Power with Status

Rotaract Clubs are known as architects of individiuals of high Social and Professional Stature. In the endeavor of achieving this I did an analysis of people of such nature who are within my reach in the hope of finding what makes such individuals distinct. It was surprised at the ease at which I found what separates the sheep from the goats. 

Before proceeding with this article I think it is fitting to provide definitions for Power and for Status. Power lies in holding a formal position of authority or controlling important resources. Status involves being respected or admired.

It was interesting to note that reaction to power being exercised by high-status and low-status people is different. The natural response of people when low-status exercise authority is to label them as 'bossy', whereas their high-status conterparts are perceived as dominant, but also warm. They are held in high regard, so everyone is willing to follow their commands. When the same commands come from people who lack status, we judge them as dominant and cold. To put it simply they have not earned respect therefore there is the general feeling that they have no right to exercise their Power.

When young people get called bossy, it is often because they are trying to exercise power without status. It is not that they're being dominant; the backlash arises because they are overstepping their status. This is often the case when a young university graduate is employed in industry. They often are put in charge of people who have been around the organisation for a while. They lack any form of status in the organisation. This often leads to a reluctant workforce. There is often the "who does he/she think he/she is coming here and giving orders mentality" line of thought.

To receive positive reinforcement for early acts of leadership, young leaders should refrain from 'bossy' behavior. First engage in behaviors that earn admiration before asserting authority. These behaviors are competence and caring. We look up to people who are capable and concerned about others. We follow people once they have demonstrated that they have unique skills and will use them for the benefit of the group.

There is extensive evidence that the men and women who gain the most status are those who are giving and generous. By helping others, sharing credit, and showing an interest in others' opinions, men and women alike gain respect. Teammates end up rooting for them, instead of gunning for them.

Great leaders begin by earning status through their contributions and only then do they assert their authority.By demonstrating competence and concern for others, they'll earn the esteem to step up into positions of power. Then, when they lean in, others will be cheering them on.

Do not however feel obligated to take my word for it. Take a glance at most successful people local and internationally Strive Masiyiwa, Oprah Winfrey, the Late Nelson Mandela.  Feel free to give a verdict and share your opinions.

It is also very interesting to note that the very foundation of Rotary International were also base somewhat on Competence and Caring. A group of professional who decide to be of service to the community. Look at the size of Rotary International today and how Rotarian are revered. Coincidence? I think not.

World Rotaract Week celebrating 46years of service

So much more than community service…

Rotaract is an international organization of service clubs for men and women aged 18-30 that fosters leadership and responsible citizenship, encourages high ethical standards in business and promotes international understanding and peace.

This year (2014)  Rotaract turns 46  years, it has now become the Rotary's biggest achievement under its youth service(formerly new generations) program as well as the biggest youth organisation in the world 

Interesting history of Rotaract…

Rotaract is a program of Rotary International. These Clubs work under the guidance of their local Rotary Club, and take their name from a combination of the words Rotary and action. Rotaract was officially inaugurated during January 1968 under RI President Luther Hodges. The first officially chartered Rotaract Club was in North Charlotte, North Carolina, on 13 March, 1968; however, clubs with young people associated in service with local Rotary Clubs had existed for several years all over the world.

The earliest known predecessors to Rotaract, Twenty-Thirty clubs, were first sponsored by the Rotary Club of Sacramento, California, USA. These clubs were based on the principles and goals of their sponsoring Rotary clubs, and membership was open to young professionals and university students. The first meeting of a Twenty-Thirty club was held on 19 December 1922. At one point, the movement claimed as many as 125 clubs under the sponsorship of California Rotary clubs, and published a monthly magazine.

In 1927, Round Table clubs were founded in Great Britain and Ireland. Membership in Round Table clubs was open to young men ages 18 to 40, and by 1935 more than 90 Round Table clubs existed. In November 1930, the first Apex club was formed in Geelong, Australia. Apex clubs grew rapidly, expanding to more than 20 clubs in just a few years. These clubs were sponsored by Rotary clubs, and were open to professionals and students between the ages of 18 and 35.

Similar Rotary club-sponsored groups continued to spring up simultaneously and independently around the globe. Unisserve clubs in India, Orbis clubs in South America, Rotors clubs in South Africa, Paul Harris Circles in Europe, and Quadrant clubs in the United States are some of the best-known examples. Eventually, these clubs would provide the base for the future growth of Rotaract as the clubs adopted new names under the Rotaract program.

The decision to adopt the Rotaract program came at a time when student and young adult protests worldwide were of growing concern to Rotarians. The Rotaract program was adopted not only as means of keeping former Interactors within the Rotary family, but as a means of channeling the energies of young adults into positive activities that could benefit their communities.

By 1981, Rotaract was so popular that Rotaractors in South Africa decided to host the first INTEROTA conference, an international meeting for all Rotaractors. Subsequent conferences have been held every three years. To date, INTEROTA conferences have been hosted by Rotaractors in Australia, Brazil, England, Mexico, South Africa, and Turkey. International meetings for Rotaractors are also held every year at the Rotaract Pre-convention Meeting, that precedes Rotary’s annual convention. The first such meeting was held in Seoul, Korea, in 1989, with more than 450 Rotaractors in attendance.

In February 1991, the first Rotaract club in Eastern Europe was chartered in Budapest, Hungary, with the help of Austrian Rotaractors. Ties in Eastern Europe were further strengthened when the same Austrian Rotaractors helped charter the Rotaract Club of Prague in what was the Czechoslovakia later in 1991. In March 1992, the RI Board established World Rotaract Week, which is celebrated annually during the week of 13 March to commemorate the chartering of the first Rotaract club. During World Rotaract Week, Rotaractors attend meetings with their sponsoring Rotary clubs, undertake joint service projects, and speak with clubs that do not sponsor Rotaract clubs about the benefits of the program.

Since 1968, Rotaractors have continually shown that they can be an innovative and positive force for change in their communities. Service activities commonly undertaken include projects to improve the environment, visits with the elderly or disabled, blood or organ donation campaigns, and aid to developing countries. One example of the ingenuity employed by Rotaractors is a project undertaken by the Rotaract Clubs of Heemstede and Hillegom-Lissee, the Netherlands, in 1987. In order to raise funds for PolioPlus, Rotaractors from the two clubs designed an amphibious cycle that would cross the English Channel under the power of 36 Rotaractors. The campaign raised US$210,000 for PolioPlus and earned the Rotaractors a place in the Guinness Book of World Records for their speedy crossing.

This is just a few of the many wonders of rotaract, and what it has accomplished the world over. If you are not yet a member find a rotaract club near you go to www.rotaract.org  and become part of the family that has had a big & positive impact of the world 

ADRR Nyasha Muronzi

This month we chat to ADDR Nyasha Muronzi, more affectionately known by those close to him as Nash. He is of the members who were there at the foundation of the club back on the 25th of June 2011. During the time the club was chartered he was Club Secretary, as such he is in a position to tell us some of the Club's most important history. He has served the club ever since and currently holds the office of Club Services Director.
Although a lot of interesting and peculiar have hit the Rotaract grapevine (I don't gossip, it's my job to know!) I had to refrain from the more personal questions. This interview has more to do with the undocumented histories of the Rotaract Club of Matopos. It also features Mr. Muronzi's history in relation to his work in the club.

Me: Hello Mr. Muronzi, thank you for making time for this interview
Nyasha: It's a pleasure, and please, Nash will do just fine.

Me: As one of the few remaining members who were there since the founding of the Rotaract Club of Matopos may you tell us in brief about the founding?
Nyasha: The Club was founded in 2011, should be in April. We were members from different tertiary institutions in Bulawayo. We were under the mentorship and guidance of Rotarian Ibrahim Esast and thus the Rotaract Club of Matops was formed.

Me: The Rotaract Club of Matopos was formed when the Rotaract Club of Belmont was already in operation. Why and who felt that there was need and that it was the right time for a second rotaract club to be formed.
Nyasha: There is no limit to the number of Rotaract Clubs that can exist in an area. Ideally every Rotary club would have a Rotaract Club it sponsors. Our parent club, The Rotary Club of Matopos felt it was the right time for them to sponsor their own Rotaract Club. Thus here we are. 
As the saying goes 'The more the merrier'.

Me: At the time you were the Club Secretary, so I think you are in a position to tell us the challenges that were faced during that time? 
Nyasha: Well the obvious challenge was that I knew nothing about my role and about Rotaract. It was like we were just babies  because we knew absolutely nothing and we were still trying to find the balance between Rotaract and other aspects of our lives

Me: In what ways can you say the club has changed since then?
Nyasha: The Club has changed enormously since then. Membership has grown and members are now more informed on what Rotaract is all about. We have also established contacts and friendships with other Rotaractors in the district and beyond.

Me: Currently you hold the office of ADRR, may you tell us what acronym stands for and what the role entails.
Nyasha: My full title is "ADRR Clubs and Membership Extention". The Acronym stands for Assistant District Rotaract Representative. From the first word you can tell that I am an assistant. I function as an assistant to the DRR. My role specifically is to promote the Rotaract program in the district. I oversee the formation of new Rotaract Clubs as well as see to the increase in membership of existing clubs

Me: And what selection criteria is used to elect office-bearers, what attributes does one have to have to be ADRR?
Nyasha: The post of ADRR is an appointed post, the DRR appoints ADDRs whom she believes will do well in the district committee on basis of their individual strengths. I was appointed because I am an inducted member and have served as a committee director in Rotaract and possess the necessary experience to lead the district.

Me: What milestone have been achieved during anytime in any one of the three offices that you have occupied 
Nyasha: Well, that is a tricky question. I do not want to appear to be bragging, but then I believe I have earned the right to brag. I do not think I can single one out  because all three have their milestone achievements.
As secretary I managed to set up a Twitter account (my favourite social networking site) for the Rotaract Club of Matopos. Consequently we became and still are the most active and interactive club in Rotary District 9210. This has helped the club grow and gain popularity and take part in a monthly global Rotaract Chat. this can be access on twitter under  the hashtag #RACTALK. We have used this platform to make friends with Rotaractors and Rotarians from all over the world and even gone on to do international projects.
During my term as ADRR the number of Rotaract Clubs has grown from 12 to 18, 15 of the 18 clubs have already been chartered.  
As Club Services Director my greatest achievement comes under fellowship.There has been the introduction of Celebration Nights. We celebrate members, birthdays and great achievements (like Graduations) by members by cakes and awards ceremonies.

Me: Apart from being ADRR of the district, you are also the Club Services Director of the Rotaract Club Of Matopos. How has been being in office been rewarding?
Nyasha: Being Club Services Director has bee rewarding on so many levels. I love my post as Director and my committee members are awesome. Together have done great things for the Club. It was because of them that I was awarded medal from the President for Outstanding Director. 
As Club Services Director I have discovered that I can be more than just a handsome* face in the club but someone who is in the forefront of things, be the person that people can count on. Most importantly, I have learnt the importance of a great team and teamwork.

*DISCLAIMER

*the writer feels the obligation to highlight that the view expressed is not the view of the writer (and the writer is of the opinion that it is view that Nash does not share with anyone else), the Rotaract Club of Matopos, Rotaract Worldwide,  Rotary International, their affiliates, the world and the universe but those of Mr. Muronzi. 

Me: On a more personal note, because I know the readers would never be happy if I leave this out. Any plans for marriage anytime soon. Will we be seeing little Nashs or  (whatever the plural may be)  anytime soon?
Nyasha: (Laughs) You need to find new readers Sir. There are no plans of marriage in the horizon so no little nashes running around anytime soon but I do have a better half who I am crazy about. I know the female readers will be gravely disappointed to read that as they were hoping I would ask them out but hey will have to settle for my friendship.

At this point I must say it became apparent that Nash's personal life was something that could not be let alone. There's a lady! or rather better half (well... I can't just assume at this point you know). I did what common consent would obviously require. I dug deeper.

Me: Does this better half have a name perhaps?
Nyasha: Well somehow I saw that question coming, I guess it's time to put the cat out of the bag. Her name is Patience Moyo

Me: Please tell us how you met and give our single readers out there some tips on finding love.
It is an interesting story actually. We met in a queue at a passport office, she was standing right in front of me. We started moaning about the terrible service there. We ended up helping each other survive the horrors of the passport office. We kept in touch after that and the rest is just boring details. The end result is we are now a couple though it took some months.
To the single people out there looking for love contrary to popular belief it is very easy to find love. The trick is to just be patient and not to just go about dating everyone you come across. Look for that person who you are willing to go out of your way to make happy no matter how difficult they make it, that one person who know your weirdness accepts it and loves you for it, that one person who you can't imagine what your life would be without them in it. This can only be done through courtship and not this hooking up business that most people do these days. Let me end there I can talk about this until kingdom come.

Me: Thank you very much Nash for making time for this interview, I think I speak for everyone when I wish you the most rewarding of relationships.
Nyasha: Like I said before, It has been a pleasure.

On that lighter note the interview with the Assistant District Rotaract Representative ends. If you wish to be furnished with more information follow him on twitter (he would say that). His twitter handle is @nashMcRonzie. 

I think I speak for everyone in the Rotaract Family of Bulawayo as a whole when I say Nash is one of our most popular celebrities (I took the liberty of verifying the definition) for reasons which would need another article altogether.

AND WE'RE TWINNED.

It is with great pleasure that I write the first piece on our blog about the Rotaract Club of Ege. Thanks to the great work done by the International Services committee led by Director Dennis Makofi the Rotaract Club of Ege is officially twinned to the Rotaract Club of Matopos.

Information made available to us indicates that the club is based in the city of Ìzmir which is in Turkey. You will continue receiving news from the International news desk about our new twin club as it is made available to us. 

We look forward to a healthy and fruitful working relationship with them. Now, let the projects roll.....

Ekhupumuleni Geriatric Home Visit

On the 12th of October ,we visited Ekhupumuleni geriatrics home. The again the attendance was astronomical we even had members from the newly formed NUST Rotaract club joining us. The main purpose of the visit was that of identifying the needs of the home and thereafter formulating lasting solutions to mitigate most or all those needs. We arrived at the home at 10:00hrs as had  been scheduled and our arrival coincided with yet another visit by the youth from the local Seventh Day Adventist Church who came to conduct a short church service. The service was very enjoyable and interactive as it gave the congregants a chance to interact with the presenters. It is reassuring to note that young people are taking the initiative at such an early stage and understand the importance and role of the elderly in our community. After the church service the Rotaractors began to interact with the elderly and thereafter presented the donation. The interaction session was exciting and mutually beneficial as it broke the daily routine which the residents at Ekhupumuleni are subjected to day in and day out and it also gave the Rotaractors a glance into the rich history which will otherwise disappear together with its custodians. The experience was so touching as one could really relate to the elderly and realise that ubuntu is about caring for each other and taking time to listen to each other young and old alike. The goods presented were among other things biscuits, handwash, toilet detergent, blankets and latex gloves which was all made possible by the sponsors to this noble cause.It was really evident that Ekhupumuleni Gaetrics Home was grateful for this small gesture. This visit totally lived up to our RI Presidents theme to Engage Rotary Change Liv

Operation Save a Rhino !

  

On 21 September 2013 the Rotaract Club of Matopos in partnership with the Rotaract Club of Belmont and the rest of the Bulawayo Community joined Environment Africa and participated in a march to commemorate World Rhino Day at the same time raising awareness on the plight of Rhinos in our country. The day was filled with so much excitement, with the absence of our club photographer Ernest Mackina being greatly felt as we lacked someone who could  capture the  beautiful moment (yours truly and a few other Rotaractors had to save the day by capturing the moments on our smart phones a far cry from the 20something megapixel shots usually  captured by our very own professional photographer Mackina who was away on Intwasa duties). The march started at Hard square commonly known as Hamara eggs

passing through town and finally ending at the Centenary Park. The event march which could be mistaken for another Victoria falls carnival was led by the Zimbabwe National Army Brass Band that belted out common tunes whilst the drum majorettes and school kids drawn from various schools in the city  danced and marched  too. Not to be outdone where the Zimbabwe National Parks people and our very own hardworking Rotaractors who rather chose the easier root, that of just sitting in the truck whilst it moved as they carried the placards and banners that had various messages written on them to raise awareness on Rhino conservation.

The march a brainchild of Rtn Charlene and her organisation Environment Africa(EA)  has been taking place for the past 2  years in Harare, but this time her organisation decided to bring it to Bulawayo. Environment Africa , a Zimbabwean rooted not for profit organisation with over 20 years of African experience in  responding to the needs of all African people and the environment.  The organisation's main focus is providing African solutions for the most pressing environment and development challenges whilst working with conservation and communities in a collaborative, innovative and action orientated way that promotes a sustainable future for Africa. The World Rhino Day commemoration march was graced by the new Minister of Environment Mr Saviour Kasukuwere coupled with a lot of high profile dignitaries in the Zim politics who set aside their busy schedules to take part in this event. The march helped in raising the much needed awareness on rhino conservation given the depleting population numbers that are taking place in most of Zimbabwe’s game parks given the escalation in the poaching tendencies by individuals who go after the rhino for its horn. According to media reports, Zimbabwe is home to the world’s fourth largest black rhino population after South Africa, Namibia and Kenya and nearly one-quarter of the country’s rhinos have been slaughtered by organized gangs of poachers between 2007 and 2009, as once again Southern African nations faced an upsurge in poaching activity. This renewed poaching activity is driven primarily by use in Viet Nam where rhino horn is used as a “blood purifier” to treat the symptoms of over-indulging in alcoholic beverages and rich foods, and is rumoured to be a cure for life threatening diseases such as cancer.  The use of powdered rhino horn to reduce fevers also remains a traditional remedy in China and other countries. Despite the recent increase in demand for horn, rhino management and protection efforts by organisations like Environment Africa have been working and black rhino numbers are actually increasing.

 On that same day Environment Africa founder Rtn Charlene "Charlie" Hewat was appointed the first Rhino Ambassador for Zimbabwe by the Minister, in his remarks the Minister described  Rtn Charlene as a committed and highly respected conservationist who has worked for over 20 years to raise awareness on the need of rhino conservation, he added on to say that the government of Zimbabwe had decided to appoint her the Rhino ambassador given the hard work she has been doing over the years with her organisation to address the awareness of Rhino poaching and the possibility of them becoming extinct in Zimbabwe if nothing is done about the poaching. The march ended with lots of food and music. To the Belmont and Matopos Rotaract Teams, we say bravo to you for the job well done.

Article written by  Club reporter  Chris Xris Chakwana     

One on one with the DRR

As we are in the last month of our first quarter I wanted to write something really amazing for this online news letter. So i cracked my brain wondering what to write then it hit me it literary me, the most amazing story I can ever write that everyone would love to read is an interview with our very own DRR. Now unlike me most people have never had the great honour and privilege of knowing her and forming a close relationship with her. So with the help of my S.H.I.E.L.D contacts I tracked her down and using my Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1(designed for humans) I interviewed 
her online (the wonders of modern technology) and it was quiet interesting

 Me: Hello DRR Jayne Terera (JT)

JT: Hie Nash McRonzie

Me: Please just call me Nash

JT: Ok

Me: Can you tell us a bit about yourself, who is Jayne Terera what makes you tick?

JT: Jayne Terera is a 20 something year old lady, business manager and a Proud Rotaractor. What makes me tick is God, my family and my friends. My biggest driving force is not wanting to be mediocre.I want to live up to my full potential and make a difference in the world.

Me: wow now that's lovely I like that, so what does DRR stand for

JT: DRR stands for District Rotaract Representative

Me: What does it mean to be a DRR, what are your roles and responsibilities

JT: The role of the DRR is basically that of overseeing the activities of the Rotaract Clubs in the district. I play an advisory and supportive role to club Presidents and Rotaractors. Specifically the mandate of the DRR is 5 fold, namely to facilitate training of Rotaractors in the District, help clubs retain and increase quality membership, increase awareness of the District, encourage joint projects between clubs in the District as well as organise the annual District Conference

Me: That sounds like a heavy task,better you than me i guess. How does one become DRR, Do i have to be a Harvard graduate or something

JT:  (laughs) not at all. For one to be a DRR, you have to have served either as a President of a Rotaract club in the District in which you wish to be DRR or have previously been a member of the District Rotaract Committee for a year. I was the District Public Relations Officer in 2011-2012 and have been subsequently elected to be DRR for 2013-2014.

Me: How has this role affected you

JT:  The role of DRR is an exciting one because you get to meet and interact with Rotaractors from different countries and languages. Its exciting to get to experience different cultures and mesh them into one, being the Rotaract culture Fellowship through Service. Another great way this role has affected me has been the ability to hone my leadership, teamwork as well as communication skills.

Me: Looks like it has done wonders for you now I want to be DRR What are your goals for the district,what changes are you going to make,whats going to make your reign different from your predecessors (this is were it gets interesting,dramatic music playing)

JT:  Firstly I would like to thank my predecessors who have steered the District into the right direction thus far. My main goal for the District this year is to unify the District by encouraging collaboration between the clubs. Currently, we are in the process of coming up with a Environmental Campaign jingle which we will translate into 3 or 4 languages that will be able to air in all 4 countries in the District. Another big objective this year will be to establish a Rotaract Club in Malawi as well as Mozambique both of which have not had active Rotaract clubs for the past 3 years. In this year I also hope to resuscitate the Potential Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (PRLS) seminar which has been dormant for the past year. PRLS is tentatively scheduled to start in February 2014. As you can see, these are big goals which will need a lot of cooperation from fellow Rotaractors in order for them to come into fruition.

Me: Those are amazing goals you have for the district,you might also need help or advice from fellow DRRs which brings the question are you in contact with other DRRs

JT: Yes, I am in contact with other DRRs from Africa, namely:

Sarah (Kenya) - DRR 9212 - Kenya, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea

Amir Marouane (Tunisia) - DRR 9010 - Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Mauritania

Winfred Karungi (Uganda) - DRR 9211 - Uganda, Tanzania

Dominique Yon (South Africa) - DRR 9350 - South Africa, Angola and Namibia

Michel Ndjock (Cameroon) - DRR 9150 - Cameroon, Burundi, Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Rwanda, Sao Tome, Tchad

 

Me: With all those contacts are there any plans of joining or forming a MDIO (Multi-District Information Organisation)

 

JT: So far I have been in talks with DRR Sarah from D9212 about possibly forming a MDIO. An MDIO functions as a regional office of information and resources and comprises of Rotaract clubs in 2 or more districts. It is formed for the purpose of facilitating communication and disseminating information. The Formation of an MDIO is quite a process though with the DRRs having to get at least 2/3 approval from the clubs in their districts, having to get approval from the District Governors and then the final approval from Rotary International. However like I said, we have begun the process and will inform you of the progress in due course.

 

Me: Well I hope it works out. Can you tell us about the people in the district committee and why you chose each person for that specific role

 

JT: The members of the District Committee are as follows:

Nyasha Muronzi (Me) - ADRR Clubs and Membership

Patson Musiiwa - ADRR Training

Victoria Mungwena - ADRR DISCON

Farirai Nyamukapa - District Secretary

Kudzai Murongazvombo - District Treasurer

Kay Terera - District PRO

Amos Mwanza - Country Representative Zambia

This team was chosen on the basis of each individuals strength. Each member of the team is an inducted Rotaractor who has served either as a President, Vice President or Committee Director in the past and so has the necessary experience needed to lead the District. Furthermore, Amos Mwanza was elected into office at the Ndola District Conference in May this year.

 

Me: Looks like you picked the A-team wise move I guess that's why you are the DRR, how well are you working with the DG & DRC

 

JT: I am working very well with the District Governor Stella Dongo and the District Rotaract Chair Masimba Mukurazvita. Rotarians are very passionate about new generations and are therefore excited about Rotaract and the role we play in Rotary International.

 

Me: That's music to my ears, do you have any plans to visit the rotaract clubs in the district,

 

JT;  I do plan to visit clubs in the District. I was able to meet some of the Ndola, TPR and Catholic University club members at the Ndola DISCON, I have also managed to visit most of the clubs in Harare and recently I visited the Rotaract Club of MSU in Gweru. during this year I intend to carry out more club visits

 

Me: Yipee that's great news,well my lunch break is over so we have to end this, Any wise words you would love to impart on the rotaractors

 

JT:  My parting words would be all the best for this coming year. I look forward to a very fun filled and fruitful year as we Engage Rotary and Change Lives.

 

Me: Thank you for those words and thank you for finding time in your busy schedule to have this interview. Cheers DRR Jayne Terera

 

JT: It was my pleasure Nash..Take care

 

And with that the greatest interview of my career ended, It was nice talking to such an enligthened Rotaractor, it looks like the future if our district is in safe hands 

By  ADRR Nyasha Muronzi (Nash McRonzie)