DISTRICT 9630 NEWSLETTER
From the Rotary District Probus Chairman
April 2011
PROBUS – Tomorrow’s Vision for Active
Retirees
Probus is a Community Service Program of Rotary
EDITORIAL
Hello Fellow Probians,
The floods are behind us, but never-the-less the effects will be with us a long time
yet. I hope the lives of fellow Probians and their families who were affected are
beginning to resemble normalcy and the worst is over. I know many Probians
offered assistance at the time, but if some members who were flood victims still
require help, let me know and I am sure Probians or Rotarians will come to the fore.
I must express how grateful I am to the hardworking committee of the Sherwood
Club for all its behind-the-scenes planning towards making the fast-approaching
District Information Day a success. This is despite the fact that many of its members
were affected by the flood and the club’s meeting premises was also flooded. The
Information Day will be the first organised under my watch, and I have ensured that
the agenda has something of interest for all clubs. However, there will be a slight
emphasis on membership growth and membership retention, because it seems the
most common issue of concern.
I also thank David Allen, one of the Probus Board members, for his advice and
counsel regarding the Information Day (among other things). David “looks after”
four of us RDPCs and will be a major presenter on that day.
I really should be relatively blasé by now, but it still hasn’t ceased to amaze me
what a wonderful movement the Probus organisation is! The wealth of activities that
the various clubs embark upon and the energy, enthusiasm and dedication with
which most members approach their allocated roles within the clubs is awe inspiring.
I wonder if it has something to do with the work ethic that was expected of us in our
younger days? What ever it is, we, our clubs and Probus as a whole, benefit by it. I
have heard it said that age has nothing going for it, but from
what I have witnessed this past year, Probians
certainly make the best of what’s on offer.
Mary Wilson
[email protected]
0412422779
Rotary District Probus Chairman (RDPC)
Did you go to last year’s Rendezvous? If so, a DVD of the event is
available for $20. Contact Eean Thorne – Ph: O8 8976 0339
Email: [email protected]
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Finances
Unfortunately prices are rising surprisingly rapidly – venue hire is going
up, as is catering (even for those clubs which self-cater). Capitation fees
have risen by $1 as has the cost of the magazine. Clubs need to give
some thought to their annual fees. Some clubs, particularly the older
ones, might find themselves short of funds because of reluctance, in past
years, to increase annual fees. Conversely, other clubs are so flush with
money that it is outside the charter of Probus (which doesn’t fundraise)
to hold such amounts. Ideally, a club should have around $1,500 to
$3,000 in its bank account at any one time. If the amount is more, then,
depending on members’ wishes, it is usually spent on underwriting
functions in which most members participate (such as a Christmas or
birthday function), and not bus tours which only select members join. It
is a good idea to have membership fees set so it is divisible by 12 if new
members pay pro-rata monthly, or by four if paying pro-rata quarterly.
Makes the accounting easier.
Insurance
One of the benefits of Probus
membership is the extremely
favourable rates of travel
insurance which PCSP and the
Probus board have negotiated.
I have noticed that there is some
confusion regarding the optional
travel insurance.
Members are automatically
covered when on a Probus
outing. The optional bit comes
into play when travel is extended
to more than a day, and members
wish to insure against loss of
baggage, personal injury (such as
a fall while travelling) or illness
while overseas.
The really great news is that the
favourable rates now apply to
Probians’ personal travel. You
don’t have to be on a Probus tour
to take advantage of these good
rates. What is more, if you have a
non-Probian friend or relative
traveling with you, s/he can also
take the cover. …And the cover is
for up to 90 days of travel and up
to 100 years of age! The only
thing it doesn’t cover are
deposits and fees charged for the
cancellation of a trip.
Compare the price of the Probus
insurance with any other on the
market for people of our vintage,
and you will be really surprised at
the savings. (I certainly was
when on a recent trip overseas. I
found it saved us several $100s
considering our ages and period
away).
Contact PCSP for documentation.
What is Rebirthing?
Some clubs are struggling for members. These clubs first need to find out why
and then see if they can rectify the problems. Then they can embark upon a
membership drive. If this is not possible, they could consider merging, but
only with a young, vibrant club. The merging of two declining clubs is not
recommended. Another option is rebirthing. Effectively, this is like launching a
new club, using the old club’s name and bank account, forming a new
committee (ideally one or two from the old membership and the rest all new)
and absorbing the current membership into the “new” entity.
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I always cook with wine. Sometimes I even add it to the food.
Induction Kits
Have you given any thought to what is in your Induction Kit? Some clubs have a
very basic induction kit. If you are one of these clubs, it may be a good idea to
consider improving upon the contents. Of course a copy of the constitution and
a membership list is the least a club can provide. Some also include a current
newsletter and magazine. However, Induction Kits can be much improved, for
very little effort. For example, a sheet with the picture, name and duties of
each committee member would really help a new inductee. Some include a
certificate of membership and/or a welcome letter signed by the President.
Other inclusions may be a brief history of Probus, some generic Probus
brochures for the new inductee to give away, a list of the current interest
groups within the club, a “health care” card or form, and, if you have planned
well ahead, a list of upcoming speakers and outings. All of this is to make the
new member identify with, and feel immediately part of your club.
Committee Friction
I recently had a cry for help from a committee which was “not working”. That
is, the bickering within its ranks made it counterproductive. We are at an age
when some have become less tolerant, while others have the attitude that “life
is too short” for angst over small matters. When groups get together there are
bound to be personality clashes, but if everyone concerned remembers that
Probus is there for Fun, Fellowship and Friendship, then it can all be put in
perspective - perhaps the less tolerant can give way a little, while the more
tolerant can be more patient and understanding. After all, each person on the
committee is there for the good of the club so most times a compromise can be
found. If this is too difficult, then mediation can often work. Call me if needed.
Conundrums:
If you spin an oriental man, does he become disoriented?
How can someone be dirt poor, and another be filthy rich?
Why are a wise man and a wise guy, opposites?
Before they invented drawing boards what did they go back to?
If horrific is akin to horrible, why isn't terrific akin to terrible?
PAQ is organising a trip to Taiwan and it is so keenly priced (12 days @ $3399) that it
needs 35 participants for it to take off. Please promote this Queensland interclub tour to
your members. Contact Warren Hull on 3286 6973 or Trade Travel on its 1800 645 103 free
call number. Also, Taringa Probus Club is travelling to the Cook Islands on Friday 27 May,
returning 3 June. There are some vacancies. Excellent itinerary and accommodation plus, of
course, excellent company. $2495 all inclusive with optional extra to Aitutaki Island Contact
Joy Allen ASAP 3278 5251 or Trade Travel at the above number.
Help available
Some clubs (particularly older ones) need help and/or advice
regarding membership, the running of the club, managing committee
issues, or just organising functions. A few of these clubs are reluctant
to admit that they have a problem and are reluctant to seek help until
it is too late. Resolving problems internally is good, but often there
comes a time when outside help is needed. Help is available from
three sources: your RDPC (me), your chartering Rotary Club, and also
your Probus Board member if s/he resides in the vicinity. All you have
to do is ASK.
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Will I See You There?
Do you wish to grow your membership? Hear how!
Are you managing your waiting lists OK? Learn more!
Are you an office bearer for the first time? Meet others – compare notes!
Looking for a more interesting newsletter? Share resources!
Not enough ideas for activities/speakers? Hear what others do!
Want to know more about management issues? Here is your chance!
DISTRICT 9630 PROBUS INFORMATION DAY
Just $15 includes morning tea and lunch.
Wednesday, April 20, 9.15 for 9.45am to 3.45pm.
Clairvaux Mackillop College, Klumpp Rd, Mt.Gravatt.
Plenty of parking.
Hosted by the Probus Club of Sherwood.
IT IS NOT TOO LATE TO REGISTER – PHONE PAM 33754698
Be who you are and say what you feel... because those who matter don't
mind, and those who mind don't matter!
Don’t forget to register for
the Rendezvous!
IDEA!
Are you looking for ideas on
how to improve, change, or
just freshen up your meeting
format? Why not have each
of your committee visit
another Probus club’s
meeting – each member a
different club. Every
member can then bring back
at least one idea. Sometimes
small changes can liven up
meeting formats which over
the years may have palled.
Reminder: a) I’d love to visit
your club. b) You can use any
item herein in your newsletter.
c) Call me if there is a problem
d) email me your newsletters.
Mary
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