DG David Muise August 2009 Letter

DISTRICT GOVERNOR’S LETTER
AUGUST 2009
THEME - MEMBERSHIP AND RETENTION

 When I attended the International Assembly in San Diego for District -Governor training, I had the good fortune to sit with Ron Burton at the closing dinner. Ron has recently retired from the University of Oklahoma an is devoting his time to the Rotary Foundation where he serves as Vice Chair. I was anxious to pick his brain about all things Rotary.
 In the course of our conversation we discovered we had a lot in common. We are both lawyers nearing retirement. We both served as District-Governors, Ron being one of the youngest on record. When the question of how we came to join Rotary came up the coincidences were astonishing. Both Ron and I had been presidents of our high school Key Clubs, similar to Interact but sponsored by Kiwanis. So how did two young men with such a strong attachment to another service club come to be Rotarians? The answer is simple, a Rotarian asked us. Was Kiwanis’ loss Rotary’s gain? Hmmmmmmmm.
 I tell this story to illustrate the idea of using Rotary alumni as a source of new members. The alumni is made up of former Interactors, Rotoactors, GSE team members, exchange students and Ambassadorial Scholars.  Amherst Rotarian Dr. Joe Donachie has made an excellent effort to trace alumni for the District but the list remains incomplete as we have lost track of a lot of people  moved to other locations. I encourage all clubs to look at their own roster of Rotary Alumni and consider bringing them back to Rotary.
 On the topic of extension, we have high hopes for the chartering of at least one club this year. During PETS and SETS I outlined a list of potential sites for new clubs as well as new kinds of clubs including after work clubs and clubs that did not have meals in an effort to reduce costs. I encourage all clubs to  seek out opportunities to extend the gift of Rotary to new communities.
 For more information on membership you can contact the District Membership Chair, PDG Bill Lemon at   wmmary@ns.sympatico.ca
 Oh, there is one final coincidence, Ron Burton and I have the same birthday, Sept.22.

HELP WANTED - WE NEED A VOLUNTEER TO LOOK AFTER THE NEWSLETTER. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEIZE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE THE DISTRICT PLEASE CONTACT ME AT   
 davidmuise7820@ns.sympatioc.ca

UPCOMING EVENTS

Sept. 16-20 - Zone Institute - Edmonton, Alta
May 13-15, 2010 - District 7829 Convention - Sydney, NS
June 20-23, 2010 - Rotary International Convention- Montreal, PQ

DG VISIT

The schedule is being fine tuned and will be posted on the website when complete. If you are unsure of the date for your club please contact your AG.