IT'S TEST TIME

We are at the halfway point in this Rotary year, and now is the time to test the strengths and weaknesses of our clubs. Perhaps a strange idea for some Rotarians, but how else will we learn how the activities and programs of our respective clubs match up to those of other clubs in our districts – and around the world? Therefore, I encourage all Rotarians – not only the club officers – to become involved in evaluating their clubs during the month of January.

The Presidential Citation program for 2010-11 has been designed as a score sheet for all the Avenues of Service. It also is a checklist for many of the activities and programs conducted by most clubs. Club presidents are required to complete the score sheets and submit them to their district governors by 31 March 2011 for their clubs to be eligible for the Presidential Citation awards. The scores should be shared with all club members either as written reports or as presentations at club meetings.

Starting work on the Presidential Citation test in January will provide an opportunity to correct any discovered deficiencies in club activities before the submission deadline of 31 March. It also will cause the club leaders to notice that a new Presidential Citation with Distinction award is available this year for clubs with a good balance of activities in all Avenues of Service.

This year I am recommending that all clubs review their practices and procedures to see if they are truly best practices or merely traditional practices. Annual evaluations of our clubs are certainly best practices, and more Rotarians than usual need to be involved in the evaluations for their clubs. The Presidential Citation score sheets are a good place to start the process. How else will we know if our clubs really are becoming Bigger, Better, and Bolder?

Ray Klinginsmith 
President, Rotary International