April, 2024 – District Governor Van Lankford
Got To or Get To
It’s interesting that in the English language one letter can make a huge difference in the meaning of a word. Take, for example, the words “Got” and “Get.” In English, the word “got” is the past participle of the word “get,” but in practice the two words take on a different meaning and energy. Consider the things we “get” to do verses the things we’ve “got” to do. If it’s Monday evening, I know I’ve “got” to get my trash out to the street for pick up early Tuesday morning, which is a chore I really do not enjoy. As a person who owns a business, in April I’ve “got” to file and pay taxes, which is another thing I do not enjoy. Therefore, the word “got” brings about connotations of obligation and things that are not always pleasant. On the other hand, the word “get” is all about privilege, excitement, and things we enjoy doing, rather than feeling obligated to do something. This past Saturday morning I was excited to “get” to go to my youngest granddaughter’s first birthday party. I knew I was getting to see family and friends and to celebrate little Reagan’s special day. This coming weekend I get to celebrate my 90-year-old aunt with a party on her birthday among family and friends. There’s a big difference between the things we get to do versus the things we’ve got to do.
Could the same be true when it comes to our relationship and experience with Rotary? Do we look at Rotary as something I’ve “got” to do or is it something I “get’ to do? I can tell you that if people feel too much “got” and not enough “get” then they are probably not going to be with us very long. We have talked for many years now about the culture of our Rotary clubs and the type of “experience” we desire to create for our members and guests. We’ve talked about making our meetings “must see TV” and creating valuable club experiences. All these things are important because if our members and potential members do not find value in our clubs and meetings become obligations, then we will lose the opportunity for a connection with Rotary and what that connection has to offer both personally and professionally.
As I think back on my year as your District Governor, I am reminded of all the things I “get’ to do. From August – November, I was excited to get to visit all 47 clubs in our district. I was privileged to see firsthand how clubs in our district “do” Rotary because all clubs are unique and leave a unique footprint in their respective communities. The club visits were by far the highlight of my DG year. As DG, I “get” to meet some of the best people I know across our district. I get to talk with them, eat with them, and share life together whether it is talking about Rotary, our work, or our family. Yes, there were some duties when I felt like I’ve “got” to do this, but the “gets” far outweighed the “gots”.
As I am writing this, we are only two short weeks away from our District Conference in New Bern. In just two weeks, I get to go to New Bern, see old friends, make new friends, and celebrate all that our clubs were able to accomplish this Rotary year. I get to hear inspiring speakers and maybe have a laugh or two. I get to learn more about Rotary and the impact I can make in my community. I get to enjoy the beautiful town of New Bern, take a boat ride with my family, and serve the Craven County community. I get to spend time with my family who will be attending. I get to enjoy being a Rotarian! This is my hope for you as well. If you are one of the 300 plus people who are registered for District Conference, I hope you will come to New Bern, not out of obligation…..”I guess I’ve got to go receive my club’s award.” Rather, I hope you will come with anticipation and excitement of four great and inspiring days. As you think about coming to New Bern or going to a weekly club meeting, I hope your reaction will be, “I get to go!”
Peace,
Van Lankford
District Governor
