July 2010

 

Winds of Change

What an amazing world! Advances in technology are happening so quickly
that they cause constant changes in our businesses and professions. Yet
about one-third of the world's population is still living at a
subsistence level with little change in their lives. It is a stark
contrast and a cause for concern.

Rotary has both a distinguished heritage and a bright future. My primary
task as president is to enhance the vitality and viability of Rotary
clubs and to enable them to succeed in the midst of societal changes.
This is an important task because it is the clubs that address and
alleviate the root problems of society and thereby make the world a
better place.

Wind of change was a new and significant phrase when I was a Rotary
Scholar in South Africa in the early 1960s. It is serendipitous that the
phrase that was first publicized in my host city of Cape Town is now
applicable to Rotary as we contemplate the changes in society that
dictate some corresponding changes in our organization. The phrase is
now better known as winds of change.

We are currently enjoying a culture of innovation at Rotary
International. We have the ability to look at all of our programs and
practices to see if they can be improved, even as we steadfastly
maintain our core values. I hope many Rotarians will take advantage of
this opportunity to identify and implement improvements in their clubs
and districts as well.

Rotary lives and breathes in our 33,000 clubs, and it is the clubs that
improve lives by Building Communities – Bridging Continents. If we
succeed in helping clubs to become Bigger, Better, and Bolder in the
next year, then it will be clear that the best days of Rotary are still
ahead. We are fortunate to be Rotarians! Together, we can make the world
a better place!

Source : Rotary International News / Courtesy : eFlash_Rotary