Many had mentioned in our survey and in our club forums, that committee meetings have been non-existent in the last few years. This explains why certain projects have been with with individuals for many years and how difficult it is at times to get more people involved in projects or committees.
One of the things that did come out in last night's meeting is that with our reduced numbers we need to look at what projects we can and can't do through the year so that we don't over-extend ourselves. We also need to look at what skills these projects need (do they need skills; our time; our expertise; our knowledge; our networks etc); also we need to look at what grants we can apply for and how to do this so that we can offer a bigger level of funding assistance to chosen national and international projects.
One way we can overcome this is to look beyond our club and seek assistance from other Rotary Clubs, our partners and our extended Rotary Family. We need to get them back into the fold so that they too feel a part of the club on various volunteer projects. The benefit is that they support the ideals of Rotary but we have a lot more fun when we can share the experiences with our loved ones, but also with other Rotarians.
There's a few ideas that came out last night and Greg mentioned that he will now put into the bulletin a section on 'Volunteering' for those who want to get involved in smaller, once-off volunteering opportunities such as those mentioned in my previous post.
Community Service
Sheila will look through the City of Kingston directory to find charities that we can offer our hands-on practical support for a couple of hours every few months. Also she will chase up a Tree Planting scheme where we can partner with Bentleigh Secondary College and plant trees and have a BBQ for City of Kingston.
Greg and Yvonne are working with the Kingston Centre who have agreed to put up 2 Rotary Billboards on each side of Warrigal Road promoting Rotary. They will organise to have these erected soon. Similiarly, they are also finalising details for the Kingston Centre's Centenary where we will provide car parking support and BBQ for this big event. We will be seeking other Rotary Clubs support in the event which promises to be an exciting event for the public. This is going to be one to mark in your diaries as we will need everyone's support on the day and a great way to promote Rotary to the public.
International
Bill will look at how he can apply for a grant with his international projects aimed at achieving the millenium goals on water and sanitation projects in Cambodia
Foundation
Geoff asked if you have any potential GSE candidates please let them know of this excellent program which will go to Texas in 2012. The GSE Committee is also looking for home hosters if you are interested in hosting one of the Texan team members from 24 March to 31 March 2012. It is likely that we will once again, host the team for a day next year and I'd strongly encourage members to come along to that fun day where we can show off our beautiful city to these international visitors.
Next week is a Partner's Night and our guest speaker is from the Yarra Yarra Golf Course talking about the History of Golf. May I ask the people slotted for duties as host, doorperson or chairperson to let me know if you are an apology so that alternative arrangements may be made ahead of time.
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