Our new member Simon Messenger gave a superb talk for member’s moments. His varied life experiences show why he is such a multitalented gent. We are very lucky to have him and look forward to his contributions. As always, the best talks come from amongst the diverse nature of our club.
However, I was thinking as a result of his talk on the concept of Rotary as a family. Our club is interested in the wellbeing of every member, and our Board strives to give a chance for every member to participate in our activities. Joining our club ensures you have people who will take an interest in you.
Simon Messenger delivered his Member Behind the Badge talk at the club meeting on April 27th, thoroughly captivating his audience with a tale of overcoming early adversity to triumph in life. Simon hails from England, the historic ancient Roman city of Exeter in Devon in fact. His early family life was challenging, but Simon displayed initiative and a willingness to 'have a go' even at that young age, holding a number of jobs to earn pocket money. His first full time job was in banking with Lloyds Bank in Torquay, and from that start came a career that involved a period with the RAF as an Officer Cadet, a sales role with a Shell subsidiary and then back to the financial services sector with London & Manchester in the Pensions Department. But there was more to come. Much more.
Rotary's core values represent the guiding principles of the organisation's culture, including what guides members' priorities and actions within the organization. Values are an increasingly important component in guiding organisations because they drive the intent and direction of the organisation's leadership.
Rotary's core values are expressed in Rotary's Guiding Principles, comprising the Object of Rotary, the Four Way Test and the Avenues of Service. They have been summarised in this insightful article by the Rotary Club of Killeen Heights as Service, Fellowship, Diversity, Integrity and Leadership.
At our recent strategic planning workshops, members made it very clear that the number one priority for the club is to publicise far and wide the good work of Rotary and the club, with an emphasis on the impact of that work. The club's Communication and Public Image Team is doing a great job with regular and informative editions of The Glenferrie Rotarian, a much revamped club website, more regular and topical postings on Facebook, and a number of articles this year in Rotary Down Under and in the District 9800 Networker. But the help of every member and friend of the club is needed to build on our PR.
One thing you can do is to keep feeding your Rotary stories to the club's Bulletin Editor, Chris Raw. Articles in the Bulletin can now be posted simultaneously on the website and on Facebook. And another very important thing we all should do is to 'Like' the club's Facebook pageand the articles that appear. It is important that you 'Like' the club's Facebook page, and that you 'Like' the postings (even if you don't like them!)
In 2007 a female member of the Rotary club of Oakland, California, felt the need for the establishment of a Singles Rotarian Fellowship. She had been widowed and due to her experience of living alone, she believed that single Rotarians worldwide would welcome such a fellowship that was not associated with partnered Rotarians, but would allow single Rotarians to attend Rotary International Conventions on their own, and have the opportunity to network with other singles.
The Farmers Market Roster for September to end of December is now up on the club website waiting for volunteers to register. Please volunteer for a shift or two and bring smiles to the faces of rosterers Robert and Miffy.
To volunteer for the September-December Markets, click here and follow the online instructions:
Jaswinder Singh is the Secretary of Sikh Volunteers Australia. Sikh Volunteers delivers free, tasty, nutritious meals to those in need. During the Covid crisis they have delivered 142,600 free meals (18 March to 31 Dec ) 289 days - everyday.
Jaswinder has a Graduate Degree in Mechanical Engineering and Project Management, and his work and the work of Sikh Volunteers Australia has received national media attention.
Be sure not to miss out on this opportunity to meet Jaswinder. His wonderful story is both enlightening and uplifting.
