Rotary’s challenging times
July 15, 2020
Service clubs like Rotary face challenging times because of the current COVID-19 pandemic, but need to strengthen their membership, put ideas into action and improve local communities – all reflected in 2020-2021’s international theme, “Rotary Opens Opportunities.”
That’s the message Capital Rotarians heard from assistant governor Eric Davis (in photo) at July 15’s Zoom meeting. Davis noted that the pandemic has curtailed in-person gatherings and scrapped numerous club and district projects. He said that virtual meetings – even remote “happy hours” or small group online socials – can help Rotarians stay in touch.
“We need to be flexible and innovative in keeping every member engaged,” Davis said. “Reaching out one-to-one is the way to strengthen our bond.”
Despite the pandemic’s effect, clubs can still take part in district committees, apply for grants to fund global projects or sponsor applicants for international scholarships. It’s also possible to virtually sample other club and district meetings. Davis, a member of Vista Night Rotary, has a year left to serve as Area 2 assistant governor in District 7770. Area 2 encompasses six Midlands clubs, plus the University of South Carolina’s Interact group for young adults and an EarlyAct club for youngsters at St. Peter’s Catholic School in Columbia.
