July is New Leadership Month, a time of transition and opportunity
The District Governor (DG) role is the RI point person for the District, setting the vision and tone.
Although each DG has their “year,” the DG role is actually multi-year commitment,
beginning as District Governor Nominee (DGN), then District Governor Elect (DGE), and culminating in DG.
July is New Leadership Month, a time of transition and opportunity. The DG role is the point for the District, setting the vision and tone. Although each DG has their “year,” the DG role is actually a multi-year commitment, beginning as DGN, then DGE, and culminating in DG.
The District 5790 DG selection process begins with a nomination and review, anchored in a panel interview with Past District Governors (PDG). The interview panel reviews professional and Rotary activities, and it is not uncommon for candidates to interview more than once before being selected. The DG training begins in the DGN year, with programs at the Zone and currently with regular virtual trainings on key RI processes and procedures. The International Assembly, set for DGEs prior to the start of their Rotary Year occurs every January. The DG classmates support each other and make the journey together. There is also a Multi-District Training Institute (MDTI) in August where DGs and District leaders share best practices; this is unique to District 5790.
The DG role will provide "leadership, support, and motivation (for clubs) as they carry out service projects and participate in Rotary programs." Core responsibilities include strengthening clubs, organizing new clubs, growing membership, conducting district meeting and events, developing a safe environment for youth participants, and promoting a positive image for the district.
DG Roger Paschal is at the beginning of his Rotary year and is most looking forward to the opportunity to continue to build relationships and partnerships, the cornerstone of his Rotary experience. DG Roger spent 3 years as an Assistant Governor (AG), one of our district liaisons between the DG and clubs, and valued this opportunity to build his Rotary network. For DG Roger, this was a great opportunity to experience working with people with many different types of leadership styles, as well. He never expected to continue along the district leadership pathway, thinking that leadership was for “someone else.” When asked what makes leadership attainable in Rotary, DG Roger suggests stepping forward and taking leadership, and stresses the importance and value of getting involved with district events because this is a great way to get to know district leaders and learn about projects and opportunities. He also emphasizes the importance of following our passion and taking ownership of projects and activities that align with your passion. In spite of the COVID-19 pandemic, DG Roger plans to visit every club, whether live or virtually, in the time-honored Rotary tradition. For DG Roger, the best part of Rotary is seeing things happen and making changes for people who cannot repay you.
The DGE role is step-two in the DG pathway. Core responsibilities of the DGE are to conduct training for incoming district leaders and club leaders, work on the the district conference, qualify the district for Rotary grants and conduct grant management training, and work with the governor and district leaders to create a district plan.
DGE Kayla Christianson has been a Rotarian for over a decade, and joined shortly after a district club hired her company to re-brand their club. Her branding campaign message was "Not Your Grandpa's Rotary Club," but she quickly realized that her advertising did not match the reality of the club. In true Rotarian fashion, DGE Kayla joined the club and began to drive change. She attended the 1st Young Professionals Summit at RI in 2014, a defining point in her commitment to Rotary. At this summit, the participants recommended more flexibility, more family-friendly environments, and fewer country club lunch meetings. During DGE Kayla's Rotary Year, we can look forward to seeing more young professionals and women involved in district leadership roles.
The DGN role is the first step in the DG pathway. The DGN role is centered on training, becoming familiar with Rotary International processes and procedures, and planning the district conference.
DGN Dan Steele began his Rotary career fresh out of school, where he enjoyed a few years, and then returned in the mid-90s when District 5790 had our first female DG. He was a club secretary and then rose through the leadership ranks to become club president then AG from 2009-12, and then a Lieutenant Governor under PDG Mary Ann McDuff in 2016-17. In 2019-20, DGN Dan took on the role of District Grant Chair and continue with this for 2020-21. As a DGN, Dan's training started with the Region 36 (Zone 25B and Zone 29) District Leadership Summit Zoom meetings which included meetings for the the DGNs and DGEs. DGN Dan looks to focus on membership by ensuring that the voices of our smaller clubs are heard and creating opportunities to connect the smaller or more rural clubs to district events and activities. DGN Dan comments that he was touched by his opportunity in Rotary to visit Central America, as it made him appreciate the sense of community that leads us to help one another and look out for each other's needs.
If you want to learn more about the DG pathway or experiences of our leadership team, please contact them at rotarykayla@gmail.com, rotarypaschal@gmail.com, and dsteelerotary5790@gmail.com.