District Governor September Update

Greetings Rotarians,

 

I hope you and your family are doing well.

 

I just finished reading Larry Lunsford’s email about the upcoming roll call for the 2020 Shoes for Orphan Souls caravan. Make sure you tune in on that. It’s always an exciting event! One of my first years in Rotary, I was asked to be the SOS chair for my Club. I definitely list the shoe drive, as one of my highlights in Rotary. As a result, of a successful shoe campaign, I was named Club Champion. The District Conference that year was in Kirksville. Jeff Romine, from Kirksville, was the District Governor. He asked each Club to name a Champion and come to Kirksville for the District Conference. That was my first Conference. There is no question that Conference was one of my top three turning points in fueling my Rotary passion. It was my first Shoes for Orphan Souls roll call. At dinner, I was at the table with Carl Chinnery. Later on, I heard Carl read his Mother’s letter about how Carl and all his siblings contracted Polio, for the first time. Incredibly, Ray Klinginsmith, who was serving as Rotary International President, was also in attendance. And, at the breakfast buffet the last morning, I had a good conversation with Duane Benton. What an incredible experience! Today, I am fortunate to call Ray, Larry, Carl, Jeff and Duane as some of my best Rotary friends. And to think, that it all started because I agreed to collect some shoes for children in orphanages in some far-off land. Our theme this year, is Rotary Opens Opportunities. Believe, me it does! Folks, the shoes collection we make this year for the caravan in 2021 will be the 20^th anniversary of the Shoes for Orphan Souls campaign. Let’s get started and set another record in ’21.

 

As we wind down August and membership month, it’s time for all of us to look back and see how we did. This year, more than ever, it is important for all of us to take up the mantle of growing our membership. With all the challenges facing us individually and as Rotarians due to Covid 19, it’s important for us to focus on attracting new members and retaining our existing members. If there’s a Rotarian in your club you haven’t seen in a while, please reach out to them and see how they’re doing. As you come across people in your daily activities - coworkers, relatives, neighbors, church friends, other members in professional groups like the Chamber of Commerce or a cause based group you are in; invite them to your Rotary Club meeting. Or, just have some coffee and introduce them to the world’s greatest service organization. Our membership concerns would go away, if “each one reached one”! Please make it a personal goal this year to introduce a prospect to Rotary.

 

September’s theme is Basic Education and Literacy. I know many Clubs have a special focus on Literacy. Please be creative and continue to give this important area your attention. Today, millions of our children are learning in a new environment. Globally, many children who have everyday challenges with education availability are really struggling with shutdowns and quarantines. Many of the world’s children have no access to digital learning.

 

Thank you for all you are doing to support your Club and The Rotary Foundation. Make September a great month.