As we all know, Rotary changes leadership yearly. But does it really? Every single day, each of us moves Rotary forward — whether by organizing another fundraiser to provide scholarships, having a conversation with a non-member about Rotary’s impact, or finding ways to maximize the effectiveness of our service projects.
We are all Rotary leaders — regardless of the date on the calendar or the title we hold.
In the past twelve months, we’ve increased Rotary’s positive impact in our communities, our nation, and around the world. It’s no secret that we live in a fractured society. But Rotary is a force that brings people — and the world — together.
When I visited your clubs last year, I asked you one simple question: Imagine your community without your Rotary Club. Who would provide the services your club delivers if we didn’t exist? How many people today might still have polio if Rotary had not stepped in?
Now, imagine the good Rotary will continue to do in the next twelve months, the next twelve years, and even the next twelve decades. It all starts with us — right now, today.
Serving as your District Governor and representing you locally and internationally has been one of the greatest honors of my life. I urge each of us to dig deeper and discover new ways to serve. Because without us, there is no Rotary, and where would the world be without Rotary?
Yours In Rotary Service,
Tom Hankard, your District Governor