Governor Joe Kovarik Farewell Message

Members-Money-Mindfulness: An Introspective Retrospective

Members. When you serve as Governor, it becomes obvious that you cannot run the office alone—nor should you try. Instead, you count on others—like each of you--to competently and confidently help carry the load.

IF…you are among the 2,996 Rotarians (yeah, I know, just 4 short of 3000) living the Rotary Good Life of serving others while having fun, let me say, thank you.

IF…you are currently a club officer, board member, or committee chair, I congratulate you for all the services you perform in our cities and rural areas of Minnesota and Wisconsin.

IF…you serve in a District managerial, coordination, or consulting role, accept my profound thanks for your assistance.

IF…you are one of nearly 840 Rotarians listed in the 2012-2013 District Directory, know that I appreciate your active support in all aspects of 5960’s operations.

Money. It’s the means for us to “increase humanitarian service.” With your generous donations, we, as Rotarians, provide sustainable, life-enhancing services for people locally and globally.

IF…you are among the clubs who sponsored 22 Rotary Foundation Global and District Grants this year, I am thankful of your work and munificence. The books are almost closed on the diversified grants which exhibit our pursuit of Peace Through Service. A final report will be available in the next few weeks.

IF…you planned and conducted the innumerable projects and successful fundraisers for your own local clubs, you have my thanks.

IF…you contributed to the Annual Program Fund, in behalf of the sometimes known, but mostly unknown beneficiaries, I want to say, thank you. Collectively, you pledged $268,145, and gave $311,592. That’s a district-wide per capita giving of over $104.

IF…you believe we must fully eradicate polio—after all, we are “this close”—I and many young children are appreciative of your $68,075. And, the money is still coming in.

IF…you are supportive of the developmental process in Nicaragua, my thanks to you. Our district activity there continues because of your Fast For Hope contributions of $31,182.

Mindfulness. It’s really OK to conduct our Rotary version of “show & tell”. Service Above Self, The 4-Way Test, Club Mission Statements—all convey our values. The actions and programs derived from those beliefs are worth announcing to the world.

IF…you are a faithful “Walking Billboard” for Rotary who wears a Rotary pin on a daily basis, I say, congratulations. The LOGO sets you apart—you’re a strong, special, global cadre of 1,215,679 people seeking to do good in this world.

IF…you are a persistent “Talking Billboard,” I am gratified. Inevitably, you will be asked, “What is Rotary?” Let your initial response be a self-assured, “Best decision I ever made.” Let that be the start of your persuasive exchange.

IF…you are a resolute “Rolling Billboard,” thank you for all those visual “impressions” you are making on the public. License plate frames, window decals, bumper stickers—(frankly, I don’t much like the “bumper stickers” either)—these things signal your membership in one of 34,380 clubs throughout the world.

IF…you are a loyal “Waving Billboard,” I salute you. When the Rotary flag in flown at your home or place of business, others will know you are a proud member of an organization operating in over 200 countries and territories.

And, Paul Harris blessings be upon you if you do all of the above. You are evidently a spirited proponent of ERED. You clearly advocate Every Rotarian Every Day.

Atten-hut…Snap That Collar

Finally, stand in front of the mirror tomorrow and be ready for two things (after you floss, of course). First, ask: “Mirror, Mirror, On the Wall, Who’s the Best Rotarian of All?” The answer should be obvious.

Second, “snap your collar.” (Recall the exercise?) Thinking of your club and its members, grab the ends of the collar on your shirt or blouse.” Face the person in the mirror and snap the collar three times, proclaiming with each snap, “Darn we’re good, and we’re gonna’ get better!”

Color me grateful. Thank you for 2012-2013. See you ‘round the territory.

--Joe K.

Joseph J. Kovarik
Governor 2012-2013
District 5960--Rotary International