Meeting strength with strength, Rotaract-Rotary collaboration
Like Rotarians, every Rotaractor has strengths they generously bring to our clubs through time, talent or treasure.
When speaking with Rotaractors, they often tell me they are called upon by Rotary clubs to assist at the delivery stage of a project.
While these Rotaractors are keen to help, it can feel a bit like a square peg being asked to fit into the round hole of an existing Rotary project or event.
So my question to you this World Rotaract Week is: what wealth do we as Rotarians overlook or forget when we focus ourselves so narrowly when it is time to deliver a project?
Instead, if we invited Rotaractors in from the planning stages of a project and asked them how they would like to contribute, might we not see their peg fit neatly into the puzzle, or perhaps even change the shape of the puzzle itself, in ways we had not considered?
I am excited as Regional Council Rotaract Director to ensure that at all stages the Regional Council is aware and considerate of the opportunities collaborating with Rotaractors can bring.
From my perspective it’s easy to start! Just treat Rotaractors like your own club members:
Reach out to local Rotaractors when you are in the initial stages of planning the project, when you’re still determining how to approach the problem.
Involve Rotaractors throughout the process and when it comes time to allocate tasks, ask them what they can commit to.
Set expectations for accountability, monitor and provide feedback as required, and celebrate the wins together.
From July you will also be able to draw on Rotaract Specialists for advice and support across the Zone.
Rotaractors are being appointed to Regional Council Portfolio Committees to ensure that at every level of the Pilot, Rotaract and Rotary are working in partnership.
By collaborating early and allowing everyone to bring their whole selves to the table, we meet strength with strength, and broaden the range of perspectives through which we can increase our impact and expand our reach in both our local and global communities.
So, why not invite some Rotaractors to the table and ask their opinion the next time you start planning a project?
By Eeshwar Rajagopalan, Regional Council Rotaract Director, Dual Member (Rotary Club of Elizabeth Quay, Rotaract Club of Subiaco D9423).
