We are starting a journey together. This newsletter is the first of many to come. I apologize for the month absence of the Newsletter, but I plan add a bit of regularity back to the publication with a few tweaks and changes along the way.
- Elijah Bruette
Creating a strong Brand for Rotary.
"Brand Aid" August 2016 issue of the Rotarian.
Many people don’t know much about Rotary. Together, we can change that
Despite more than a century of Rotarians creating change in communities around the globe, many people don’t understand what Rotary is, how we’re different, and why they should engage with us. To thrive in the 21st century, Rotary needs a strong identity. And while every Rotarian’s experience is unique, how we tell Rotary’s story should be consistent.
Around the world, you find the Rotary wheel along roadsides, in parks, and on sponsored projects. While no two clubs are exactly alike, our wheel signals that what Rotary represents – people coming together to move our communities forward – is the same everywhere.
Like the Nike swoosh, the power of the Rotary wheel is in its consistency.
Define the value of what your club does
An international survey found that 40 percent of the public has never heard of Rotary. Another 40 percent say they recognize the name but don’t know what Rotary does.
This means they don’t understand all that your club has achieved in your community. Or how, together, we’re tackling global challenges. Like German and Sri Lankan Rotarians rebuilding a maternity hospital after the 2004 tsunami, so mothers and their children can be healthy and strong. Or clubs in Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras working on sustainable ways to bring clean water to more people every day.
Or how we’re uniting the world to end polio once and for all. Do the people in your community know about your club’s work?
Share your story with the world
Every Rotarian brings something distinct and indispensable to our community, whether it’s personality, passion, or professional experience. That multidisciplinary perspective allows us to see and solve challenges in ways others can’t.
We represent our local communities but tackle projects of every scale and on every continent, and inspire our friends, neighbors, and partners to join us. We do this by connecting different points of view, exchanging fresh ideas, forging lifelong friendships – and taking action.
So what is changing? Only how we tell our story. As Rotarians, you are Rotary’s strongest champions. And Rotarians have all experienced life-changing moments when they realize the extent of our impact. These personal moments are why people join and stay with Rotary.Take the first step: Share your Rotary experience with two friends and colleagues this month.
