District Governor Nancy's Message - October 2015
Posted
on Oct 02, 2015
Welcome to October! The leaves are changing colours and the gardens showing some signs of decline. What a magnificent country we live in where we are able to experience the changing seasons!
I am sharing some Reflections of my first 100 days as your District Governor. Hard to believe that amount of time has already passed!! One of the most interesting experiences in those 100 days has been the opportunity to enjoy the Official visit to your Club. What a wonderful time George and I are having as we continue our journey through the District and meet our fellow Rotarians. You have been so welcoming!
Firstly - our District is made up of an amazing group of Rotarians committed to the work of improving the lives in our Local and Global Communities. Both George and I have commented on how busy each club is and the difference you are making in your world. Thank you for all you do for Rotary! Secondly - I feel that Rotary is one of the best venues to bring together the differences in people and create a common ground to serve others and to have fun. What an opportunity Rotary provides for us to build friendships and a sense of community together! Thirdly - this extraordinary organization was built on the dedication and commitment of our founders, and we can carry that vision forward as we create the plans for the future of our clubs.
And just as I have completed my first 100 days - so have you as Club Presidents and Club members. This is a perfect occasion for all of you to reflect on and review the goals you set and the projects determined at the start of this Rotary year. And to make any adjustments and advancements required to insure that your Club remains healthy, strong, and vibrant. Congratulations to those Rotary Clubs who have grown with the induction of a new member! Membership growth continues to be a pressing issue for our District overall. As I have visited with your Club, I have made note of the value of being a Rotarian. We cannot attract new members to Rotary if we cannot explain how the benefits they will receive far outweigh the costs of time, money, and personal engagement they will be asked to incur.
As Rotarians we recognize World Polio Day on October 24th, which is the anniversary of the birth of Jonas Salk, the scientist that created the vaccine for Polio. On World Polio Day, Rotary spotlights the campaign to end this disease. Please think of some Polio activity that your club could do that day or that week. There will be a live stream event on Friday October 23rd available on http://www.endpolio.org/worldpolioday/#resources. You can join up with the World’s Greatest Meal at your club meeting or other community event - register at http://wgmeal.com. This is an enjoyable way to share and have some fun at the same time. The Rotary Club of Walkerton is one club I know of participating in this. The Rotary Clubs of Area 6 are joining together for a ‘Pasta for Polio’ Meal on Wednesday October 14th where they serve a pasta meal with entertainment after dinner. All proceeds to Polio. And the good news is every $1.00 US is matched 2 to 1 by the Gates Foundation to become $ 3.00!
Our upcoming Foundation meetings dates are: Saturday October 3rd in Mildmay ON; Saturday October 24th in London ON (Polio Day weekend); Saturday November 7th in Imlay City MI. You are encouraged to send two Club members to one of these meetings. Further information is in our Newsletter and on our District website. Another seminar of the Rotary Leadership Institute is being offered in Stratford on Saturday November 14th. Again, details are available on our District website.
I am encouraging you to continue your dedication and commitment to Rotary. You are making a positive difference in your club, in your community, and in our world. Our Rotary Clubs are a “Gift to the World”. Let us keep the Rotary spirit of ‘Service Above Self’ alive in the hearts of all members. Remember that to be in Rotary is to be:
Reaching
Out
To
Achieve
Results!
Y……In the end, it is up to You!
Continue to “Be a Gift to the World”!
Yours in Rotary Service and Friendship
Nancy