Be a Gift
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As this year comes to an end, we have the opportunity to reflect on what we’ve accomplished so far and what else we hope to do. As I said in my message in the December issue of The Rotarian, this is also a time for giving. I would ask that you continue to Be a Gift to the World by giving the gift of Rotary. By giving to our Foundation, you help provide the means to address the needs of our local and global communities. No gift is too small: just $15 can pay for polio vaccines, and gifts of up to $200 can pay for much needed medical equipment in a rural hospital. With your support, we can continue to accomplish much more. You can even give to a specific area of focus that has become important to you. Learn more about what your gift could support. Rotary’s six areas of focus have helped us channel our efforts so that we can better meet the needs of communities around the world — to provide clean water, to educate children, to help bring peace and hope to areas of conflict. Together with Rotary Foundation Trustee Chair Ray Klinginsmith, I am sponsoring a series of five presidential conferences between January and March to highlight our areas of focus, beginning with the Rotary World Peace Conference 2016. Local Rotary districts will serve as hosts, and the conferences will be open to both Rotary members and the general public. They will feature engaging speakers, informative general sessions, and hands-on workshops. Attendees will have the opportunity to network with fellow leaders and take away new ideas and strategies. Visit the conference websites to learn more about each program and to register. This is a good time to remind you that our convention is fast approaching. I attended my first convention nearly 30 years ago in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. Each convention is special, but they get better and better every year. I enjoy seeing old friends, making new ones, and sharing my passion for Rotary. The Seoul convention, 28 May-1 June, is sure to be the best yet. I invite you to join me — whether it’s your first convention or your 10th — to connect with new friends and new ideas, and to be inspired to Be A Gift to the World. As leaders, we all have a responsibility to extend the invitation to our fellow Rotarians, and to encourage them to experience the best event of the Rotary year. Please spread the word that the convention is for all Rotarians, and consider sharing this great Rotary tradition by sponsoring the attendance of a district Rotaract representative, Rotaract club president, or other Rotaract leader. Remember to take advantage of early registration savings and register today. I look forward to seeing you in Seoul. Warm regards,
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