DISTRICT GOVERNOR'S MESSAGE
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Click here for Contact details for DG Colin
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Moving into a new Rotary year, it is vital that we do so with the challenges we face in a rapidly changing world firmly in mind. Our role as Rotarians has never been more important; and the difference we can make never more evident.
When Rotary International President John Kenny opened the International Assembly in San Diego last January he said:
Ninety-six years ago, Paul Harris told those at the 1913 Rotary Convention in Buffalo, New York:
It is a far greater undertaking to be a good Rotarian today than it was yesterday; it will be a far greater undertaking tomorrow than it was today. President John went on to say: You are the Rotarians and the Rotary leaders of tomorrow so Paul Harris challenge to the Rotarians of 1913 is now your own.
Every year, the baton of Rotary leadership passes to a new group of Rotary leaders. And it is the role of that new group to continue to inspire, guide and encourage all Rotarians to make a difference. It is also the role of that new group to ensure the District and our clubs remain strong through growth and being relevant to the communities in which they serve, as well as the world at large. So, in accepting the baton from Past District Governor Jim and his leadership team, it is my duty and that of my leadership team, to ensure our District and clubs keep building in strength for those that follow us.
With his introduction of the 2009-10 theme RI President John acknowledged the important role that individual Rotary Clubs will play in the future of Rotary, and that everything begins and ends with our clubs. He said. Each club must have autonomy to serve where and how it can serve best. I repeat his words: At the end of the day everything we accomplish is done through the strength of our clubs.
We all must do what is necessary to keep Rotary strong ... the future of Rotary is in OUR hands!
Our new theme and logo must serve to inspire us to do all we can do to make Rotary strong. How we get our District, our clubs and our members to ensure our future and implement the necessary changes to make it happen will require fully engaging our members. It will require open dialogue; participation in activities and projects, and recognising that we must be open minded and flexible, particularly to those with diverse ideas. Rotarys strength has come from embracing new thinking and teamwork.
Rotary International has developed a strategic plan with seven priorities that sets the course for a strong future. The plan establishes our mission, vision, priorities and goals and has identified five core values that represent our identity as an organisation. They are service, fellowship, diversity, integrity and leadership.
Each of these core values are reflected in the Objects of Rotary and the Four Way Test, which we all use in our daily lives. These goals inspire us to foster and support the ideal of service for developing and maintaining high ethical standards in human relations.
On the program for next year President John has indicated that it will be business as usual at headquarters with polio eradication the major focus of Rotary International. Until that job is done there will be no new announcements.
President John has also highlighted an additional five areas of emphasis for this year: water, sanitation, health, hunger and literacy. You will probably be familiar with most of these areas perhaps with the exception of sanitation, but without proper sanitation, the value added by the introduction of safe water will be diminished or lost.
This year I will support this increased focus on sanitation and encourage clubs to work this into your existing international programs and activities.
There are three additional areas I would also like our District to focus on: Youth Services, Public Image and the re-positioning of Vocational Service as our first avenue of service.
Achieving this simply requires dedicated Rotarians at club and District level; and I know we have this. It is now up to each of us to ensure our future.
Im looking forward to visiting all clubs and seeing the great work you are doing in an environment of tremendous fellowship.
~Colin Muir, District Governor
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