WE GREW OUR CLUB BY SAYING NO
DGN DAVID HARMON — JUN 24, 2021
The club has grown from 31 to 76 members since launching a project to confront domestic violence and family abuse.
Article from Rotary Voices, posted on June 21, 2021, by DGN David Harmon, President Rotary Club of Ballina on Richmond, NSW
We feel that by reaching people at an early age we’re helping bring about generational change in attitudes and behaviour.
We also need to take advantage of events and key moments. This year, Australia and New Zealand celebrated 100 years of Rotary in their countries. Our club and some partnering clubs in neighbouring districts had a vision that we could link our 100 years of Rotary Baton Relay event with our project to address domestic violence.
The relay offered our members an opportunity to get outside our club meetings and interact with members of our communities on our streets and footpaths, and deliver a firm message of saying No to domestic violence and family abuse. Our advocacy stance generated unprecedented levels of media attention, increasing our relevance and engagement in our communities.
Our club members have a cause that has merit, validity, purpose, and currency. Clubs all around the world can do it too. All it takes is one initiative “that hits home” to engage your members and communities.