Rotary has been an integral part of our community for many years, but it's time to take advantage of a fresh wave of thinking about who we are, what we do and why we volunteer with Rotary.

Our Club have a strong group of fresh-thinking proactive leaders ( President Dave, Treasurer Andrew and Sergeant Jen) with different perspectives who are unafraid to change it up for our Club. Our range of activities and connections with our community are growing. The only thing missing is 20+ new members to drive and deliver innovation, connections, and integration to the opportunities that have opened up. We are perfectly balanced for growth but we need to find the right people and this article is about actively looking for new Rotarians who have a fortitude for adventure, compassion, learning, commitment and personal fulfilment.

When looking for new Rotarians, we often find people excusing themselves as being caught up in the whirlwind of daily life, citing busy schedules, the relentless pace, and other pressing priorities as reasons to stay non-committed. It's essential to recognize that these excuses, while valid on an individual level, shouldn't be a reason not to convince someone with talent, vision, experience, and passion to at least consider the difference their skill could make within the community if they joined Rotary. A remarkable transformation can occur when we look beyond those constraints and consider the positive influence we can exert through our knowledge, experiences, and actions. Suddenly, we discover pockets of time, small yet significant, that can be dedicated to enriching our community and, in turn, enriching our own lives. We give, and we receive something back for our efforts. Sometimes it isn't much, but other times, maybe years later, what comes back is profound. We know people are busy but we also know that busy people join Rotary because Rotary adds value to their lives. That value is derived from the effort they are willing to make to work with, expand using their skillset and integrate into the club. I think it is called involvement.

Rotary provides a unique platform where we actively seek opportunities to elevate those around us, helping them unlock their hidden potential. Rotary extends our reach to distant communities, equipping them with essential resources and technology that might otherwise be out of reach. Rotary offers care and support to the vulnerable, wherever they may be. We work in areas where we see a need, using the available talented Rotarians we have available at the time. Rotary is only limited by the number of good members who can work together towards delivering a set goal. It is always fun to have a destination, a good bunch of people to travel with and a reason for doing what needs to be done.  

It's time to share the incredible journey that Rotary offers. When we are able to convey the boundless opportunities within an effective and welcoming Rotary Club to a potential member, then most of those initial excuses naturally fade away. So, let's not keep this transformative experience to ourselves. Invite others to join us in making a difference together.

These are the attributes of a perfect Rotary candidate. I will qualify this by saying that I didn't meet any of these qualities, but Rotary helped to awaken and develop them over time. Rotary is a journey of personal fulfilment and not a short-term volunteering exercise.

1. Commitment: A perfect community-minded volunteer is committed to the cause and shows dedication over the long term, not just for short-term gains or personal recognition.

2. Empathy and Compassion: Volunteers should have a genuine concern for the well-being and needs of others. They should be able to put themselves in the shoes of those they are helping.

3. Reliability: Dependability is crucial. Volunteers should be punctual and fulfil their commitments to the best of their abilities. This includes showing up for scheduled activities and meetings.

4. Adaptability: Communities and their needs can change, so volunteers should be flexible and willing to adapt to evolving circumstances and challenges.

5. Effective Communication: Volunteers should be able to listen actively and communicate clearly. This includes both conveying information effectively and understanding the needs and perspectives of others.

6. Respect: Volunteers should respect the diversity and cultural differences within the community they serve. Treating everyone with dignity and respect is essential.

7. Teamwork: Many community projects involve collaboration. A good volunteer should be able to work well with others, contribute to group efforts, and build positive relationships with fellow volunteers and community members.

8. Problem-Solving Skills: Volunteers often encounter challenges. Being able to think critically and find creative solutions to problems is valuable.

9. Integrity: Honesty, ethical behaviour, and trustworthiness are crucial. Volunteers should uphold the values of the organization they represent.

10. Continuous Learning: A perfect community-minded volunteer is open to learning and improving their skills. They stay informed about the issues and needs of the community and seek opportunities for personal growth.

11. Resourcefulness: Volunteers should be resourceful in finding ways to address community needs, whether that means connecting people with resources or finding innovative solutions.

12. Patience: Not all problems can be solved quickly, and not all individuals or communities may be receptive to assistance immediately. Patience is vital in building trust and making a lasting impact.

13. Positive Attitude: Maintaining a positive attitude, even in the face of challenges, can inspire others and contribute to a more constructive and harmonious community atmosphere.

14. Safety Awareness: Depending on the nature of the volunteer work, safety awareness and the ability to follow safety guidelines may be essential.

15. Passion: Finally, a perfect community-minded volunteer is genuinely passionate about the cause or mission they are serving. Passion can be a powerful motivator and inspire others to get involved.

It's important to note that no one is perfect, and volunteers may possess varying degrees of these qualities. However, a willingness to work on developing these traits and continuously improving as a volunteer is often more important than achieving perfection.