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From the Captain's Cabin
Following on from Robert Shore’s frank and stimulating talk last week, and since August is Membership month in the international Rotary Calendar, Astrida (our Chair for the month) and I would like to initiate a series of conversations among the membership about how we simultaneously recruit new members and if possible increase members’ enjoyment and satisfaction with  what the Club does and how we operate. We are fishing for suggestions about what sort of changes might be worthwhile and what we need to retain as essential features of this club. 
I am sure many of you have participated in such exercises before, but there’s no denying that the club is shrinking in numbers and hence also service activities. 
We were given a challenge at the changeover dinner “Flourish or Fold?”
I vote for flourish!
Bring your best suggestions on Thursday please, not only about tweaking but also about what we must NOT lose.
Neil
And some advice on Membership from our District Governor
Dear Neil Byron,
When new members join Rotary or Rotaract clubs, it is often a somewhat confusing process to understand the jargon, the programs and the full extent of what Rotary can offer its members, in terms of both personal growth and lasting impact. 
Even after being a Rotarian or Rotaractor for a while, there are often gaps in knowledge about what’s available and how things connect.
To address all of this, a special training event will be held on Saturday 12 September from 10am to 3pm at the Burns Club, 28 Kett Street, Kambah.
The agenda for the event is attached, and as you will see, it covers a wide range of ‘Rotary Essentials’.
While the event will primarily target Rotarians and Rotaractors who have been members for two years or less, other club members who would find the event valuable would also be warmly welcomed.
While attendance is free, you will need to register by 8 September for planning purposes and to secure your spot at the event. The registration link will be available on the District website shortly. A light lunch will be provided.
This is a great opportunity to deepen your Rotary knowledge and broaden your horizons for what you can achieve in Rotary and Rotaract.
I hope to see you at the Burns Club on 12 September.
Judy Ford
District Governor 
 
Last week's guest speaker
Last meeting we welcomed immediate Past District Governor Robert Shore, who speak about growing Club membership. He spoke frankly about the challenges, with his key points being:
A Club's aim is "Service above self" and to achieve this it needs a diversity of membership - both older and younger members. It's important than new members are able to contribute early, so they feel they are needed and will stay.
  • If membership cost is a barrier to newcomers, consider seeking sponsorship for your Club. Goulburn Rotary has ten sponsors, providing $1000 each. It promotes them in its newsletter and at events.
  • A possible avenue to membership is suitable candidates being offered Blue and Gold Membership for a year. The only cost would be a Club badge for them, and they'd be listed as Honorary members on Club Runner. Some may attend meetings and elect to join at the end of their free year.
  • He recommends presenting the Club as a "doing Club" in all outreach, including via social media and pull-up banners (one of which could list Club projects over the years). 
  • Pull up banners can provide helpful publicity for Rotary and the Club.
  • A good guest speaker, promoted ahead, can bring in members. His Club prints a forward program of speakers on a brochure - having future events on it means people are more likely to take it home (he noted than many brochures are discarded in the nearest bin).
  • One potential way to encourage new members is to have a Rotary Australia World Community Service (RAWCS) project. His Club is raising $100,000 to build a well to service four villages in Kenya. He suggests a project where contributors can travel to see the results would encourage more donations. RAWCS has tax-deductible status, also encouraging donations.
  • This presentation and discussion has given us much food for thought as we seek to strengthen our Club and expand our service.
Stephen McMilllan
A great idea for our community activities.
Rob discussed using these which have helped at his Club.
The pamphlet advertising future speakers is very informative.
 
Reminder
Bill the Editor will be away for 2 weeks so all contributions should be sent to Stephen by Sunday wine and cheese o'clock - sjmcmillan1974@live.com
Next meeting
Our next meeting will be held at the Royal Canberra Golf Club on Thursday, 6th August. Astrida will take the Chair.. 
If you have not already done so, please respond to Eric’s invitation by 11 am on Tuesday, 4th August.
 
Duty Roster
Date:
Chair:
Guest speaker:
Member to propose Toast to Rotary, thank guest speaker, and write up for Bulletin:
6 August
Astrida
Rod Nicholas on “The Role of the Justice of the Peace”.
Russell
13 August
Astrida
Mary from GOG on the GOG Journey and Kids programs.
 Ross
20 August
21 August
Astrida
 
Social visit to National Archives, East Block, Barton. Holden Heritage cars.
 
Club visit to Birrigai to see  indigenous students new course
Russell
 
 
Astrida
27 August
Astrida
Club discussion about Membership and possible club changes
Astrida and President Neil 
 
If you cannot perform your allocated duty, please arrange a replacement and advise the Acting President for that meeting (listed above). Please advise the Bulletin Editor of any planned absences to avoid being rostered on while away.
 
To see the program of future meetings, visit: Rotary activities Spreadsheet
 
Save the date
Date
 
8 August
Event
 
Remembrance Day for Hiroshima and Nagasaki
Location
 
Peace Bell
15 August
Fred Smith concert – see below
Australian War Memorial
21 September
UN International Day of Peace
Peace Bell
24 October
Candle Festival
Peace Bell and Canberra Nara Peace Park
13 November
Visit Hay to present scholarships to Indigenous students
Hay War Memorial High School
10 December
UN Human Rights Day with Zonta Canberra remembering victims of domestic violence.
Peace Bell
 
Fred Smith concert: Unforgotten: Songs of Australians at war: 15 August
Join acclaimed Australian musician and friend of our Club, Fred Smith OAM, on Saturday, 15 August, for a reflective evening of music and storytelling, honouring service and sacrifice. Drawing on his experiences in Bougainville and Afghanistan, Fred brings to life the human stories of conflict, connection and memory through the power of live performance. 
 
For further details and to book tickets, go to:
https://www.awm.gov.au/events/songs-of-australians-at-war.
 
Saying of the week
Life is Change.
Growth is optional.
Choose wisely.
 
Karen Clark 1938
 
Joke of the week
I cant take my dog to the park because the ducks keep trying to bite him?
I guess that's what I get for buying a pure bread dog.
 
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