PETS Speech by PRID Ken Morgan of Chapel Hill, NC

Past Rotary International Director Ken Morgan spoke to club presidents-elect from Districts 6440 and 6420 at February’s Presidents-Elect Training Seminar. He reminded everyone that club president is the most important job in Rotary; regional and even international officers are there to support clubs.

Morgan outlined his five rules for successful club presidents:

  1. Be a leader; transfer your proven leadership skills to your club. Club presidents need to be involved, to do what is necessary, and to be passionate about Rotary. Understand your club’s culture and how much you can change it. Focus on club members’ successes and be sure to connect with and support members. Create excitement within your club.
  2. Starting now, commit the time necessary to do the job right. Set aside time each week to prepare for your year as club president. Identify two or three key thinks that will make you successful. Read RI’s President’s Manual, visit and explore and plan good quality club programs (and allow sufficient time for those programs, even conducting other club business while people are eating their meals—respect the time the speaker is giving your club).
  3. Recruit a strong team of committee chairs and directors. Set high standards and expect success. Check in with your team regularly to evaluate progress. Involve members in developing programs and projects so they are invested in success.
  4. Make sure your weekly club meetings have food that’s good, fun and fellowship. Fun and fellowship will lead to success because people will want to be involved. Recognize significant dates such as member birthdays or anniversaries. Have people introduce longstanding as well as new members. Know what’s going on with club members and help when necessary, such as someone who needs help with a child or someone with an ill spouse.
  5. Know and implement the four elements of a successful Rotary club:

-Sustain and grow membership

-Do projects both locally and internationally

-Support The Rotary Foundation financially and through program involvement

-Get involved in Rotary beyond the club level.

Morgan concluded that the success of your club lies in the commitment you make to the club.