Monday, July 25, 2011
District Strategic Plan
Just a fast update on our District Strategic Plan. We have finished the information gathering/where are we now portion and I have release a short survey to the committee to start setting goals. Surveys are due to be completed by August 7th. There may need to be a follow up survey prior to getting into the path planning.
TRF and Membership Seminars
July 16th our District hosted it's annual TRF and Membership Seminars.
The new District TRF Chair, who is also in charge of Florida PETS training and is a past Director of the Rotary Leadership Institute, took it in a new direction. Although this was the first year and there were some of those first time out issues, everyone was really impressed. In the past the TRF Seminars have been rather boring. I hate to say that but it is true. It was determined as necessary to teach club TRF Chairs and other leadership the nuts and bolts of the foundation, how to fill out forms (line by line)etc. This task was done in a lecture format. I am sure you get the picture. This year time the seminar was broken into three parts. The first introduced the committee to those present. Not physically, but made everyone aware of all the sub chairs and committees that are their to help their clubs. Then an EREY video was shown. It was only 8 minutes but it began the process of teaching the WHY of TRF, getting people to better understand the purpose. After this TRF Programs were discussed. Part Two was geared to club support and participation in TRF. It was in this section that all the forms came to light but rather than train folks in how to fill them out, the WHY was again addressed. The DG has approved the purchase of a software package that will allow for form tutorials on the district website eliminating the need to take up valuable seminar time with it. Part Three was a group "best practices" discussion. The DGN and I roved the audience with microphones to allow questions, comments and ideas to be shared. It was really a well thought out game plan and I am looking forward to the refinements that will take place between now and next year as well as a little debugging. It was very, very good.
Membership was also divided into three parts. The first was presentation by the membership chair. Our membership chair is an excellent speaker and easily kept everyone's attention. Last year we started on the long trail of changing the way we look at our members to try and get better retention. This year he is taking the second rational step down that path and will take the third step next year. Part Two was an ELI exercise. The group was broken down in to six smaller groups and all we assigned a task. I sat in on one group and I can tell you the thoughts and ideas passing around were nothing short of inspiring. Super idea to bring RLI style into practice during this seminar. It was a bit confusing as it was not well planned in advance. A lot of details were left to be done on the fly and everyone was working on the same task instead of different scenarios. Still, first time out, this was really excellent. Part Three was again a best practices session. You might recall that we used that for the first time at Area Leadership Training and it was a big hit. We are now introducing it into more events. There is a lot to be learned from the interchange of thoughts and ideas as opposed to lecturing on how we think it should work.
The TRF seminar was in the morning, Membership in the afternoon with a shared lunch. I think that worked well. Except for holding microphones during best practices, I had no part. That also was an excellent idea and allowed me to watch and prepare for the next training cycle as it will be for "my year" as it is referred to. We have lots of gifted speakers and presenters and I intend to use them next year. If you recall we were training for six hours at Pre PETS and Area Leadership last February. That is a long time for one person to try to stay motivated and I am sure my enthusiasm probably diminished as the day went on. Next year we will use the same format but involve more presenters so it is not too much for any one person.
All in all a very nice day. The evaluations showed great interest and high grades were awarded both programs.
That evening I traveled a little further south and attended the installation banquet for one of my AGs who is Club President this year. I was honored to present a pin for 47 years of perfect attendance to a Rotary friend of mine.
The new District TRF Chair, who is also in charge of Florida PETS training and is a past Director of the Rotary Leadership Institute, took it in a new direction. Although this was the first year and there were some of those first time out issues, everyone was really impressed. In the past the TRF Seminars have been rather boring. I hate to say that but it is true. It was determined as necessary to teach club TRF Chairs and other leadership the nuts and bolts of the foundation, how to fill out forms (line by line)etc. This task was done in a lecture format. I am sure you get the picture. This year time the seminar was broken into three parts. The first introduced the committee to those present. Not physically, but made everyone aware of all the sub chairs and committees that are their to help their clubs. Then an EREY video was shown. It was only 8 minutes but it began the process of teaching the WHY of TRF, getting people to better understand the purpose. After this TRF Programs were discussed. Part Two was geared to club support and participation in TRF. It was in this section that all the forms came to light but rather than train folks in how to fill them out, the WHY was again addressed. The DG has approved the purchase of a software package that will allow for form tutorials on the district website eliminating the need to take up valuable seminar time with it. Part Three was a group "best practices" discussion. The DGN and I roved the audience with microphones to allow questions, comments and ideas to be shared. It was really a well thought out game plan and I am looking forward to the refinements that will take place between now and next year as well as a little debugging. It was very, very good.
Membership was also divided into three parts. The first was presentation by the membership chair. Our membership chair is an excellent speaker and easily kept everyone's attention. Last year we started on the long trail of changing the way we look at our members to try and get better retention. This year he is taking the second rational step down that path and will take the third step next year. Part Two was an ELI exercise. The group was broken down in to six smaller groups and all we assigned a task. I sat in on one group and I can tell you the thoughts and ideas passing around were nothing short of inspiring. Super idea to bring RLI style into practice during this seminar. It was a bit confusing as it was not well planned in advance. A lot of details were left to be done on the fly and everyone was working on the same task instead of different scenarios. Still, first time out, this was really excellent. Part Three was again a best practices session. You might recall that we used that for the first time at Area Leadership Training and it was a big hit. We are now introducing it into more events. There is a lot to be learned from the interchange of thoughts and ideas as opposed to lecturing on how we think it should work.
The TRF seminar was in the morning, Membership in the afternoon with a shared lunch. I think that worked well. Except for holding microphones during best practices, I had no part. That also was an excellent idea and allowed me to watch and prepare for the next training cycle as it will be for "my year" as it is referred to. We have lots of gifted speakers and presenters and I intend to use them next year. If you recall we were training for six hours at Pre PETS and Area Leadership last February. That is a long time for one person to try to stay motivated and I am sure my enthusiasm probably diminished as the day went on. Next year we will use the same format but involve more presenters so it is not too much for any one person.
All in all a very nice day. The evaluations showed great interest and high grades were awarded both programs.
That evening I traveled a little further south and attended the installation banquet for one of my AGs who is Club President this year. I was honored to present a pin for 47 years of perfect attendance to a Rotary friend of mine.
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Up to date !!!!
I think I have made up for all the missing posts. I am sure I have missed something and I am sure a lot of the detail that is fresh in one's mind at the time, is missing. Still, anyone taking or thinking about taking this trip should have a feel for what the job was as DGN.
I will miss my jobs as Ambassadorial Scholar Chair and as a Board Member for Rotary's Camp Florida, but both with go on nicely without me, hopefully even improve. So this is my parting DGN and my incoming DGE statement.
You can only do so much and you must relieve yourself of responsibilities that others can handle as well or better. I am told DGE will be a full time job and, based on my year as DGN, I have no reason to doubt that. In fact, I am told, the first nine months of the next calendar year will be the busiest I have ever been. Like I've been relaxing this past year and a half! LOL!
My next post will likely be about our TRF and Membership Seminars on July 16th. See you then.
I will miss my jobs as Ambassadorial Scholar Chair and as a Board Member for Rotary's Camp Florida, but both with go on nicely without me, hopefully even improve. So this is my parting DGN and my incoming DGE statement.
You can only do so much and you must relieve yourself of responsibilities that others can handle as well or better. I am told DGE will be a full time job and, based on my year as DGN, I have no reason to doubt that. In fact, I am told, the first nine months of the next calendar year will be the busiest I have ever been. Like I've been relaxing this past year and a half! LOL!
My next post will likely be about our TRF and Membership Seminars on July 16th. See you then.
Rotary's Camp Florida Board - Goodbye!
With June came the end of my commitment to the board of Rotary's Camp Florida. I wish I could continue on and probably will after I am done with my years as DG, but it is too time consuming to seriously consider for the next two years.
Besides the board, I sat on the governance committee and the nominations committee. That's three meetings a month plus preparation and getting the work done after. Not a small commitment.
My replacement is our incoming DGN who will have the same three responsibilities. If I did a good job last year, especially in governance, it should be easier for him. If I didn't I am sure he will call me and rub it in. LOL.
It was a great year and I will certainly do what I can to support the camp during my DGE and DG years.
Besides the board, I sat on the governance committee and the nominations committee. That's three meetings a month plus preparation and getting the work done after. Not a small commitment.
My replacement is our incoming DGN who will have the same three responsibilities. If I did a good job last year, especially in governance, it should be easier for him. If I didn't I am sure he will call me and rub it in. LOL.
It was a great year and I will certainly do what I can to support the camp during my DGE and DG years.
June 25th - Training Team Meeting
Next month is our TRF and Membership Seminars, the last of our seasonal training sessions and least stressful, at least this year, for me. It is up to the Membership and TRF Chairs to come up with their programs, I simply have to be help however they want, from presenting a subject to fielding a mic for questions.
Today we had a look at the "draft programs", made comments, tossed stones and accolades and sent them back to work. The window is quickly closing as the event is scheduled for July 16th. For this year, I don't have to worry. Next year will be a horse of a different color as we not only train TRF but TRF Future Visions. I assume I will be plenty nervous around this time, 2012, LOL. You know, running around like a mother hen making sure everything is getting done.
Both the TRF and Membership Chairs are well experienced and good speakers. And both will be my chairs next year. My guess is this event will come off well.
Today we had a look at the "draft programs", made comments, tossed stones and accolades and sent them back to work. The window is quickly closing as the event is scheduled for July 16th. For this year, I don't have to worry. Next year will be a horse of a different color as we not only train TRF but TRF Future Visions. I assume I will be plenty nervous around this time, 2012, LOL. You know, running around like a mother hen making sure everything is getting done.
Both the TRF and Membership Chairs are well experienced and good speakers. And both will be my chairs next year. My guess is this event will come off well.
June 18 - PETS Board Meeting
June 18th found me in Orlando for a meeting of the Florida Multi District PETS Board of directors. Just as I was allowed to attend last year's board meetings, our DGNDs were invited to attend this one. In fact my DGND rode with me so we could have related discussions both ways.
We discussed budget related items and should have a proposed budget at our meeting during the Zone Institute in Virginia this fall. We also finalized a materials listing and discussed at length the curriculum. As DGEs we will need to train our PEs in all the things not covered by RLI or the PETS curriculum, so it is pretty darn important to understand what subjects will be covered.
We also talked about the need to actively promote PETS and encourage attendance. With it being across from Disney we hope to have more spouses and families attending. The resort has extended our group pricing for three days before and three days after PETS for those wanting to make it a mini vacation.
I don't know if you have multi district PETS or handle it within your district. I have attended both kinds. I do have a definite opinion however. Having a multi district PETS that is operated by a district and separate corporation accomplished three big things. It takes the nuts and bolts details off your shoulders. It make the group large enough that you can attract, and afford, the best speakers. I mean we have had R.I. Presidents. Next year we are having the retired Executive Director. And finally, every district is different. This give PEs from all eight Florida district an opportunity to talk with each other. It is often said more is learned in the hallways than in the meeting room.
We have two more meetings before "our" PETS, at Zone and in Orlando next January. I am not in the least worried about it being good because I already know it is going to be excellent. Perhaps just a couple new facility worries, but it shouldn't be anything major.
My concern is promoting it within the district, something I am going to rely heavily on my AGs for. I also want to make sure I select the best we have to offer for the operations committee and to serve as discussion leaders.
We will talk about this again after Zone.
We discussed budget related items and should have a proposed budget at our meeting during the Zone Institute in Virginia this fall. We also finalized a materials listing and discussed at length the curriculum. As DGEs we will need to train our PEs in all the things not covered by RLI or the PETS curriculum, so it is pretty darn important to understand what subjects will be covered.
We also talked about the need to actively promote PETS and encourage attendance. With it being across from Disney we hope to have more spouses and families attending. The resort has extended our group pricing for three days before and three days after PETS for those wanting to make it a mini vacation.
I don't know if you have multi district PETS or handle it within your district. I have attended both kinds. I do have a definite opinion however. Having a multi district PETS that is operated by a district and separate corporation accomplished three big things. It takes the nuts and bolts details off your shoulders. It make the group large enough that you can attract, and afford, the best speakers. I mean we have had R.I. Presidents. Next year we are having the retired Executive Director. And finally, every district is different. This give PEs from all eight Florida district an opportunity to talk with each other. It is often said more is learned in the hallways than in the meeting room.
We have two more meetings before "our" PETS, at Zone and in Orlando next January. I am not in the least worried about it being good because I already know it is going to be excellent. Perhaps just a couple new facility worries, but it shouldn't be anything major.
My concern is promoting it within the district, something I am going to rely heavily on my AGs for. I also want to make sure I select the best we have to offer for the operations committee and to serve as discussion leaders.
We will talk about this again after Zone.
June 9-12th, District Conference
I would assume you if you are reading this you have been to several district conferences, but now you look at it differently and start to understand what an awesome task it is to pull it off. You look with a more critical eye for things that need improving, and with an appreciative eye to what works smoothly.
This conference had some of both. The plenary sessions were some of the best ever, the rooms were great. But there were a lot of "Don't Let This Happen To You" moments, to the point I really felt bad for the organizing committee when the facility did not meet expectations or speakers went off script, sometime forgetting really important stuff. There were even a couple "open mic" issues. You just need to be so careful.
If you are planning on or are making this DG journey remember this about your conference. Have everything scripted and insist speakers follow the script - especially you!!!!
Another point worth mentioning. Make sure you have a suite, or a private place at the facility, where you can meet with your AGs or any other leadership people you need to work with.
At our conference people have the afternoons off to enjoy the venue, but if you are a DG, DGE, DGN or even DGND you will have no free time. You will have meetings of the next two conference committees. I had a meeting of my AGs and had the R.I. President's rep and one of our Distinguished Speakers sit in on our bull session and pass along their thoughts and experience. You have so few times to get together with your leadership that you cannot pass up opportunities like district conference.
And of course it is expected that you will pay a visit to all the hospitality suites. You learn quickly to drink non alcoholic beverages, or nurse them, but you still pack away a fair share of finger food, everything from fresh shrimp to chicken wings. Expect to gain a couple pounds. LOL.
This conference had some of both. The plenary sessions were some of the best ever, the rooms were great. But there were a lot of "Don't Let This Happen To You" moments, to the point I really felt bad for the organizing committee when the facility did not meet expectations or speakers went off script, sometime forgetting really important stuff. There were even a couple "open mic" issues. You just need to be so careful.
If you are planning on or are making this DG journey remember this about your conference. Have everything scripted and insist speakers follow the script - especially you!!!!
Another point worth mentioning. Make sure you have a suite, or a private place at the facility, where you can meet with your AGs or any other leadership people you need to work with.
At our conference people have the afternoons off to enjoy the venue, but if you are a DG, DGE, DGN or even DGND you will have no free time. You will have meetings of the next two conference committees. I had a meeting of my AGs and had the R.I. President's rep and one of our Distinguished Speakers sit in on our bull session and pass along their thoughts and experience. You have so few times to get together with your leadership that you cannot pass up opportunities like district conference.
And of course it is expected that you will pay a visit to all the hospitality suites. You learn quickly to drink non alcoholic beverages, or nurse them, but you still pack away a fair share of finger food, everything from fresh shrimp to chicken wings. Expect to gain a couple pounds. LOL.
Zone 34 TRF Seminar
Busy can be defined several ways. But a quick look at this week will show I had the Ambassadorial Scholar Interview on June 4th and The Island Blood Drive on June 5th. June 6th found me on a plane to R.I. HQ in Evanston, Il for the Zone 34 Foundation Seminar. (I returned home on the 8th and then the 9th - 12th was at our district conference.)
The foundation is pretty complex and there is always something to learn. The purpose of this particular trip was in my capacity of District Future Visions Coordinator. My job is to soak up as much Future Visions knowledge as I can so I can pass it along to the leadership in our district and in our clubs as needed. There were two DGs present who are part of the pilot program. Listening to their presentations and, even to a greater extent, having open discussions with them in the lobby over cocktails, was huge. This was the first year of the pilot program and problems were expected. They were not disappointed, there were plenty. But the program is still evolving with two more pilot years coming so there is time to massage and finesse the program, rubbing out wrinkles.
During my year as DG, 2012-2013, it will be a challenge as we will literally need to be training two versions of TRF. We have not determined exactly how we are going to approach that, but clubs, and the district, will have to have it TRF Planning for the 2013-2014 year ready and submitted to TRF in April of 2013. So the training that will allow this to happen will have to take place during my year, while we are still running and training under the existing system.
I am sure you will read more about his as my blog continues.
The foundation is pretty complex and there is always something to learn. The purpose of this particular trip was in my capacity of District Future Visions Coordinator. My job is to soak up as much Future Visions knowledge as I can so I can pass it along to the leadership in our district and in our clubs as needed. There were two DGs present who are part of the pilot program. Listening to their presentations and, even to a greater extent, having open discussions with them in the lobby over cocktails, was huge. This was the first year of the pilot program and problems were expected. They were not disappointed, there were plenty. But the program is still evolving with two more pilot years coming so there is time to massage and finesse the program, rubbing out wrinkles.
During my year as DG, 2012-2013, it will be a challenge as we will literally need to be training two versions of TRF. We have not determined exactly how we are going to approach that, but clubs, and the district, will have to have it TRF Planning for the 2013-2014 year ready and submitted to TRF in April of 2013. So the training that will allow this to happen will have to take place during my year, while we are still running and training under the existing system.
I am sure you will read more about his as my blog continues.
The Anna Maria Island Blood Drive
June 4th and 5th was also our club's island blood drive. Our club, and four other island non profits, receive $100 from a local foundation for every pint of blood donated. I usually give a double but was unable to since I received those transfusions back in August. There is a one year waiting period. So my wife and I donated $200 instead because we have not been overly successful at this event.
Wow, did that change this year. The members got motivated and donated or recruited people to donate 159 pints of blood in the name of our club. Multiply that by $100....pretty tidy sum.
I mention this just to point out a rather unique fundraiser, but one that is going to make a lot of Rotary Projects a reality.
Wow, did that change this year. The members got motivated and donated or recruited people to donate 159 pints of blood in the name of our club. Multiply that by $100....pretty tidy sum.
I mention this just to point out a rather unique fundraiser, but one that is going to make a lot of Rotary Projects a reality.
June 4th, Ambassadorial Scholarship Interviews
I have been on this committee for seven years, chair for four, and this was my last day of interviews. I said thank my thank yous and then slipped out into the waiting area where I would spend the day greeting the arriving scholars and talking with them. This is actually part of the interview process even though they don't know it.
In our district, the DGN selects the scholars that will be active during their year as District Governor. So this year had special meaning for me. Not only was it my final year, but the two scholars we selected would be representing our district during my year as governor. It made for a nice day.
I will be invited back the next two years as DGE and DG but I have turned over the reins to a Rotarian, a former Ambassadorial Scholar herself, who practically ran things this year and is going to do an excellent job. She will still be scholar chair for my year and the DGNDs if he wishes.
We had donated a scholarship to a district in another country, one I selected as DGN. Unfortunately they were unable to fill by the required date. We have extended that date until September 15th. If they do not fill it by then it will be given to our first alternate from our district, a deserving scholar.
In our district, the DGN selects the scholars that will be active during their year as District Governor. So this year had special meaning for me. Not only was it my final year, but the two scholars we selected would be representing our district during my year as governor. It made for a nice day.
I will be invited back the next two years as DGE and DG but I have turned over the reins to a Rotarian, a former Ambassadorial Scholar herself, who practically ran things this year and is going to do an excellent job. She will still be scholar chair for my year and the DGNDs if he wishes.
We had donated a scholarship to a district in another country, one I selected as DGN. Unfortunately they were unable to fill by the required date. We have extended that date until September 15th. If they do not fill it by then it will be given to our first alternate from our district, a deserving scholar.
May 14th - The Million Meal Packaging Event
Okay, we are finally in May, just two months of catching up to do.
You know, our district has a project where we give dictionaries to all third grade (some do fourth grade) students in public school. It is huge and ongoing and wonderful. It is such a good time to give these kids what, in many cases, is their first book and then review it with them, pointing out all the neat reference sections including, of course, the worlds longest word. But this year our district did something really cool, beyond cool.
On May 14th, at three locations (north, south and central within the district) thousands of Rotarians and people they recruited got together and packaged in excess of ONE MILLION MEALS - all of which stayed within out district. I think the final total was something like one million thirty thousand. Volunteers worked in two our shifts. Some of us worked the whole event. The money for the product was raised my Rotarians, $150K, no small feat. The meal packaging was organized by Meals of Hope, formerly part of Kids Against Hunger. There are two Rotarians that deserve huge, huge, kudos, but I am not naming names in this blog.
I have to tell you, I am typing this on July 2nd and it still makes my eyes misty. Can you imagine, one million meals. A huge percentage of kids receive free or subsidized meals at schools. When school lets out, hunger sets in. This is just too cool for words.
You know, our district has a project where we give dictionaries to all third grade (some do fourth grade) students in public school. It is huge and ongoing and wonderful. It is such a good time to give these kids what, in many cases, is their first book and then review it with them, pointing out all the neat reference sections including, of course, the worlds longest word. But this year our district did something really cool, beyond cool.
On May 14th, at three locations (north, south and central within the district) thousands of Rotarians and people they recruited got together and packaged in excess of ONE MILLION MEALS - all of which stayed within out district. I think the final total was something like one million thirty thousand. Volunteers worked in two our shifts. Some of us worked the whole event. The money for the product was raised my Rotarians, $150K, no small feat. The meal packaging was organized by Meals of Hope, formerly part of Kids Against Hunger. There are two Rotarians that deserve huge, huge, kudos, but I am not naming names in this blog.
I have to tell you, I am typing this on July 2nd and it still makes my eyes misty. Can you imagine, one million meals. A huge percentage of kids receive free or subsidized meals at schools. When school lets out, hunger sets in. This is just too cool for words.
Rotary Leadership Institute
To remain an active faculty member in the Sunshine Division of RLI you must work at at least two District RLI Sessions and at least one outside your district. With everything else going on in your life as a DGN it is tough to find dates that match your schedule. As a result, April 15th I was finally doing my required out of district session.
It was really great, I received my first 100% evaluation. That was a pretty cool feeling. Without digging out my books I am not sure which session that was, but I did one leadership session and one of the double sessions, I think it was Service Projects. I scored well in both, but the 100% is definite high point in my RLI experience.
I am not sure I will be able to pull off RLI while I am DG, heck even DGE will be tough - but it is a good program and I am certainly going to try.
It was really great, I received my first 100% evaluation. That was a pretty cool feeling. Without digging out my books I am not sure which session that was, but I did one leadership session and one of the double sessions, I think it was Service Projects. I scored well in both, but the 100% is definite high point in my RLI experience.
I am not sure I will be able to pull off RLI while I am DG, heck even DGE will be tough - but it is a good program and I am certainly going to try.
Club Meetings, Presentations, Ceremonies, Etc.
Please remember you will have a ton of little stuff going on at the same time. You are constantly invited to present awards, give talks and presentation, induct new members or new Paul Harris Fellows. Every week you are in discussion with clubs and with your future AGs. As an example, I see on April 12th I was halfway down the district doing a presentation on Rotary's Camp Florida, a quick scan shows I am doing another on The Rotary Foundation's Future Vision. I am already getting invitations to club "changing of the guard" banquets. You have to be prepared to speak at all these functions, even if not asked in advance. So you put together a list of names, club accomplishments, projects, people serving their club as the district level or above.
I write this just as a bit of a warning that there is whole lot more to this journey than just the main nuts and bolts and between the two, as a DGN you can expect to spend a lot of hours. It may not be a full time job yet, but it is darn close. I am amazed that people can do this while still working full time.
I write this just as a bit of a warning that there is whole lot more to this journey than just the main nuts and bolts and between the two, as a DGN you can expect to spend a lot of hours. It may not be a full time job yet, but it is darn close. I am amazed that people can do this while still working full time.
District Assemby - April 9th
Assembly is the annual business meeting for our district, and a training session for specific club positions - by invitation only.
Yours truly handled the invocation and pledge after the DGE called the assembly to order. The DGE then explained the purpose of the assembly and went over the incoming R.I. President's Theme and Goals.
The District Secretary put into nomination for 2013-2014 District Governor the Rotarian that had been selected by the Nominations Committee in November. The membership validated the nomination and POOF, I was no longer low man on the ladder. Funny how little stuff like that effect you - and reminds you that time is slipping by, you need to keep busy learning and planning.
Next the proposed budget was brought forward and, after minimal discussion, approved by the membership.
The District TRF Chair made a presentation to our newest Bequest Society Member, who just happened to be the newly anointed DGND.
The balance of the business session was taken up by a branding presentation. Branding is the latest focus of Rotary administration. It has become evident our "brand" has been diluted over the years and to remain a vibrant organization we have to define our brand, our unique position if you will.
The afternoon was comprises of four breakout sessions. Club Secretaries were invited to a training session about their positions. The same held true for Club Treasurers and Public Relations Chairs. The fourth breakout was for everyone else and was listed as a "Best Practices Session". This was my baby and was a result from comments at PETS that Presidents Elect wanted more time to talk and interact with their peers. So the DGND and I guided an open forum through a number of subjects from membership to fellowship to fundraising, etc. and let the audience pass along their knowledge of what has worked, or not, in their clubs. We had an hour and a half, we ran long and we could have gone on for hours more. The feedback we received on the evaluation forms showed it was a hugely successful concept. (We later determined to add a best practices discussion for the last hour of both the TRF and Membership Seminars coming up this July.)
Funny, you work for hours and hours to pull a program like this together - it is a real team effort - and then POOF, it's over just that quickly.
Yours truly handled the invocation and pledge after the DGE called the assembly to order. The DGE then explained the purpose of the assembly and went over the incoming R.I. President's Theme and Goals.
The District Secretary put into nomination for 2013-2014 District Governor the Rotarian that had been selected by the Nominations Committee in November. The membership validated the nomination and POOF, I was no longer low man on the ladder. Funny how little stuff like that effect you - and reminds you that time is slipping by, you need to keep busy learning and planning.
Next the proposed budget was brought forward and, after minimal discussion, approved by the membership.
The District TRF Chair made a presentation to our newest Bequest Society Member, who just happened to be the newly anointed DGND.
The balance of the business session was taken up by a branding presentation. Branding is the latest focus of Rotary administration. It has become evident our "brand" has been diluted over the years and to remain a vibrant organization we have to define our brand, our unique position if you will.
The afternoon was comprises of four breakout sessions. Club Secretaries were invited to a training session about their positions. The same held true for Club Treasurers and Public Relations Chairs. The fourth breakout was for everyone else and was listed as a "Best Practices Session". This was my baby and was a result from comments at PETS that Presidents Elect wanted more time to talk and interact with their peers. So the DGND and I guided an open forum through a number of subjects from membership to fellowship to fundraising, etc. and let the audience pass along their knowledge of what has worked, or not, in their clubs. We had an hour and a half, we ran long and we could have gone on for hours more. The feedback we received on the evaluation forms showed it was a hugely successful concept. (We later determined to add a best practices discussion for the last hour of both the TRF and Membership Seminars coming up this July.)
Funny, you work for hours and hours to pull a program like this together - it is a real team effort - and then POOF, it's over just that quickly.
Club Strategic Planning
April 5th put my wife and I on the road outside our district to take part as facilitators, working as scribes actually, for a club strategic planning session.
These sessions were organized by the Zone Coordinator and tightly follow a time schedule/agenda. It was really cool to see their efforts and the results. I am hoping to bring this back to our district. Never fails, I am always learning something.
These sessions were organized by the Zone Coordinator and tightly follow a time schedule/agenda. It was really cool to see their efforts and the results. I am hoping to bring this back to our district. Never fails, I am always learning something.
Area Membership Meeting
Today was the final area membership meeting of the 2010-2011 year. The membership chair, who will be mine as well, has done an excellent job getting the message out to members. There have been some issues, however. The year is almost over and we are still training. There have been some complaints about yet another requirement on their free time. There have been complaints about the costs. I understand, but I don't know that I agree in total. I mean yes, they had to pop for breakfast, lunch or dinner, and yes they could have been doing something else, but the fellowship was great. Isn't that worth a couple bucks? Still, this next year membership will go back to a half day event, coupled with the TRF Seminar. But depending on attendance by membership chairs, it may still go on the road - as may TRF.
I enjoyed attending three of the four meetings, two dinners and one breakfast. And although there were complaints as noted above, there were also a lot of compliments. This is something the training team will review and discuss moving forward.
I enjoyed attending three of the four meetings, two dinners and one breakfast. And although there were complaints as noted above, there were also a lot of compliments. This is something the training team will review and discuss moving forward.
March 16th - Training Team
On March 16th we got together as a team to finalize the program for District Assembly on April 9th. Since I will be talking about the assembly in the next post I will not go into detail here. Suffice it to say all team members had their plates full with missions to complete prior to blast off. The balance was done through email.
Rotary Camp Florida's Day at the Races
March 12th was Rotary Camp Florida's Day at the Races where clubs from throughout the state are invited to a day of fellowship and thouroughbred horse racing. This day just happened to also be the Tampa Bay Derby, a stakes race with Kentucky Derby hopefuls. It only costs Rotarians $2 to attend and that includes lunch, dogs, chicken, strawberry shortcake, etc. The camp receives a portion of the track's para mutual pool, along with three or four other non profits, during he course of the year, as required by the state. It is significant money, exceeding $20K for the camp.
I may have mentioned it last year, but the camp specialized in children with handicaps, challenges or serious illnesses. It is supported by Florida Rotary Clubs.
I may have mentioned it last year, but the camp specialized in children with handicaps, challenges or serious illnesses. It is supported by Florida Rotary Clubs.
PETS
The first stop in recreating these past three months has to be PETS.
The long weekend started with a tour of next year's facility. This is pretty key because that is where my PETS will be held. With all eight Florida Districts taking part in PETS, we had outgrown our old facilities and had to restrict attendance. The food had not been good the past couple years and moving from one meeting to another required walking outdoors, which is tough in pouring rain and high winds on your way to a banquet. The new facility is all under one roof, and while we expect there will be wrinkles to iron out, there is room to grow. The chairman of our executive committee is also an attorney who specialized in these type contracts was got us what appears to be a very favorable contract, costing no more than the other, smaller facility.
Friday morning the current PETS board, the DGEs whose PEs and AGs were being trained, met with us, the incoming board to pass along any issues that had come up during their year. Most of them had to do with logistics, things we hope the new facility will take care of.
I took part in our District's three breakout sessions - times where district specific training took place. I facilitated one session titles "How Can We Help You?" where I went over all the different resources available to them as club presidents, as well as those available to their standing committee chairs. One of the things we did this year as a training team - and I am happy to say was my contribution - was to align our district structure with the club structure as described in the Club Leadership Plan. This allowed us to print a simple "Quick Reference Guide" that listed the district and R.I. resources available for each position in the club. Every office and chair and sub-chair at the club level has a counterpart at the district level. Pretty cool, pretty simple.
Other than the district breakouts my time was spent in board meetings, setting out the 2012 PETS so I was unable to observe the multi-district training sessions. I have seen them many times before, but it's still nice to keep up as I always seem to learn something new.
By the time PETS was over on Saturday, my 2012-2013 DG classmates had a good start. It really helps to have the executive committee of experienced folks with good continuity to advise us. It is a pretty well oiled machine. However we did go home with some homework. We had to notify our district of a $20 per attendee increase in cost and we had to start thinking about staff. Each of us will have to recommend two people for the operations committee and four people to work as discussion leaders.
One of the cool things we decided on has nothing to do with training. On Thursday evening it is traditional to have a cocktail part with light appetizers for the arriving PEs and their spouses. With our new faility being directly across the street from Disney, our group pushed back the time a bit and made it a dessert reception, cash bar, on the top, 27th, floor - a glass enclosed penthouse where we can enjoy fellowship and watch the fireworks at Disney. Pretty fun idea.
The long weekend started with a tour of next year's facility. This is pretty key because that is where my PETS will be held. With all eight Florida Districts taking part in PETS, we had outgrown our old facilities and had to restrict attendance. The food had not been good the past couple years and moving from one meeting to another required walking outdoors, which is tough in pouring rain and high winds on your way to a banquet. The new facility is all under one roof, and while we expect there will be wrinkles to iron out, there is room to grow. The chairman of our executive committee is also an attorney who specialized in these type contracts was got us what appears to be a very favorable contract, costing no more than the other, smaller facility.
Friday morning the current PETS board, the DGEs whose PEs and AGs were being trained, met with us, the incoming board to pass along any issues that had come up during their year. Most of them had to do with logistics, things we hope the new facility will take care of.
I took part in our District's three breakout sessions - times where district specific training took place. I facilitated one session titles "How Can We Help You?" where I went over all the different resources available to them as club presidents, as well as those available to their standing committee chairs. One of the things we did this year as a training team - and I am happy to say was my contribution - was to align our district structure with the club structure as described in the Club Leadership Plan. This allowed us to print a simple "Quick Reference Guide" that listed the district and R.I. resources available for each position in the club. Every office and chair and sub-chair at the club level has a counterpart at the district level. Pretty cool, pretty simple.
Other than the district breakouts my time was spent in board meetings, setting out the 2012 PETS so I was unable to observe the multi-district training sessions. I have seen them many times before, but it's still nice to keep up as I always seem to learn something new.
By the time PETS was over on Saturday, my 2012-2013 DG classmates had a good start. It really helps to have the executive committee of experienced folks with good continuity to advise us. It is a pretty well oiled machine. However we did go home with some homework. We had to notify our district of a $20 per attendee increase in cost and we had to start thinking about staff. Each of us will have to recommend two people for the operations committee and four people to work as discussion leaders.
One of the cool things we decided on has nothing to do with training. On Thursday evening it is traditional to have a cocktail part with light appetizers for the arriving PEs and their spouses. With our new faility being directly across the street from Disney, our group pushed back the time a bit and made it a dessert reception, cash bar, on the top, 27th, floor - a glass enclosed penthouse where we can enjoy fellowship and watch the fireworks at Disney. Pretty fun idea.
BLOG PROBLEMS
As mentioned in my last post, I was disappointed to find out all my posts since just before PETS had disappeared. Then I found out I couldn't even make publish a new post. You can imagine those revelations did not make me a happy camper as I have put a little effort into this project, so I spent a large part of a of a day trying to figure it out. I am not a techno geek, but after doing a lot of reading about Blogger issues I found several similar to mine.
While I still do not know the cause, I found out it was a compatibility issue with Internet Explorer, perhaps in the settings, I don't know. It was suggested I use Mozilla Firefox, which is also on my system. I tried it and am using it now with no issues.
It is now my premise that my previous posts never properly published, so I will do the best I can and back track. Sorry for the lack of continuity.
While I still do not know the cause, I found out it was a compatibility issue with Internet Explorer, perhaps in the settings, I don't know. It was suggested I use Mozilla Firefox, which is also on my system. I tried it and am using it now with no issues.
It is now my premise that my previous posts never properly published, so I will do the best I can and back track. Sorry for the lack of continuity.
District Governor Elect
WOW! All my posts since before PETS are gone! Even the drafts!
My intent was to post today that I went to bed as a DGN and woke up as a DGE. I wanted to reflect on how blazing fast the past year and a half since my selection in November, 2009 has flown by. To come to grips that there is but one short year remaining to complete my education and prepare for 2012-2013. WOW! But now it appears I will be spending some time trying to recreate previous posts, now lost in cyberspace. I will do my best although I doubt I will be able to recall everything, even with my calendar and notes. What started out as a fun day's post has turned very unfortunate.
Update: Found I couldn't make new posts either. It is something with Internet Explorer 8. (found that issue online) Used my other browser, Mozzila Firefox, and I could post. Perhaps my other my other posts never actually published?
My intent was to post today that I went to bed as a DGN and woke up as a DGE. I wanted to reflect on how blazing fast the past year and a half since my selection in November, 2009 has flown by. To come to grips that there is but one short year remaining to complete my education and prepare for 2012-2013. WOW! But now it appears I will be spending some time trying to recreate previous posts, now lost in cyberspace. I will do my best although I doubt I will be able to recall everything, even with my calendar and notes. What started out as a fun day's post has turned very unfortunate.
Update: Found I couldn't make new posts either. It is something with Internet Explorer 8. (found that issue online) Used my other browser, Mozzila Firefox, and I could post. Perhaps my other my other posts never actually published?
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