line. This can sometimes inflict long term damage on membership.
The Sergeant's session has been an enshrined part of Rotary for many members. In the past it has been an opportunity to get a few laughs, while maybe taking the big-wigs down a peg or two!
We need to think through the way we do things in the Sergeant's Session.
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Sergeants should have more focus on positive achievements of members - a fine then becomes a kind of reverse compliment. |
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If individuals are offended there should be a clear mechanism to discuss this with the Sergeant and/ or the President. Maybe there should be a code of conduct. This could help new Sergeants. |
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There should be no place for embarrassment of members on areas such as race, religion, gender, personal misfortune and illness. |
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We should affirm and encourage Rotarians to be themselves. Sergeant's Sessions should, therefore, show this individual respect. |
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We can't expect that there is a kind of thick-skinned "Rotary type" to which everyone should conform. It is not a valid argument to say that because one person is not offended, that everyone else should be the same. |
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We must not forget that the Sergeant's session is a fund raising exercise. Do not overdo the fines on any single person. |
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Sometimes the Sergeant's Session seems to be a series of "in jokes" that actually serve to exclude new members and visitors, who really don't know what's going on. Perhaps the Sergeant's Session should be scrapped entirely for meetings at which there are many visitors. |
Courtesy RDU November 2011
| PP Peter Appleton (Judy) Rotary Club of Southern Mitchell District Sergeant at Arms Advisor (H) (03) 5782 1749 (M) 0425 747 301 Email: jandpa@westnet.com.au |
