Richard Fox 2019/2020 Rotary International District Governor
Fox began his presentation by talking about how he got involved in Rotary.
He was volunteering for a myriad of organizations including the Cub Scouts, Shelburne Rescue, the Miss Vermont Scholarship Program and the Vermont Bar Association. Nine years ago he became a husband and a father and gained a Rotarian father-in-law. It was his father-in-law who convinced him to attend a Rotary social event and the rest is history.
What he learned was that instead of his individual volunteering, through Rotary he, and his club, could help more organizations. It became clear that Rotary has transformed his life.
He challenged all of us to think about the "why" of Rotary. Why does our organization exist, what keeps you coming to Rotary? As we explore the why, we should be able to share with others the benefits of membership.
Fox reminded us that RI President Mark Maloney's theme for the year is Rotary Connects the World.
He encouraged us to read more about this theme in the July Rotarian magazine.
In that article, Maloney expresses his belief that connection is at the heart of the Rotary experience. “(Rotary) allows us to connect with each other, in deep and meaningful ways, across our differences,” Maloney said. “It connects us to people we would never otherwise have met, who are more like us than we ever could have known. It connects us to our communities, to professional opportunities, and to the people who need our help.”
Fox introduced the concept of synergy, this year’s district theme. Synergy is defined as the interaction or cooperation of two or more organizations, substances, or other agents to produce a combined effect greater than the sum of their separate effects. The word comes from the Greek synergia, meaning working together.
Fox emphasized the importance of working with the community, other organizations and other Rotary clubs.
He pointed to the successful collaboration of the Gates Foundation and Rotary International in their battle to eradicate polio. In addition, Rotary and the United Nations have a shared history of working toward peace and addressing humanitarian issues around the world. Rotary has had a seat at the UN since it was started. Read more by clicking here.
He asked us to join him in making four agreements:
1) Rotary is important to our local and global communities;
2) Rotary needs to be in our communities after we are not longer here;
3) Our Rotary clubs are important for the impact and success of our District and Rotary International, both globally and locally; and
4) We need to grow our Rotary clubs to ensure sustained community engagement and long-term impact of our Rotary clubs.
You have to know your why. If you have a why, the how will follow.
He made the following request for all Lebanon Rotarians:
1) Support Rotarians beyond your own club;
2) Share ideas with other groups in your community;
3) Conduct service projects with members of your community and elsewhere;
4) Plan your attendance at District events; and
5) Have fun!
At the conclusion of his presentation he presented our co-presidents, Marion Steiner and Liss Maloney with the official Rotary Connect the World Banner.
Book Given to the Kilton Library's children's collection in honor of District Governor Richard Fox was
Elvis is King by Johah Winter
