2015-2016 DG Welcome Message

We must continue to support our Foundation, which remains the engine through which all of our global humanitarian work is done. The impact that we have had in the fight to eradicate polio has been nothing short of amazing and we are very close to completing the task that we set in 1985.  The grant system allows us to do bigger and better projects and reach the wider community and I encourage you to make full use of it for the benefit of your communities.

 

I am challenging each Club to have a net increase of 2 members by the end of the Rotary year.  Find people who add value to your Club and reflect the diversity of your community.  Members must stay engaged and keep the Club vibrant through fuller participation in its various activities. Get to know Rotarians in your own countries and within the District. 

 

We must continue to tell our story to the world. We must always wear out pin as it is a symbol of who we are and the organization that we serve.  Make efficient and frequent use of the media, social media, your websites, Rotary Showcase and newsletters to showcase the good work that we do.  There can never be too much publicity.

 

We must bring our Rotaractors and Interactors closer into our Rotary family.  We must take responsibility for the clubs that we form and ensure that Rotaractors and Interactors are guided and supported.  Include them as far as possible in your Club activities as equal partners and encourage them to come to your Club, as you should go to theirs.  We must endeavor to bridge generational gaps.

 

The District will have Foundation and membership seminars during the year.  RLI training will also be offered.  Please make use of Rotary.org as much as possible to keep up to date on Rotary matters.  The website also offers facilities for learning about Rotary and there are a host of blogs and webinars on social media that offer forums for discussion on various Rotary topics.

 

Dyslexia is a learning disorder that often goes undetected through lack of knowledge or expertise. Sometimes if it is recognized, there are those who cannot afford to get help, thereby leaving them at a disadvantage. I would like Clubs to focus on 3 things – (a) bringing awareness to the public at large by sensitizing them to what to be aware of, what resources exist to test and teach and how to access them; (b) sponsoring a child for an assessment and/or a series of lessons; (c) sponsoring a teacher to become trained in special education, assessment or testing.

 

I look forward to meeting you all on my visits through the District.

 

Yours in Rotary,

 

Milton