Coverage of 2007
International Assembly
Theme announced for the
2007-08 Rotary year
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RI President-elect
Wilfrid J. Wilkinson
unveils next year's
theme at the
International Assembly.
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The 2007-08 theme Rotary
Shares will act as a daily
reminder of what ordinary people
can accomplish through the
extraordinary work of Rotary,
said (then) RI President-elect
Wilfrid J.
Wilkinson at the 2007
International Assembly's opening
session today.
"What makes Rotary great is
our expressing the love in our
hearts through the work of our
hands and our minds," said
Wilkinson. "As Rotarians, we
don't just sit back and talk
about loving other human beings.
As Rotarians, we demonstrate
that love, and we share that
love, through helping each
other."
Almost everything Rotary does
involves sharing, Wilkinson told
more than 500 district
governors-elect gathered at the
meeting in San Diego,
California, USA. "We share our
time, we share our talents, and
we share our money with others
who need our help."
Furthermore, he said, "In
Rotary, sharing doesn't mean
giving away what you have to
spare, what you don't need for
yourself. Sharing means giving
of yourself,
selflessly, for the good of
others."
And Rotarians don't need to
do this alone. They know that
when the need for service in
their community can't be met by
one club alone, they can call on
Rotarians from around the world
to help, said Wilkinson.
More than a theme, Rotary
Shares is a call to action.
As the incoming governors begin
preparing for the year ahead
with the training, leadership,
and inspiration they receive at
the International Assembly,
Wilkinson asked them to focus on
sharing their leadership,
skills, and dedication to making
clubs and districts stronger.
Sharing Rotary does more than
strengthens Rotary; it ensures
that Rotary continues a second
century of service. Rotary
Shares means inviting
people to join their local
Rotary clubs.
"Rotary will only be able to
continue sharing if it continues
to grow," said Wilkinson. To
help Rotary grow, Wilkinson
requested that all of the
incoming governors ask their
club presidents to bring in one
new club member during their
year in office.
"Without new members, nothing
else matters," he said. Without
our youth and new members, "it
will only take a few decades for
Rotary to disappear, and we've
already seen that happen in
other service clubs."
In addition to the crucial
job of welcoming new club
members, the president-elect
said Rotarians should not forget
their past. He asked them to
reach out to former club
members, including club members'
widows and widowers.
Wilkinson reminded the
audience that the opportunities
they'll have to help may not
come their way again.
"This year is your chance to
be a district governor, to help
your clubs, to guide them, to
share your strengths and your
love."
In the year ahead, a great
deal will be asked of Rotarians,
said Wilkinson.
"I ask you all, this year, to
share Rotary freely and fully.
Work hard, and work with love.
And remember that everything you
do in service to others is part
of the magic of Rotary, the
magic that allows ordinary
people, like you and me, do
absolutely amazing things." |
