I’d like to take the opportunity to address three important issues clubs in our District are dealing with: 1. Meeting Formats; 2. Environmental and Youth Programs; and 3. Membership. 
 
Meeting Formats:  I have now completed 31 club visits and it has been very enjoyable and lots of fun.  I thank you all for the camaraderie and your attention during my talk.  The biggest lesson I learned is that Rotary is carrying on with its mission of service even with the many obstacles in our way.  I needed to watch for the frequent schedule changes caused by venues, especially due to venue rule changes and venue labor issues.  In July, all clubs were headed to in-person meetings, mostly with a meal of some sort.  Many were experimenting with hybrid technologies to conduct zoom and in-person meetings, and most had moved away from mask wearing.  Today, things have changed again, due to the Delta variant.  Clubs are rethinking their plans, and talking again about what is best for their club. 
 
A few clubs have transitioned back to Zoom only for regular meetings but are finding ways to meet together, outdoors at picnics, under gazebos, and doing service projects.  Some clubs have eliminated food so Rotarians do not have to drop their mask during a meeting.  Some venues allow great opportunities for social distancing even indoors.  I am so pleased to see clubs meeting, socializing, and providing service.  These are the core values of Rotary.
 
Environmental and Youth Programs:  Our District is moving forward with several programs, and the committees are actively engaged.  You will see reports and invitations in several upcoming newsletters.  Many clubs have told me they are planning to be part of the District Day of Service for the Environment, our Ocean, Lake, and River cleanup.  Please be sure to register your date and water body.  Please take tons of pictures and videos and share them on social media.
The Rotary theme for the month is Basic Education and Literacy and many clubs are working in this area.  This district’s focus this month with be supporting our Interact Clubs as the kids head back to school.  Many Interact clubs stayed active, even during Covid last year, but other Interact clubs went dormant.  In September or October, we will be getting all the club and school Interact advisors together to share ideas and make plans.
 
Membership – Each One Bring One:  Membership is an important priority for us all.  The best way to find new Rotarians is to let them find us and ask us about Rotary.  We need to be seen in our communities while we are providing service.  I would love to see picture of Rotarians, all around the district, wearing “Rotarians at Work” shirts and cleaning up our waterways.  Be sure there is a Rotary wheel prominently displayed at every service location.  If someone asks about Rotary, then feel free to use any part or all of my elevator speech to explain Rotary
•            Rotarians are compassionate people who see needs in their community and take action to help solve problems.
•            Rotarians are a people who want to make the world a better, safer place.
•            Rotary is a service organization with a goal of “doing good in the world.”
•            Rotary is an ethical organization following the four-way test.
•            Rotary is a leadership organization, embracing the whole community.
 
I am hoping every club will have pictures and a writeup in the October newsletter to show the impact of coming together to help the environment.  I am hoping that you all will accept the challenge of International Rotary President Shekhar Mehta - Each one Bring One.
 
Thanks to all for your service in Rotary.
 
Dick Hall
District Governor 2021-2022