Speaker
District Governor Jen Gisborne Visits Richmond Sunrise Rotary Club
We were delighted to welcome District Governor Jen Gisborne of District 5040 to our Richmond Sunrise Rotary Club. Jen joined Rotary in 2002, shortly before retiring from Canada Customs, as a member of the Rotary Club of Powell River. Over the years, she has served in many roles, including twice as club president, district representative for PolioPlus, and participant in national immunization days in India and Nigeria. In recognition of her service, she received the Regional Service Award for Polio-Free World. Jen is also a Level One Major Donor and a member of the Rotary Foundation Society. She lives in Powell River with her son and three grandchildren.
During her visit, Jen shared her vision for the district, insights from her Rotary journey, and advice for clubs and members. Here are the highlights:
Purpose and Role of a District
Jen began by discussing the purpose of a Rotary district: to strengthen and support clubs. While the official documents are extensive, the essence is simple: districts exist to help clubs thrive, share ideas, and foster connections between clubs and communities. Jen emphasized that her visits are not only about sharing district initiatives but also learning from clubs’ successes, challenges, and unique ideas, which can then be shared across the district.
Focus on Relationships
Rather than focusing on flashy goals like million-dollar fundraisers, Jen’s personal focus as District Governor is building relationships. She believes strong clubs are built on members who know each other’s interests, skills, and passions, and who feel valued and empowered.
She highlighted the impact of COVID-19 on clubs’ cohesion and emphasized that mentorship, socials with purpose, and engagement strategies are key to retaining new members. For example, her own club created social events to integrate 17 new members in one year, which required significant effort but strengthened the club community.
Leadership and Empowerment
Leadership development is central to Jen’s approach. She encourages clubs to:
Rotate leadership responsibilities to train new members
Use club and board meetings as leadership training opportunities
Integrate corporate memberships to bring in skilled, engaged members
She shared successful examples of corporate partnerships, where businesses supported employee involvement, helping members develop leadership and public speaking skills in a safe environment.
Clubs as Autonomous Communities
Jen stressed that clubs should feel empowered to make decisions that work for their members and communities. She encourages collaboration with other service organizations, businesses, and community groups to maximize impact and build partnerships. Examples include volunteer fairs, service projects, and joint community initiatives.
Training and Development
This year, District 5040 is running its own President Training in Vancouver, with hands-on technology integration and leadership workshops. Additionally, mini one-day area conferences are planned for April and May, providing practical training, workshops, and community-building opportunities for members.
Practical Advice and Inspiration
Jen reminded members that Rotary is about self-development through service and fellowship, not just service above self. She encouraged clubs to experiment, try new ideas, and adapt to their communities, reinforcing that innovation and creativity are key to growth and impact.
She concluded with heartfelt appreciation for our club’s commitment to fellowship, service, and self-development, noting that the strong connections within our club are a key reason members stay involved.
SERGEANT At Arms Tidbits
As it has become a tradition, when there was not enough time for S @ A we ask our beloved friendly AI, ChatGPT to turn the previous weeks S @ A into a bit of a Roast. So suck it up and read on Rotarians.
Mary Lou
Had her last day at work and has now completed retired. Although unfortunately the phone had been turned off for the meeting she described what is happening and could not stop smiling on her way out of the meeting. But the day before many tears. Congratulations from all of us.
Susan
Still basking in last year’s glory, clutching her “little chunky” trophy like it's the One Ring. Wants a group photo after the meeting — presumably to remember us all before she becomes famous again.
Joyce
Couldn’t remember her own quote but somehow landed on Peter Drucker. Classic Joyce arc. Gave us the annual shoebox tearjerker and threatened—nicely—to “hunt everyone down” for donations. Blair got voluntold into replacing Hartwood’s dressers, because of course the bottoms are falling out. Rotary: fixing furniture and feelings since forever.
Amanda
Drowning in exams and Canadian flight prices. Apparently flying to Saskatchewan now costs more than a Mediterranean vacation. But hey — family.
Sandra
Said nothing, did nothing, contributed nothing. A queen.
Debbie S.
Reported absolutely nothing but still managed to look better than the rest of us. Impressive.
Bobby
Had a great week until FIFA personally smote him. His family of five has four tickets, and he’s been voted Tribute. May the odds be ever in his favour.
Susan (again)
While everyone else’s families are falling apart, Susan’s is just fine, thank you very much. Her big news: Brian might get a co-op with BC Hydro. He’s doing better than the rest of us too.
John
Renovations continue. Hopes the final bathroom will be done by 2027, which is optimistic.
Joyce (again)
Went to California, had a blast with the grandkids, came home sick — as tradition dictates. A wholesome disease vector.
Blair
Dallas Stars were in town, so he had to resist the urge to dress like a 6’2” NHL toddler. Busy week ahead, but nothing suspicious… yet.
Gord
Gave the annual “please check your prostate” TED Talk. Shared that his DNA report looks like the Dead Sea Scrolls. Reminder: men, get the PSA test. Women, text the men until they do it.
Sean
Spent the whole weekend untangling Christmas lights under strict spousal supervision. Earned a PhD in “Yes dear.”
Chris P.
Decided to become an expert on Cowichan land title because Twitter is a garbage fire and someone has to be the adult. Asked for connections, information, or literally anyone smarter than her to help. Brave.
Jeanette
Delivered the hospital report: Peachy in emergency with abdominal pain, Elena down with flu and a busted shoulder, and Jeanette still showing up in perfect attendance mode.
Maryam
Survived the Baby Shower Balloon Arch Apocalypse. Supplies Ubered in at dawn, balloons popping like gunfire, YouTube tutorials everywhere. Should’ve hired a professional, but instead she became one.
Michael
Threw a birthday party for 200 and somehow 300 people showed up, because he is Beyoncé now. Followed it up with a Whistler getaway and is now preparing for the “meet-the-in-laws” ceremony for son Arman. No wonder he’s tired.
Sam
Gave us an unexpectedly educational lesson on Huntington’s, then pulled a hard left into a 205-person birthday party where he tended bar all night. Reward: Taco Bell. Life is balance.
Lawrence
Making an Office-style retirement video starring his CEO buddy. He gets to be the “look-to-camera guy,” which he was born for. We all expect a screening.
Bill
Florida update: guns everywhere, no rules, and hockey fans yelling about “losing to maple syrup.” Bill described all this with the calm acceptance of a man who has seen things.
Kal
Warned the bulletin editor that if he becomes a member, “you’ll never be the same.” We’re still trying to decide if this is a threat or a promise.
Judy
Busy week of dinners, birthdays, and hauling Christmas decorations. House now fully festive. Flooring update: she actually picked one — which is more progress than the contractors have made all year.
Marg
Loved the party, saw a sea of mini Elsas at the Stanley Alliance show, and is attending a baby shower where her only assignment is pickles. Did genetic testing that revealed 78 ways the universe might try to kill her. Very cheerful about it.
Brian
Coached 20 ten-year-olds at a curling party, proving his bravery. Then hit Michael’s birthday bash and loved the fireworks. Hard turn: his dad is going in for another prostate biopsy. Tough week, send love.
Chris M.
Missed last week because Eleanor had a cold and daycare said “no sick kids please,” so she spent a full-day in Toddler Bootcamp. Next week: cataract surgery. Also gifted Rod a giant shed for Christmas — romance in its purest form.
Melinda
Went to Michael’s party and basically adopted his kids for the evening. Very impressed with the event. No drama of her own to report, unlike the rest of us.
Debbie T.
Went to The Christmas Tea, which started weird but ended hilarious. Bonus shocker: her husband bought the tickets voluntarily.
