Rotary launches new program to recruit members

By Rashika Fazali

Rotary Sri Lanka recently launched a new program spanning across a three year period to recruit new members with priority on the increase in female members by at least 10 per cent from this July until the next.

Rotary Sri Lanka realised that the organisation has not grown in 2011/2012 and due to this, the organisation has found a need to grow to sustain and manage its commitment to Rotary itself.

This launch specifically signified the need to join hands in order to offer a greater service to mitigate their stagnant growth in the past few years.

Rotary International (RI) District 3220 Sri Lanka Immediate Past Governor Gehan Siribaddana noted that in the past decade, the membership growth has been between 1,600 and 1,800 with no growth beyond that mark.

He added that RI District 3220 Sri Lanka District Governor Dharshan John aims to achieve a growth of 2,000 members and by the end of the three-year plan, to see a growth of 2,700 members.

This three-year structured plan will cover three areas. Firstly Rotary will focus on sustainable growth. It will further follow three processes – recruiting, retaining and sustaining growth. They will also look into ways of getting more people involved in Rotary which will further increase the volume of service.

“The second area looks at restructuring the district administration by modern management tools,” explained Siribaddana. He believes society has to evolve with the new management methods that revolve around digital networking methods. He further mentioned that change has to take place in order to more forward.

Finally, Rotary Sri Lanka hopes to elevate the standard of projects to a higher level by strengthening the clubs around the country. They also hope to aim their targets by publicising their good work.

“People know about Rotary but not many people are aware of what Rotary is all about,” said John, further stating, “We need to brag about Rotary.”

So why should young and old professionals join Rotary? “Rotary is a great brand, but why is it a great brand?” John questioned. He then went on to list out the excellent work Rotary has accomplished.

In 1985, RI moved the World Health Assembly to pass a resolution to eradicate polio which resulted in overcoming polio in many countries. Sri Lanka was declared polio free in 1997. Moreover, World Health Organisation (WHO) reported that 125 countries were affected in 1988, and by 2012 only three countries remained polio-endemic – Afghanistan, Nigeria and Pakistan.

Another great project undertaken by Rotary was its challenge of building 25 schools in Sri Lanka. Addressing the media on the unforgettable 2004 tsunami that devastated the country, RI Past Director and Rotary Foundation Past Trustee K. R. Ravindran said: “100 schools were wiped out. We provided emergency supplies such as bandages and other necessary items and we then decided to build 25 schools. It took us six years to finish the 25 schools.”

Ravindran added that around 15,000 children were able to come back to brand new schools – schools they never had before. They have also contributed 13 million worth of equipment to the paediatric cancer ward. Currently, they have decided to provide training to teachers that which will enable them to obtain a diploma.

Rotary Sri Lanka has been present in Sri Lanka for the past 74 years, though they were recognised in 1991. They have conducted many community service programs including education, job training, career guidance programs, provision of clean water, hunger alleviation, improving health and sanitation.

If young or old professionals are interested in joining Rotary, note Rotary membership is only by invitation. A prospective member should have skills, a good standing in society and adequate interest in joining and helping the organisation.

Prospective members of civil society interested in joining the Rotary family are encouraged to request for an invitation by either contacting local Rotary clubs or logging onto www.rotarysrilanka.org. Prospective members could also email the current District Governor Dharshan John on [email protected] for more details.

In conclusion John stated, “We need to grow – and not just in size. There is so much to be done which could be accomplished if we have more helping hands and more professionals. We want young and old professionals to join hands in order to provide a greater service.”