Philipsburg:---Last Weekend members of the Rotary Clubs on St. Maarten French and Dutch side including a participant from a new BVI Club participated in a Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) training. RLI is a multi-district, grassroots leadership development program of member districts organized into regional divisions in various parts of the world.
The Sunshine Division led by incoming district governor Diana White volunteered their entire weekend to training no less than 20 Rotarians in various aspects. RLI seeks to have Rotary Clubs in its member districts identify those Rotarians who appear to have the potential for future club leadership (not necessarily as club presidents) and provide those so identified with a quality education in Rotary knowledge and leadership skills so important in voluntary organizations.
Spearheaded by president Pierre Decelles of the Rotary Club of St. Maarten participating members got an opportunity in a very interactive manner to improve their leadership skills and learn more about the Rotary Foundation, which offers numerous possibilities of funding Rotary projects. Other important issues that formed part of the training where, membership retention, Rotary beyond the club, creating service projects, goal setting, vocational service, membership development, and club analysis.
Part 1 and 2 of the RLI program were held on October 24 and 25th at the Sonesta Great Bay Hotel, while commitments were made by the Rotary Club of St. Maarten to host and the facilitators to return for the 3rd and final part to be held on St. Maarten as well. Rotary Club Nord, Sunrise Rotary club, Mid Island and The Rotary Club of St. Maarten all participated and had the honor of the participation of three club presidents, several past presidents, incoming officers and the Assistant District Governor Louis Weever.