Who Ever Said:”Bigger is Better”?
Some of my clubs best community service projects start out as small “favors:” for parts of our community. In many communities a member of your club may see an opportunity to help out another organization, a certain group of folks, a government organization or maybe even a religious institution.
As Rotarians……if we see something between our meetings that could be an opportunity to help out in our community it is worth saying something at our next meeting…even if it is in casual conversation, or during the announcements. Putting the community service thermometer in the water can many times start the wheels of the club service locomotive moving. At first, lending a hand as a club, and then perhaps collaborating with another organization or group to further enhance the project in the future. It really doesn’t take a lot …….Many times it’s simple question like: “Who would be willing to help out next thursday…….with my church group to help feed some seniors………? “
Remember…..massive trees don’t just appear……they start with either seeds or as offshoot saplings of large trees. Many times what starts as a small group of volunteers that are willing to “help out” can grow into a meaningful and helpful service project.
The act of “helping out” is a great way to get to know others in the community that might also make great Rotarians in the future. Also, all clubs need “fresh” and new projects on their calendars to keep members engaged. After a while all of us get used to the same ol’ same ol’! New projects engage our members, and it’s a great way to get some of our newer members to be a co-chair of a small project and make it their own.
When new members come into our clubs……we all know that they have a different skill set, and hobby passion that is most times very useful to projects in our club: give these new members an opportunity to use those skills and hobbies to the benefit of the club and the community. Remember…..any club is only as able to perform based on the assets in their club “tool box”! Don’t be afraid to ask any newer member if there are any service projects that they think the community can use. Every new member brings with them connections as well as skills and needs. We all know that connections of one new member can easily change the opportunities of many.
As we are in a new Rotary year….it’s time to look for new magic in our clubs and projects!
Chuck Weisbart (Cheeze)
Proudly- an Idyllwild Rotarian!
D5330 Community Service Chair
760 578 3592
P.O.Box 278, Idyllwild CA 92549