Right from the top
Storytelling gold
Right from the top
When Rotary International president John Germ read the bumper summer edition , he sent us a message , saying : “ This looks really good ”, before sharing it around senior leadership at headquarters .
Rotary International chief executive officer John Hewko ’ s response ? “ Congratulations on a great PR program ”.
Since launching the first In Gear last August , we ’ ve been swamped with amazing feedback , not just via Rotary International , but from throughout New Zealand , and internationally – from Scotland to Australia .
District 9980 “ have produced a real winner . An eighty – yes eighty – page publication full of interesting events , history and stories about Rotary ”.
“ Just a quick note to congratulate you on an amazing magazine ! I loved every page of it !”
“ What a fantastic mag . Full of information and ‘ bright and go-getter ’ style . Well done to the whole team .”
“ I just looked at your first news magazine and was amazed . So very professional , and makes it very easy to share with people when recruiting into Rotary . Well done to whoever developed this format !!”
“ What a fabulous effort .” “ Awesome .” “ Really enjoyed it !” “ Great publication … well done !!” “ What a great read !”
“ I was fortunate to have received a copy of your quite remarkable district magazine – In Gear – a very impressive publication and I would imagine very well received within your district . I feel I must pass on my feelings as this is probably the best Rotary publication I ’ ve seen produced anywhere … Congratulations and I look forward to your follow-up . I have already shared this with some of my Public Image team and they are as overwhelmed as I am .”
Storytelling gold
What I can also tell you is that the stories just keep coming ... and coming . Make no mistake ; these stories are absolute gold when it comes to sharing and growing Rotary . As soon as we get one edition to bed , the editorial content list for the next issue starts sprouting immediately from the discussions we have and the messages we receive .
If your story hasn ’ t been told in these pages yet , please don ’ t be shy and hide it under a bushel . I know that each and every club has
“ Great publication ... well done !!” so many more wonderful , high-impact , ohso-authentic , stories to share . I ’ m also well aware our very Kiwi reaction to our own efforts is so often along the lines ... we really don ’ t do that much . But , by focusing on the news values – often the impact , and the outcomes – the light shines quite differently on each story . So , please continue to bring your stories out into the open and let us , and others , be inspired by your efforts and celebrate with you .
To all of those who are getting ready to head to Wanaka on May 12 for 9980 ’ s annual conference – Our World . A Better Place – we have the welcome mat at the ready , and can ’ t wait to see you all here .
This looks really good .”
John Germ Rotary International president
We ’ re looking at a great turnout – and , with the line-up of inspirational speakers , fantastic cuisine , wonderful activities on offer , and , of course , the gala Winter Wonderland-themed dinner , we know it ’ s going to be an event for us all to remember . We ’ re in the final days of registration – and there ’ s quite a last-minute flurry , so be in quick !
A final , heartfelt thanks , again , to all the Rotarians featured in these pages . I read every last one before we “ push publish ”, and never fail to come to the end without a bit of a lump in my throat . In Gear is southern Rotarians ’ collective voice , and one of the most powerful reminders of what a privilege and honour it is to lead such a unique , devoted group of people .
If you ’ re in any doubt what an incredible contribution Rotarians make every day , in so many ways , read on … and be prepared to be inspired .
“ I feel I must pass on my feelings as this is probably the best Rotary publication I ’ ve seen produced anywhere .”