6 BIG Things from PETS (President Elect Training Seminar)

 
 
1. Rotarians Are Amazingly Generous:

Some who’ve seen me around the District, have heard me say something like: “any time Rotarians get together is an opportunity to do something impactful”. Well PETS delivered that opportunity. PETS is a training event, not a fundraiser, but through the power of our people and their giving hearts, we raised $4,000 for Polio Plus to support those important last steps to eradicate Polio and $3,000 for the Razia’s Ray of Hope Foundation for the amazing work she’s doing in Afghanistan. The generosity of Rotarians will never stop amazing me.

 

2. We Must Share Our Story:

Let’s spread the word. This is essential to recruiting new members, creating awareness for our clubs and Rotary International. You have a Rotary story, so does your club. Look around…how has your community changed because you’re in it? Connect with a public image resource, like our District Public Image chair Lynn if you need a boost.

 

3. District Grants Are Powerful:

The money is available. Funds can be used for so many great things. Every club is in a community that needs something. How might a District Grant support something you’re doing locally or globally. Look around your community and see who you can help next and maximize the impact with a grant!

 

4. Goals are Good:

President’s-Elect have started to set goals and will be planning their years, and beyond, with their club leadership. Club Presidents aren’t the only Rotarians who can benefit from clear SMART goals and an action plan to execute those goals. Setting goals and setting action plans are a way to manifest your dreams for your club, community, and yourself. When your target date hits, you’ll have achieved something or learned something – both of which are great reasons to celebrate.

 

5. Rotary Direct is Super Easy:

Donating to the Foundation, Polio Plus or another Rotary cause of your choosing is so easy. A simple form can set you up to give with a bank account or even a credit card. Any amount, quarterly, monthly, pretty much as often as you'd like. What would it look like if every non-giving member in our District knew they could donate this way?

 

6. I Love Our 2022-2023 Theme: Imagine Rotary

I look forward to imagining with all of you. Imagine what your future club looks like. Imagine what may be possible across the globe, in our communities and in ourselves. Our new theme is a gift of inspiration. Imagination is free and Rotarians are free to give what they can. It is crucial for you to know what you can give (time, talent, money), and just as important for you to know what you can’t.

 

7. Feedback is Necessary:

The clubs in our District are doing amazing things. Your District leadership is a big and broad team with seemingly endless experience and resources to connect you to. We’re doing a lot well, but what could we do better? Getting feedback is essential to finding that answer. We’ll be intentionally and respectfully looking for your feedback and I’m excited to see what we’ll learn. When we ask for feedback, you can use that opportunity to ask me to stop writing silly top 7 lists.

 

I am grateful and extremely excited for the opportunity to serve with you all, especially our Club Presidents in 2022-2023. Just imagine what we’ll do!

 

Ben Bauer

District Governor Elect (2022-2023)