Dublin-Worthington News Stories

Tuesday, June 18, 2019
By: John Butterfield

In preparation for becoming your club president on July 1, I have been doing a lot of reading and talking with other club leaders and District 6690 leaders. I’ve learned that there are deadlines for submitting club goals and grant proposals. I’ve reviewed a manual about being a club president and in March attended a conference designed to help incoming presidents be successful. I also recently attended the RI Convention, which was very inspirational.

Presidents-elect and other leaders have shared their club’s best practices and what they feel makes their clubs strong or what areas they need to work on. I’ve already learned a lot to help me be a better leader and gained some valuable insights to help our club move forward.

One of the topics that comes up is the atmosphere that exists at club meetings. I’ve learned that Rotary clubs that have a reputation for being “friendly clubs” usually follow some or all of these practices:

  • Members are encouraged to sit in a different seat or at a different table each week.
  • Members are urged to sit with a member they may not know as well as their long-time personal friends.
  • Members invite new members or visitors to join their table just by saying: “Come join us, we have an empty chair at this table.”
  • Members share the conversation around the table rather than merely eating in silence or talking privately to the person next to them.
  • Members make a special point of trying to get acquainted with all members of the club by seeking out those they may not know.
  • Members at friendly clubs have fun. The camaraderie that exists among members is clearly evident.

The people I have met who have attended one or more of our club meetings consistently indicate that we are a “friendly club.” They enjoy the interactions among club members, the sense of humor that is exhibited and the lack of formality. They can tell that there is a sense of caring about one another.

While we can all get better at extending ourselves to new members and visitors, I’m proud that our club is know for its friendliness. Can we build even stronger relationships with members and get to know them better?  Sure. If you have suggestions, please let me know (jbutter@columbus.rr.com).

And who knows, perhaps in the coming year, instead of roaming the dining room and checking in with members, once in a while I may sit down at a table and enjoy the conversation. 

John

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