Jerry began by sending us greetings from Rotary District 5910 and from Rotary International President Shekar Mehta. Jerry said, “This is not your grandfather’s Rotary Club!”. He remembered that when he joined, women and people of color were not in the club. Thankfully, that has changed. He encouraged us to attend the Zone meeting and hear from International President-elect Jennifer Jones, who will be the first woman to serve as International President. He also asked that we come to the District meeting in Livingston on October 2. All these events will enable you to meet other like-minded Rotarians who also believe in “Service Above Self”. He reminded us that there are also many online options on the District Website that we can take advantage of to learn more about Rotary and what it stands for and is accomplishing around the world and right here at home.

Jerry presented us with Shekar’s four areas of emphasis:

1. Rotary Days of Service
2. Areas of Focus Presidential Conferences
3. Grow Rotary – Each One, Bring One
4. Empowering Girls (under 16)

By empowering girls, Shekar hopes to help break the cycle of poverty and abuse that affects young girls throughout the world. In growing Rotary, we want to grow more to serve more. We should all think about who we would bring that would be an asset to our club. We must also engage and mentor our new members – reach out and involve them in club activities so they become a part of Rotary and become lifetime members. Jerry pointed out that we must work on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. This is not the same as political correctness. Political Correctness is about verbiage. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is about attitude – all of us have experienced differences that have influenced us and helped to shape us – no two of us are exactly alike. Learn to accept and appreciate those differences and do not shy away from them. There is a difference between Equality and Equity. Equity is when we promote Inclusion. It means not only having a seat at the table but being heard at the table. When all feel welcome and valued, then we are achieving Equity and Inclusion. Jerry asked us to always greet visitors and thank those who contribute to the program. He asked us to encourage young members to step forward with new ideas – our message cannot be, “We want your money, but not your ideas”.

Jerry then spoke about the Rotary priority of ending human trafficking. He said that trafficking involves forced labor, involuntary servitude, and sex trafficking. Jerry presented us statistics showing Texas is #2 in the US in human trafficking and also #2 in child trafficking. He showed us that on any given day, an average of 284,000 people are being trafficked in our state. Out of that number, 79,000 are minors. Humans are being trafficked in both directions at the border, and the problem is not just in the large cities, but exists in large numbers in rural areas, as well. The number one reason women go to shelters is to escape from human trafficking. Jerry asked us to be aware of the warning signs and to stay alert to those around us. He showed us the universal hand sign meaning “I need help” and asked us to stay diligent.

Jerry said that all these are big issues, but that big issues provide us with big opportunities. We should all grab at those opportunities to serve so we can all make a difference together. Service Above Self!