On September 23rd, our speaker was District Governor Rick Stacey. Rick first told us stories about his past that affected his road to Rotary, including a neighbor who was paralyzed by polio when was 18. He was living and learning his Rotary story at a young age, although he did not know about Rotary at that time. He was 44 when he was asked to join his first Rotary club, but was not a good Rotarian at his first club. In 2007, Rick joined the Marble Falls Rotary Club, where the “light” came on about Rotary. Two past district governors taught him about Rotary – they told him about Polio Plus, which tied him back to his younger days. It was a natural for him to become more involved – less traveling and programs he was very interested in. His mentors also taught him that Rotary needs to be fun; fellowship brings in and keeps members.
Rick set out his goals as District Governor –
- Every Rotarian reach out and touch Rotary this year! Do something outside of the club – don’t just come to meetings. Real Rotary is outside!Opportunities - February 13th – Foundation Gala; May 14-16 – Conference of Clubs – Round Rock (Fri-Sun)
- Every club bring in a net gain of two new members for the Rotary year. District goal – 200 new members – want to start new clubs in areas where there are no Rotary clubs and start different types of clubs.Don’t overlook the obvious as potential Rotarians. No wrong age to be a Rotarian
- Foundation goal is average per capita giving of $300.
Rick does not want to be known as governor of the COVID year. He does not want the pandemic to define what Rotarians are doing this year.He wants to be known by what the district and clubs do!On the other hand, everyone will be different after COVID; hopefully, it will be better. Being uncertain about the future allows to change the path that you are following; to change the strategic plan of the club.
Be relevant in your community! Be known for your service in the area that you serve.
In closing Rick quoted Helen Keller – "Alone you can do so little, but together you can do so much!"