Posted by Teresa Liu

We are in the post-pandemic era. The world has been suffering a series of issues, food crisis, high inflation, energy crisis, etc. Everything in life seems costly. Business is cautious about capital expenditure; governments have struggled to fix their budget deficits, and charities face the challenge of raising funds and delivering better service. The Board decided to conduct an online members’ survey to understand our members’ needs to adapt to new challenges in the future. 

 
The survey reached out to our members on 6 July, and we got an excellent response rate, 64.7% of active members. Studies show that a survey response rate of 50% or higher is often considered excellent, and the in-person survey delivers the best average response rate at 57%, quickly followed by an online survey. In the past two decades, the average American election voter turnout has been 55.62%; and Australia, the lucky country with compulsory voting, had an average voter turnout of 93.26% for the federal election. Thank you, Glenferrie Rotarians. The club appreciates your input, passion and participation. Special thanks to Richard Blakeman, for your efforts in managing the survey. 
Club Forum: The club had its first informative forum 2022-23 at last week’s meeting. It was welcoming, informative and challenging. In the Rotary world, each club enjoys considerable autonomy within the framework of the standard constitution and bylaws of RI. Glenferrie is no exception as it's in the hands of our members. A club forum is a good place for Glenferrie Rotarians to plan and discuss the club's future. The Board will meet next on Tuesday 2 August where the survey and club forum results will be reviewed. This will form part of the operational plan for 2022-23 to guide the club's direction for the forthcoming Rotary year. Meanwhile, if anyone has more to say, please email me. Your voice is valued.  
 
Afghan Refugee Family Support:  The club is working with the Afghan Refugee Family support network, which is led by the Rotary Club of North Balwyn and managed by the Bakhtar Community Organisation. More items (particularly clothing) have been distributed to Afghan families in need. Please contact Helena Wimpole of the Community Service committee if you have items for donation. 
 
Vocational Service: Unfortunately, club members gave the lowest satisfaction on the club's Vocational Service Projects. More work to do.
 
RORP: Our RORP team, led by Mark Howlett, in cooperation with other Rotarians in the clusters, has packed 11 playgrounds, a total of 668 pieces and sent them to Fiji in early July. 
 
Regionalisation Pilot Project:
All members should have received an email from Regionalisation Pilot Team. Please note that only members who cannot attend a club briefing are suggested to take the online session. The club will have an in-person session soon. 
 
President Teresa