PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS 7/12/23
Has anyone heard of Ginni Rometty? I hadn’t either until I listened to her interviewed on a podcast.Ginni Rometty became president and CEO of IBM on January 1, 2012….. Of IBM - 400,000 employee, technology and engineering behemoth. Big Blue, the company with a reputation of a dress code of blue suits, white shirts and red ties. Her predecessor affirmed that her selection has “zero to do with progressive social policies”. In other words she was hired because she was the right person for the job.
During this podcast interview she described that she did NOT want to be known as the first women CEO but rather as a good CEO. A very respectable statement.
However, she went on to say that years later she came full circle and upon reflection has turned around on this idea. She came to understand this feeling of “You cannot be what you cannot see” (repeat) She recognized that she was in a privileged role and could play a part in helping others envision themselves in that role.
Rotarians are similar. We show up, roll up our sleeves, get things done without a focus on fanfare and publicity. We humbly serve our communities not for recognition but because we live an ethos of “Service above Self”.
Like Ginni came to understand, there is a difference between touting accomplishments and demonstrating sevice. Between showcasing activity and educating others of the reason for your actions.
This year, Rotary International President Gordon Mcinally is asking everyone to “Create Hope in the World” prioitizing projects to support mental health. He invites us to tap into “the spirit of connection and purpose that should inspire every Rotary member”. He is asking “club leaders to fous on offering an excellent club experience to make our clubs as welcoming and as engaging as we can with the goal to create a sense of belonging, from our club meetings to our service activities”.
So I ask ….Does our community know what Rotary is? Do other service-minded individuals recognize ours as an organization that is open to them? Do we have enough membership to support what our community needs? In our humility have we neglected an opportunity to inform. In our routine have we missed an opportunity to invite.
Inspired by Ginni and Gordon, this year, I challenge our club to become more visible. To be what others can see. How can we do this?.... by small, incremental nudges on an already well established path. Things like an apparel order form for us to be more visible in our projects. Enhanced use of social media with more reposts, shares and likes. A new twist (incentive) to bring guests to meetings. Continued effort to build on scholars luncheon and scholarship awards and increased engagement with our interactors at the high school.
Let us be what others can see and let us see what happens.