Some Thoughts on Club Extension - PP Christie Daniels (RC Danau Desa)

It has not been comforting to know that Clubs have been rushed to charter at the end of last term. No fault of the Clubs. But there has been expressed reservation and lack of mitigation.

1. Parts of the actions were exasperating. It has invited condemnation for the way the charter has been rushed in some cases and ROS registration in others. Given the lack of preparation and experience it won’t be without consequences. But that’s when the District has to demonstrate maturity and be responsible, help them adjust the sails, correct the emphasis. The atmosphere has to be moderated. We cannot be like the proverbial ostrich and pretend that it is someone else’s problem. It’s necessary to re-jig the focus, what has begun must now continue on a good note.

2. The irony of it all is, when a new Club comes into inception it is often by way of a heart-wrenching tear-away from a ‘parent’ Club. Like hunger that drives wolves out of the woods, it’s the ‘discarded’ (not meant rudely) fellow Rotarians passion and I think that may be acceptable. At this juncture engagement is more productive than alienation and isolation. Let’s not dampen their passion.

3. There was perhaps very little by way of conceptual mapping and thoughtful dissemination of the Rotary structure, information and understanding. Past reviews are replete with polemics.

4. RI has a carefully crafted running-order and the responsibility lies with the District. But I guess up to this point it has been mostly ‘hands-off’ and allowing ‘discourse’ to flourish. There are many ways to govern a Club but only one way to treat the Mbrs – with acceptance.

5. Be conscious of the fact that we are getting this opportunity to impact the lives of so many people, starting with Rotarians… Where there was passion, there was anger and in cases it spilled over into despair. Right now there is perhaps no necessity for any investigation, it is rendered academic

6. But, as an appointed DGSR, let me reflect the range of my initial excitement and later concerns. I did not take offence but was left embarrassed at a Joint Mtg. Others were being announced as the DGSRs and that their appointment letter will arrive soon!!! Well, I was there with the (then) DG’s official letter of appointment, and the Provisional Club Pres’ Invitation! Such mistakes should never repeat. It also placed the Host in a quandary.

7. In the unfolding confusion, I was then appointed to mentor the Provisional Club of  Bkt Tinggi. So much for principled stand. But it was immensely and mutually enriching and inspiring. Pres Richard’s commitment has already established optimism.

8. It is my earnest hope (and for all Rotarians I believe) that future Club extensions must continue to strive for proper understanding of Rotary. It is not for the District to fit into the context of the Club but the reverse.

9. For me as a DGSR it has been a particularly special experience. But the District has to look again at the entangled mess. There were many ‘flames’ of dissension. Naturally, the Provisional Club has to be built in reflexes of group thinking and emphasis of Rotary values. Sustainability never comes with a warranty.

10. Every new Club must have character; it must ‘belong to its community’.  We must avoid ‘anonymous’ Clubs, which is what we are inadvertently doing by expanding so rapidly.

11. Club Extension is important but do not let any one use it frivolously. Perhaps the Club Ext Comt be placed under the Dist Strategic Planning  Comt for prior approval, monitoring and final review for charter!

12. RI advisory on Club Extensions, implemented thru the Dist inter alia include specifics, one of which is that all inclinations (to form Clubs) must have best capacity. I propose that the Strategic Planning Comt  hold the tool to review for final approval. Failure to meet minimum standards established by the RI Board of Directors and low attendance rates are compromises not to be accepted and will be the best way to bring home the gravity of the fact. Timeline perhaps must not be a condition but a review process must be governed by a timeline to resist manipulation.

13. There must be a clear and coherent plan to avoid unseemly conduct by all and sundry! Incidentally, the saving grace is, at least 2 Clubs in the Klang Valley are buzzing with creativity and have embarked on some serious projects.

Some issues no long exist and have been overtaken by the march of time! Let’s ignore them.