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.
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