President Bill welcomed 15 members and 2 guests, Geeta  (soon to be a member) and Peter Siemens a friend of Jim.

 

 

TOLERANCE OF DIFFERENCES
Occasionally there is a temptation to criticize the laws, customs and traditions of another country which may seem strange or contrary to our own. In some instances illegal practices or customs of one nation are completely lawful and acceptable in another.
As members of an international organization dedicated to world understanding and peace, it behooves Rotarians to exercise restraint in judging our Rotary friends and citizens from other countries when their behavior seems unusual to us. A Rotary policy has existed for more than half a century relating to this dilemma of international relationships.
The statement, adopted in 1933, says that because it is recognized that some activities and local customs may be legal and customary in some countries and not in others, Rotarians should be guided by this admonition of tolerance:
"Rotarians in all countries should recognize these facts and there should be a thoughtful avoidance of criticism of the laws and customs of one country by the Rotarians of another country." The policy also cautions against "any effort on the part of Rotarians of one country to interfere with the laws or customs of another country."
As we strive to strengthen the bonds of understanding, goodwill and friendship, these policies still provide good advice and guidance.

 

Reports:
 

Jim reported, 

Rob announced that the next Family Dinner will be at Bayview on January 21. Cara will send out details.

 

Birthdays: Bob Moss was the lucky recipient of our rousing chorus.

 

Rotary Membership:  Colin 45 years, Ian T 30 years, Barney 28 years.

 

No Speaker tonight. The membership survey was the subject of much discussion. There were 20 responses to the survey. Information. Several members said that they were not getting information on the club, the Nanaimo area clubs, and  the District.

Ed pointed out that all info was available on line, however most were in agreement that the minutes of the Directors meeting should be sent out to the members. ( since then Ed has sent out the December minutes to everyone).

District info can be found at https://www.rotary5020.org/

5 club info at https://www.rotaryinnanaimo.com/.

Fellowship - we now have an active Fellowship Committee members wanted more social evenings/events. Several were suggested.

Community  service we are doing enough but we need to publicise what we do.

International service we need a project. If we have one (SeeCan?) we need regular reports. If we don’t have one then there are many listed on the RI website looking for partners we don’t need to invent the wheel.

we need mentorship for new members. We need committees to involve new members. General opinion was that we were not involving new members who then lose interest.

more input from members on the speakers. Derek has and continues to do a good job but he is asking for members to join him in a committee. In the meantime anyone can suggest a speaker.

Sharing member profiles. There isn’t enough time when we have a speaker to have a member do a “baby talk” so starting with next bulletin there will be a member profile in each edition

Also discussed were different table set ups, greeters and mystery greeters, generally making meetings more welcoming. Much discussion revolved around the dinner costs. Change of time of meeting, change of location etc. the board will review and come back  to the club with recommendations.

 

 

Many thanks to Larry for organizing the survey and the results.