President Elect (PE) Bruce Shepard started his address by thanking the members for the trust placed in him as incoming President of the Rotary Club of Medicine Hat.
He drew a parallel between being a museum curator, ‘a keeper of a collection of valuable items worth keeping’, and the curator of our Club, comprising so many ‘specimens’ who have invaluable perspectives on life, having lived for many years and had so many experiences.
PE Bruce referred to the history document published at the time of our Club’s Centennial Celebrations (2018), the ‘story line’ of our Club, how proud members can be of the many achievements over the decades, and said we need to shift gears from being overly modest about the Club’s achievements, to getting the word out about what a great service club Rotary is, and the difference we make in people’s lives, both locally and internationally. He made special reference to the Rotary Music Festival.
Bruce highlighted Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, suggesting that many Club members have moved through the different levels over the years, and have now reached the level of self-actualization, putting us in the important position of being able to see beyond ourselves, acknowledge the needs of others, and live the ‘service above self’ motto.
Medicine Hat has a population of about 63,000, a third being over 60 years of age. PE Bruce said how important it is, that we give those retirees who would like to, the opportunity to serve their community in a different capacity, namely via a service club like Rotary. He also referred to newcomers to our city, our ‘new neighbours’, and getting the Rotary story out to them.
The key to attracting new members and retaining their participation? “Tap into what people feel most passionate about”.
Our Club will be holding an event in April 2024, National Volunteer Month in Canada, to showcase Rotary in general, our Club specifically, and to attract new members. PE Bruce will chair the organizing committee.
He again encouraged all members to join at least one of the many Club committees that will be up and running during his year as President.
To our incoming ‘Curator of the Exhibit’ of the Rotary Club of Medicine Hat and its members:
Thank you, Bruce Shepard, for taking on the position of 2023-2024 Club President. We wish you the very best for a year of member attraction, retention, club innovation and vibrancy!