Our members (customers) join Rotary for a reason and leaders have the opportunity to meet part of their purpose in joining by giving them a pickle, in other words giving them a little recognition. Raising money from members by fining them has long been a part of the weekly Rotary meeting by drawing attention to member’s milestone or accomplishments. Not only does this kind of recognition have a low cost attached, it is a money generator.
In most clubs the members pledge the amount they are willing to ‘give’ over the course of a Rotary year. I personally favor the idea that the member is billed on a quarterly basis and the fining is theater since bigger fines are better theater.
When a member is featured in the local newspaper, especially with a picture, there is ample reason to call attention to the occasion, but for some the notoriety of the local newspaper in a rare occasion. The Finemaster always appreciates a little help from those of us who are not frequently featured by reputable or tabloid newspapers. It may seem like self-promotion, but offering suggestions for things you might appreciate recognition for at the next meeting is always appreciated by the Finemaster. Be bold and helpful, after all it is about recognition and showing appreciation for you. There is nothing wrong with sending the Finemaster your wedding photo a week before your anniversary or a picture of you in uniform a week before Veteran’s Day. We all love photos of new born children and you have them so share with the Finemaster.
I love the Finemaster who is creative in their job. There is no rule that the reason for the fine has to be entirely true, but it does have to be respectful and cause the target of the fine to have a sense of pride and appreciation. Within the bounds of the Four Way Test there is ample room for literary license. Follow the RAVE formulae of leadership. Make sure all recognition is Respectful, expresses Appreciation, demonstrates Value and includes Everyone. A basic part of this tradition is that the money raised is for the Rotary Charities (external) budget and not the Club Operations (internal) budget. The fun part of the tradition is the knowledge that the money paid is going to a good cause.
With the advent of technology we can put that picture up on the screen for everyone to see. That same technology sometimes allows for a technique called ‘photo-shopping’ where the headline and photo might be enhanced and improved upon. What fun it is to see your own picture on the front of Sports Illustrated with the proclamation that you almost won the US Open; or probably would have if you were there. I was once recognized for playing a difficult golf course with a score that was lower than my age; and on the back nine I made up for those lost strokes.
Finemaster beware; everyone loves a good laugh, but not at their expense. Be sure the general membership is laughing with the target. The goal here is to have every member (customer) leave every weekly meeting with a smile on their face.