President Hannah's September Message: Finding Opportunity in Adversity
With the Delta variant spreading and causing breakthrough cases, our club meal costs and dues increasing, and technical difficulties in our hybrid meetings, many of you may feel some disappointment, frustration, and fear.
It seems we’ve all been forced to become “masters of uncertainty,” a term that resonated with me when I read this article recently. We’re all tired of the persistent unknown.
While we don’t have a lot of control over what’s going on in the world, we do have control over how we respond.
I invite you to join me in working to reframe this uncertainty as a positive for our club.
As American Library Association Executive Director Tracie D. Hall puts it: “What is confounding about this time is that though it is a period of prolonged flux, even volatility, it is also a time of profound possibility.”
Let’s ask: how can these changes provide an opportunity for us to learn, improve, and grow?
Throughout Rotary's history, we’ve adapted to a changing world. We’ve maintained our human connection and ability to make a difference, even in unprecedented circumstances.
During the Spanish flu pandemic that began in 1918, despite significant interference with club activities, clubs were inspired to adapt and act. The persistence to stay engaged in civic and social work paid off. By 1921, Rotary had clubs on six continents.
Our own Santa Barbara Sunrise Rotary Club has made extraordinary progress since the March 2020 lockdown. We’ve raised more money through the raffles than ever before; we managed to work on two Global Grants; we gained new members; we expanded our pool of speakers; we adapted to virtual meetings; and we found ways to support our community’s needs.
Consistently acting on our core values of service and fellowship despite challenges builds trust with our community and leads to progress and results. If we remain optimistic and active, Rotary can be a leading antidote to The Atlantic’s warning that the “deep divide that has widened during this pandemic is dashing illusions that we ‘live in a benevolent world.’”
Let’s keep the big picture and our core values in mind. Let’s allow ourselves to use this time to experiment and learn. Let’s accept our mistakes, learn to provide constructive feedback, and take opportunities for reflection.
I’m glad to be able to rely on you all as a supportive community during this time of unease.