We CAN help make the world a better place

 

I think President Ian Riseley said it best and I paraphrase, “Rotary is a massive and massively complex organization with 1.2 million members in over 35,000 clubs in nearly every country of the world. Each District and each Club has its own history, priorities and identity (culture). It’s this diversity that makes us so strong, but it can also pose challenges to our identity as an organization. It is no surprise that many people who have heard of Rotary still have little idea of what Rotary does or more importantly why we exist at all. These challenges have significant implications, not only for our ability to serve most effectively but also for the public image that is so essential to our ability to build our membership, our partnerships and our service. To respond to these challenges Rotary has developed the Brand Centre, the People of Action public image campaign and we have a new vision statement, Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves. As Rotarians, we see a world that could be better and that we can help to make it better.” After all, this year’s Presidential theme is "Rotary: Making a Difference."

 

You can help develop leaders in your community and beyond by reaching out to the youth and engaging them in one of Rotary’s youth service programs such as RYLA, RYPEN, Interact, Rotaract, Youth Exchange, New Generations Service Exchange, Rotary Alberta Youth Entrepreneurship Camp, Stay in School and Adventures In programs. The opportunities are vast, but the need is far greater than you can imagine. Let’s work to develop and empower the next generation of leaders through Rotary Youth Service.

 

 

We moving in the right direction! Let’s continue our journey to attract, grow and retain our membership. If on July 1, 2018, we are equal to or greater than our year-ago numbers, then I would say we’ve turned the corner and stopped the annual downward decline of roughly 50 members per year. This is cause for us all to reflect on what we’ve achieved this past year and to recognize and celebrate those accomplishments. Keep up the good work, let’s keep the pedal to the metal; we must never take membership for granted!

 

Discon 2018 kicks off Friday May 4, here in Calgary! All but 6 of our Rotary clubs are participating, 283 were registered as of May 1^st, including 10 Rotaractors and are within 15 people of reaching our conference capacity. I’m excited about all aspects of this year’s conference - from the Friday night welcome reception at the Glenbow Museum to the Saturday Night Fever dinner and dance, “fun and fellowship”  is well looked after. Three great keynote speakers, 15 breakout sessions and one of the largest House of Friendships ever await attendees. We are trying something new - an “App” called “Sched” which you download onto your smartphone so everything about Discon 2018 is at your fingertips.

 

 

 

Until next month, continue to make a difference!

Rick Istead

Rotary District Governor 2017-2018