are forming a district rock band called the Arch Klumph Six.
13) Member, Finance Committee
14) Member, District Simplified Grants Committee
15) Chairman, Ambassadorial Scholarship Committee
Wow, those fifteen came to mind with no effort at all.
16) Member, College of Governors
17) Continue work on the District Strategic Plan
18) Create job descriptions for district leadership personnel
Getting tougher now.
19) Attend Zone Institute
20) Attend International Conference in 2011
Okay, I'm going to stop at 20. I'm sure I am missing a few but you get the idea. My stepping back from responsibilities in the VFW is turning out to be a really excellent decision. Rotary is basically going to be a full time job for the next three years.
Into July
It amazes me how fast time it going by. I have so much yet to learn.
In the past couple weeks I have attended meetings on training, district simplified grants, conference facility for next year, board of Rotary's Camp Florida, my club and tomorrow I am the guest speaker at a club in Sarasota. No grass growing under my feet, that's for sure.
I received the names of the final four DGN's from Zones 33 & 34 and have contacted them about coming to the class dinner at Zone Institute at the end of September, first of October. So far we have 40 people coming out of a total possible of 58. (DGN + Spouse or Guest). Only one DGN has elected not to come at this time and I have four to hear from yet, so I am expecting somewhere between 45-50 in our group.
I have also been assigned the task of being the district resource for TRF Future Vision. My job is to learn all I can as the program goes through its three years of beta testing so when someone has a question, hopefully I will have the answer.
This Thursday we visit the first property we are evaluating for my conference. Such a long way off but things need to be locked in early. I tell you, the property where the conference is being held next year is going to be hard to beat. It was build as luxuary condos and then the housing market crashed so they turned it into an upscale resort. The rooms are HUGE and beautifully appointed and the prices are very reasonable. Maybe we will think about a return engagement there in two years????
In my next post I think I will list, just for fun, all the little jobs I have received as DGN so you can get an idea what may come your way if you take the step forward in district leadership.
In the past couple weeks I have attended meetings on training, district simplified grants, conference facility for next year, board of Rotary's Camp Florida, my club and tomorrow I am the guest speaker at a club in Sarasota. No grass growing under my feet, that's for sure.
I received the names of the final four DGN's from Zones 33 & 34 and have contacted them about coming to the class dinner at Zone Institute at the end of September, first of October. So far we have 40 people coming out of a total possible of 58. (DGN + Spouse or Guest). Only one DGN has elected not to come at this time and I have four to hear from yet, so I am expecting somewhere between 45-50 in our group.
I have also been assigned the task of being the district resource for TRF Future Vision. My job is to learn all I can as the program goes through its three years of beta testing so when someone has a question, hopefully I will have the answer.
This Thursday we visit the first property we are evaluating for my conference. Such a long way off but things need to be locked in early. I tell you, the property where the conference is being held next year is going to be hard to beat. It was build as luxuary condos and then the housing market crashed so they turned it into an upscale resort. The rooms are HUGE and beautifully appointed and the prices are very reasonable. Maybe we will think about a return engagement there in two years????
In my next post I think I will list, just for fun, all the little jobs I have received as DGN so you can get an idea what may come your way if you take the step forward in district leadership.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
DG Business Cards
I guess it's official now.
I ordered my Governor business cards. Even though I will not be Governor until July 1st, 2012, the DGEs and DGNs use Governor cards all three years. This saves on multiple printings and, since the year is prominently positioned, there is no confusion.
The proof looks really nice.
I ordered my Governor business cards. Even though I will not be Governor until July 1st, 2012, the DGEs and DGNs use Governor cards all three years. This saves on multiple printings and, since the year is prominently positioned, there is no confusion.
The proof looks really nice.
Zone Conference Update
My job as chair of the reunion dinner for my class of 2012-2013 has moved along nicely. I have 29 districts whose DGNs (and spouses/significants) I need to get together for dinner. So far I have responses from 24 of the 25 that have been appointed. Only one "no", and one has not responded. There are still 4 districts that do not have DGNs yet.
I have selected a restaurant based on a referral from our R.I. director's wife, who lives in Naples and have worked out many of the details with the restaurant's GM.
It should be a nice evening of fellowship.
I have selected a restaurant based on a referral from our R.I. director's wife, who lives in Naples and have worked out many of the details with the restaurant's GM.
It should be a nice evening of fellowship.
PETS Meeting
Yesterday I got together with the Florida Multi District PETS committee. The meeting included the Executive Committee, the incoming DGE's whose PETS is being planned, my class of incoming DGNs to observe and the District Trainers from the 8 Florida districts. The committee meets five time during the year but also accomplished tasks on the business site LinkedIn. Being included as an incoming DGN is a wonderful opportunity. Next March, when we start planning our PETS, we have have a good understanding of the process.
Some of the things accomplished yesterday included a review of the 2010 PETS Financial Reports and and a tentative agreement on the new budget. The budget will be approved at the October meeting which takes place at Zone Institute. The committee elected to not have the sit down dinner for the 60+ folks on the operating committee Thursday night but instead to have light appetizers and a cash bar reception that everyone arriving Thursday can enjoy. The committee also decided on the registration packet container. In the past each attendee received a large 3 ring binder stuffed with materials. This was to be eliminated and the materials would be handed out at Pre PETS in each district and the registration packet would only include a flash drive of all R.I. manuals, etc. along with any district distinct materials. At the meeting they decided to go with a clear plastic envelope that would contain the flash drive, name badge, pad of paper and theme items.
A good deal of time was spent reviewing training issues and the surveys from last year(s). Three large items were addressed. One being the request of attendees to spend more time with other PEs or AGs, another about using the AGs more effectively - it is joked that they are currently just entertained, and the final and most aggressively worked on was the duplication of training that takes place between RLI, Pre PETS, District Leadership Training and PETS. Of significant help was a three page list we were given of items it is felt PEs should know that will not be covered at PETS. These can be covered back in our districts or at PETS during the district breakouts.
A conversation of what should or could be accomplished at Pre PETS that is not now being done included the distribution of training materials, passing out goals sheets and results from previous years to better prepare PEs for their club goals, collecting information from them for the district roster and discussing what PETS is like so they don't show up big eyed like a deer caught in headlights.
Seven items on the consent agenda we approved. I will not list them all but it ranged from confirming the speakers to ordering flash drives to continuing with PETS Exchange. I will expand on the latter. Our PETS Chair attends another PETS somewhere and their chair attends ours. It is a great way to learn areas you could improve. This past year our chair reported on New England PETS improved registration system, much of which was voted to adopt by the current committee.
Another key handout was a timeline of what the DGE's have to have accomplished and by what date. No guessing! What a concept!
All in all it was a day well spent.
Some of the things accomplished yesterday included a review of the 2010 PETS Financial Reports and and a tentative agreement on the new budget. The budget will be approved at the October meeting which takes place at Zone Institute. The committee elected to not have the sit down dinner for the 60+ folks on the operating committee Thursday night but instead to have light appetizers and a cash bar reception that everyone arriving Thursday can enjoy. The committee also decided on the registration packet container. In the past each attendee received a large 3 ring binder stuffed with materials. This was to be eliminated and the materials would be handed out at Pre PETS in each district and the registration packet would only include a flash drive of all R.I. manuals, etc. along with any district distinct materials. At the meeting they decided to go with a clear plastic envelope that would contain the flash drive, name badge, pad of paper and theme items.
A good deal of time was spent reviewing training issues and the surveys from last year(s). Three large items were addressed. One being the request of attendees to spend more time with other PEs or AGs, another about using the AGs more effectively - it is joked that they are currently just entertained, and the final and most aggressively worked on was the duplication of training that takes place between RLI, Pre PETS, District Leadership Training and PETS. Of significant help was a three page list we were given of items it is felt PEs should know that will not be covered at PETS. These can be covered back in our districts or at PETS during the district breakouts.
A conversation of what should or could be accomplished at Pre PETS that is not now being done included the distribution of training materials, passing out goals sheets and results from previous years to better prepare PEs for their club goals, collecting information from them for the district roster and discussing what PETS is like so they don't show up big eyed like a deer caught in headlights.
Seven items on the consent agenda we approved. I will not list them all but it ranged from confirming the speakers to ordering flash drives to continuing with PETS Exchange. I will expand on the latter. Our PETS Chair attends another PETS somewhere and their chair attends ours. It is a great way to learn areas you could improve. This past year our chair reported on New England PETS improved registration system, much of which was voted to adopt by the current committee.
Another key handout was a timeline of what the DGE's have to have accomplished and by what date. No guessing! What a concept!
All in all it was a day well spent.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Membership Strategy Meeting at HQ
This past Monday I was invited to a Zone 34 membership meeting at R.I. Headquarters in Evanston. It was actually a workshop where the participants more or less laid out a new membership strategy. Three groups worked independently and the results are curently being compiled. Zone 34 will be the first zone in the world to take this new approach so it is quite exciting. On Tuesday morning two of us had a tour of the headquarters building and met with Ed Futa and Ray Klinginsmith, which was cool.
I am looking forward to being part of this new strategy. I hope we will turn around the membership free fall we have been experiencing in North America and will report more on this later.
I am looking forward to being part of this new strategy. I hope we will turn around the membership free fall we have been experiencing in North America and will report more on this later.
District Conference Wrap Up
District Conference was a big success.
First, the Thursday evening cocktail hour where I made my guitar debut after 38 years was a lot of fun. It truly was.
The conference was held at a resort on the Gulf of Mexico. Thursday night was the cocktail party for the "Nifty Fifty" which is the first 50 signing up for the conference. It was a nice evening of fellowship.
The conference had a new format. The plenary sessions ended at noon and everyone had the afternoons off to relax and enjoy family and friends. (Well, almost everyone. The governor corp had additional meetings in the afternoons.) I polled my AGs after the conference and nearly all liked having that down time although a couple would have liked some planned social activities.
Friday evening was the Governor's banquet with his awards given out. Saturday evening was DGE's banquet with the changing of the guard ceremony. I received my DGN pin during that ceremony but I cannot wear it until July 1st.
The conference was so well attended that my conference chair is again looking for a venue. The one we had tentatively selected may not be large enough.
One last note. The plenary sessions had excellent speakers and were not instructional classes but a look at what Rotary has achieved.
All in all it was a very nice conference.
First, the Thursday evening cocktail hour where I made my guitar debut after 38 years was a lot of fun. It truly was.
The conference was held at a resort on the Gulf of Mexico. Thursday night was the cocktail party for the "Nifty Fifty" which is the first 50 signing up for the conference. It was a nice evening of fellowship.
The conference had a new format. The plenary sessions ended at noon and everyone had the afternoons off to relax and enjoy family and friends. (Well, almost everyone. The governor corp had additional meetings in the afternoons.) I polled my AGs after the conference and nearly all liked having that down time although a couple would have liked some planned social activities.
Friday evening was the Governor's banquet with his awards given out. Saturday evening was DGE's banquet with the changing of the guard ceremony. I received my DGN pin during that ceremony but I cannot wear it until July 1st.
The conference was so well attended that my conference chair is again looking for a venue. The one we had tentatively selected may not be large enough.
One last note. The plenary sessions had excellent speakers and were not instructional classes but a look at what Rotary has achieved.
All in all it was a very nice conference.
Monday, May 10, 2010
District Conference this weekend
Wow, I am scared to death! For the first time in 38 years I will be playing my guitar (bass) in front of a live audience. This Thursday some of us Rotarians are going to jam after the paid band ends its gig. One hour of fun. My knees are shaking. More next week. :)
Zone Conference, 2010
As the chair for my class dinner at Zone this year I have emailed to all requesting information on whether or not they and their significant other will be attending and will they be coming to our class dinner. I have heard back from almost a third in the past three days, which is good. I learned that each group of District Governors is considered a class and they get together for years after their DG year to share friendship. Pretty cool. I have 25 DGNDs in Zone 33 & 34 to pull together and I am sure we will all be friends after the Zone Institute in October.
Rotary's Camp Florida
Saturday I was officially elected to the board of directors of Rotary's Camp Florida. My time committment is one meeting a month plus whatever committee I am assigned to. The camp, which serves special need children from Aids to MS is really a great project so while this appointment will cut into my already thin time, it is well worth it and I look forward to serving my year. All DGNs in my district are expected to spend their DGN year on the board.
Monday, April 19, 2010
District Conference May, 2013
Hard to believe but the planning for my conference is already under way. Over the past few days I queried my AGs to see if they would prefer land based or a cruise. We have found cruises to be less expensive but limiting on attendance. The Governor before me is having a cruise so our group decided on land based.
I passed that information on to my convention chairman, who works in the travel industry, and he is busily obtaining quotes so we can lock in a venue. In the lead right now is the Lido Beach Resort. LBR has a neat peace of trivia in that it was the basis for Stephen King's book Duma Key and it offers a GPS tour of other locations mentioned in the book, none by their real names of course.
I mention my conference because it just amazes me how fast things come at you once nominated. I can see it is going to be a very busy 2.5 years.
I passed that information on to my convention chairman, who works in the travel industry, and he is busily obtaining quotes so we can lock in a venue. In the lead right now is the Lido Beach Resort. LBR has a neat peace of trivia in that it was the basis for Stephen King's book Duma Key and it offers a GPS tour of other locations mentioned in the book, none by their real names of course.
I mention my conference because it just amazes me how fast things come at you once nominated. I can see it is going to be a very busy 2.5 years.
Another Job
I just found out I am going to be the Coordinator for Zone functions/reunions for my class of DGs. The Zone is next meeting in Naples, Florida, which is in my district and hense the call. I have no idea what I have to do or how time consuming it will be. I will update when I know more.
Webinars
This morning four of us met online in a Go To Meeting session. While discussing the business at hand most successfully we also learned about the technology out there that makes online meetings possible. I was so intrigued that I spent a good deal of time investigating other host sites that included video conferencing as well. I found one, iVisit, that offers that and document/desktop sharing for $50 a year but it is limited to 8 people per session. I'll keep looking.
The bottom line of our meeting is that training for secretaries and treasurers could easily be done online and take the travel component out of the equation. This would free up time at our district meetings for subjects that require more interpersonal communication, peer to peer subjects, etc.
We just scratched the surface this morning but I was able to see a small glimpse of the future of Rotary communications.
The bottom line of our meeting is that training for secretaries and treasurers could easily be done online and take the travel component out of the equation. This would free up time at our district meetings for subjects that require more interpersonal communication, peer to peer subjects, etc.
We just scratched the surface this morning but I was able to see a small glimpse of the future of Rotary communications.
Rotary Leadership Institute
This past Saturday, April 17th, put Pam and I in Clearwater, Florida for a gathering of the Rotary Leadership Insitute. My wife and I are both faculty members here in Florida and volunteer to lead discussions whenever scheduling allows it.
I cannot say enough about RLI. I think every Rotarian should attend the three sessions and graduate. So much information and knowledge is shared among peers from different districts all over Florida. As a discussion leader I have never lead a session where I didn't learn something too.
Saturday I led sessions on TRF, Level 1; Leadership, Team Building and Membership II, Recruiting. It was a good day and, as always, I came away feeling good. I had learned something and I had helped others learn as well.
We got home just in time to change clothes and go to a Comedy Night fundraiser for one of the clubs in our area..
I cannot say enough about RLI. I think every Rotarian should attend the three sessions and graduate. So much information and knowledge is shared among peers from different districts all over Florida. As a discussion leader I have never lead a session where I didn't learn something too.
Saturday I led sessions on TRF, Level 1; Leadership, Team Building and Membership II, Recruiting. It was a good day and, as always, I came away feeling good. I had learned something and I had helped others learn as well.
We got home just in time to change clothes and go to a Comedy Night fundraiser for one of the clubs in our area..
District Assembly
April 10th, 2010 was our District Assembly. The morning consisted of the business session and short presentation by about a dozen program chairs. The afternoon session consisted of breakouts for membership, Sgt. at Arms, secretary training, using the distrcit database and website, etc.
The business session included budget approval for 2010-2011 and changes to the bylaws of the district. Of course the piece of business that most effected me was the validation of my nomination by the district membership. Even though I have been working as DGND since November, it was not official until my peers said it was on April 10th.
I presented my five minutes on the Ambassardorial Scholarship Program in the morning and was a co-presenter of the membership breakout that afternoon.
After the assembly was over the District Simplified Grants committee, of which I am a non-voting member until I become DGN July 1st, met and discussed some late applications. It was interesting to listen to the process of approving or denying applications based on funds available, eligibility of the project and, in case of a tie, referring back to the support the applying club gives TRF.
It was a long day but very productive and it was exciting as it put me solidly on the path towards District Governor.
The business session included budget approval for 2010-2011 and changes to the bylaws of the district. Of course the piece of business that most effected me was the validation of my nomination by the district membership. Even though I have been working as DGND since November, it was not official until my peers said it was on April 10th.
I presented my five minutes on the Ambassardorial Scholarship Program in the morning and was a co-presenter of the membership breakout that afternoon.
After the assembly was over the District Simplified Grants committee, of which I am a non-voting member until I become DGN July 1st, met and discussed some late applications. It was interesting to listen to the process of approving or denying applications based on funds available, eligibility of the project and, in case of a tie, referring back to the support the applying club gives TRF.
It was a long day but very productive and it was exciting as it put me solidly on the path towards District Governor.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
More PDG Advise
It was funny. We have a guest suite we call the "Governor's Suite" because of all the DGs and PDGs that spend time in it when visiting our end of the district. This past Friday night, after our clubs fundraiser, was no exception. This is what I learned - actually, I already understood but it is worth mentioning.
He said "And I am dealing with adults, not children, not even young adults but adults in their fifties". He was talking about the way some club presidents and AGs talk and act like kids not getting their way. "Let me pitch or I am going to take my bat and ball and go home!"
Rotary is not different in this respect, I have seen it happen in all organizations I have belonged to, even church. I understand that when I am DG I will have a lot of "petty" problems foisted upon me, but I am pretty easy going, I can handle it. But I am assured this will happen, just as sure as sunrise tomorrow. All part of the journey.
He said "And I am dealing with adults, not children, not even young adults but adults in their fifties". He was talking about the way some club presidents and AGs talk and act like kids not getting their way. "Let me pitch or I am going to take my bat and ball and go home!"
Rotary is not different in this respect, I have seen it happen in all organizations I have belonged to, even church. I understand that when I am DG I will have a lot of "petty" problems foisted upon me, but I am pretty easy going, I can handle it. But I am assured this will happen, just as sure as sunrise tomorrow. All part of the journey.
Our Club's Annual Fundraiser
Wow. Friday, March 12th was our club's annual casino night fundraiser. Pam and I were the co-chairs this year. There were moments Friday that I thought we wouldn't pull it off. A full 40% of the donated items for auction and almost 50% of the ticket sales were not turned in until Friday afternoon. When the event opened I was still running around in a t-shirt and jeans. As of today I have no idea how much money we raised to help others, but I know we were profitable. I know this post is not part of the DG trip, but in a way it is because without doing things like this my club probably would not have nominated me for DG.
As an aside, let me say that this fundraiser has worked very well for us. We started it when a Rotarian from Ohio brought the idea to us 8 years ago and we have made as much as $35,000.00 clear. We have professionals bring in casino gambling tables and slot machines, the chips are play money, we furnish a dinner, music and dancing, an open bar and, of course, our live and silent auction items and a few other ways of making money. The past two years a good one was what we call the "The Wheel of Hope". Kind of like the Wheel of Fortune, but standing upright, the wheel has 48 spaces on it. We put a nice trip as the prize, sell tickets and spin it at sometime during the night. This year all the money, including a match from a local foundation, was used to package over 70,000 (? typing from memory and both 40 and 70 stick in my mind) meals with an eye towards relief in Haiti. When we started this our club was very small and we hired out almost everything, now, as the club has grown, we do a lot ourselves. In 2005 we ran our fundraiser at the same time as our fundraiser for tsunami relief and the combined total was in excess of $85,000.00 with about 23 members involved.
As an aside, let me say that this fundraiser has worked very well for us. We started it when a Rotarian from Ohio brought the idea to us 8 years ago and we have made as much as $35,000.00 clear. We have professionals bring in casino gambling tables and slot machines, the chips are play money, we furnish a dinner, music and dancing, an open bar and, of course, our live and silent auction items and a few other ways of making money. The past two years a good one was what we call the "The Wheel of Hope". Kind of like the Wheel of Fortune, but standing upright, the wheel has 48 spaces on it. We put a nice trip as the prize, sell tickets and spin it at sometime during the night. This year all the money, including a match from a local foundation, was used to package over 70,000 (? typing from memory and both 40 and 70 stick in my mind) meals with an eye towards relief in Haiti. When we started this our club was very small and we hired out almost everything, now, as the club has grown, we do a lot ourselves. In 2005 we ran our fundraiser at the same time as our fundraiser for tsunami relief and the combined total was in excess of $85,000.00 with about 23 members involved.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Spring Training is not just for Baseball!
In the course of the past month I have taken part in three training programs and still have one to go. On February 6th we had pre-PETS. The purpose of this training date is to get information into the hands of the PEs and Incoming AGs that will not be presented at the Multi District PETS. As DGND, I joined the DGN and DGE to present the district program.
On February 20th we had our District Leadership Training Seminar. The same group of presenters, plus the District Trainer and District Webmaster presented to all incoming district leadership people. This included chairpersons, the tri-level AGs and Governor corps. The purpose was to lay out the game plan for the next year but we also covered a lot of what we had covered two weeks prior and since the Incoming AGs were at both sessions there was concern over the repetition. The DGN is talking about combining those two events next year which may be the answer.
Finally, on March 4-6 we had our Multi District PETS. Over 220 PEs and AGs from Florida attended. I arrived in Orlando Wednesday evening as I had an early morning meeting on Thursday. All 8 DGNDs served as Sgts. at Arms and did our best to keep things running smoothly.
I attended our last District Pets a few years ago, and the first Multi District PETS. There is no comparison. Getting together as a state allows us to bring in some really first rate presenters and speakers and the fellowship that develops between districts is great. I met all my "Classmates" the DGs of 2012-2013 and we got to know each other pretty well.
A couple changes this year. All the PEs and AGs received small homework assignments from PETS to be completed prior to PETS. The purpose of them was to put everyone on a level playing field by bringing new Rotarians up to speed with established Rotarians. You might have a PE that has been in Rotary just a couple months and another with twenty years experience. If you teach to the level of the new Rotarian the experienced Rotarian will be bored to tears - so they came up with these homework assignments so the newbies could have a leg up. We are still waiting for the evaluations to be compiled but the verbal remarks were favorable.
Antoher change was making the DGNDs the Sgt. at Arms. In previous years that was the DGNs jobs but by passing it down another level to us guys, the DGNs were able to take part in the program instead. Great idea!
The biggest change that effected me was the inclusion of the DGNDs in PETS planning. Florida PETS is actually incorporated. It has an executive committee and a board of directors. The BOD is comprised of the DGNs or incoming DGEs, whichever way you want to view it. They meet 5 times a year, four in Orlando and once at the Zone Conference. They are the final say in how their PETS will be run. The executive committee makes suggestions and points out any potential problems, but the BOD runs there own PETS. The DGNDs had a meeting with the incoming president of the executive committee and received copies of the articles of incorporation, constitution and bylaws along with a briefing on how PETS works. We were then allowed to sit in on the BOD meeting to see it in action. Further, we will be on Linkedin and able to watch the boards work between meetings. We do not participate or comment, but it should be an excellent way to watch and learn.
Next up is our District Assembly on April 10th. It is at that meeting that my nomination will be validated by the district membership, at least I hope it will. I will have a couple functions at the assembly. My year class of AGs are AGs for Membership and Service, so I, along with the incoming Membership Chairman, will be presenting a membership breakout session. Also, as I am still chair of the Ambassadorial Scholarship Committee, I will be giving a brief presentation on that program as well.
As you can see throughout this blog, since my nomination on November 21st I have been kept quite busy. Our current DG still works full time. I don't know how he does it. My suggestion would be to carefully weigh the time commitment before aspiring to this position. Even being semi-retired I find my days pretty full.
That's it for today. I need to form a habit of blogging every day so I don't have to catch up as much. I'll work on that.
On February 20th we had our District Leadership Training Seminar. The same group of presenters, plus the District Trainer and District Webmaster presented to all incoming district leadership people. This included chairpersons, the tri-level AGs and Governor corps. The purpose was to lay out the game plan for the next year but we also covered a lot of what we had covered two weeks prior and since the Incoming AGs were at both sessions there was concern over the repetition. The DGN is talking about combining those two events next year which may be the answer.
Finally, on March 4-6 we had our Multi District PETS. Over 220 PEs and AGs from Florida attended. I arrived in Orlando Wednesday evening as I had an early morning meeting on Thursday. All 8 DGNDs served as Sgts. at Arms and did our best to keep things running smoothly.
I attended our last District Pets a few years ago, and the first Multi District PETS. There is no comparison. Getting together as a state allows us to bring in some really first rate presenters and speakers and the fellowship that develops between districts is great. I met all my "Classmates" the DGs of 2012-2013 and we got to know each other pretty well.
A couple changes this year. All the PEs and AGs received small homework assignments from PETS to be completed prior to PETS. The purpose of them was to put everyone on a level playing field by bringing new Rotarians up to speed with established Rotarians. You might have a PE that has been in Rotary just a couple months and another with twenty years experience. If you teach to the level of the new Rotarian the experienced Rotarian will be bored to tears - so they came up with these homework assignments so the newbies could have a leg up. We are still waiting for the evaluations to be compiled but the verbal remarks were favorable.
Antoher change was making the DGNDs the Sgt. at Arms. In previous years that was the DGNs jobs but by passing it down another level to us guys, the DGNs were able to take part in the program instead. Great idea!
The biggest change that effected me was the inclusion of the DGNDs in PETS planning. Florida PETS is actually incorporated. It has an executive committee and a board of directors. The BOD is comprised of the DGNs or incoming DGEs, whichever way you want to view it. They meet 5 times a year, four in Orlando and once at the Zone Conference. They are the final say in how their PETS will be run. The executive committee makes suggestions and points out any potential problems, but the BOD runs there own PETS. The DGNDs had a meeting with the incoming president of the executive committee and received copies of the articles of incorporation, constitution and bylaws along with a briefing on how PETS works. We were then allowed to sit in on the BOD meeting to see it in action. Further, we will be on Linkedin and able to watch the boards work between meetings. We do not participate or comment, but it should be an excellent way to watch and learn.
Next up is our District Assembly on April 10th. It is at that meeting that my nomination will be validated by the district membership, at least I hope it will. I will have a couple functions at the assembly. My year class of AGs are AGs for Membership and Service, so I, along with the incoming Membership Chairman, will be presenting a membership breakout session. Also, as I am still chair of the Ambassadorial Scholarship Committee, I will be giving a brief presentation on that program as well.
As you can see throughout this blog, since my nomination on November 21st I have been kept quite busy. Our current DG still works full time. I don't know how he does it. My suggestion would be to carefully weigh the time commitment before aspiring to this position. Even being semi-retired I find my days pretty full.
That's it for today. I need to form a habit of blogging every day so I don't have to catch up as much. I'll work on that.
Friday, February 26, 2010
PDG advice
From this point forward I will attempt to make note of advice given me by PDG's. This past Tuesday Pam and I had dinner with some "Snowtarians", Rotarians visiting Florida for the winter, and this one happened to be a PDG from New York and two provinces in Canada. Besides the daunting mileage issues and border crossings, some of his clubs spoke nothing but French, and he, of course, spoke no French at the beginning. He always tried to deliver his speeches in French although everyone received a writen copy for when he made errors. But his effort was much appreciated.
His point was one we bring forward in our leadership training classes, although magnified. Always remember your audience when speaking. The differences are less dramatice here in Florida, more subtle, but I will keep that advice in mind moving forward.
His point was one we bring forward in our leadership training classes, although magnified. Always remember your audience when speaking. The differences are less dramatice here in Florida, more subtle, but I will keep that advice in mind moving forward.
Monday, February 22, 2010
I want to revisit the interview day. I told you how the chairman and some of the committee members showed up at my door with champagne, but I really didn't explain how I felt.
This was the second big moment in this journey. The first was the day I decided, after three years of agonizing over which path to take, to apply myself to Rotary. But I have to tell you, when I was actually selected in my first year you could have knocked me over with a feather. I was prepared to apply up to three consecutive years. Frequently, to this day, I think "Wow, I don't have to do that again." and this feeling of happiness and relief rolls over me. It is a truly special feeling and for me personally, it was verification that I had made the right choice. And the fact that the district got me involved immediately was very cool because I started feeling I was a part of a well oiled machine whose end product is good works for humanity. It's a tuff feeling to beat.
If you apply and are selected to be a District Governor, you are going to love that feeling!
This was the second big moment in this journey. The first was the day I decided, after three years of agonizing over which path to take, to apply myself to Rotary. But I have to tell you, when I was actually selected in my first year you could have knocked me over with a feather. I was prepared to apply up to three consecutive years. Frequently, to this day, I think "Wow, I don't have to do that again." and this feeling of happiness and relief rolls over me. It is a truly special feeling and for me personally, it was verification that I had made the right choice. And the fact that the district got me involved immediately was very cool because I started feeling I was a part of a well oiled machine whose end product is good works for humanity. It's a tuff feeling to beat.
If you apply and are selected to be a District Governor, you are going to love that feeling!
Sunday, February 21, 2010
I learned this weekend that another of my responsiblities upon becoming DGN will be to sit on the Board of Directors of Rotary's Camp Florida, a camp for groups of special needs children. Please visit rotaryscampflorida.org for a nice look at the camp and what it does. Sitting on the board for a year should be a very gratifying experience.
District Governor Nominee Designate
Beginning in August or September, 2009 I started asking questions of Past District Governors (PDG) about the nomination process and what I should know prior to taking part in it. In our District the Nominating Committee is made up of a representative of each Area in the Distrct (District 6960 has 11), a chairperson and the current District Governor Nominee, District Governor Elect and District Governor.
I was told I would be asked questions about Rotary, past present and future and one or two personal questions, and that all candidates would be asked the same questions. The actual selection criteria remain a mystery to me, as it should so it can truly be "Fair to all Concerned".
I knew the date of interview where the selection would be made was November 21st and understood I would be given a time slot to appear before the committee. As the time grew closer, also knew there were four others being interviewed for the position.
Thanks to the input of others, I made a deck of flashcards that contained facts and figures about Rotary and our district. How many clubs? How many districts? How many countries. The Object of Rotary. The Object of the Rotary Foundation. Foundation Programs. The Future Vision Plan. I skim read the District Governor's Training Manual (available online) and noted any points I felt were important to the job. All these things I reduced to my deck of flash cards which I studied, during cocktail hour most evenings. It was really a good exercise because I learned a lot I didn't know in some cases, and added depth of knowledge in others. But there was so much information out there and I had no idea what questions would be asked. Still, by the time my interview rolled around, I was the second of five, I knew I had a fairly well rounded knowledge of Rotary and I hoped that my Rotary and VFW resumes of experience would qualify my as a good candidate.
I was nervous, no doubt, when I walked into the interview room and introduced myself to the fifteen people sitting on the panel. I knew many of them through my work in Rotary but there were several new faces, too. I took my seat and waited as the chairman explained the process and then asked the first question. "What is the Object of Rotary?". I don't think I'm giving away any secrets by saying he asked that question because I am sure anyone considering this office would anticipate that would be one of the questions, I mean my goodness, if you don't know the Object of Rotary how could you fulfill it? But I have to be honest, I studied that particular item over and over and over again, it is quite lengthy and I wanted to commit it to memory, and even the night before I was still making errors when I tried to recite it. But that morning I nailed it perfectly and all my nervousness disappeared. I had aced the part that had been the most difficult for me. From that point on I just answered the questions that were put to me by the panelists to the best of my ability, being perfectly honest about any personal questions and supporting Rotary answers with facts whenever possible. When it was over, forty five minutes later, I thought I had done a good job. Maybe, just maybe I had a shot at this.
Our district has a tradition of toasting the winner with a glass of champagne. After the interviews are over and the committee has determined the Rotarian best suited to be the next District Governor, they drive to the candidate's house to personally give them the good news. They call the others.
As the day went by and my phone didn't ring I started getting excited. Could it be me? Could I have gotten the nod in my first attempt? My wife, Pam, was also getting excited. She is a Rotarian too and this was something that we could do as a couple, which was really cool.
Finally, around 4:15 PM my doorbell rang. I did a couple quick fist pumps, let out a deep breath and opened the door. There stood the Nominations Committee Chairman, a few of the committee members and a small cooler containing two bottles of champagne. I had been selected. I would be the District Governor in 2012-2013 and was now, officially, the District Governor Nominee Designate. I will remain that until April 10th, 2010 when, at the District Assembly, the membership will (hopefully) ratify my nomination and I will become the District Governor Nominee.
My first job after that was to officially relinquish all my job assignments in the VFW. I understood going into this that my involvement in Rotary at this level would require me to remove myself at several levels of the VFW. I have been a National Recruiter for 15 years, the Department of Florida Director of Recruiting and/or State Recruiter since 2002. Membership Chairman of my District and my Post. All these jobs I would have to give up to concentrate on my new Rotary position. These were very difficult emails and phone calls, but as of June 30th, 2010 I will hold no offices other than Post Member.
Since becoming the DGND the district has not allowed any grass to grow beneath my feet. I was given until International Assembly in January to appoint a Rotarian in each of the 11 Areas to be my Assistant Governors in 2012-2013. In our district this is a three year commitment and if they accepted they would be the AG for Membership and Service in 2010-2011, the AG for TRF in 2011-2012 and the AG in 2012-2013. I wish I would have documented this process better as it was interesting. There were some that didn't want to or didn't have time to take on that responsibility and time commitment, others that were very excited to be asked. By the middle of the International Assembly I had completed the task. I had my 11 Assistant Governors and I couldn't be happier with the selections. I have personally met all but one and they are a great group of Rotarians.
Another small detail that needed attending was to get professional portrait photos taken of my wife and I, separate and together. Luckily we have a Rotarian in our Area that is an outstanding photographer and did a really nice job of trying to make me presentable. I don't remember when the photos were due to the Nominations Chair for submission to Rotary International but I am pretty sure it was in December.
Our District runs a training seminar prior to PETS (President Elect Training Seminar) simply called pre PETS. Its mission is to instruct the president's elect and incoming AGs on items that are important do our district that will not be covered in our multi-district PETS assembly in March. So, as DGND I was expected to take an active part in presenting these items on February 6th, and I did. We have a District Trainer who is absolutely wonderful. She sent me PP slides of the entire program so I could work on my parts of the presentations and I think it came off pretty nicely.
Two weeks later, on February 20th, we held our District Leadership Seminar which was very similar to the pre PETS but geared for the Tri Level Assistant Governors. Again, as DGND it was my responsibility to help in the presentation to these future leaders - and again our District Trainer made my job easy by furnishing the presentation outline reflecting my parts so I could work on what I wanted to say well in advance of the meeting itself. The presentation lasted all morning and after a lunch break we broke into small groups. The incoming Assistant Governors met with the incoming Governor. The incoming AGs TRF met with the incoming DGE and the incoming District TRF Chair and my group, the incoming AGs Membership and Service met with me and the incoming District Membership Chairman.
Our breakout session covered some needs and strategies. We decided that after PETS, the AGs would determine who the membership chairmen of the clubs in their areas are going to be and begin the process of developing a relationship with them. We also decided to meet again, as a group, immediately following our District Assembly on April 10th.
Immediately following the Leadership Training Seminar I was invited to take part in a meeting of the College of Governors. The meeting was part reporting forum and part think tank operation and I found it very interesting. The Governor reported in detail on his year, goals that had been accomplished as well as those that may fall short. The DGE reported on the International Assembly, again in detail and his wife reported on the spouses sessions that took place.
That was yesterday so we are up to date. As things cross my mind that affect this page previous to this point or the two pages leading up, I will edit them. From this point forward I hope to chronicle my journey in more detail, as it happens. Wish me luck!
I was told I would be asked questions about Rotary, past present and future and one or two personal questions, and that all candidates would be asked the same questions. The actual selection criteria remain a mystery to me, as it should so it can truly be "Fair to all Concerned".
I knew the date of interview where the selection would be made was November 21st and understood I would be given a time slot to appear before the committee. As the time grew closer, also knew there were four others being interviewed for the position.
Thanks to the input of others, I made a deck of flashcards that contained facts and figures about Rotary and our district. How many clubs? How many districts? How many countries. The Object of Rotary. The Object of the Rotary Foundation. Foundation Programs. The Future Vision Plan. I skim read the District Governor's Training Manual (available online) and noted any points I felt were important to the job. All these things I reduced to my deck of flash cards which I studied, during cocktail hour most evenings. It was really a good exercise because I learned a lot I didn't know in some cases, and added depth of knowledge in others. But there was so much information out there and I had no idea what questions would be asked. Still, by the time my interview rolled around, I was the second of five, I knew I had a fairly well rounded knowledge of Rotary and I hoped that my Rotary and VFW resumes of experience would qualify my as a good candidate.
I was nervous, no doubt, when I walked into the interview room and introduced myself to the fifteen people sitting on the panel. I knew many of them through my work in Rotary but there were several new faces, too. I took my seat and waited as the chairman explained the process and then asked the first question. "What is the Object of Rotary?". I don't think I'm giving away any secrets by saying he asked that question because I am sure anyone considering this office would anticipate that would be one of the questions, I mean my goodness, if you don't know the Object of Rotary how could you fulfill it? But I have to be honest, I studied that particular item over and over and over again, it is quite lengthy and I wanted to commit it to memory, and even the night before I was still making errors when I tried to recite it. But that morning I nailed it perfectly and all my nervousness disappeared. I had aced the part that had been the most difficult for me. From that point on I just answered the questions that were put to me by the panelists to the best of my ability, being perfectly honest about any personal questions and supporting Rotary answers with facts whenever possible. When it was over, forty five minutes later, I thought I had done a good job. Maybe, just maybe I had a shot at this.
Our district has a tradition of toasting the winner with a glass of champagne. After the interviews are over and the committee has determined the Rotarian best suited to be the next District Governor, they drive to the candidate's house to personally give them the good news. They call the others.
As the day went by and my phone didn't ring I started getting excited. Could it be me? Could I have gotten the nod in my first attempt? My wife, Pam, was also getting excited. She is a Rotarian too and this was something that we could do as a couple, which was really cool.
Finally, around 4:15 PM my doorbell rang. I did a couple quick fist pumps, let out a deep breath and opened the door. There stood the Nominations Committee Chairman, a few of the committee members and a small cooler containing two bottles of champagne. I had been selected. I would be the District Governor in 2012-2013 and was now, officially, the District Governor Nominee Designate. I will remain that until April 10th, 2010 when, at the District Assembly, the membership will (hopefully) ratify my nomination and I will become the District Governor Nominee.
My first job after that was to officially relinquish all my job assignments in the VFW. I understood going into this that my involvement in Rotary at this level would require me to remove myself at several levels of the VFW. I have been a National Recruiter for 15 years, the Department of Florida Director of Recruiting and/or State Recruiter since 2002. Membership Chairman of my District and my Post. All these jobs I would have to give up to concentrate on my new Rotary position. These were very difficult emails and phone calls, but as of June 30th, 2010 I will hold no offices other than Post Member.
Since becoming the DGND the district has not allowed any grass to grow beneath my feet. I was given until International Assembly in January to appoint a Rotarian in each of the 11 Areas to be my Assistant Governors in 2012-2013. In our district this is a three year commitment and if they accepted they would be the AG for Membership and Service in 2010-2011, the AG for TRF in 2011-2012 and the AG in 2012-2013. I wish I would have documented this process better as it was interesting. There were some that didn't want to or didn't have time to take on that responsibility and time commitment, others that were very excited to be asked. By the middle of the International Assembly I had completed the task. I had my 11 Assistant Governors and I couldn't be happier with the selections. I have personally met all but one and they are a great group of Rotarians.
Another small detail that needed attending was to get professional portrait photos taken of my wife and I, separate and together. Luckily we have a Rotarian in our Area that is an outstanding photographer and did a really nice job of trying to make me presentable. I don't remember when the photos were due to the Nominations Chair for submission to Rotary International but I am pretty sure it was in December.
Our District runs a training seminar prior to PETS (President Elect Training Seminar) simply called pre PETS. Its mission is to instruct the president's elect and incoming AGs on items that are important do our district that will not be covered in our multi-district PETS assembly in March. So, as DGND I was expected to take an active part in presenting these items on February 6th, and I did. We have a District Trainer who is absolutely wonderful. She sent me PP slides of the entire program so I could work on my parts of the presentations and I think it came off pretty nicely.
Two weeks later, on February 20th, we held our District Leadership Seminar which was very similar to the pre PETS but geared for the Tri Level Assistant Governors. Again, as DGND it was my responsibility to help in the presentation to these future leaders - and again our District Trainer made my job easy by furnishing the presentation outline reflecting my parts so I could work on what I wanted to say well in advance of the meeting itself. The presentation lasted all morning and after a lunch break we broke into small groups. The incoming Assistant Governors met with the incoming Governor. The incoming AGs TRF met with the incoming DGE and the incoming District TRF Chair and my group, the incoming AGs Membership and Service met with me and the incoming District Membership Chairman.
Our breakout session covered some needs and strategies. We decided that after PETS, the AGs would determine who the membership chairmen of the clubs in their areas are going to be and begin the process of developing a relationship with them. We also decided to meet again, as a group, immediately following our District Assembly on April 10th.
Immediately following the Leadership Training Seminar I was invited to take part in a meeting of the College of Governors. The meeting was part reporting forum and part think tank operation and I found it very interesting. The Governor reported in detail on his year, goals that had been accomplished as well as those that may fall short. The DGE reported on the International Assembly, again in detail and his wife reported on the spouses sessions that took place.
That was yesterday so we are up to date. As things cross my mind that affect this page previous to this point or the two pages leading up, I will edit them. From this point forward I hope to chronicle my journey in more detail, as it happens. Wish me luck!
Making My Decision to Try to Become District Governor
It was in 2006 when I was first approached by a Past District Governor (PDG) who suggested I consider serving humanity as a District Governor in our Rotary District 6960. District 6960 is in Southwest Florida running from Palmetto to Marco Island and inland to Lake Okeechobee. In 2006 the district contained 52 clubs and about 2500 member Rotarians.
The idea of serving Rotary at a higher level was appealing to me but I had a conflict in that I was also being encouraged to run for State Commander in The Veterans of Foreign Wars after many years of serving at the local, state and national levels.
Since I became more active in Rotary in January of 2002, actually I should say since becoming a Rotarian since being a member or Rotary and being a Rotarian are two different things, this conflict became more apparent.
I enjoyed my service in the VFW and made, literally, thousands of friends and acquaintances. Since relocating full time from Wisconsin to Florida in January of 2002 it was expected that I would run for VFW State Commander in Florida - it had also been expected in Wisconsin but I knew my move was imminent so I did not - and, at that time, it was also my plan to run.
However, as I became more involved in Rotary I found myself drawn to the organization by the impact it made on local communities as well as those around the world. I accepted tasks like being President of my club and Chairing the District's Ambassadorial Scholarship Committee.
The more I did in Rotary, the less I could do in the VFW until, finally, it balanced out. And that's where I was in 2006 when I was asked to consider moving up in Rotary. I could do what I needed to do in both organizations but could not take one even one more thing - I was booked solid. It I were to become the State Commander in the VFW, I would have to step back in Rotary. State Commander is a full time job, on top of my full time job in the real world, there would be no time for Rotary beyond my club attendance. The reverse was also true. District Governor responsibilities would require me to give up my service to the VFW beyond post attendance. So I cruised along, maintaining this balancing act for three more years.
2009 was a difficult year for my manufacturing company as the recession took its toll. But as I restructured my company in the face of this new reality I also watched the effects of the recession on the world and, in particular, those that had little prosperity to start out with. Charitable giving started contracting and those that depended on it started suffering even more. The most basic needs of food, clean water and medical care, were being denied to more and more people from Florida to Nigeria.
The veterans I served all these years needed help also, but they did have somewhat of a safety net in the U.S. Government. Their most basic needs would be taken care of even though there were many serious breaches is their rightful benefits and entitlement that effected entire family units.
By the early spring of 2009, after having spoken to many people in both organizations I determined that hour for hour, my volunteer time would have a more positive impact on humanity if I spent it with Rotary. My decision was made but there was still the question of when.
One of my dear Rotary friends, from my Area but not from my club, had also decided he'd like to serve as DG for 6960. His club had recommended him in 2008 but he had not been selected, by a narrow margin of the nominations committee. I felt certain that he would be selected if he chose to run again as he had excellent credentials and few get selected their first year. I was advised to also put my name in that hat to get some name recognition that would hopefully serve me well and result in my selection at some point. I sat down and talked with my friend and he said I should go for it whether or not he decided to try again or not. I will not detail his comments but they were spoken as a true Rotarian.
So there it was, spring 2009. I took the notion to my club and they passed a resolution supporting me and suggesting my name to the District Nominating Committee.
My Rotary District Governor Journey
My name is Steve Schlueter. I am a Rotarian.
In 2009 I decided I wanted to serve humanity further through Rotary by becoming the District Governor of Rotary District 6960 in Southwest Florida. This blog will be an accounting of my journey.
It is February 21st, 2010 and I am the District Governor Nominee Designate - now that's a handful of a title. I was speaking to our District Governor Elect, Don Thomas, this morning and he mentioned one of my jobs this coming year would be to help provide job descriptions - A District Leadership Plan - for our district. To actually put things in writing to make it easier for those that follow.
That got me to thinking that it might be interesting to a Rotarian considering becoming a District Governor to be able to read about my journey, as it happens. So I will try blogging. I have never done it before and will probably make many mistakes, but my plan is to document my experiences throughout this three and a half year process. Wish me luck!
Since we are already 6 months into the journey, I will have to summarize what has happened to this point, so the trail will not be perfect. But I will do my best to catch any reader up to date.
Yours in Rotary Service,
Steve
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