Creating a Culture of Care in Rotary District 5000
Aloha Fellow Rotarians,
Our hearts and prayers are with the people of Maui during these times of uncertainty. The Hawai’i Rotary District 5000 Foundation is acting quickly to respond to the relief efforts using donations received through the Maui Fires Relief Fund from around the globe. This past week, the District Foundation’s Board of Directors authorized $50,000 to be released to purchase gas cards from Maui Oil and distribute on Maui beginning on Monday.
The District Foundation has also created an advisory group to help prioritize the use of the funds with representation from Maui Rotary Clubs including Wendy Hornack (Eco Club of Maui), Mariko Higashi (Lahaina Sunset), Joe Park (Lahaina), Joanne Laird (Lahaina Sunset) and Al Weiland (Kihei Wailea).
As we navigate through the challenges and opportunities, it is essential to reflect on the core values that guide our collective journey. This year, Rotary International President R. Gordon R. McInally has outlined an important theme that resonates deeply within our district: Creating a Culture of Care.
The Importance of Mental Health
President McInally urges us all to prioritize mental health, not just within our individual clubs, but also in our larger communities. In a truly caring culture, we aim to go beyond routine interactions and take meaningful steps to help each other thrive—emotionally, mentally, and professionally.
Why August is Pivotal
August is Membership and New Club Development Month, and there is no better time to introspect and evaluate the culture within our clubs. Fulfilling experiences are the cornerstone of member retention. If our members find value, purpose, and a sense of community, they are more likely to stay and contribute their unique skills and perspectives.
Strategies for Cultivating a Caring Culture
- Communication is Key: Stay in touch with members at every stage of their Rotary journey. Whether they are new inductees or seasoned Rotarians, open lines of communication make people feel valued.
- Feedback Loop: Regularly ask for and act upon feedback. If a member feels there is room for improvement, take immediate action to initiate those changes. This demonstrates adaptability and shows that the leadership is attuned to members' needs.
- Empowerment Through Involvement: When members are actively engaged in shaping their Rotary experience, they are not just participants but stakeholders. This shared ownership is a potent factor in creating a robust, caring community.
Additional Resources
I encourage all clubs to explore the wealth of membership resources available on My Rotary. There you'll find invaluable guides, training materials, and case studies that can further assist us in nurturing a caring environment.
The culture of any organization is shaped by the worst behavior the leadership is willing to tolerate. Let us all take steps to ensure our culture is one of inclusiveness, caring, and continual improvement.
Together, let's embrace a culture of care, for the well-being of our members and the communities we serve.
Yours in service,
Mark Merriam
Hawai'i Rotary District 5000
District Governor 2023-2024
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