This year’s District Governor, Donna Hood, engaged the club with her bright enthusiasm and strong commitment to Rotary and its ideals at Friday’s meeting. Donna is a Rotarian from Westcliffe, Colorado where she and her husband operate a large ranch for the past 22 years.
You can read more about Donna’s background in her biography. She has a very interesting history and is a committed Westerner through and through, as well as a dedicated Rotarian. I loved her comment about attending the International Convention in Taipei this summer. “You could just feel the presence of all good things” within the 37,000 Rotarians gathered in Taiwan.
As District Governor, Donna is doing things differently and her vision is to prepare District 5470 for years to come. She came to our club to talk a little bit about her vision which is to prepare the District for years ahead. She is all about contributing her energy for lasting impact. She also came without a prepared speech, but to ask provocative questions and to listen.
Addressing questions asked by Stig in a pre-visit questionnaire, Donna shared that many clubs in the area are experiencing challenges in membership – keeping existing members, attracting new members, looking toward the future. She had some suggestions based on experiences of other clubs.
She asked: Who is missing from the club? How does your community see Rotary? How often are we asking others to come to a meeting? “Don’t be afraid to do Rotary differently!” she challenged, and feel free to borrow the good ideas of other clubs. She noted that every club is a little different from every other club. And how lovely that is!
Engaging new members in meaningful ways is essential for their sense of belonging, said Donna. Membership Chair Debbie Wilde has scheduled a new member coffee this week. Thursday, September 17 1:30 PM at Barnes and Noble Café, Meadows Shopping Center, Glenwood Springs. Everyone is welcome.
Donna also noted something we have known for a while; Nick Adams is an OUTSTANDING MEMBER and we are fortunate to have his energy, knowledge, enthusiasm and commitment to Rotary in our club! This year Nick is the District 5470 Membership Chair and working hard to help us and other clubs. We are so proud of Nick and appreciate his (and his wife Becky’s) Rotary commitment.
Thank you, Donna, for your visit and your vision and your commitment to Rotary. Together we can create lasting impact.