RID 3060 aims big with digital projects
Why not an e-platform for Rotaractors to develop their contact and expand their business networking, just like the way Rotarians exchange notes with members from other clubs across India? This novel idea will get a physical shape in the form of Rotabiz, a portal for Rotaractors and Rotarians, which will be launched on World Rotaract Day (March 13) by DRR Vatsal Khimasiya, RID 3060.
Most of the 2,700 Rotaractors in the district comprising parts of Gujarat and Maharashtra are from community-based clubs and are “involved in some form of small enterprises and business activities. Hence, the new portal will help them to expand their networking with fellow members and Rotarians, and it will be a win-win situation for the Rotaract clubs and Rotaractors in our district,” says Khimasiya. While the web design is almost ready, the DRR has got ‘amazing feedback’ from the assessment study they have done for the requirement of such a digital exchange platform among the Rotaractors and Rotary clubs. The project delivery team has already taken up a Rotabiz campaign on social media (Instagram, Twitter, WhatsApp, etc) and the district Rotaractors are looking forward to the gala launch of the business portal.
He has roped in PDGs and senior Rotary leaders to be part of a WhatsApp group for regular exchange of ideas and feedback on the best way to design a portal that will fulfil the aspirations of Rotaractors in the years to come.
Placement website
As part of Republic Day events, a job placement website was launched exclusively for Rotaractors of RID 3060. “Rotarians and others can list their job vacancies in this portal, but the e-forum will offer job opportunities only to our members; this will be showcased as one among the additional benefits of being a Rotaractor for the aspiring youth,” he explains.
Most of the 60-odd clubs are into Covid-related projects, mostly taking care of Covid patients and holding vaccination camps for the elderly and vulnerable groups. In fact, RAC Surat East, “one of the largest community clubs in the world with over 500 members”, was running a Covid vaccination centre for around six months during the second wave and “they had inoculated over 10,000 people during that peak time.” All the Rotaractors in Surat had helped the Covid patients in one way or another, “either by taking them to hospital, as caretaker to the elderly patients, assisting them in their ablutions, or doing errands for them to meet their needs during their hospital stay.”
With the third wave of Covid gripping the nation, “we are going to introduce a book rental service, similar to BookMyShow, which will facilitate the Rotaractors to lend books across genres to those in need through the e-rental platform. “First, this will be launched in 15 cities of Gujarat, one by one, and then based on results, it will be expanded to others parts of the district. A nominal fee will be collected from the borrowers and it will go to the lending clubs. This will fetch revenue to our district and also develop fellowship among Rotaractors,” opines Khimasiya.
E-waste collection
Around 30 Rotaract clubs took part in a mega collection of electronic waste such as computers, smartphones, TVs, air conditioners, fridges and other electrical and digital appliances. “We initiated this one-of-its-kind project in memory of our late PDRR Bhumik Shah and collected around 1.3 tonnes of e-waste that were segregated and recycled,” says the DRR. Another 15 clubs sensitised the public on the need to avoid e-waste through month-long awareness drives that included rallies, roadshows and distribution of flyers and handbills.
Once the new system of annual dues for Rotaractors kicks in from July 2022, “we have to face the reality of 20 per cent attrition in our membership as some of them are not willing to pay money to RI. But the digital projects that we are going to start will provide extra benefits for Rotaractors to continue in their clubs, enjoy fellowship and also expand their business.” A member of RAC Jamnagar, the DRR says, “being a Rotaractor for eight years had helped me to fine tune my skills in using designing software such as Corel Draw and made me confident in handling my family business at Aditya Udyog, the makers of bicycle tube valves.” Khimasiya is also the charter secretary of Jamnagar Toastmasters Club.
DG Santosh Pradhan released a combined Rotary-Rotaract district directory which is a unique initiative. A common monthly bulletin is also being published for both Rotary and Rotaract clubs. “To cap it all, we will finish the year, with a joint Rotary-Rotaract district conference,” adds the DRR.
