Don’t let the crucial first 3 years of a new members Rotary life be an empty time, not engaged in worthwhile activities.

Article by PDG Brian Coffey, Assistant Rotary Coordinator

July’s 2021 edition of ‘Rotary’ has an article on ‘Hands-on approach’ – with reference to service-learning, whereby young people can develop leadership and practical skills to lay the foundation as the next generation of leaders.

Rotarians are fortunate to have access to on-line interactive courses that can assist with research-based and outcome-driven interactive service-learning, suitable for youth and adults at any level of membership; from this we can readily develop a service-learning paradigm for our own clubs.

Service-learning is a powerful way to build leadership skills through participation in service projects. Participants are encouraged to take charge of projects from start to finish, gaining organising experience and learning the right way to do things, or perhaps discovering a smarter way to do things.

In Australia, Father Chris Riley, established Service-Learning programs to help young people discover that they have something positive to contribute to society; the infamous Kokoda trek with youth was widely acknowledged.

How can we incorporate service learning into Rotary? Is it already happening, and we don’t take full advantage? A Toastmasters club that engages in it, has members alternately being responsible for various monthly club meeting activities as part of their development. Why can’t a Rotary President hand over the reins and let newer members guide the club? On-line learning, a mentor and support is all you need.

Two years ago, as President, I adopted a Board with the condition that no member have any more than 5 years membership in our club. Since, the club has thrived! New members are taking leadership roles, we are doing different projects – projects the members want to do; we have turned the tide on fundraising projects, to service projects. We have varying business plans in place. We allocate projects to members who desire to take them on. Our results in engagement, support, satisfaction and excitement is encouraging and watched by many.

The result is that we are a happy club with social engagement and a positive social media presence. We have no trouble attracting new members. Members excited to learn more about where they can go with Rotary. The District recognises our members, with a very high representation on committees, we have won a District award in consecutive years for community engagement – we are doing something right.

The Learning Centre is at our fingertips, where members can take courses related to leadership. Service learning is grounded in experiential education that becomes relevant as members learn by doing, serving and achieving goals.

Through service learning, we can:

• Learn more about our communities
• Learn more about our personal qualities
• Refine our decision-making abilities and enhance career-related skills
• Better understand community service.

The takeaway:

Don’t let the crucial first 3 years of a new members Rotary life be an empty time, not engaged in worthwhile activities. I challenge you to be a true leader, put your own spin on service learning, and give members the opportunity to be responsible, participating club and District members, empowered to succeed.