“Rotary doesn’t run on autopilot—it runs on YOU. Your energy, your ideas, your passion.”
What an inspirational talk tonight from DG Niecy. She started by describing the organizational structure of her District team. This helped new and established members alike. (I always knew it was a lot of meetings….)
The Rotary Action Plan
Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change across the globe, in our communities and in ourselves. Niecy shared that this message is about change and being changemakers.
She expressed this very well when she said. “Our world is changing at a quick pace as far as social expectations, it’s changing economically, technology is changing, our world is evolving constantly, and Rotary must evolve with it. For everything to stay the same, everything must change.” To keep the changemaker magic alive, Niecy described four pillars.
Impact, Reach, Engage, & Adapt
Membership is much more than recruiting new people. The magic is keeping all members engaged, involved, having fun, and being happy. We must create a culture that is innovative, curious and risky. We must trust each other enough to be bold. Be proud. Wear your Rotary bling to the grocery store and your children’s sports events. Go to the mall, attend a wedding, wearing your Rotary pin. Allow folks to ask, “What’s Rotary?”.
We must also look to the future and start putting our youth as partners. Invite them. Empower them. Mentor them
A Challenge
Here is her challenge to us. “Keep being the fun, creative, slightly wacky group that you are. Keep making Rotary vibrant. Keep showing people that yes, we do serious work… but we also know how to laugh, hug, and enjoy every single step of the journey. Rotary isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being together.”
Past DG Ted Morrison nailed his beautiful thank you. I loved how he ended it – “You will be Rotary International President one day”
The meeting ended with a gift presentation by RC-Oshawa Past President Grant and Parkwood President Dave M.
Meeting adjourned by President Dave & RC Oshawa Past President Grant Desjardine @ 8:35 pm
IF YOU CAN’T MAKE IT, YOU CAN MAKE UP: Go online at www.rotary.org go to the club locator and find a club or clubs near your destination. Or you can add the free App Rotary Club Locator to your phone for instant look up of any club in the world. Please mail or fax your make-ups to Executive Secretary Dave Andrews or give your make-up card to the attendance/registration officer at the next club meeting.