A successful voluntary group, such as Blyth Valley Rotary (thanks to our predecessors and past members), relies on structure, strong community awareness, and a clear understanding of how best to engage volunteers with shared values through strong leadership. Having fun and enjoying what we do is essential. Working as a team is imperative. To be flexible and value each member, with different skill sets and availability. Genuine appreciation helps keep members motivated and friendships grow. We are a not-for-profit organisation, which means we donate all profits to charity and publicise the amount raised. Transparency is a strong belief in Rotary. As a group, we may need to accept change and find new, effective ways going forward in our busy lives. Sometimes there are better ways of delivering information. Views are constantly changing, so we must remain flexible rather than defaulting to “we have always done it that way.” Our current communication platforms are email and WhatsApp. It’s vital to value people’s volunteer time and run meetings efficiently. There is no excuse not to use the technology available to communicate. For Blyth Valley Rotary to continue succeeding, we must accept feedback, good or bad. Listening to every valued member and act on the community’s needs. Engage all volunteers and encourage more to make a valued and positive difference in our community. Provide equal opportunities to all members, new and old, to deliver impact. The generation of 'givers' seems sadly to be dying, and we should keep it alive through flexibility, willingness to change, and reflection of modern-day busy lives, along with transparency and inclusion. The Rotary wheel (Roundel) represents progress, teamwork and a commitment to “Service Above Self.” Blyth Valley Rotary membership costs £120 per year or £10 per month. You don't have to have a meal or buy a drink to attend a meeting. That's your choice! Through Rotary International (https://www.rotary.org/), members access expertise, global connections, youth programmes, and funding for local and international projects. We have social events too for members, members' partners and friends, so it's not all about service to our community. We don't expect members to attend weekly meetings, but we do encourage participation and teamwork. We welcome feedback and suggestions to help us achieve positive outcomes, grow, and embrace change. Working alongside other groups is music to our ears! Volunteering is fun and rewarding. Making a valued, positive difference is a worthwhile achievement for everyone involved. For feedback, please email info@blythvalleyrotary.co.uk
