DG'S MESSAGE FOR DECEMBER 2012
It's December, and we are in our sixth month; half way complete through our Rotary year of service. December is a joyous time, a time when in Rotary we reflect on Family. It naturally brings to mind not only the size of our Rotary family but also the many components that are part of it; especially, if you have visited other Clubs or attended conferences. You may have joined in activities associated with the many various Rotary Fellowships like the Rotary Friendship Exchange, first of which is departing on the 2nd of December to Abuja Nigeria. You will find that these activities enhance and enrich your Rotary experience. Your participation in these activities with like-minded Rotarians will be something you will always cherish and treasure.
The family structure is undoubtedly where life begins, it is where our day begins, and it is where our fabric of Rotary service must begin. Because it is the family, and not the individual, that is the building block of the community – and of Rotary as well!
But we also have the much broader Rotary family – Rotary International’s data is noted at more than 1.2 million Rotarians in over 34,000 clubs in 530 districts in 210 countries. What a mighty force this is for good in the world when we add in their partners and the friends of Rotary who work with many of our clubs. The image is even stronger and prevalent when I think about what Rotarians in our District are doing for local and international communities. The simplest of clubs in Tanzania carry out some of the most sophisticated projects which are transforming villages and embracing the change for a better future is incredibly remarkable. It gives me immense pride when the Rotary family in Uganda reaches out to bring millions of dollars for water through our family of WASH and WASRAG or saving lives of our young children through cardiac surgeries with our incredible partnership with the Gift of Life. Isn’t this the unbelievable power of our Rotary family’s collaboration with partners and likeminded organizations whom I would consider as my extended family?
However that may be the core of our Rotary family. If you were to reflect further on to another part of our Rotary family and consider the Rotary Foundation Alumni – it further amplifies the impression and the magnitude of the family. As the name “foundation alumni” suggests these are people who have benefitted from The Rotary Foundation’s generous support through Group Study Exchange, Ambassadorial scholarships or Peace Fellowships. Our District is exceptionally proud of receiving ambassadorial scholars like Brittany Bennett from District 7610 who has accompanied me on most of my club visits to Tanzania and at the same time sending our scholar, Munira Shemshudin from Ethiopia for Peace studies at the Croc Institute in San Diego. This family structure completes the full circle.
During this holiday season of December, it is truly a month in which we celebrate family. As I keep up the momentum of my official visits, and traverse our beautiful District 9200, I am consistently reminded of the many clubs who have special projects devoted to assisting families in need during this time of the year. I am thankful that I belong to such a wonderful organization with so many generous Rotarians. I therefore wish that during this festive period each and every Rotarian in this District has a peaceful and enjoyable holiday season with their family, and I thank you all for everything that you have done this far. Let us take a moment to truly reflect on our past and celebrate all that we have achieved. Looking ahead – let us look within to ensure that we pave a firm path for the future as well!
My dear Rotarians, I have no doubt at all that we can, we must and we certainly will.
On behalf of my family, I take this opportunity to extend special season’s greetings to your families and take this early opportunity to wish everyone of you Happy New Year!
Yours in Rotary
Geeta Manek