*DG Message to Rotarians*
It is necessary that I brief you of how the coronavirus crisis is affecting us as Rotarians.
The District, the Nation, and in fact, the whole World is going through challenges that nobody has ever gone through before.
The ease with which the Coronavirus infection can be contracted makes it imperative that we change the way we do things.
All over the Rotary world, meetings, conferences, training seminars, the International Convention, and even projects are being cancelled or postponed. District 9110 operations are being reviewed daily in order to protect the health and wellbeing of all Rotarians and staff.
At the core of the Rotary experience is the Club fellowship meeting. With the Government directive on social distancing and the banning of any gathering of more than 20, it is necessary for clubs to modify their activities. For people over 60, or with pre-existing conditions, they have a higher risk of complications, and for them, even extra caution is necessary. I will advise this group to stay at home unless absolutely necessary.
Some clubs have already postponed their meetings for a week or two which is perfectly in order.
Online meetings are the obvious option for clubs to explore. Clubs should have online meetings where possible. The District has subscriptions to the Pro versions of both the Zoom and the Clickmeeting software. The free versions are available online, and can last up to 45 minutes. (It can be rebooted over and over) The District Pro versions are available for clubs to use free of charge. Club Presidents can contact the District office for assistance in setting up online meetings if necessary.
The Rotary Centre will remain open, but all seminars will be rescheduled, and as many meetings as possible will be online. Hand washing facilities have been installed at the entrance of the District office, and there are sanitisers in all common areas.
Many clubs have made elaborate plans for many events, commissionings, anniversaries, even retreats. I will implore clubs to review their plans in view of the directives of Government on social distancing, and maximum number allowed in any gathering.(20). We must always bear in mind that we are, first and foremost, a membership organisation, and the wellbeing of our members is always of paramount importance. As Past RI President Barry Rassin said at the Toronto Convention, – “If we want to succeed as an organisation, we have to take care of our members first.”
Finally, while the dangers are real, we need to be aware of people who prey on anxiety in times of crisis, circulating misinformation online. Before you share anything, make sure it comes from a reputable source, such as a major news outlet, health organisation, or a government agency. If in doubt, check their website.
Please let’s stay safe and healthy, as we strive to make sure that Rotary Connects the World.
Jide Akeredolu
District Governor 2019-2020
Rotary International District 9110
Rotary Centre
8 Ladoke Akintola Street
Ikeja GRA, Lagos
Tel: 08023500880
Email: akeredolujide@yahoo.com