Somebody pinch me. Seriously, November … already?
Sure enough, we’re careering headlong into that time of to-do lists rivalling Santa’s and accelerators pressed hard to the floor at work and home.
It won’t be long, either, until another hardy annual arises – wellbeing gurus reminding us New Year’s resolution-setting time is nigh. So, in terms of aspirations for 2019, I thought I’d get in early with my pitch. Traditionally, about now, I’d be starting to encourage you all to earmark an hour or two during holiday gatherings to discuss important legal life planning stuff while all the nearest and dearest are around: wills, trusts, enduring powers of attorney, and the like.
And, I’m sure I’ll get to that. Just not in this article. Here, there won’t be a single mention of a clause, a contract, a court or a claim. I do, however, have a case to plead. With the “season of giving” so close, I wanted to highlight something that is pretty important to me – community volunteer work. What’s more, I want to encourage you to make philanthropy part of your 2019, if it’s not already. And, I even have a suggestion for a charitable vehicle, if you’re keen to take a really rewarding journey.
All-new Aspiring Rotary
Most people have heard of Rotary. But one of the biggest revelations that came out of my being District Governor a couple of years ago was that people still had this assumption that Rotary was largely for retired men with loads of dosh. Globally, Rotary has, for many years now, been busy modernising and reimagining itself for a much broader audience. The key drivers have been ensuring diversity and inclusion, as well as implementing, and promoting, a progressive model that makes participation easier, paving the way for Rotarians from all walks of life to take part in a way that fits today’s lifestyles.
Wanaka may be a world away from Rotary HQ in Chicago, but the organising group of Aspiring Rotary is pretty chuffed to launch a new club with a fresh take on one of the most successful service organisations on the planet. Within a few days of going public, Aspiring Rotary had more than 30 people signing up.
In throwing out the rule book, we’ve done away with set-in-concrete weekly meetings and hierarchical leadership, as well as introducing flexible memberships catering for families and corporates. We’ll fit round your lifestyle and your availability. As part of our flat structure, rather than lots of titles, we have an organising committee, which operates from a super simple premise, no matter what we’re tackling: no faffing around; let’s get this done. And, we’re social, not just because it’s fun, but because it provides a great, relaxed environment to welcome and get to know newcomers.
While Aspiring Rotary is a modern spin on a club model first started more than 110 years ago, it’s still underpinned by the same enduring ideals that have driven Rotary from the very beginning: service to others, integrity, and promoting understanding, peace and goodwill in all we do. Oh, and don’t forget sharing good times.
And, we’re off and racing …
We haven’t even chartered yet, and we’ve already raised over $6000, much-needed funds which will be shared between the Pinc and Steel Cancer Rehabilitation Trust, helping those in our community who need rehabilitation services which aren’t funded via other sources, and also Wanaka Community Network’s wonderful work in the mental health arena.
While our local community is our main focus, by joining us you’ll also have the chance to be involved in phenomenal projects at district, national and international level. Rotary’s remarkable – and all-too-often untold – stories remind me of the great work being done not just by us, but by others too and the impact that work continues to have. It is really inspiring to see.
Just to give you an idea of what I mean, a snapshot of our membership in action includes: Rotarians fighting child sex trafficking, southern clubs designing and launching major community events to raise funds for those in need, and the young Rotarian who lost her precious child and, amidst her utter grief, fundraised for “CuddleCots” for families of other stillborn babies to use. There is the story of another southern Rotarian whose peace studies started with a Rotary scholarship to Israel – her amazing career since has included television journalist and disability campaigner, to heading a social enterprise partnering with Mexican coffee growers. Another southern team performed ground-breaking maternity work in Mongolia, and has been credited with saving the lives of literally tens of thousands of Mums and babies.
And, that’s just for starters. If you’re interested in finding out the types of awe-inspiring projects you could be part of – or, heck, even launch yourself – here’s one of the magazines.
What are you waiting for?
However much time you have to spare, and whatever life stage you’re at, ours is a place to put your unique skills and attributes to great use – and even add to your talents. Want to know more? Flick me an email, or call me.
One thing I have learned over the years is that whatever I give, I receive back 10-fold – and then some – in new learning, experiences and pure satisfaction. There’s good reason all that research points to volunteering being one of the most positive life changers and mood boosters you’ll find.