Rotary
International Kalyan Banerjee's May 2012 Message
RI president's monthly
message - May 2012
My dear brothers and
sisters in Rotary,
When we talk about building
membership, we all recognize that welcoming a new member into a
Rotary club is only the beginning of our task. To turn a new club
member into a committed Rotarian, much more is necessary –
and the first step is helping that new member to get involved.
Every Rotarian in every
club should know that he or she is not only needed but relied upon.
Every Rotarian should have a job within the club – a role
to play. After all, why are we in Rotary? We are here to make a
difference. Yes, we enjoy our Rotary service, but that is not enough
if we are to make Rotary a priority week after week, year after
year.
The knowledge that we
are having an impact, that we are changing lives – that is
what keeps us going, no matter what other demands may compete for
our time. And this is why each one of us, however long we have been
in Rotary, must always be striving to grow as Rotarians –
to find new ways to help others, and to bring about all the positive
change we possibly can. For this, more than anything, is what makes
our Rotary service worthwhile.
Whether we are new members
or old ones, each of us can find ways to become more involved in
Rotary service – at the club level, the district level, and
beyond. Rotarian Action Groups are a wonderful opportunity to put
specific expertise or interests to work, in a way that brings Rotarians
from every part of the Rotary world together for a common goal.
Whether your passion is water and sanitation issues, or microcredit,
or blindness prevention – whether you want to volunteer your
dental skills or help organize blood drives – chances are
there is a Rotarian Action Group for you. And if not, why not organize
one yourself? You can learn more about Rotarian Action Groups at
www.rotary.org/actiongroups.
Rotary is and always
has been an organization based on its clubs. The purpose of Rotary
International is not to direct its clubs, but to connect, inform,
and support them. Where and how each club, and each Rotarian, chooses
to serve, is ultimately the decision of each one alone. So follow
your own ambition and your own vision. Open your eyes to the challenges
in our world, and use the strength you have through Rotary to find
ways to overcome them. Every one of us has so much potential, and
can achieve so much, when we Reach Within to Embrace Humanity.
.
Kalyan Banerjee
Reach Within to Embrace
Humanity
President, Rotary International, 2011-12
TRF Chairman Bill Boyd's May
2012 Message
With our new
grant model, we can do more good in the world
Trustee chair's monthly
message - May 2012
I recently met with
a number of Rotarians who will be responsible for communicating
with you in the coming year about our new grant model under the
Future Vision Plan. I recognize that we are asking the nonpilot
districts to make a considerable leap of faith in the development
of our Rotary Foundation for the future. It is difficult to understand
and accept the changes when you do not know the details.
Why Future Vision? So
that we can do more good in the world and use our resources in the
best way possible. We needed to change our Foundation, as we were
facing major challenges. We had to simplify. If this meant that
we had to move away from some of our “feel good” activities,
we were prepared to do so. Doing good was a greater priority, and
when we do good, feeling good follows.
This is not somebody
else’s plan. The starting point was the responses of the thousands
of Rotarians who presented their views. One of the direct results
is the six areas of focus. These are where Rotarians want to serve.
Almost all of the pilot
districts say their Rotary is stronger because of Future Vision.
They like the greater opportunity to make their own decisions with
district grants. Sometimes building sustainability into global grants
has been a challenge, but the pilot districts understand the importance,
and our helpful staff can and do assist.
What do I ask of you?
To get your district structure in place so that you are ready for
1 July 2013, and to please be patient as we make our new Foundation
as effective and productive as it can possibly be. If you can wait
just a little longer, you will enjoy the new opportunities.
Bill Boyd
Foundation Trustee Chair
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