It is sometimes important to veer outside of our usual routine to gain a perspective and be able to initiate projects or do things differently.
Just because something has always been done a certain way, it doesn't mean it will continue to work, similarly, just for a sake of change, what has always worked doesn't need to be reviewed! The equilibrium and the balance that we as a club need to continue to maintain has become the key focus of this year of presidency. 
 

To this end, at the Annual General Meeting. the discussion ensued to appreciate what we as a club and members do, challenge what's not working and formulate an action plan for next 6 months of the term.

 
The Board has long been discussing that extending the same members to another term is not a solution; plans and ideas have been floated and various projects/initiatives have been undertaken.  Members agree that the drive to increase members needs to be the focus point, which will only be possible when we as a club have a 'ONE' regular weekly/ fortnightly hands-on project that we own and manage.
The main focus being 'Serving the community' and achieving 'fellowship through service'.

Processing the feedback from members, synthesising the work completed by the board, members and friends of Rotary so far and distilling the priority for the next term, we have agreed on the following:
1. Focus on Identifying and engaging on ONE hands-on project for all members to participate for the next 6 months of the term Jan- June 2023.
2. Agreed that a "hands-on" project takes the place of the meeting in person. However, for those who'd like to still socialise, the option to meet as per preference can continue.
3. Blue Moon and social events per quarter will be maintained.
4. A review to take place in June, of the progress and intake of new members. If no change, consider and propose options for one of the following to be undertaken for next year 2023/2024 term:
a. Club amalgamation 
b.  Change in structure, i.e.  eClub, Passport club, Satellite club, Corporate club, cause based club.
If you'd like to explore the model of operations behind each of this club, i'd strongly encourage you to follow the link below or research in MyRotary, there are lots of materials to review:

https://blog.rotary.org/2019/06/11/new-rotary-club-models-enhance-connections/

This reflection and discussion has also been an uplifting reminder of all that we already are doing, and it's been delightful to acknowledge how we are slowly recovering from the setbacks of the last two years. 
 

The Op Shop has been our cornerstone, it is operating successfully, providing a strength return in an average of over $AU7,000 and above every month, while serving over 200 community members that walk through the doors weekly. 

Members are also regularly volunteering and partnering on other initiatives we support and sponsor. These past months we have added another 2 to the list,

 1. Food pantries at Ascot Vale, Kensington Neighbourhood house and Flemington Mission (Some of our members were contributing anyway, but now we are coordinating it for fortnightly runs as appropriate) 

2. Food relief pack to a local community organisation:  'Reaching out in the Inner West Of Melbourne'. We delivered over 70 frozen meal packs in coordination with the eMeal project that is run by Rotary E-CLub of Melbourne. 

 

Planning for the future brings with it anticipation, a great deal of excitement, positive energy and sometimes some anxiety about unknown, however, I am convinced with our members ongoing support, no matter how the clubs' orientation changes overtime, we will continue our effort on serving the community and invest in our members fellowship as that is our primary and ongoing commitment.

 
As we prepare to move into the festive season over the next month, I look forward to seeing all our past and present members, their family and friends of the rotary at our Christmas event on 30th November. 

 

Please do not forget to RSVP as per details provided.

   

With love and gratitude,

 

Shraddha