President Elect - Trudy

Posted by Trudy Gallant 
on Mar 11, 2015
 
PETS..so much to learn
 
Thanks to everyone for the opportunity to participate in PETS last weekend.  The work and organization that it must take to prepare and deliver training to 700+ incoming Rotary Club Presidents is nothing short of amazing!  We had excellent guest speakers at each meal (all 700 of us together in a very big ballroom).  We had core sessions of training and they mixed us up in these groups but then we also had two separate sessions just for our own district..where we got to sit together  in our areas..allowing for some great networking on a local basis.
 
One of the real benefits was to see so clearly the impact of Rotary on the international level.  We tend to be focused on our local projects and our own international projects but when you see that Clubs everywhere are also doing such great work..it is very impressive.  It also helps you to understand better the role of The Rotary Foundation in supporting that work. I came away thinking two things..1) Rotary is the great equalizer..it does not care what your cultural background, age, gender or income level is..all you need is to have the desire to do good in the world and you are a Rotarian...2) Rotary is the great extender..it takes what you can do and grows that energy in countless ways.
 
Everywhere  you went..people were sharing their Rotary stories, wisdom and dreams....a wonderful and inspiring experience.