September 20, 2019 we welcomed Rotary District Governor for 2019-20 Mick McKinley and spouse Jan.
Kiersten Hill, our Rotary Assistant Governor introduced the District Governor to our Club.
DG Mick shared the Rotary International Theme for the year - "Rotary Connects The World".
As he shared his Rotary experiences, passion and vision, there were many examples of how that theme is true. He has made, and continues to make, connections through Rotary.
Mick's job transferred him from Omaha (where he was a member and Club President of Kiwanis) to take the position of a retiring employee. That retiring employee invited him to a Rotary meeting - he was unsure how that would work since he was a member of Kiwanis. He was told "well - now that you are in Lincoln - you need to join Rotary". At one of the first meetings, he sat at a table that included some Nebraska politicians and the current District Governor was Charley Thone, Nebraska Governor. He was impressed that Rotary allowed him the opportunity to connect with people in these positions.
He shared his experience preparing for the District Governor position while at Rotary International Assembly with 530 District Governors. While visiting with one District Governor where the district spans a number of countries Mick asked "how does that work - with different cultures and religions - bringing everyone together". The District Governor simply stated that this is Rotary where these issues are not on the table and everyone connects over like goals.
After meeting a visiting Rotarian at his Rotary Club in Council Bluffs he was invited to contact him during their upcoming vacation at Catalina Island, California. Upon arriving, Mick contacted him, enjoyed a visit to his Rotary Club and a tour of the island not available to most. That connection provided a unique opportunity for Mick and Jan.
He shared other experiences that provided leadership development unlike anything available through his work. He talked about training opportunities such as One Rotary Summit which connects the areas of Rotary Membership, Foundation and Public Image. He encouraged participate in Rotary Leadership Institute which provided education about Rotary, Leadership in a voluntary organization, and chance to connect with other members from different clubs.
He reminded us of the comments he made early - how he was asked to visit Rotary and attended a meeting. He said that with the atmosphere of Lincoln South Rotary Club - being an energetic club - very welcoming - that we likely will have good results if we just ask our friends to attend with us. Many visitors will likely decide to become members.
Mick's greatest goal for the 2019-20 Rotary Year is to grow membership which has been declining in the Americas over the past several years. Younger individuals are generous - they want to be of service and donate. But, few are interested in joining a traditional club for that purpose.
At the close of the meeting, President Chan presented a gift to DG Mick from the club including a Lincoln South Rotary Club mug, coaster and Baker's Chocolates.
On a lighter note, Mick shared a story of a friend that provided him with the "Grand Poobah Hat" on his first day as District Governor. He has been sharing it with the clubs in the District.
