And a new Rotary Year begins – new faces, new names, new challenges, new responsibilities.
As President Elect, there will be a lot new for me in this year. As I thought about what I’ve already learned and what I’ve yet to learn, it struck me that this process is not actually about me. It’s about the Passport Club and what members need. In whatever formal or informal organization we function, I think we all want to know two things: Can I trust the leadership? and, What can I reasonably expect from them?
Hence, a possible Bulletin theme as I track through this year, sharing highlights of what I’ve learned - for those who might follow in this role, for those who are interested in some of the Rotary mechanisms behind our accomplishments, and for those who want to be sure I know what I’m doing!
Here then is my first learning. Being President Elect is not about making your mark; it is about being marked – in other words, learning how to be a Rotary Club President.
These are several avenues I intend to pursue to be ready for 2022-23. Here is the first:
DIRECTED TRAINING
President Elect Training Seminar (PETS) covers a wide range of topics specific to the task of Club President, provides an opportunity to interact and learn from other incoming Club Presidents, and introduces several tools and resources needed in the Rotary year ahead.
PETS this year is a series of online seminars on the 17th of each month between April and August, 2021. All incoming Presidents for the 2021-22 year (even if they have previously served as President) are expected to attend all sessions. Presidents-Elect for 2021-22 are also encouraged to attend.
The District Training Assembly (DTA) includes sessions of interest to all district Rotarians and is designed to build leadership and practical skills to strengthen and grow each Rotary club.
For the 2021-22 Rotary Year, District Training Assembly will consist of a series of monthly online learning sessions on a wide variety of topics. The expectation here too is that Presidents and Presidents Elect attend.
Next Bulletin I will report on other resources I intend to tap.