Page 3 - 2019-10-Rotary-on-the-Move-Newsletter-Zone-8

‘ROTARY 9670 ATTENDS PRIDE’

Article by District 9670 Marketing & Communications Chair Shaun Stoneman

We think everyone in the community knows what we do, but the reality is so many know the name

but not what we do. And for those that do, there is still an element of the community which still sees
the stuffy old Rotarian when they think Rotary.
Rotary District 9670 and Rotaract Club of The Hunter attended Newcastle Pride to shatter those
preconceived notions and to demonstrate that we are an organisation for all regardless of
background.
With over 7,500 attendees to the event, both Rotary and Rotaract spoke to literally hundreds of community minded
individuals about our organisation. Of course, we fielded the normal questions "what do you do?" "Don't you just do
BBQs?" "I thought Rotarians were all old", but throughout the day we began to realise that we were quickly becoming
the talk of the event. Our strong branding presence also worked a treat with two prominently branded Rotary gazebos
in full use on the day.

Rotaract walked away with a list of names for their club, and Rotary did just as well. A few instances really stood out
for us on the day.

A couple from Kurri Kurri who had previously been asked to join Rotary but were unsure if Rotary was the right fit
for them. The comment they made on the day was now that I have seen Rotary at Pride, I know that this is the right
organisation for us, we want to join today!

Reece approached Rotaract as he was nearing 30 but was referred to Rotary. His initial response was "Nope, no way!
not joining Rotary", he then realised that Rotary was at Pride and also wanted to join and will be coming to a meeting
in early September once work commitments settle down.
Another member did not attend Pride but upon seeing paid Facebook Ads from his local Rotary club enquired about
joining. His perception of Rotary challenged he did his research and came back wanting to join and attend a meeting.
These membership stories paint a powerful picture, that we as an organisation need to tackle our stigmas and be
involved in events that we wouldn't necessarily be involved in. Pride demonstrated that Rotary is for all, and that
you don't have to fit into a particular box to be part of our organisation.

We will definitely be back at Pride next year, bigger and better to show our community that we support them no
matter their background.
Rotary and Rotaract Side by Side at Pride

L-R: Alan Abrahamsen, Tori Baudinette, Tegan L-R: Dave Mahoney, Shaun Stoneman, Timberlina,
Worboys, Andrew Marselos Jesse Lackey

‘MEMBERSHIP VIDEOS’

From Rotary Zones 26 & 27 Big West’s website

Please click on each pic to watch the videos

Rotary on the Move October 2019 Page 3