Why I Am A Rotaractor?

This blog entry was inspired by a forum I came across at the Rotary Global History Fellowship website here and here.

I believe there is a need to start a similar initiative here at District 3300. Clubs can ask this question to each of its members during Club Assemblies, or this can be a regular feature after club meetings whereby a member is being requested to present a short talk.

Otherwise, every Rotaractor can take turns to post their answers on d3300@yahoogroups.com and someone can compile them to make them into a memoir of sort perhaps.

This is the prelude to Rotaract Intelligence.

Rotaract Intelligence, duh!

I was going about my usual stroll along the book aisle in one of my favorite book store today and can't help but to put my finger prints on the pages of this book by Daniel Coleman.

I guess after the success of his earlier writings on Emotional Intelligence, Coleman has to come up with a sequel to EI. Coleman's sharing on EI was most 'emotionally opening' for me when I first read it some years ago. I shall not dwell into this subject here nor on this book on Social Intelligence. I'm sure you will be intelligent enough to go look (or read) it up.

As I laid the book back to its original pose, my 'intelligent' mind couldn't help but to give out a short exclamation - "What is all this intelligent people trying to do to all this not-so-intelligent people like myself?". Oh. I wasn't letting out a sly frustration on Coleman. I was rather taken aback by another book as proudly displayed as Social Intelligence....


Practical Intelligence? Oh man..... "This is going to be an interesting stroll today", I said to myself. Albrecht is one of those strategic thinkers and futurists I personally would put in the same league as (the late) Peter F. Drucker. Coincidently, Albrecht also has a book titled "Social Intelligence : The New Science of Success". Hmm.....

Well, the stroll down the book aisle today got me kinda thinking. Will my blog title here, "Rotaract Intelligence" be a 21st century coinage in Rotaract? And if you are thinking what I'm thinking, Rotaract Intelligence will soon prevail.

It's Installation Season Again

I guess I took a rather long break from blogging Fellowship Through Service. To those who might think Terence is away overseas or something, I wish to clarify that my absence from this blog was mainly due to the fact that I was rather busy with voluntary work of another kind. I got my hands into setting up a residence association at the place I'm living, and was bestowed the duties of an Honorary Secretary. Meetings, discussions, drafting of constitution, creating website cum blog got my schedule kind of jammed up for the past few months.

Nevertheless, I managed to slot a few Rotaract interest here and there, and am pleased to have attended the 34th Installation of my beloved club - The Rotaract Club of Pudu last Saturday, 28 July at a rather interesting place called Wizard's World.



Ah... That Saturday night brought back certain memories to my earlier days of Rotaract-ing. There I was with a group of energetic, passionate and talented young adults. Some even reminded me of certain past members and myself.

Installations has always been one of the most anticipated events of mine during my younger days as a Rotaractor. The excitement of meeting new faces, rekindling with familiar fellow Rotaractors, experiencing the chemistry of similar minded young adults, and the opportunity to know hidden talents of these people.

The month between July and September has always been what I would call the "Installation Season". It's a season where our personal monthly expenses budget would be higher than norm. A season where service projects to be organized will have to take second priority. A season where Rotaractors will be seen and heard in each other's club meeting promoting their respective installation event. A season where numbers (of confirmation) are traded like it was a business transaction at the stock market. Ah.... This is the installation season.

Some how, some where, some what, the Installation Season felt kind of different lately. It didn't feel like what I would anticipate it would be.

The numbers of Rotaractors (and Rotarians) present were much lesser than I once remembered. The roll call list were definitely much shorter. The performers on stage entertaining were not my fellow Rotaractors I wish I could compliment. The night ended with the look as if everyone was relieved the event was over.

I guess it's still Installation Season here again, but not one I personally would have fond memories of.

To my dear Rotaractors of Pudu, and all Rotaractors out there, I have a feeling Installation Season will never be the same again.

The Lion, The Crow, The Ant, and The Monkey (Part 1)

Rotaract, like any other organization in this world, is often populated by interesting creatures of intent and display. I'm sure you may have encountered several kinds by now.

Before you start jumping to conclusion or assumption, the purpose of my writing and sharing of this story is neither to label nor expose the many friends and acquaintances I've known in Rotaract. Like any good story should, my hope is you will find this story both educational and enjoyable to read (the sort of stuff Walt Disney's are made of).

Thus, allow me to begin.

Once upon a time, as I journeyed through the forest. . . . . I met the Lion, the Crow, the Ant, and the Monkey congregating one afternoon. With sincere curiousity, I asked of their purpose for this gathering. "We're discussing issues that are affecting this forest, and things that we can do to make this forest a better place to live in", explained the Monkey. They seemed so happy to see me and with utmost sincerity invited me to join them. I obliged.

During the discussion I observed. The Lion was most obvious trying to lead the pack, and let out a few roars when necessary. The Monkey was making a scene out of everything and everyone, including itself. The Ant was in its quiet self, listening. The Crow was somehow occupied with its own interest, picking on the ground. It was an interesting scene nevertheless. The day ended with a few topics being deliberated and a handful of suggestions offered. I was informed we would meet again 2 weeks from that day.

It was exactly 2 weeks from the last gathering. It nearly slipped my mind until the Crow flew by and reminded me about the gathering, and offered to ferry me there. The Crow and I were the first to arrive at the gathering point, then the Lion came walking in gracefully just before the tiny Ant. We waited for a few wind, but the Monkey was no where to be seen. The Lion insisted we wait for the Monkey, the Ant didn't mind, but the Crow was deeply unhappy. As for me, being a new member of this congregation, sat there quietly while letting nature takes its course. Finally, out of nowhere, appeared the Monkey. 'Better late than never' seem to be the order of the day.

We debated, negotiated, and finally confirmed, we shall make a visit to the Frog at the nearby pond to render whatever service we may to the community there. 7 days from that day we were to gather at this place before proceeding to the pond. The Crow was chosen to lead this excursion as he was the most familar and knowledgable about the pond.

The day arrived. We started our journey and reached our destination without much struggle, except the Monkey was no where to be found again. Apparently, it got lost along the way or somehow distracted. We met the Frog and expressed our purpose of the visit. The Frog thanked us and showed us the state of the pond he lives in. It was filled with waste disposed off by irresponsible creatures. The Crow suggested we help the Frog clean up the pond before sunset. The Ant quietly began to collect dead leafs floating on the pond, while the Crow targetted the foreign objects such as bottles and wrappers. The Lion seemed to find it difficult in wanting to get his paws dirty from non-hunting work, and the Monkey can't seem to decide what to do with his long arms and settled to do a few of everything.

This is the scene of fauna from different species working together for a common deed.

End of story.

What is the moral of the story?
The Crow may not be the most beautiful bird, but it's wise and willing to work.
The Lion may be mighty and full of charisma, but may not be willing to get dirty.
The Ant may be small and quiet, but works well with others and a good executionist.
The Monkey may be disoriented and playful, but it can add vibrance to an otherwise boring scene.

Do we have Lions, Crows, Ants, and Monkeys in our clubs?

To be continued. . . . .