Last Week's program
Two weeks into the new Rotary year and we are reminded daily of the new normal facing us. Last week's meeting was opened with President John Brown reminding us of the 100th anniversary of our club’s first meeting. Joe Brown gave a presentation on navigating the Club, District and RI websites. Hopefully, those of us challenged with technology, gained a level of confidence from the presentation. We thank webmasters Howard Stephens and John Comita who are available to those needing assistance.
Nathaniel Abrams gave his 2.0. Some of us got to know Nathaniel for the first time and others learned more about him. We all appreciate the path each of us has traveled to reach our present station.
Angela gave an update on Wallace and later he was able to join the meeting. Our prayers are with all those testing positive with the virus.
This Week's Program
Jacqueline Knight "Angels Among Us". Ms. Knight has written an article for Thomasville Magazine. It looks at several 'angels' that have helped our community in this time of need.
Remember...we will be meeting online through Zoom. Link to come!
Avenues of Service
The term "Four Avenues of Service" is frequently used in Rotary literature and information. The" Avenues" refer to the four elements of the Object of Rotary: Club Service, Vocational Service, Community Service and International Service. Although the Avenues of Service are not found in any formal part of the constitutional documents of Rotary, the concept has been accepted as a means to describe the primary areas of Rotary activity. "Club Service" involves all of the activities necessary for Rotarians to perform to make their club function successfully. "Vocational Service" is a description of the opportunity each Rotarian has to represent the dignity and utility of one's vocation to the other members of the club. "Community Service" pertains to those activities that Rotarians undertake to improve the quality of life in their community. It frequently involves assistance to youth, the aged, handicapped and others who look to Rotary as a source of hope for a better life. The Fourth Avenue, "International Service," describes the many programs and activities that Rotarians undertake to advance international understanding, goodwill and peace. International Service projects are designed to meet humanitarian needs of people in many lands. When a Rotarian understands and travels down the "Four Avenues of Service," the Object of Rotary takes on even greater meaning.
Sponsoring a New Member
The bylaws of Rotary clearly outline the procedure for a prospective member to be proposed for Rotary club membership. The "proposer" is the key person in the growth and advancement of Rotary. Without a sponsor, an individual will never have the opportunity to become a Rotarian. The task of the proposer should not end merely by submitting a name to the club secretary or membership committee. Rotary has not established formal responsibilities for proposers or sponsors; however, by custom .and tradition these procedures are recommended in many clubs. The sponsor should:
1. Invite a prospective member to several meetings prior to proposing the individual for membership.
2. Accompany the prospective new member to one or more orientation, informational meetings.
3. Introduce the new member to other club members each week for the first month.
4. Invite the new member to accompany the sponsor to neighbouring clubs for the first make-up meeting to learn the process and observe the spirit of fellowship.
5. Ask the new member and spouse to accompany the sponsor to the club's social activities, dinners or other special occasions.
6. Urge the new member and spouse to attend the district conference with the sponsor.
7. Serve as a special friend to assure that the new member becomes an active Rotarian.
When the proposer follows these guidelines, Rotary becomes stronger with each new member.
