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| John Fetters, Findlay, OH |
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John Fetters was
elected to a two-year term as Region 8 vice president at the 2006
National Convention. He is a claims adjustor with the Erie Insurance
Group. John joined Exchange in 1991. He has held several club
positions including secretary, bulletin editor, and president. For
the Ohio-West Virginia District, he served as district director and
president. He also helped build three clubs, and served on the New
Club Building committee for the National Exchange Club. John
currently serves on the Program of Service Committee and the
Restructuring Committee. John received the Distinguished District
President , Star District President and Parkers Patriot awards.
Active in his
church, John served on several committees and is a Sunday school
teacher. He is also secretary and treasurer for the Men With Vision
group. John and his wife, Phyllis, live in Findlay with their
daughter. |
What have you accomplished in your
first term?
As we all
already know, time flies when you're having fun. The first two years have
gone by very quickly. While we as an organization have not accomplished the
numbers we would like, I really feel that our organization has begun to turn
the corner. I, like all Exchange leaders, will not be satisfied until we
achieve growth. We have to keep pushing ahead until that goal is
achieved. The NEC Board is willing to do whatever it takes to help us
achieve this goal.
What
insights do you have now that you didn't have two years ago?
For several
years, we have seen a real need to improve communications with the district
and local club levels. I think that the lines of communications have made
some improvements, but there is still room for more. Strong communications
usually make any task easier and less stressful. I really see where we all
need to work together, sharing our successes and failures, with anyone that
will listen. One of Exchange's best resources is the experience of so many
of our long-term members and we need to utilize that experience better.
What do you want to accomplish in your
second term?
My ultimate goal is to grow Exchange, not just in my region but for our
organization overall. We look at growth in numbers of members, which is
vital, but I also would like to see Exchange become a household word, by
becoming much more active and recognized in our communities. We do not need
to be "America's Best Kept Secret" anymore.
What is the greatest challenge facing
clubs, and how can national help?
When I ask clubs what their biggest needs are, the most common answer is
that they need more members. Many clubs are tired and need new members to help
provide leadership in their clubs. Local clubs also often feel that it is
harder than ever to get people to volunteer. We need to show them that
volunteerism is currently near all-time highs. We need to teach clubs and
districts how to work smarter and more efficiently by training leaders.
Well-run clubs will be more visible in their communities and prospective
members will want to become involved.
What should members of the board do for
growth?
Our leaders, both national
and district, need to lead by example. If we do not share the pride and
passion that we have for Exchange with others, how can we expect others to?
If we do not do our part to recruit new members, how can we expect others
to?
How can we develop the next generation
of leadership?
I am a real believer in
mentoring. If we take the time to really get to know our members, we will be
able to sort out those who have leadership qualities and abilities. We must
mentor and nurture them in any way we can. As it was said long ago, one of
the biggest tasks of a leader is to be looking for his/her replacement.
Starting at the club level, how can we
build awareness of Exchange?
Exchange IS the
local club in what it gives to the community. Every program in Exchange
started out somewhere at the club level before it became a national project.
There are many clubs that are the best-known service clubs in their
communities and we need to borrow ideas from them. If we all work together,
sharing ideas and successes, we will surely increase awareness of the great
things that Exchange has to offer.
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