The Magic of Rotary
The thoughts of RIBI President David Fowler
W
elcome to a new Rotary Year. As I
write, I am filled with excitement and
optimism. Rotarians are ready to take
on new tasks and, like me, are straining
at the leash, champing at the bit, raring to go. When
you read this, chains will have been exchanged and
gongs settled on new shoulders. 2009–10 will be
under way. Whatever happens though, let’s not lose
Right:
that optimism, that excitement, that enthusiasm that
David and the
a new Rotary Year brings. Optimism looks forward to
DGs and RIBI
the future with hope which, through encouragement
you will see that Rotary is Magic with spell–binding
Officers for
and effort, leads to significant achievement.
By now, the New Member Recruitment Campaign
speakers and exciting entertainment. I’m sure it will
09–10
will be starting and I believe this is a truly exciting
be a truly magical experience that can only happen
development which has the potential to bring in many
if you don’t disappear before we start. Conference
new members, either to boost existing clubs, or to
Chairman Mike Rose will be conjuring up some
form new clubs. However, it will be up to you present
sparkling liquid incentives to encourage club
Rotarians to have the courage to take up the challenge
presidents to attend.
to convert these contacts into new members and,
Daphne and I will enjoy sharing some Magic
ultimately, to see them become Rotarians with all the
Moments with you at the Conference, and we also
opportunities this provides. The Future of Rotary is in
look forward to meeting as many Rotarians as
Your Hands.
possible around RIBI as we attend conferences and
The governors of the 2009–10 General Council are
visit various districts. One of the things I am looking
geared up to act and they have set some ambitious
forward to doing during district visits will be to plant
goals for this Rotary Year. They have decided to put
trees. This follows in the tradition of our founder,
the Foundation first and recognise the effort that will
Paul Harris, who planted around 50 ‘friendship trees’
be needed to work towards Rotary’s US$200 Million
in parks and playgrounds on five continents. The
Challenge for polio immunisation, at the same time
General Council also wishes to provide a greater
as ensuring our donations to the regular funds of
emphasis on the environment, so hopefully this tree
the Foundation increase to finance our normal
planting will help.
programmes. They have also agreed to support the
I also urge you to make progress with the RI
Bill Huntley Peace Scholar Appeal. For the first time,
Presidential Emphases in 2009–10: Literacy, Water,
as far as I’m aware, the 29 governors in RIBI will be
Health and Hunger. My own particular interest,
working together on a massive publicity project –
through Rotary, has been in literacy projects – either
Thanks for Life – which will focus on Rotary Day, 23
rd helping people, young or old, at home or abroad, to
February 2010. This should also result in significant
learn to read or to develop the love of reading. In
funds to help end polio.
my most optimistic moments it is my aspiration that
Our RI President John Kenny has stressed
every club in these islands will look for and undertake
the importance of individual clubs – as he said,
a literacy project this year. So, to quote John Lennon,
“Everything we do begins in the clubs.” I know that
“You may say that I’m a dreamer …” but as far as
some of the most exciting projects this year will
Rotary is concerned, I truly agree with Frank Sinatra,
develop from club ideas and efforts. Clubs will be able
who sang, “… the best is yet to come.”
to help in what I hope will involve more young people
in Rotary activities. Interact has so much to offer
youngsters in their personal development, and they
will provide many participants for our contests such
as Youth Speaks and Young Chef. Clubs also have the
potential to revive Youth Exchange and I am looking
forward to the clubs within RIBI returning to the
forefront of the Youth Exchange Programme.
These projects and programmes will be featured
in the RIBI Conference, 16
th
–18
th
April 2010, in
David Fowler
Bournemouth – Rotarians’ favourite venue. There,
RIBI President 2009–10
6 ROTARY TODAY AUGUST 2009
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37