Friday, August 25, 2006

Ask Terence... (Part 2)

Contributed by PDRR Terence Lee (Alumni of RAC Pudu)
(Published with permission)



Q4) How did you become so passionate about Rotaract?

Personally, I believe the formula or ingredients to create ‘Passion' are time, purpose, and motivation. When we have these 3 mixed at the right amount, we get passionate. I must say these 3 factors played a significant role in creating the passion I needed in Rotaract. Firstly, passion needs time to be cultivated. This is particularly relevant to allow experiences to settle in. We can’t really demand passion from someone if he/she just sat his/her eyes on that something. My passionate point came when I approach my second membership year. So much so, I gave additional attention and time for Rotaract.

Secondly, we can’t be passionate if we do not know our purpose in life or at any particular point in our life and the reason(s) we are attracted to that something. Whether the purpose is good or otherwise is irrelevant. I know the purpose I joined Rotaract and believed in its objectives were in accordance to my life principles, and Rotaract could help me get to where I wanted to go and what I wanted to achieve at that time.

Thirdly, when passion is built upon and needed to be sustained, motivation is the fuel or energy supplies to ensure the passion we have do not run out of steam. Amongst the motivation I received were the enjoyment experienced when being with friends (members), the improvement in leadership and management skills obtained, enlarged network circle of friends, the happy faces on the individuals Rotaract has touched, and not forgetting an understanding partner.


Q5) How has Rotaract benefited you?

Wow! The list will be long, but to keep it simple and short, I shall keep it to these 2 areas - Opportunities and Self Development. Through Rotaract and its association with Rotary, I’ve been given various opportunities to experience and achieved several life pursuits otherwise not possible if I wasn’t a Rotaractor. I’ve performed dances on stage, organized various projects both fund-raising and service oriented, lead various teams of volunteers who were not paid to work with me, gave public speeches to thousands, witnessed the suffering and predicament of unfortunate individuals in our society, made friends from overseas, and learned what protocol meant in our society.

From the self development aspect; I’ve learned and developed numerous life- or street-smart skills that can’t be found in any tertiary institutions?subject. To name a few; how to market without money, managing others without giving monetary rewards, leadership by example, entrepreneurship, practical communication skills, and multi-tasking.

Thursday, August 24, 2006

Wetland Park, Putra Jaya 27-8-2006

Wow! Great news!
Our sponsoring Rotary Club, The Rotary Club of Port Klang is inviting us to join their "Family of Rotary" fellowship together with other Rotary Clubs to Wetland Park, Putra Jaya this Sunday (27-8-2006). It's a great opportunity to hang out with Rotarians of our club and other clubs!
The cost of this fellowship is RM42.00 per person inclusive of breakfast, lunch and all other whole day activities! The normal rate is around RM80.00.
They are gathering at 7.30am (27-8-2006) at Klang Hokkien Association. Interested? For more details please contact President Feldman or IPP Harnniann.
For the benefits of all readers and in line with our theme of this Rotaract year, we shall reproduce below the introduction of Wetland Park, Putra Jaya.


Wetland Park

Putrajaya Wetland is the largest constructed freshwater wetland in the tropics. It functions as a flood control system and a natural filter system for the Putrajaya Lake. Apart from providing an expansive area for recreation and education, it forms an essential part of the eco-system.

The park comprises the Taman Wetland and the wetland areas. The wetlands are made up of 24 wetland cells built along the Chuah and Bisa rivers. Marshes and swamps were developed in the wetland cells. More than 70 species of wetland plants have been planted. Twenty-four species of indigenous fish were introduced into the wetland more than a year ago and have today adjusted to the environment and add diversity to the man made eco-system.

A good starting point to explore Putrajaya Wetlands is to visit Taman Wetland. As the gateway to the wetlands area, Taman Wetland houses a Nature Interpretation Centre and a 80m high look-out tower which offers a bird's eye view of Putrajaya. Within the park, there are two marked trails, a flamingo pond, picnic areas and other public amenities.

Taman Wetland has attracted a wide variety of birds and animals. Several species of local marshland birch and water birds including the Little Egret, Little Green Heron, Cinnamon Bittern and migratory birds from the northern hemisphere have been spotted there. Visitors to the park can enjoy a leisurely walk, jog or cycle along its bicycle track.

In the Nature Interpretation Centre, there is a souvenir shop, a wetlands diorama, wetlands handicraft displays, an AV room and the Wetland Cafe. The Centre as the focal point of public education and ecotourism, provides information about the wetland plant bed filtration system, conservation of wetland habitats and on the uses of wetland products.

The Putrajaya Wetlands is said to be the largest constructed freshwater wetlands in the tropics and the first of its kind in Malaysia. Where geology, hydrology and biology have created natural wetlands, the Putrajaya Wetlands, carved out from rubber and oil palm plantations, is the product of human ingenuity and technology.

Wednesday, August 23, 2006

My Sunday...

Contributed by Rtr Sooling

Seems like long time I’d never joined my member for fellowship (except the recent installation dinner). Finally, yesterday (19-8-2006) I managed to join the ‘activity’ organized by Rtr Shawn Ong. The ‘activity’ was just going over to his house and eating durians. Sounds funny, right? Because most of us stay in Klang area, but Shawn stayed in Bukit Rimau, Shah Alam. It took about half an hour to go to his place.

I woke up at 8am and prepared myself to join them. Maybe some of you will think ‘just eat durian only there is nothing special why so excited?’ But, for me I personally appreciate every time and every second that I spent with my lovely friends even it just a small event.

Before we went to Shawn’s house. Toh, Engtee, Vivien, Lloyd, Jia Thaim (our new friend) and myself was having our breakfast-bat kut teh in Bayu Perdana, Klang. After the breakfast we straightaway went to Shawn’s house. On the way to Bukit Rimau, we picked up Feilin (RAC Shah Alam), ha! She also is our permanent guest (am I right? Feilin ^-^). When we arrived at Shawn’s house, Hui Hui was already there. Can you imagine we had just finished our breakfast, not even one hour now we started fighting with the durians…

Next, we have our movie session. Looks like some of us was not enjoying the movie, because the movie was too long, it took us three hours to finish. After the movie, we took bicycles and cycled around Shawn’s house, suddenly we became a temporary home guard for that area. Haha…

Before I end my boring story, let me spread the news to everyone, yesterday night I received a message from Zee Kin, it was a good news, our first lady Diana just gave birth, is a little girl!! Congratulation!!! Feldman, Diana. Now, both of you ‘naik pangkat’ become the little baby’s father and mother. Hurray…

That’s it for my Sunday. Sweet Sunday… ^@^

How about your Sunday?

Monday, August 21, 2006

Ask Terence... (Part 1)

Contributed by PDRR Terence Lee (Alumni of RAC Pudu)
(Published with permission)


Q1) How did you end up being a Rotaract?

It was both by coincident and choice. I migrated to KL in early 1994, and got in touch with a friend who was an Interactor. She was the VP in her club and when she completed Form 5, a Rotaractor of Gombak contacted and invited her to club meetings. I still remember the telephone conversation. She mentioned something about a Rotaractor who has been bugging her to attend their club meeting for the past few weeks. I laughed and thought that was funny ?perhaps the Rotaractor wanted to date her. So, as to end the constant calling to attend meetings, she summoned up 6 friends majority ex-Interactors (including me) both from her Interact club and college to join her in attending this meeting. In return, we were promised the opportunity to meet new friends of the opposite gender. (p.s. The six of us do not really know each other, you see). At that time, how could a single and lonely guy who just settled in the big city like me refused?

It was a Saturday afternoon; we took the bus and congregated at Lebuh Ampang before proceeding to Jalan Medan Pasar (the venue of the club meeting) by foot. We were supposed to locate a college named Bedford Girls College somewhere behind the Central Market. We found the college, but no Rotaractors. We wait for about 15 minutes before being informed that the club meeting was postponed, by a Gombak Rotaractor who was there because he thought that Saturday was a meeting day and also got to know the postponement after calling the President. As we were about to leave the 2nd floor of the otherwise closed college, we heard a kind of laughter, noise and commotion coming from the 4th floor. Being a young curious lad at that time, I climbed 2 floors up and investigate. What did we know? Another Rotaract club was about to begin their meeting as well. It was the Pudu Rotaract Club instead. Instead of leaving without achieving our main intention set earlier, I convinced the others to spend the hour at the club meeting. Since then, I fell in love with Rotaract; or to be more precise, the Rotaract Club of Pudu.


Q2) Why did you decide to become a Rotaractor?

This may sound like nonsense to majority of youth today. I wanted to do something more meaningful during my weekends compared to shopping (or window shopping most of the time), watching TV or sleeping at home. I had a hobby then ?photography. It was quite a costly past time then. A portion of my salary went to films, processing them, and transportation cost. Digital cameras weren’t introduced yet back then. I also realized I lack many other skills, being fresh out of school. To many people’s surprise, I was really a shy boy back then, without much socializing or inter-personal skills. I wanted to develop this and other related leadership skills, and I knew Rotaract can offer me these opportunities. The other reasons I joined Rotaract were also to meet new friends and perhaps do a bit of charity or service. All in all, it was for rather selfish reasons, so to speak.


Q3) People say they do not have much time nowadays. It was noted that you were having a day time job and night classes during your earlier years in Rotaract. Where did you find the time and how did you pulled through?

It’s simple math, really. I worked from 9am to 5pm, Mondays to Fridays; and 9am to 1pm on Saturdays. Classes were from 6pm to 9pm, 3 out of 5 weekdays. This left me with 2 evenings in weekdays, 1?days in the weekends. People say Rotaract or any volunteer work is time consuming. Yes, it is. But it is we who decides how much time is given. We can spend half a day in a week for Rotaract activities and meetings, and we can also spend half of our weeks on Rotaract stuff. It’s voluntary, remember.

How did I pull through? Well, we got to like what we are doing in Rotaract. I’m glad I didn’t need to do anything I don’t like in Rotaract. Better yet, we need to be passionate. You’ll be surprised what passion can do to anyone. That’s how I pulled through ?Prioritized my time and did what I was passionate about. To top that, I was actually dating my current wife then. She lamented that I'm more passionate in Rotaract than in our relationship...hahaha...


(to be continued)

Thursday, August 17, 2006

Announcement!

We are going to have a post mortem meeting for the recently concluded 2nd Installation Dinner at Rtr Shunglee's house (Bukit Rimau) on Sunday (20-8-2006) at 11.00am. Thereafter we shall have fun and relaxing fellowship there with variety of activities!

We plan to have Bak Kut Teh breakfast together at "Fei Ji" (aeroplane) Bayu Perdana at 9.30 am that morning. Join us! For further details please do not hesitate to contact President Feldman or Rtr Shunglee.

Thanks!

Wednesday, August 16, 2006

Installation Memories

Contributed by Rtr Jia Thiam

I have just joined this club recently. Barely knowing all the Rotaract members at that time, I kept on wondering whether I’m capable of working with them. Will I be left out from the group? Will I have no one to talk with during that time? These are the thoughts which came running through my mind like an unsolved puzzle. Nevertheless, the members of the Rotaract Club have proved me wrong. They are just a bunch of friendly people and I could feel the friendliness in the atmosphere while working with them.

(Never knew singing club song can be that fun!)

As far as I’m concerned, everyone worked very hard with only one goal in mind: to successfully organize this event. And we did it. We have also given hope to the orphans and cheer them up a little. Through their faces, we know that they will surely understand that they’re not alone while going through the journey of their life. They have us and the people around them to give them support and a loving heart. Though we had many ups and downs during the preparation of this event, but the end result has definitely carved a smile on our face. Everyone left the dinning room with a satisfied feeling in their heart. What else can we expect but feel proud of ourselves.

This Installation Day is truly a wonderful event and it deserved a special place in my heart. I met many new faces during that dinner and my heart has definitely been opened wide to more friends. I never would expect a simple dinner, turned out to be so much fun. I would like to thank Rotaractor Shung Lee for his effort in making this event a reality. You truly amazed me. I would have doubted my ability in organizing such event.

Dear Princess...

Contributed by President Feldman

She’s always on my mind. I am being haunted by thoughts of her ever since I came to know about her. Questions kept popping up in my head. When can I see her? How will I feel if I see her for the first time? How will she look like? Will she be Tall? Tiny? Petite? Humungous? Chubby? Skinny? Fat? What’s it like to see her smile at me? What should I do if she cries in front of me? Would I be able to be stern enough not to pamper her, or would I just lose my grounds when I see her frown? What is the first thing she’ll say to me? How would Diana reacts if I spend too much time with her? I hope she won’t complain. I believe I can cope with two ladies in my life. I am eagerly waiting for the day to meet her. When are you arriving, my little princess?

Dear Princess,

I have seen you through your mummy’s tummy since 7 months back from the ultrasound machine the doctor uses. You were barely an inch then, but now you’ve grown. The last I’ve heard, you were 2.8 kg. From around the 4th month, you started moving a lot, and never stopped since. Doctor Jason said that if the baby moves 10 times a day, then the baby is normal. But dear, you moved 10 times more! Are you really that restless? Or is mummy secretly teaching you kungfu every night before she sleeps? I was told that mummy talks to you everynight… what kinda secrets is she telling you? She keeps saying that she’s telling you how bad your daddy is. Is that true?

Your due date is near. Mummy wants you to come out now. So, when is the day?

Love,

Dad

Happy Merdeka!

Contributed by Rtr Shunglee


You know you are a Malaysian when:


+ You use your beam light and honk more than your indicators.

+ You go to the beach for a holiday but stay indoor most of the time instead (applies to certain gender only)

+ You fall into a storm drain in KL and nobody comes to your aid.

+ and when somebody comes to your aid, you hide your wallet and mobile phone.

+ You see gymnasts on the road more often than in your sports channel.

+ You get flashed from 100m away for changing lanes.

+ You crawl in traffic when it is cloudy and when it rains you wish you knew how to swim.

+ You experience traffic jam even when the accident is on the opposite side of the road.

+ You need to be reminded to do everything; from wearing your sealbelts to wiping your a** after a dump.

+ Your shit smells better than the drain.

+ You wake up, you find your neighbour house on fire and you go back to sleep until your fire alarm wakes you up again.

+ You are amused when someone is chasing a man with a PRADA bag thinking that its a high budget local production in the making.

+ You come out from your car to smoke and piss during peak hour.

+ You throw tissue paper on the ground and expect it to disintegrate when it rains.

+ You think the denda $500 is a reality tv joke.

+ Your neighbour knows how much you earn, what you eat, when you have s*x etc more than your mum

+ You need to be reminded to wash your hands after you pee.

+ You wash your hands and you see someone slapping his d*ck on the sink. Multi-tasking he says : /

+ Your house is on fire and the only people available to help are snatch thieves.

+ You are more afraid of snatch thieves than ghosts during the 7th month.

+ Your brake pads wears out faster than you can say "WTF your father's road ar?!"

+ You chop down trees and build a park filled with man made metallic trees.

+ You only care about the penyu (sea turtle) population when there isnt any more eggs to sell.

+ You jump into the beach only to find yourself surrounded by 'submarines'. Their arsenal? TREMENDOUS itch on your skin.

+ You only appreciate local talents when they become famous overseas.

+ You prefer to get kicked in your balls by Steven Gerard than getting laid with Jesicca Alba.

+ Your national icons are built by foreigners.

+ You drive to Singapore and suddenly find yourself sinking to the bottom of the Straits of Johor.

+ You lose your girlfriend to a level 60 undead mage during football season.

+ You Bitch about your country but still have patriotism wavering in your blood.

Happy Merdeka Day !

Friday, August 11, 2006

Club Meeting on 17th August 2006

Please be informed that our next club meeting is on the 17th of August 2006 (Thursday) at PP Kuah's office at 8.00pm.

Please take notice of the new meeting place for our club! Don't know where it is? Don't worry, just give a call to President Feldman or IPP Harnniann and we are happy to show you the way! It's somewhere near the Klang Stadium.

Our Speaker for the meeting is Mr Jeffrey Lim who owns a durian estate. The title of his talk is "Durian, the King of Fruits". Emm... can you smell the durian already?

Want to find out what this talk is all about? Don't miss it! Mark it on your diary now! Thank you : )

p/s: any guest who wants to join the meeting, please contact me at harnniann_toh@yahoo.co.uk

This is the Fourth meeting of this new Rotaract Year. It is getting more exciting!

Monday, August 07, 2006

We had a great time!

Contributed by Rtr Toh Harnniann

Last Sunday (6th August 2006), thanks to the generosity and kindness of our Organizing Chairman Rtr Shunglee and his family, our club was afforded the privilege of preparing props for the Installation Dinner at a luxurious and comfortable environment.

A total of 11 of us (including Rtr Feilin of RAC Shah Alam, thanks) spent the whole Sunday morning preparing the backdrop for the Installation Dinner and also wrapping lucky draw prizes.

I personally enjoyed every moment of it as it has been sometime since I had the chance to work on something with a bunch of great friends all with a common reason: for the club.

Rtr Shunglee had done a tremendous job in delegating jobs like cutting alphabets, cutting Styrofoam, wrapping up prizes etc. All of us put our heads together to brainstorm on the best way to stick all the Styrofoam (10 large pieces) onto the stage. It was not an easy task but we managed to figure out an ingenious way (whether it will actually work shall be known later).

It is amazing how a group of young adults can stick together with a simple aim to accomplish a task: to install their President honourably.

Dear members of RAC Port Klang Centennial, no matter what is the outcome on this coming Saturday Installation Dinner, I think we have succeeded in our mission. I always opine that the journey to a destination is more important than reaching the destination. We have spent numerous nights discussing the Installation, many efforts had been put in by members in selling tickets, sourcing for lucky draw prizes and sponsorship, preparing programmes, arranging sitting arrangement, inviting VIPs, liaising with restaurant etc.

To the OC Rtr Shunglee and all committee members, thanks for the time and energy you have contributed to this club. I hope you will be rewarded by witnessing a successful and memorable Installation this coming Saturday.

Wednesday, August 02, 2006

District Issues from a PDRR Point of View

Contributed by PDRR Terence Lee (Alumni of RAC Pudu)
Published with permission


My dear Presidents,

I've come about rather startling news recently regarding certain quarters within our Rotaract community having unrest issue pertaining to the administration and leadership of an office I once held with great enthusiasm and enjoyment.

I've chosen to speak voluntarily in this issue, for personally I strongly believe Rotaract is an organization with immense benefits for our youth today amidst the occasional hiccups experienced in any profit or non-profit making organization of this world. Please accept the following comments from me as a past Rotaractor who is passionate about the well being of Rotaract. I'll take extra care of the words I'm about to use, and whatever that I have written here should be treated as "without prejudice".

Firstly, the reason for you being included in this mailing list is of solely one reason - You hold the leadership responsibility of your respective clubs that ultimately and collectively give existence to this highest office in the Rotaract movement aptly called the District Rotaract Representative, and fundamentally forms the basis of a Rotaract District. To those who are cc: this mail, I simply wish for you to be informed of my concerns and views. To those who have been forwarded this mail, I trust he/she who forwards this mail to you feels you should take considerable care in reading this and you deserve to be informed as well.

The 7 topics which I'm about to share are as follows:

1) Rotaract has always been a "People Power" organization;
2) Dollars and Sense;
3) Leadership;
4) Time has changed, so they say;
5) WII.FM;
6) Do we need the District Board?;
7) Fellowship Through Service.

Certain comments in this mail has been intentionally left unanswered by me, for the other believe I strongly hold is that youth today in this knowledge driven generation are capable of exercising their creativity, analytical thinking, conscience and compassion towards matters that are dear to them. I’m confident all of you will not prove me wrong.

1) Rotaract has always been a “People Power” organization

Every decision and action in Rotaract is for and all about the benefit of Rotaractors. For without members, there would be no club, for without clubs there would be no District, for without a District there would be no …..

There were many instances painful decisions and actions were taken not because of an individual or a small fraction of the community’s agreement, but of the majority voices. Admitably, there could be times when decisions were made driven from a minority’s opinion. What is the use of the decision made when the disagreeing majority will not act upon the required result? Who are the majority? From a factual point of view, the voices of dismay I read are from clubs with amongst the strongest membership and most involvement in District projects and initiatives.

2) Dollars and Sense

I sincerely can’t help but to include this topic. How many Presidents really understand or taken much effort to understand matters pertaining to dollars and cents of the District? We claim to be a non-profit making organization, but when one sees an organization such as us having 5-figure balance in their piggy bank without much concrete plan to rightfully dispense it; have we ever question the purpose of existence of such fortune? I’m truly aware and deeply empathize towards the importance of having a fortune in our pocket to ensure future projects can be organized without much suffering in the finance department. I’m also of the opinion that youth today should rightfully earn their spending and not inherit them. This serves to develop entrepreneurial skills and the sense of appreciation towards the value of dollars and cents.

I once read in a document entitled Rotaract Statement of Policy during my task to produce my Club and the District Budget that “Any dues or assessments on the membership of any Rotaract club should be nominal and should be only for the purpose of covering the cost of administering the club; funds for activities and projects undertaken by Rotaract clubs should be raised by such clubs apart from such dues or assessments.” I couldn’t ascertain whether this statement still exists, but I’m sure my conscience tells me that this statement should not have suffered any negative implication if continued.

To Rotaractors who has chosen to live by ignoring matters concerning the financial welfare of the District, I’ve only this to remind, “God help those who help themselves” and “Conscience and virtue are far nobler than logic and obedience”. Should you choose to be unheard, may you rest your peace forever.

3) Leadership

Professionally and through Rotaract, I’ve had my fair share of learning what constitutes a leader. Leaders are born? Leaders are made? These questions are merely theoretical facts that needed to be proven in their respective time. No doubt, a leader must possess knowledge, experience and charisma. But, what has been truly proven is “Great leaders emerge not in time of norm and peace, but when crisis and injustice need to be successfully conquered.” I’ve also had the fair share of questions on the roles and responsibility of an effective leader. To this question I promptly answered – Guide, Influence, Motivate and Appreciate. And we should truly accept that leaders are human too.

4) Time has changed, so they say

Amongst the many reasons past Rotaractors, particularly past DRRs are not actively involved in District Board matters (or Rotaract in general) are due to the changes in one’s career cum family responsibilities and the clear understanding that times have change, so must the methods or style of management in any organization. I’m a strong believer in the phrase “Change is unavoidable”. And to a certain extent should be encouraged. Laws, Policies, Rules and Guidelines are made by men (and women). I’m of a strong opinion that such mandatory guidelines should only be conceived and agreed by individuals who are or will be affected by such guidelines, not our predecessor.

My dear Rotaractors; having been informed recently that a District Rotaract Board Meeting (I quote) “shall also be convened by any member of the District Board upon obtaining a written request from a minimum of ten (10) Board Members with prior permission of the District Rotaract Chairman” literally places the prominence and importance of a Rotarian duly appointed by the District Governor. May I ask then has such similar prominence and importance being accorded to a Rotaractor duly elected by Rotaract Clubs (i.e. DRR) to have the privilege of giving similar permission in a District Rotary New Generations or Rotaract Committee Meeting?

Rotaract used to be a fun and enjoyable avenue for young adults like myself to learn, develop and make deserving friends. There weren’t any District Guidelines other than the Standard Rotaract Club Constitution & By-laws, Rotaract Statement of Policy, and the individually customized House Rules of the Club (if any) to add to our otherwise fairly responsible actions and decisions. Well, times have change (Terence reminds himself here). But, once a Rotaractor always a Rotaractor – This I’m sure will never change.


5) WII.FM

“What’s In It For Me?” Evidently, we are all motivated to act through this notion going about our everyday life; including our intention, purpose and investments in Rotaract. I’m not a person who is deeply interested in the What, When, Where or Who; but places immense focus on the Why? Personally, I sense Rotaractors lack the knowledge and skills to answer the Why’s; including the effort that has been demonstrated to understand the Why’s in meetings. I sincerely urge all of you to invest more adequate portion of our brain cells to do so.

Why do we have meetings? Why people behave the way they do? Why I should decide so? Why not? Why the people are not with me? Why am I doing this? Why do we organize this project? Why do we need to change? Why am I feeling this way? Why this is happening? Why certain things cannot be resolved? Why do I need to hear or know this? Why am I a Rotaractor?

What’s in it for Terence, writing all this? To be heard, with a spoon full of passion and conscience my dear Rotaractors. (p.s. Indirectly testing the right to freedom of speech and hopefully to share some light in this tunnel to those who may be in the dark.)

6) Do we need the District Board?

Yes. I’m aware of the seriousness of raising this question. Yes, it’s also obvious such a question raised by someone who has served in the District Board for 5 terms does seem like a devilish ploy or the malfunction of the left-side of the brain. Honestly speaking, this ‘Why’ has been permanently engrave in my mind since the ages when sourcing for a DRR and not having anyone willingly to be elected was a source of concern for many.

No. I’m not going to speak on the individual with the highest responsibility in the District. What I’m about to pen here has every little thing to do with every individual representing (what I’ve mentioned earlier) the highest governing body in a Rotaract movement – The Rotaract District Board.

Do we truly understand the level of trust, authority and responsibility a District Rotaract Board has? How many of us have unwillingly dragged our feet to attend District Board Meetings? How many of us really invested enough effort and time to prepare for the District Board Meeting? How many of us in a little corner of our mind occasionally whisper, “District Board Meetings are a waste of time”. How many significant projects or decisions really took place or was resulted from District Board Meetings that made an improvement to Rotaract Clubs of this District? And not forgetting, how many of us really spoke in District Board Meetings?

I wish to reiterate, I’m not implying any notion when writing these questions for I know I alone am unable to change any circumstances because Rotaract is a “People’s Organization” that practices democracy. On the other hand, my questions of provocation above are intended to stir awareness and motivation to improve.

7) Fellowship Through Service

This is the motto that attracted me to be part of this family of like-minded young adults, who at times spend a third of their income and time monthly hoping that this investment called Rotaract is worth every cent of it. I used to profess once that the first step to having a wonderful club in this X and Y Generation times is by reading these 3 words in reverse – Service Through Fellowship. I hope I need not explain the meaning literally.

I agreed to be inducted as a Rotaractor because I have the belief then my fellow Rotaractors will be numbered amongst my closest friends one day. My belief was true. How many of us joined Rotaract because a friend invited us to? How many of us are Rotaractors because I see like-minded young adults in a club whom I can be a friend with? How many of us enjoyed the fellowship part of Rotaract more (if not slightly) than the service part? How many of us are willing to go the extra mile because a fellow Rotaractor is in need? How many of us do not mind organizing community service projects or even getting our hands dirty because we will be going through this with a group of friends? Fellowship spurs service in majority if not all instances, unless there is someone who can prove my incorrect.

Without fellowship, successes could not have been sweeter. Without fellowship, I dare to say there will be no Rotaract clubs. Without fellowship, this issue will not rest (although it seems so from an external point of view).

My dear Rotaractors, Service will not come if there is no Fellowship.

For your information, I have not included any Rotarians in my mailing list as I am of the opinion, Rotaractors should solve our issues internally for we are adults too. “Dirty linen is best washed within our own back yard.” says Terence.

With this, I end my heart’s content and shall retire with a peace of mind and a clear conscience.

Viva la Rotaract!


Terence just recently retired from Rotaract after being in service for 12 years. A happy father and an advocator of Rotaract who claims Rotaract was his second home. Professionally, he speaks a lot. Personally, he thinks too much and occasionally fails. He is also known to be long-winded and ever willing to lend a hand to Rotaractors wanting to tap his knowledge, experience and views on any topic dear to his heart. Terence can be reach via email at fail2think@yahoo.com