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

GO FOR GOLD IN MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

By Sec. Bench Sy Chu
August 20, 2008

Despite continuous downpour, RCMNers trooped to Dusit Thani for our weekly meet. Rotarian Mac McLean gave the invocation that afternoon, with PP Ed Mijares moderating. During the singing of our National Anthem, PP Ed suggested singing it in English. I actually thought he was kidding but apparently, as Rotarian Vince Tan confirmed, there indeed was an English version of Lupang Hinirang. Some of the “more senior” RCMNers even offered a few lines of the English version. Indeed, it was a surprise.

IPP Joe Reano reported on the successful golf fellowship held recently at the Alabang Country Club. He enjoined the group to come up with more fellowship activities to prosper friendship and camaraderie. President Klink plans to do another, more organized golf fellowship soon. He likewise encouraged the group to go into other interests like badminton, shooting, etc.

President Klink announced the upcoming Club activities that is, our Sep. 6 Gawad Kalinga build and the MMQ Cabaret Charity, c/o Director Chris Bellinger. Everyone is enjoined to participate in these 2 activities that will surely liven up the Rotary spirit.

We were fortunate enough to have as guest speaker, Dra. Joji Tan, District 3830’s Senior Assistant Governor. As dentist by profession, I was amazed that she very ably maintained a good Orthodontics practice and an admirable Rotary leadership.

That afternoon, she spoke about the District’s GO FOR GOLD IN MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT, stressing that the District needs more Rotarians to “Make our Dreams Real”. The good news is, despite the Philippine Districts’ net decline in Clubs and Memberships, District 3830’s membership figures are on the uptrend. Of course, our very own, Gov. Ato Magadia was the driving force behind these positive figures.

An interesting fact she highlighted was “New Members Join, but More Members Leave”. Also, she mentioned another known, albeit often ignore fact, that is “Most Rotarians never Propose a New Member”. Hence, she stressed that goals should clearly defined and a Plan should be set in place. She added that focus on Retention via lively meetings and fellowships are very helpful. Naturally, the Club’s service projects should be socially relevant. She enjoined everyone to welcome New Rotarians and encourage existing members to propose more of their friends and colleagues. She likewise offered strategic ideas on membership recruitment.

Dra. Joji Tan’s PASSION for Rotary resounded loudly in the four corners of the conference room. Perhaps some day, she will visit our Club again as our District’s first Lady Governor.