The pandemic has presented its challenges for Rotarians but it has also created opportunities. After years of declining membership, the Rotary Club of Kingston added 19 new members in 2020 - 2021. Even better, the other clubs in the city of Kingston, Ontario added another 20 more new members. Our District stood first in our Zone and our club was recognized by RI for finishing in the top 5% of Rotary clubs in North America. Listen in to learn the the strategies that led to this success!

About the Presenter

Paul Elsley is in the ideal position of sharing this story from the unique perspective of being Rotary Kingston president in 2020-21 and assistant governor in 2021-22.

The amazing story of the formation and growth of the Rotary Club of Brisbane International, formed by the Fijiian community 5 years ago. The club has since chartered another new club and has achieved 40% growth since chartering. The story is told from the unique perspective of PDG Jitendra Prasad, who founded the club and is now District 9620 Membership Chair.

About the Presenter

From the humble little town of Labasa Fiji Islands, Jitendra has served Rotary on a number of positions and has been the inspirational with his Rotary journey.

From spearheading the Nawasawaqa Indian School, Fiji Islands water project, to visiting Petric in Bulgaria to rehab an orphanage for the disabled, to this year challenging the members and community to help with the Tropical cyclone Yasa in Fiji by sending F$75k and a container load of building supplies, converting in excess of 350 houses to homes, Jitendra has also been the pinnacle driver to the charter of Rotary club of Brisbane International and Rotary club of Browns Plains. Amongst these, you can often see him lending a hand to the homeless food drive every month and numerous other Rotary and non-Rotary projects and events.

His wife Nim is an Assistant Governor of D9620, and only sister Subhashni is currently the President of RCBI. His daughter has been the charter Presidents of the Rotaract club of Brisbane International, Rotary certainly is an integral part of Jitendra’s family.

A passionate Rotarian, whose mantra is “ The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others” – Gandhi.

How much time have you and your members spent considering Rotary beyond the club? Rotary offers amazing opportunities to members and friends of Rotary through Rotary Fellowships and Rotary Action Groups - Amanda discusses what these are, what they offer our members and how this can benefit your club.

Amanda has had over a decade working in the Youth Community Services sector and 5 years working as a consultant, facilitator, coach and healer.

Amanda has been a member of Rotary International since 2005 serving many roles at club, district, national, zone and international levels, she also volunteers with Red Cross Emergency Services and has done since 2009. Amanda belongs to 5 RAGS 8 fellowships - 1 of which is provisional.

Amanda is a proud member of the Rotary Social Impact Network.