Dick Manelis, Framingham Rotary (2000-2001)

What are the factors that influenced your decision to join Rotary?

I had recently opened up my law practice, and was getting more involved in town matters. I wanted a vehicle that would connect me more to peers and community. Membership in Rotary satisfied this desire.

 
What are the activities that defined your year as district governor?
 
There were several activities that I recall, but the most significant would have to be setting up the first hands-on work trip to a Third World country.  The success of that trip in January 2001 has led to 15 more such trips and a positive impact on the lives of hundreds of people, all the while spreading goodwill for Rotary and our country.
 
What advice do you have for other Rotarians for involvement?
 
Several sayings come to mind: “You get out only what you put in;” and, “It is far better to give than to receive.”  Members should take an active part in their club activities. It is only through involvement that a member can appreciate the magnitude of what this organization can accomplish,
 
What are your thoughts related to publicity?
 
Unfortunately, newspapers and press releases are not the vehicle they once were.  I would suggest more hands-on activities in the local community.  Whatever the event, there should be a Rotary presence with a display -club banner, T-shirts, caps, etc.  Also, clubs should sponsor local teams for Spelling Bees, Little League, etc., with the teams wearing a Rotary ID shirt.  And, sponsor events that earmark the proceeds to a specific charity rather than being a general fundraiser.
 
What are your thoughts related to membership?
 
I have always felt that membership acquisition was not a problem. It is membership retention that needs the attention. An active club will attract interest and new members.  An active club with members getting the pleasure of accomplishments will retain its members. In addition, the meetings must be meaningful - a good speaker, committee reports, etc. Meetings should be spiced up with some novel idea - a report on a Rotarian article, trivia, a field trip, joint meetings, etc.
 
What is your biggest concern for the coming Rotary year?
 
I think it is necessary for the district governor to attend as many club events as possible - not to strut around as a governor, but to work the event with the club members. I would like to see initiative at the district level on projects that can involve all members. There are always projects that may be too big for a club but whose members would become involved with if the district did it - i.e., a simple bud vase with a carnation for every resident of every nursing home in the district has been done, and could be done again.  Include a simple card that identifies Rotary as the giver - and maybe even personally deliver them to the residents in lieu of a meeting.  The benefit to family members of the residents would immeasurable. That is just an example - the DG needs to think outside the box and innovate. Doing the same things will only yield the same results.
 
What is the best book you’ve read?
 
By far, In Our Hands by Charles Murray. The book discuss the feasibility of universal basic income. This is an approach to satisfy the ever-decreasing job market due to modern technology, the inefficiency of current welfare programs, etc.  It is well-written and the theory has been slowly gathering adherents.
 
What is your favorite quotation?
 
I have several that have been meaningful to me over the years.  My “top two” are: “It’s not the doin’ that’s tough, it’s the gettin' ready to do;” and, from Teddy Roosevelt,  “The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.”
 
 
Past District Governor Richard Manelis, a member of Framingham Rotary, may be reached at manelis711@yahoo.com.