Monthly Message from the District Governor

I am excited to be your District Governor even under the unusual circumstances we are living in. I am honored to follow in the footsteps of such outstanding District Governors as Dave Bensley and all those who have taken on this role before Dave. I will work hard to live up to the high standards and to continue their important efforts.

As you may know, RI's theme for this year is "Rotary Opens Opportunities." In line with this theme, RI President Holger Knaack said“ Rotary isn’t just a club for people to join but rather an invitation to endless opportunities” -- that may be opportunities for new friendships; opportunities for partnership and collaboration; opportunities for self-growth; or opportunities to support and serve our communities. Having been a proud Rotarian for 36 years, I know all of this to be true.

Because I believe in the power of a good theme to unite and excite people, I have added a second theme for our District in 2020. “Make Membership Memorable” Without strong and committed members we cannot have strong clubs. Without strong clubs, we cannot create the change we hope to see through the foundation and through our service projects.

There's a lot of work ahead of us -- including changing our approach to membership. It must be about the quality of our membership, not just the quantity. President Holger agrees -- has asks us not to grow our clubs for growth sake but rather to be intentional and purposeful with adding and sustaining membership. As your new District Governor I commit to make this a priority throughout the year and I ask all of you to join me in the commitment to "make membership memorable."

 

As you are sitting on your computers reading this message you are probably asking yourself, what can we really do to have a healthy membership and a healthy club in the midst of this pandemic? All I can say is that we are in this together. We are a resilient community and we will persevere despite the challenges. The world (and our individual communities) need Rotary now more than ever and we must focus on the positive and on what we can achieve. 

Remember you are not alone - this community is strong and here to support one another. That is true for me as a fellow Rotarian and as your District Governor. I was looking forward to seeing you all this year for in-person club visits and while I am disappointed that likely won't be possible (according to the RI guidelines), we will make the most of our virtual gatherings. I, along with the rest of the District leadership, am here to serve and support you anyway we can. Let’s not think of Social Distancing but rather Distance Socializing!

I look forward to 'Zooming" with you all soon. All the best and stay safe -- let’s make this a great year!