Rotary District 6900 Governor Court Dowis made a visit to the Bainbridge Club this week and spoke well of the community and how the organizations rallied and worked together following Hurricane Michael.

The District Governor visits every club in his district during his service year, and he commented that he sees every club mold itself to its particular community.

He attended the international meeting in San Diego where he heard the International President speak of how he wants Rotary to be more relaxed and fun. His theme for the year has become “Have fun and they will come.”

In the Dowis presentation he expanded on the connection between fun and membership.

He suggested that each club have a social once a month where they invite a friend. It is his experience that he always finds a new connection with people in that environment.

The next step recommended to increase membership is to invite the prospect to observe and possibly take part in the social projects of the club. Only after you have achieved the first two steps do you bring them to a club meeting.

One size fits all does not apply to prospective members. Be aware of what stage of life they are living—what they can afford and what they can accommodate into their lives. Let them fit in where they are most comfortable.

Examples given are: young members need networking and a certain amount of mentoring from older members, who are in a position to give back. The more mature members just enjoy coming to eat lunch and see their friends. Some would love to be a mentor to a younger member.

He spoke on the three financial divisions of the Rotary Foundation: annual fund, endowment fund and the efforts to cure Polio worldwide.

Returning to the admonition to have fun, Dowis told of his passion for flying airplanes and racing sports cars. That led to the plans made for the District Conference to be held at Sandestin, Florida beginning April 25. The theme is Smokey and the Bandit. He promises it will be fun for all, including families.