August-September 2021 | Comment

Amanda Watkin – General Secretary’s Column

Amanda Watkin – General Secretary’s Column

Rotary GB&I General Secretary, Amanda Watkin, shares how Rotary clubs are navigating their way to normality post COVID 19.

As we flow through the summer months of 2021 there remains a continuing level of uncertainty in how our service to society will include the much-valued human connection experienced by Rotary members in previous times. Although the mantra of ‘hands, face, space’ will undoubtedly be part of our ongoing routine it is apparent that confidence is building, and face-to-face reconnections are being made. But Rotary has changed.

man volunteer clean up plastic

Volunteering through the network of Rotary creates lasting friendships

The pandemic provided the catalyst that exposed us to technology in our Rotary world. We have sharpened up our practices, maintaining online meetings for our ‘business’ whilst reintroducing service and social activity in a safe, face-to-face format. We have taken the new opportunities and combined them with the best of our pre-pandemic habits to make a bright new future for Rotary!

In a recent Rotary survey, it was heartening to see that around 75% of clubs are planning for their ‘business as usual’ activities”

The summer months have seen many members out and about, focussing on projects such as river and beach cleans, litter picking and of course, the ongoing service to society from Rotary volunteer teams, giving their time to support COVID vaccination and test centres.


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In a recent Rotary survey, it was heartening to see that around 75% of clubs are planning for their ‘business as usual’ activities and projects that have previously benefitted communities up and down the countries of Great Britain and Ireland. I am equally proud that the Rotary Support Centre team continues to provide valuable resources that help promote these many projects and maintain the infrastructure that keeps members and the public safe; compliance and insurance are important!

The creativity and innovation of our members in finding solutions to some of the toughest challenges is amazing and I am so very thankful that the opportunity to join Rotary was given to me back in 2002.”

We know that volunteering through the network of Rotary creates lasting friendships built on the shared experience of giving time for community benefit.

The creativity and innovation of our members in finding solutions to some of the toughest challenges is amazing and I am so very thankful that the opportunity to join Rotary was given to me back in 2002. 

Like so many, Rotary has provided me with a strong, trustworthy network of likeminded people from which genuine friendships have developed over these almost 20 years.

So now, let’s all share Rotary and invite our family, friends and colleagues to join us as members of the most amazing global network where you really can make a difference.

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