Weekly Meeting

14 June 2018          W(h)ither the Vale of Belvoir Rotary Club?    Rob Gray        (Whither: - to what place?  Or Wither:-shrivel)

Following 2 cheque presentations, first to Georgia Buxton, who is raising funds for her volunteers’ trip to help in Sri Lanka in July and the other to Robert Whiteman of the First Responders, both from our Community Fund Rob presented Club with some thought provoking questions for our Club’s future.

He did a SWOT analysis for which he proposed some internal Strengths and weaknesses, which were supplemented by members’ suggestions. Then a similar process for the external Opportunities and Threats.

 The conclusion to the exercise was that due to our age demographic profile, loss of existing members (3 in last 2 months), lack of recruitment of new members that despite the Club currently being vibrant and with healthy numbers, the future is of concern, unless we take ACTION.

Rotary has for some time had issues in the community perception and the many changes that have happened with businesses, local authorities and lifestyle in general.  However, there are actions we can take in terms of possible recruitment or alternative type of Rotary Club through transition or formation of a new club. Such alternatives as an e-Club or Satellite Club of 35 to 45 year olds.

There was a general acceptance that this is an important issue that must NOT be forgotten, complacency is not the solution.  A first step would be to invite speakers from Clubs that have formed a satellite club, or even the Satellite Club members themselves.

 President Elect Trevor thanked Rob for his thoughtful and logical presentation that will get all the members thinking.                                                                                                                                        AR