Is there something standing between you and Rotary?  Is that Rotary mojo you had a year ago dwindling or gone?  Are you torn between being safe and being isolated?  Are you frustrated with the knowing there is a vaccine waiting for you, you just don’t know when or where it is?  Are you missing the friendships and fellowship that comes with being active in your Rotary club?  Well, join the club friend, I am in the same boat with you!
I wish we could trade a “ZOOM filled with Rotarians” for a “ROOM filled with Rotarians.”  I wish we could trade our mask and fist bumps for a firm handshake or a friendly hug.    Almost one-third of the Rotarians in our District are from the City of Austin and/or Travis County, where Stage 5 restrictions have restaurants and face to face meeting all but curtailed. Half of the clubs in our District are having 100% Virtual meetings.  Fund raising events have been cancelled.  Local service projects have been cancelled or delayed.  So, I will ask again, “Is there something standing between you and Rotary?”. 
 
There is brighter side.  Each week, more and more folks are getting vaccinated.  Our turn will come up eventually and most will before the end of the summer. Austin/Travis County Stage 5 restrictions were in place until 15 February.  We hope they will be eased.  Many clubs are planning to resume live or hybrid meetings soon, as their cities experience a decline in positive Covid cases. However, no one should feel pressured to return to a live meeting setting until you are totally ready to do so.  This is all about feeling comfortable in your decision.  Saying this, a word to those clubs resuming face to face meetings, you are still encouraged to have all members observe current State, Local, and DCD guidelines concerning masks and social distancing.  Let’s be Smart. Let’s be Safe.
 
If your club will not be resuming meetings any time soon and you want to get back in the Rotary “groove”…..I have a few suggestions that might help.
  • If your club is having service projects – participate.
  • If your club is not having service projects – work with your Community Service Committee person to organize one.  You can do these safely.
  • Volunteer with city or county vaccine hub.  They are all looking for help. 
  • Volunteer at local or area Food Banks.
  • Visit clubs that are having live meetings, just for the variety. Check that out on District Website.
  • Cruise through Rotary Learning Center in Rotary Club Central (RI website) and take a Webinar or Training Course. Hone your Rotary acumen.
  • If you don’t get out much – Call club members and see how they are doing.
  • Visit other clubs Virtually.  There are some clubs that are having fantastic meeting, great speakers, and entertaining meetings. 
 
In conclusion, to keep our enthusiasm for Rotary high, we must stay engaged in one way or another.  Be proactive.  Be inventive.  Ask other Rotarians to join you.  Yes, 2020 was a tough year on us all.  Things will get better, they always do.  I look forward to a strong spring and summer Rotary season.  Remember, the world needs Rotary more than ever and Rotary needs you!  Since we are in the football season, I will end with a quote from the legendary Coach Vince Lombardi, he said, “The measure of who we are is what we do with what we have.”  
 
Take care my friends,
Rick Stacy
District Governor 5870