Are you being irrational or inconsistent in your spending and complaints? I don’t think so. If anything, you’re being rational. The issue isn’t the price; it’s the value. Rotarians often leave Rotary Clubs or other Rotary-related activities not because the cost is too high, but because they feel they aren’t receiving enough value for their money. Club leaders should ask themselves: What are we doing to provide enough value to our members to justify their commitment?
As the Chair of RAGCED for 2024-25, I pose the same questions to you: Are you getting enough value from RAGCED? What could we do to provide you with more value for your membership? I welcome your feedback, especially if you’re unsure or feel you’re not receiving enough value. Please reach out to me at president@ragced.org.
Here’s how RAGCED’s leadership believes we provide value. Let me know if you agree:
Value #1: Assistance with Rotary Foundation Grants
Preparing global and district grants requires significant effort. RAGCED can offer a range of support, from finding project partners to securing funding, helping to simplify the process of developing and executing global grants.
Value #2: Piloting Economic Development Projects
Many Rotarians have great ideas for economic development that are often untested. RAGCED’s charitable affiliate, the Economic Development and Empowerment Foundation (ED&E), can help pilot these projects. Currently, ED&E is running a microfinance project in Mexico and a village savings program in rural Uganda. If successful, these projects may lead to larger initiatives with the Rotary Foundation.
Value #3: Educational Programming on Economic Development
RAGCED offers educational webinars on various economic development topics. Our YouTube library contains a wealth of programming, and we plan to host many more educational sessions this year, aiming to be your primary resource for economic development information.
Value #4: Networking on Economic Development Issues
RAGCED has built a global network of experts in economic development. We can help you connect with the right resources, even if they are located halfway around the world.
Value #5: Assistance to Other Rotary Action Groups
With 25 different Rotary Action Groups addressing all seven Areas of Focus, RAGCED evaluates the economic dimensions of various programs. Our expertise is crucial for ensuring the sustainability of Rotary projects.
Value #6: Local Chapters Around the World
RAGCED is establishing chapters globally, including new French-speaking and Spanish-speaking chapters in 2024-25. These chapters aim to bring RAGCED’s benefits closer to individual Rotarians and Rotaractors.
Value #7: Assistance to District Rotary Foundation and International Service Committees
RAGCED provides specialized knowledge and connections in economic development, supporting Rotary District committees dedicated to helping Rotarians and Rotary Clubs work with the Rotary Foundation.
We hope you find these services valuable to you and your Rotary or Rotaract Club. If you have other suggestions for how we can enhance our value, please let us know. Our goal is to offer such value that paying our dues becomes an afterthought, and you’ll be eager to share our work with fellow Rotarians. If we’re falling short, please inform us at president@ragced.org.
Thank you for your interest in and support of RAGCED. We look forward to providing significant value to you and your fellow Rotarians this year.