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.
Saturday, July 2, 2011
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.
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