Creating Tomorrow – Zone 8 Regionalisation Project
Originally published in Rotary Down Under, July 2022, pages 44-45
Did you know that Zone 8 is one of only two regions worldwide participating in the Regionalisation Pilot?
Along with Zones 17 and 18, covering Great Britain and Ireland, we are leading the way to revitalise Rotary.
There were many other zones keen to be involved in the Rotary International Regionalisation Pilot, but in the end, RI chose just two. We are the trailblazers! The Council on Legislation approved the pilot at the meeting in April 2022, when Rotary representatives Creating Tomorrow – Zone 8 Regionalisation Project from across all zones participated in several days of consultation on proposed changes. The Rotary International Board is very supportive of our efforts to explore, develop and test what suits our region. The background to the necessity of this pilot is visible in Rotary’s 23 per cent membership decline over the past 10 years. The pilot will be specific to our zone; responsive to what our members see as important and viable to revitalise Rotary in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands for the future.
Have you seen the Fact Sheet?
This succinct document provides a clear overview of the project, explaining its aims, why it is important, concepts behind a new governance approach and how the pilot will proceed while our current structure remains in place. See the Fact Sheet at bit.ly/3xrDIgh Over the past 12 months there have been multiple articles in Rotary Down Under, emails to members seeking participation in a survey and feedback, as well as through district promotions. All this information is available on the website, including an extensive FAQ document providing answers to numerous questions as the project has developed. Visit creatingtomorrowrotary.org
What’s in it for clubs?
The pilot proposes:
• Support for clubs to engage members, volunteers and communities
• Creation of new leadership opportunities for members
• Help to build a stronger, unified Rotary Brand across the zone
• Encouragement of partnerships
• Improved efficiency and reduced duplication of roles and tasks
• Reduced administration tasks and membership fees What’s in it for members?
• Opportunities to help make our clubs vibrant, adaptive and responsive to local and international community needs.
• A more efficient support structure
• Direct and meaningful involvement in the development and management of Rotary and Rotaract in our region
• More responsive and flexible to the needs of the modern volunteer
• Members choose how they wish to engage with Rotary – through a club, project or program
• Reduced membership fees, reduced administration tasks
Rotary District Representatives and their teams have commenced presentations to clubs already, with positive responses. Communications will continue to be rolled out through July and August, with electronic voting by every club planned for September. Make sure all your members understand the proposed pilot, the need for change, and the opportunities to be involved before the vote. This is an opportunity to establish a foundation for growth and sustainability – our legacy for future Rotarians and Rotaractors.
Assuming clubs agree to proceed in September, over the next six to nine months the focus will be on how we begin the transition to a regional structure, working closely with the district governors, current and future. This will be a process of development and testing, offering opportunities for input and new ideas. So, have the conversations in your club. Book a presentation by your district team now to hear the full story, ask questions and learn how you can be involved. Contact your local Regionalisation District Representative or email rotaryregionalpilot@gmail.com if you need contact details.
Encourage all your members to visit the website and read the Fact Sheet. Hold a club forum to discuss the pilot, giving all members the chance to have their say, ask their questions and consider the possibilities.