Our GETS training started on Monday, and went through Thursday. Then the Zone 25/26 Institute began in the same venue, and continued through Sunday Morning. The Institute is a conference for all of the Past District Governors (PDGs), current District Governors (DGs), DGEs, and District Governor Nominees (DGNs), and a few special invited guests. Whew! Lots of acronyms in Rotary as you can see.
So it was a very full week for Kim and I, and our 23 classmates (the other DGEs). Our class has christened themselves the "Visionaries". This is a long standing tradition, that each new class undertakes. Our logo is kinda cool, based on the Star Trek pin that doubled as a communicator for Captain Kirk!
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| One of my classmates designed the logo. Pretty cool don't you think? |
I like the name, as it suggests looking into the future, and imagining great outcomes for our endeavors. It gives me lots of ideas for helping the Club Presidents look ahead and plan their year. Certainly one essential quality of successful leadership.
The training was very intense. We were working from about 8:00 each morning until around 9:00 each night with a few "after hours/off the clock" sessions thrown in as well. The strongest focus of the course was in public speaking and leadership. Our instructors were excellent. We began Monday by giving a short two minute speech (see my post about decisions) to our class as we were coached and video taped. Then we got to watch the tape, and get feedback from the class. After this we were required to deliver the "speech" in front of a meal session. Next we practiced in front of the camera doing a new member induction, then awarding a Paul Harris Fellow. This is an award for making significant contributions to The Rotary Foundation.
Later we were asked to do impromptu inductions and awards in front of various meal events. You never knew when you would be asked to speak. They got the drop on me good. We were off site and relaxing at dinner in a restaurant called Sammy G's there in Palm Springs. I figured it was safe to have a glass of wine or two since "they wouldn't call on us here in a public restaurant, after cocktails".....NOT!
Luckily I was sipping my wine carefully, probably because it was $7.50 a glass, rather than out of a sense of caution. After all, I wasn't driving. Sure enough, the group leader got up front and after a few remarks about how things were going it went something like this: "And now to induct a new member into the Rotary Club of Sammy G's, from District 5190, District Governor Elect Sam "Woody" Wilbanks!
Showtime! Well, I was lucky to have a few moments to think about what I would say. The room went silent, and I got their attention. Then, quite intentionally, I said "Well, I was hoping to speak on the Floatary Roundation, but I suppose an induction will work!" The whole place broke up, you should have heard them laugh! It was a moment or two before they settled down enough for me to "induct" my new member. My presentation went off well and without a hitch. I cannot tell you how many folks came up and complimented me on my thick tongued humor! My classmates kept joking about it for the rest of our stay there.
Well, I am going to have to save the rest of the GETS/Institute saga for my next post. Got lots of Rotary work (not to mention house work) to get done before turkey day. I will have a few more pictures next time.
That's All!
'Bout time, dad! ;) I was beginning to think my entire family had ditched me on the blog-o-sphere... Sounds like your training was pretty cool, can't wait to hear more about it. I'm not at all surprised that you had the room in stitches. You've always been good at public speaking, not to mention funny. hehe.
ReplyDeleteDove from your Laughter,
Opie ;)