President's Desk 22-10-12

From the President's Desk

Hello Fellow Rotarians and Friends of Rotary,

"Vision without action is a dream. Action without vision is simply passing the time. Action with Vision is making a positive difference." 

Joel Barker also says, "The role of leadership is to find, recognise and secure the future."  I believe this is an integral part of my role as President this year.  The first half of the year is quickly coming to a close and at the last Board Meeting quite a few decisions were made.  So let me tell you the news.

Firstly, we have heard your cries for help and have decided to change the Forum Night to Tuesday Evening at 8pm Qld time.  We look forward to seeing a lot more of you at these Forums and as usual an email and Facebook reminder will be sent out prior to the Forum.

Secondly, the Secretary has sent out email notification of the Annual General Meeting (AGM) and we are asking for members to consider taking on a Board position within the e-Club.   The form is also available at:  http://www.rotarynews.info/3/Club/76644/7501/    The nominations need to reach Secretary Chris:  secretary@rotaryeclubnextgen.org before 5pm, 5 November 2012.

Thirdly, the dates for the e-Club's Christmas Break are 20 November 2012 returning on Tuesday 15 January 2013.  The last Board Meeting for 2012 will be held on 15 November 12, the first for 2013 will be 17 January 2013.

Fourthly, to celebrate we also have a Christmas Breakup Social Event on Thursday, 15 November 2012 from 6.30pm.  For all the details please read the PDF at: http://www.rotarynews.info/Uploads/Clubs/76644/Documents/Breakup%20function%20a.pdf.  We look forward to seeing as many of you there as possible, whether in person or as part of your own party via "GoToMeeting".  Please RSVP to Secretary Chris: secretary@rotaryeclubnextgen.org before 10 November 2012.

Now, for some news District wise:  As you may or may not know I was asked to be a part of the Sub-Committee for Technology in District 9640.  As the President of the e-Club I felt it was imperative that we as a Club, be represented.  The Committee is headed by Graham Jones and has six members from around the District.  Our first meeting was using the "GoToMeeting" software on the 7th of October, 2012.  Ian Yarker has been assigned the role as guru for this software for the whole District.

The meeting was to discuss relevant technology matters including thehttp://www.rotary9640.org/ website and make recommendations to DG Sandra Doumany.  The site had been hacked and the security was not what it should be, along with it being out-dated and awkward to use.  After a lively debate and many ideas thrown into the pot we all came to the unanimous decision of using Club Runner as the base for the new and improved http://www.rotary9640.org/ website. 

There were cheers and celebrations from those of us that have had to use the old site, we have known for many years of the need to update and have a fresh and easy to use model.  Our own Roy Hornsby who has been patient with the old system will continue being the webmaster of the new one and once again we were all in agreement.
  
Another software solution has also been put in place, the Rotary Youth Exchange Australia (RYEA) has made the decision (after consulting chairs) that the system (now promoted as the Danish Student Management System) will be the National System for all Districts. Our District 9640 Youth Exchange Committee already uses this system and obviously the more Districts and countries taking advantage of it, the better it will be for all concerned.  Paperwork can be a bug-bear and anything that makes life easier, has my seal of approval. It will also build up a database of National record for statistics to help make the Youth Exchange Program more relevant to the younger generation.

It is good to see how forward think our district is, with both pieces of software and developing new technologies and programs.  

Yours in Rotary,

Rick Jewson
President