Rotary District 5960

My Fellow Rotarians,

Here we are in 2015-2016 and another Rotary Year.  What will be important about this Rotary Year?  What will we remember?

President Elect Ravi Ravindran tells us in his Theme: “Be A Gift to the World.”  He further tells us that each Rotarian is unique with special talents and gifts that need to be shared.  Also, he states: “There are certain moments in one’s life that are so pivotal, so transformative, that they become the milestones by which all of our subsequent experiences are measured.”  Is this true for you?  Is there a Rotary experience that changed your life?

Rotarians are special people who share a compelling vision to make a difference in the world.   Every Rotarian has a unique gift to be shared. Every Rotarian has at some point decided they want to give back and share their expertise.  Many Rotarians I have met have a deep sense of finding a purpose for their life.  In Rotary we are challenged to do just that.  This is the year to move Rotary forward by using our unlimited expertise and desire to find a purpose.  This is our year and this is our time.

Our #1 Priority in Rotary is to Eradicate Polio.

The #2 Priority is to move “Rotary Forward” by offering others the opportunity to become members and to bring their expertise to the task of creating a world free of illiteracy, hunger, and violence, as well as to provide safe water, healthcare and shelter.

As we look at the theme for this year, be a GIFT to the World, we have the opportunity to look within ourselves and create something so compelling that it will change the world.  As we express ourselves and do good work in our communities and the world, the gifts will return to us in abundance.

With the current Rotary structure and the resolve to eradicate polio, we have the opportunity to change the world.  We have a wide base and are in numerous communities throughout the world.  By  our connections with others,  we  will  develop conversations  that  will  empower  people  to maintain a sense  of  dignity and hope.   We are common people doing extraordinary things.

This year will not end on June 30, 2016.  Rather, the ideas and opportunities will live on for many years if we do what is necessary to keep Rotary alive and vibrant in our

communities and in the world.