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As we get excited about the upcoming Rancho BEERnardo Festival Event at the Sikes Adobe Historic Farmstead on September 27, it is tempting to think of this event solely as a fundraising opportunity. However, in reality, this event is a great way to actually demonstrate to our community what Rotary is really all about.
In the breakout sessions at the Rotariy International Convention, much was said about Rotary's "brand" identity. Since I have returned I have had several opportunitys to ask younger people about what they know about Rotary. Either they don't know or they have some serious misperceptions. What those responses tell researchers is that we, as Rotarians, have to address those misperceptions.
How many people you interact with know you are a Rotarian. Are you excited about what Rotary does and what you have experienced personally as a Rotarian. To Tell Rotary's Story, all of us need to have a ready answer when an opportunity arises to "sell" Rotary. The most effective way to do this is to relate particular incidents in your experience that were "aha" moments. PDG Carl was very effective on a person to person level when he told how emotional he still gets when he realizes that the children who he immunized in India had their lives forever changed because they now will not be victims of Polio. Each of us has something that has touched us about what happens in Rotary. Those personal stories are far better than some sterile facts or a paper brochure.
Our target population for future growth are people 45 years and younger. These people are socially consciece already and what to be involved. What we have to do is make them aware of who we are as Rotarians. We also need to let them know they are welcome. Our club actually does a good job in this area. We are welcoming to guests. We have enough guest come to our club that we are not suspicious about a new person in our midst.
At the Rancho BEERnardo Festival event we will all have to be aware that our actions will reflect on our club. We will need to have promotional exhibits that tout what we do in the community. We will need to enlist volunteers for this event from those charities who will benefit from the funds we raise.
I am excited about the very public nature of this event. It is a great way to get Rotary out of the shadows into the sunlight of the everyday awareness of our friends and neighbors in the community.
Jim Dunny
SunRiser Editor
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