Friendships That Make a Difference
Posted by Claudia Trusty
on May 07, 2012
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Learning about Rotary and everything we do can be daunting for members. I remember as a newer member being overwhelmed by acronyms, committee names, what we were doing, how Dublin AM fit into the District and felt totally lost on Rotary International.
Being our club’s president is a remarkable opportunity but before I leave this role, I want to share a bit of advice with all members: make new friends and try new experiences.
Our Red Badge program is a great starting point. By serving as a Greeter you get to meet so many members. Do that 3 or 4 times and you’ll know names and get to know your fellow Greeters. We ask you to join committees and get engaged in our projects. Even "veteran" members benefit from being a Greeter...there's no reason to feel like you don't know newer members!
Go to our fellowship activities, they are fabulous! Whether it is an intimate gathering at Tutto Vino each month or a Perfect Party, a ball game or Aces High, the conversations with members are lively. Spouses and friends get to meet your Rotary friends and have a much better understanding of why Dublin AM is the place to be every Friday morning! We build trusted relationships through volunteering and fellowship. Take it from me, it's good to do both frequently!
Make plans to attend a district event. Several members just went to the District Assembly but if you didn’t, don’t worry...there’s more! On Friday & Saturday, May 18 & 19, the Annual District Conference will be held at the Northpoint Conference Center. There are quite a few sessions that are geared around making clubs stronger. I know you’ll want to make the Friday 2:30 session on Rotary Fun...Amy Snow, Bonnie Coley-Malir and I will be part of the group facilitating that session and could sure use your support. Awards are given at the lunch/dinners, plus a speaker from RI. But mostly you have the opportunity to meet people from other clubs, share ideas and make new friends. Luckily when I first joined Rotary I was “persuaded” by the club president at the time to go to a district meeting. My commitment to Rotary and Dublin AM deepened with my understanding of RI, the district and all the people involved.
So, here it is...make new friends, get involved. I hope you can make at least part of the District Conference. Checkout the schedule and registration information at http://www.district6690.org/index.php?id=13136.