Ang Magiting - The Official Web Site of Rotary Club Makati North

To Serve Beyond Ourselves

Dear Fellow RCMNers,

With the end of this Rotary year in sight, the club needs to settle the issue of succession. We need someone to step up to the plate, so to speak. We need to choose the President-Nominee (the one who will succeed President-Elect Vic Austria) and, if possible, the one who will serve in the following term.

That being said, I also believe that we should not force people into serving the club. I think we can encourage – even cajole – but not compel a member into doing anything. I regret that we have some members who feel like staying away from the meetings for fear of being drafted into the club presidency.

For sure, there are many reasons to avoid this duty. First, it’s a job – and at times, a thankless one. Plus, like all other jobs, it has responsibilities. But is this not why we are all in Rotary, to serve beyond ourselves? I, too, tried to avoid responsibility, given my already heavy load at the office. But looking back at the last year, I realize that it was only when I devoted time and more effort to the club did I begin to understand – and appreciate – Rotary.

Second reason, the prospective leader lacks time – perhaps, because he is often abroad. I can certainly understand this, given the enormous demands on my time running a daily newspaper six days a week, plus teaching on Saturdays, plus family obligations. But experience also tells me that I was able to make time.

For better or for worse (for the district, in particular), I survived by setting priorities. To me, the club always comes first. To be more specific, attendance at the weekly meetings is a must. With everything else, I had help from the officers and other members.

Also during the past year, I had several foreign trips related to work, in fact more than I had the previous years. But I survived by limiting my overseas trips to not more than five days so I can still attend the weekly meetings. After all, five days is a long time to be away.

Related to this, I remember a story told last year by Past District Gov. Sonny Coloma, who served as president of his club at the same time he was a Cabinet secretary. He, too, survived by attending all the weekly meetings – and asking his members to cover for him at many of the other functions.

In short, we need not sacrifice our professional duties for club service. Everyone in the club is busy, but I think there are many willing to pitch in and help whenever needed.

A third reason, perhaps, is that it’s expensive to be president. Sure there are costs, but there are also ways to address this. Again, we simply need to prioritize. If funds are needed, for example, the club can always do more fundraising activities so that we raise money for the projects, rather than paying them from our own pockets.

For sure, there are more objections, but all those I can think of pale in comparison to the three I’ve listed here. And like those listed above, I’m certain that the other concerns also have simple solutions.

This club has a rich history. Our members have contributed so much to make the lives of others better for nearly four decades now. We owe it to tradition – as well as to our sense of civic duty – to continue the good work, if necessary, as president for 12 months.

As know, the club president does not stand alone. There is an effective and efficient system in place, thanks to our predecessors. I believe that a careful study of every objection to serving would lead to the only logical conclusion – that there is nothing fear.