Rotarians have overcome many challenges this past year. You’ve met these challenges with determination, fortitude, and true grit!

We’ve come through the storm, and we’ve learned to adapt.

As RI Director Vicki Puliz said recently, “Our clubs have all weathered the storm, but we weathered it in different boats!” As it turns out, there are some things you can only learn in a storm! Look at us now! We’re grossly familiar with Zoom, many of us know how to access Google Classroom, and we’ve even experienced a fantastic and inspiring virtual district conference. Not to mention the incredible training we received online with president-elect/assistant governor training and Leadership Learning Assembly! A big thanks to all the Rotarians that made these events happen! And a Big “Thank You” to our Immediate Past District Governor Berta for her leadership! She has been an inspiration to so many of us!

Now it’s time to move forward. Let’s get “All Aboard with Rotary” and fulfill the Call to Action that RI President Shekhar Mehta so eloquently requested…. that we “Serve to Change Lives”.

Rotary brings out the absolute best in all of us. We are inspired by the work we do that helps others. Each of us should ask ourselves what it is that inspires us. Find those projects that fulfill us and make them a reality. Bring along friends, family, and community to help us achieve success. Share with everyone the joy of Rotary!

In fact, “Each One………Bring One” is another of President Shekhar’s requests. It’s easy to invite guests to Rotary! I challenge every Rotarian to bring at least one guest to a meeting, event or to work on a project. Once, they see what fun we have making a difference in the world, many will want to join with us.

And we have a wonderful tool for success when we look to our four Strategic Priorities.

• Increase our Impact: We need to assess the needs in our communities to increase our impact with quality projects.
• Expand our Reach: Involve community members and other like-minded organizations in your projects. Invite them to partner with you to “change lives”.
• Enhance Participant Engagement: Ask your fellow Rotarians what they want in their club experience. Reach out to those members you haven’t seen in a while.
• Increase our Ability to Adapt: Look for new ways to make the experience better, maybe by new member types, or new flexible meetings times.

It’s beneficial to consider these priorities when planning the year. I wish you all success and joy and look forward to seeing you and getting acquainted in the months to come!

Remember, “Thought is the Wind, Knowledge the Sail, and Mankind the vessel”! - Augustus Hare