Another Rotary year has come to an end and a new one is beginning. Each year the incoming Rotary International (RI) President choose a new theme for the Rotary year. This year our RI President, Stephanie Urchick, has chosen the theme ‘The Magic of Rotary.’
Magic is one of those words that can conger up many thoughts. One can think of a famous magician like David Copperfield who performs feats of ‘magic.’ However, in the end these acts are just well rehearsed acts of illusions. The magic that we as Rotarians create are not illusions but are acts that make positive changes in our communities. This magic is not created by a simple waving of a magic wand. The Magic of Rotary is created by local Rotarians, people of action, coming together and taken the actions needed to create the magic. Each of us needs to bring an ingredient to create the magic potion. These ingredients are made up from our time, talent and / or treasure.
The other change with a new Rotary year is a change of leadership. These changes are from the club level, district level, the zone level and at the RI level. Some of us embrace change and others not so much. Whether we embrace change or not it happens. Your incoming club president has been encouraged to work with the club and the board to develop goals that the club would like to achieve during the 24/25 Rotary year. These goals include but are not limited to, adding new members while engaging existing members, the number and types of service projects, donations to the Rotary Foundation including Polio Plus, and other goals.
At the district level we have developed some initiatives and we have invited our clubs to join us in achieving. These ten initiatives include things like finding ways for the district to help clubs be successful, planting a tree for each club member, helping clubs tell their story through the efforts of our Public Image committees at all levels, working on methods to help curb human trafficking, continue with alliance with mental health efforts, supporting efforts to ensure no child goes hungry, becoming a peace district and others. These initiatives will be posted on our district website.
The Magic of Rotary is created at the club level through the actions of our members. The district is here to provide support for our clubs and their members. One thing we do ask is ‘Helps us help you.’ That is to let us know what we can do to better serve your clubs. We know we may not be able to do everything we want to do or even set out to do. Through our collective actions we are still making positive changes.
What a privilege it has been serving as your District Governor this Rotary year. The Rotary Clubs in our District are committed to serving both the world and their communities. Whether helping at a fundraiser or service project, it was evident that the Rotary club was a vital part of the community they were serving. The impact the clubs make in our District was confirmed by the stories of the participants and members.
