DG Ato’s Valedictory
June 5, 2008
The last month of the Rotary Year is June. It is the time for changing of the guards from the Presidency of clubs, Governorship of Districts and all the way to the Presidency of Rotary International.
I’ve been asked, why are we having a “Handover in District 3830” three and a half (3 ½ ) weeks ahead of the end of my term. Is it because I’m in a hurry to relinquish my position so I will be relieved of my responsibilities?
The truth is, I requested for this early “handover” so that I and the Sharing Presidents and District Officers who are joining me at the RI Convention on June 15-18, will not have to rush back to catch up with the District Handover. I would like to thank DGE Boyet who was kind enough to accede to my request. In any case, we all know that the next Rotary year officially starts on July 1 even if the ceremonial handover is held earlier.
What is the significance of today’s affair?
When I started my journey, our journey with the Sharing Presidents, on board STARSHIP 3830, my mindset was one of looking forward and envisioning what we needed to do to advance the cause of Rotary. I thought then that my most important leadership role is to inspire the Sharing Presidents, and with the assistance of the District Officers guide the Sharing Presidents to serve with enthusiasm and do their best. Today, as we are about to end our journey of service, it is time to review
briefly what has been accomplished. So let me therefore reflect on what I envisioned and see how we fared vs. this vision.
First, I wished that the Sharing Presidents will be in the best of health so they can work hard and reach the finish line. I am pleased that everyone has managed to remain healthy despite the hard work, and most have accomplished much to make their clubs better and stronger.
Second, my call was for a “SAFE” journey in terms of goal setting, that their choice of activities and projects will be Simple, Affordable, Fun and Effective according to what best suited each club and its resources. I believe that my admonition was observed and this has made it easier to implement club plans and objectives without undue pressure.
Third, we set a target of 5% overall growth in membership and we are happy that this was surpassed with a net gain of 18% putting our District number 1 in membership growth in Zone 7 and 8 which covers the Philippines, Australia and New Zealand.
Fourth, we targeted a $100 per capita in TRF contribution. With our restricted TRF and polio plus contributions, we wiil approximate this objective.
Fifth, we followed transparency in governance especially in the selection process of the District Nominating Committee (DNC) and the awards system. For the first time, the DNC selection was done by lottery among the qualified nominees. Our award system using the North Star grid was developed to be objective and measurable so that each club knows where it stands vs. the criteria and what achievement level to aspire.
Sixth, we wanted a District Conference (DISCON) that is relevant, meaningful and enjoyable. The positive feedback and reviews suggest that DISCON 2008 was indeed a success.
To support all these goals, we announced fresh initiatives to reinvent the way we do Rotary in the following areas :
1. Club Structure: 90% of clubs have adopted the Club Leadership Plan (CLP) which promotes best practice standards in organizational structure and club operations recommended by RI.
2. Effective electronic communication links: So far, 22 clubs have established their websites/ or similar communication links. The Governor’s Monthly Letter is not only published in hard copies but is also only downloadable in electronic format from the district website.
3. Rotary’s Public Image: We established a high level public relations committee to encourage and help clubs to project the positive image of Rotary. In fact, 5 awards were given to clubs whose projects have exceptional public image impact.
4. The Rotary Family: We encouraged the involvement of the family in Rotary affairs and in almost all the functions that I attended, spouses of Rotarians were noticeably present.
5. Continuing Rotary Education: The Rotary Academy was tasked to actively promote continuing Rotary education. This has resulted in better understanding of Rotary ideals and in improving the capacity of clubs to undertake effective service projects.
6. Cooperation and alliances: The concept of “cooperation, not competition” was promoted among clubs. Joint projects were undertaken, and resources were shared; this resulted in bigger and more effective projects.
7. Simplified reporting made it easier for the District Officers to track monthly club performance and identify areas for improvement. The system worked so well that there was no need for the clubs to submit yearend reports.
We believe that we, the District Officers and all my Sharing Presidents have done our best, creating change where it was needed, working hard, and enjoying deepening friendships and fellowship, while keeping our eyes firmly focused on the North Star.
We must continue our crusade for good governance among clubs, continue the process of strengthening the membership base particularly of small clubs, and continue the winds of change in our attitudes of giving service.
Time is one of life’s precious resources, it is therefore incumbent, that when we are called to serve, we must make time to be able to lead and serve by example.
As the horizon brightens up for a new beginning, let me say this:
YES! The Sharing Team has accomplished its mission;
YES! The Sharing Team has landed “safely”; AND
YES! The Sharing Team is ready to lend a hand to the new team of Governor Boyet in making Rotary dreams real.
Our hope and our wish is that the Real Good Presidents will build on the gains made by the Sharing Presidents and make each Club in our District even better and stronger.
Governor Boyet, may you have a fruitful and wonderful year of service.
Thank you for giving me the privilege to serve as your District Governor. On behalf of my spouse Vicky and myself, I would like to thank:
o The Sharing Presidents for their unwavering dedication and perseverance under my stewardship;
o The District Sharing Team for providing unconditional assistance in sharing their time and talents during my term of governance; and
o The Past District Governors for their wisdom and support as the pillars of our District.
Our deepest gratitude and appreciation are beyond words.
Thank you again and Mabuhay
Comment
Commenting is closed for this article.
