PUBLIC IMAGE - We Are What Others Say We Are.....

Posted by Jacqueline Gibson

on Sep 04, 2013

We are what others say we are

Posted on February 11, 2013 by Carlos Giraldo

Let’s face it; we do judge a book by its cover. It is the human condition to make sense of the world by filling in gaps of knowledge with past experiences.

What comes to your mind when you see a gathering of men in business suits and the majority is gray-haired old men?

Hey, that is not my Rotary club – you’ll say but is that what people “see”? Is it our public image?

Rotarian C. Lee Smith of the Rotary Club of Polaris in Ohio (District 6690 / Zone 30)and CEO of a research firm conducted a study last October by interviewing 300 adults in Central /Southeast Ohio (nearly 50/50 male/female) who were not Rotarians and claimed to know a little about Rotary (they may have known someone who is a Rotarian).

His research findings identified the following top 10 perceptions about Rotary:

1. "Rotary is an old boys club"

2. "Rotary is only for business people"

3. "Rotary is not very diverse"

4. "Rotary isn't much fun"

5. "Rotary must invite you to participate"

6. "Rotarians care about the community

7. "Rotarians are honest"

8. "Rotarians are social and outgoing"

9. "Rotarians are leaders"

10. "Many would consider Rotary, if asked"

Looking at the list I think you will agree with me that 6-10 describes the organization well but we have a challenge with 1-5.

Is there anything my Rotary club, your Rotary club can do to change some of these misconceptions?

Lee does a great job in his presentation because he actually shares ideas on how to change the public’s image. To avoid the “Rotary is an old boys club” he suggests presenting stories to the media avoiding photos with older men, quoting females in press releases and promoting involvement and activities of younger members in the club. CLICK HERE for the complete PDF of his presentation. It is great information you can share with your club.

But I don’t want to leave you thinking that this is it. Public image is created from the inside out and it requires a disciplined approach. In other words, our Rotary club must adopt a plan and implement it.