Goal posts shift amidst COVID-19 pandemic
Covid-19 has become a household term worldwide after its first case was announced in Wuhan China. The highly contagious disease is causing panic in all countries regardless their technological and economic status in a big way shifting goal posts. The posts have been shifted in all sectors and this has not spared the Rotary family.
Having a glance of Rotary life before the pandemic you will understand what we mean by changing goal posts. Rotarians had a tradition of converging every week through their respective clubs to share and discuss clubs goals and chat way forward. Having monthly community projects aligned to the Rotary theme of the month which mostly involved active physical involvement and gatherings. Rotary District convections, Rotary International conventions and trainings which could bring Rotary family members from all over the world in a convention Centre among many other activities.
Rotary moved goal posts and maximized on the dim light during the Covid-19 pandemic darkness and ensured the Service Above Self motto still reigns during this new paradigm. The weekly club meetings are ongoing and more vibrant than ever before. Meetings have cross not only county boarders but also continental boarders with more joint meetings happening than never before. The new goal shift has made clubs achieve the dream of having the RI president as the Guest Speaker in their meetings attracting many Rotary family members.
The mandatory trainings have been more active and well attended with less cost thanks to virtual meeting technology. In addition the trainings have a recording option for later review at peoples convenience. Same trainings can be done more than once on need basis.
On its main mandate of serving the community, the Rotary family swiftly directed its energy to community projects that are aimed at tackling the Covid-19 impact. A good example is the prompt formation of an Emergency Respond District 9212 team mandated to coordinate and centralize Rotary Covid-19 related projects in their jurisdiction. The strategy ensured distribution of thousands of water stations, detergents, protective gears for frontline health workers, flowers for hope among others. This has given Rotary an edge against other players, attracted media coverage and assured brand visibility worldwide.
The change of guard era is here with us and clubs are going the same way- the virtual installations in adherence to the social distancing rule. The District and RI leadership has the opportunity to grace as many installations during this pandemic period. Rotarians have ensured that despite the change of goal posts it has lived its 2019-2020 theme expectation of connecting the world.
Article by: Hassan Mbondo – President Rotary Club of Mombasa Downtown
