Does your district put old District Governors out to pasture? Or does it treasure and utilize this immense amount of experience to help the district and its members? It’s not just an honorary title that means everyone applauds them every time they attend a function!
The district bylaws mention a past district governors committee in a lengthy list of other committees that the District Governor may appoint as deemed advisable (bottom of page 10). TI also has a one-page policy on Role of Past Leaders Within Districts that’s good to review as well. (Remember that International Directors and International Presidents were once District Governors too!)
What does a PDG bring to the table? Quite a few things:
- Knowledge about “how it’s done” in the district (though things may have changed since they were DG!)
- Coach for the district trio (DG, LGET, LGM) and other district leaders
- Advice on how to address challenges and where sensitivities may lie
- Assistance at area and division events when trio members can’t attend
- Experienced trainer for club officer training (but make sure they’re up-to-date)
- Long-term view for strategic planning
In addition, the Immediate Past District Governor (IPDG) has specific value:
- Voting member of the DEC
- Reminders of critical deadlines (e.g., budget, submission of club officer training info, when to order contest/conference supplies)
- Recognition of the previous year’s accomplishments at the October/November district conference
Don’t forget about the PDGs, call on them to help your district succeed!
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