Fellow Unlimited Rotarians,

We have just completed July – the first month of the Rotary year – whose theme is New Leadership Month

And what a month it has been. For the numerous successful installations, my congratulations to all Rotarians, leadership classmates – the Presidents, and the District Executive Committee for their efficiency and professionalism in pulling off these events. My special thanks go to DGE Alex Nyaga, DGN Azeb Asrat and the many PDG’s that gave their time to help in these installations.

July 2020 will also go down in the District’s history as having the largest number of installations, most of them virtual, in one month.

We were also able to celebrate the Charter of the Rotary Clubs of Enkare Narok and Eldama Ravine which received their certifcate as well as the first Rotaract Club to receive its charter in this Rotary year – Rotaract Club of Eldama Ravine

In the spirit of #Be Unlimited I would also like to take the opportunity to recognise the many amazing interventions by the clubs and the Covid-19 response team that took place during the month.

These interventions have touched many people in our communities around the District, placing Rotary amongst the organisations that are now recognised as first responders. The unexpected result of these actions has been the creation of some incredible partnerships which did not exist before.  These partnerships look to extend beyond the Covid-19 period for the benefit of Rotary in the District.

With this myriad of activities, the month of July has passed very rapidly. This is the speed at which our year of service in Rotary will go. It then means that every moment of the next 11 months is precious and must be used to effectively deliver on our promise to the communities in which we serve. To keep this promise we must focus on our annual plans and give them an active life and significant outcomes.

August is the Membership and New Club Development Month. Our target is to increase our membership in the district by 50%. As at 1^st July we had a membership of 3,000 Rotarians. We need to increase this number by 1,500 new members in this Rotary year. If we adopt the ROBO strategy (Reach one, Bring One), this will be very possible.  New club charters will also help in this effort.  We are looking at each club growing by at least 13 members.  I am very confident that all of you are up to this task.  We need more hands on deck to serve the communities we live in.

Since January 2018, we have received close to 700 membership leads from Rotary International either from the website or from direct inquiries. These leads are available from the District Membership team. If we could convert all of these leads to members, we will have started the year in a really good way.

When looking to invite new members, it is important to examine the classifications represented in our clubs and be aware that many other different ones may be available in our communities. These potential Rotarians may not fit into the “traditional” classifications of the past but could turn out to be valuable assets in Rotary. As long as they have a passion for service and are well respected in their communities, they will help to enhance Rotary’s image where they live and work.

Let us also look at the classifications that we have in each club against the classifications that are available in the surrounding community where our clubs and encourage people within the communities we serve to join Rotary. We have a good reputation and are a trustworthy organisation. People love to be associated with success. We must positively exploit this image.

In 2019, the Rotary Council on Legislation amended the Rotary Constitution to include Rotaract Clubs as a membership type and no longer a “programme” of Rotary. Let us reach out to and work together with our Rotaract clubs so that they can also grow.We must help those Rotaractors that may wish to transition to Rotary by making this it a seamless and easy process.

Is it possible, in this Rotary year, to lower the average age of Rotarians in the District by 5 years? This is my big wish.  Let us target to induct more younger members rather than old fogies like myself. We need to continuously think of the long-term sustainability of Rotary. This can only be assured by increasing the intake of younger members.

Rotary meetings are in danger of becoming dull and predictable.  Where this has happened, clubs have suddenly lost members who like a little bit more vibrancy.  We must change from thinking of “improving meetings” to “creating Rotary experiences”. Clubs must introduce fun Fellowships and make each and every member feel engaged in all its activities.  This is one of the ways to retain members.  I encourage all of you to think outside of the box on this matter.

Finally, like before, I am launching the PHF Challenge. The offer is that I will match any Rotarian wishing to be a first time PHF at 50%. So you put US$ 500, I put U$ 500 and you get one PHF. This offer starts on 1^st August, 2020 and ends on 30^th November, 2020 and will apply for the first one hundred Rotarians or Rotaractors (whichever comes first) and will be on a first come first served basis. Details will be available with your Foundation Directors, Club Presidents and Assistant Governors.

I also intend to award a PHF to the first ten Club presidents that shall achieve a 50% membership increase from the list of club members as of July 1, 2020.

I look forward to a fantastic Membership month of August as we explore how Rotary Opens Opportunities in the District this year.  #BeUnlimited.

Terry and I wish you Unlimited blessings this year!

Patrick Obath

Your DG

Rotary International District 9212