Hello Rotary Family,
No matter how you choose to celebrate this holiday season, I send you warm wishes as we close out the calendar year!
I recently watched the documentary, Join or Die, which explores how clubs and organizations are essential to the fabric of our nation. The film discusses why it is important to join a club and how this leads to getting involved in our communities. What struck me about this film was the concept of “we” versus “me.” People behave differently when they interact with each other (face-to-face) and understand that their actions effect the community around them. There is a skill that is developed when each person takes ownership in making the world a better place.
This should come as no surprise to you, as a Rotarian, since Rotarians are “Doers.” Rotarians are undaunted when they see “problems”. They do not wait for “someone else” to “deal with it.” Rotary has a special place in my heart since I know of no other place where leaders from different backgrounds (different industries, different nationalities, different histories, different religions, different political beliefs, etc.) can come together and find ways to improve the lives of people they may never meet. Rotary has taught me that most anything is “solvable” if we’re willing to listen to others and reach across our networks.
I have met so many close friends because of Rotary. Also, I learned more about my local community and the world by listening to a speaker at a club meeting. Furthermore, I discovered that I could accomplish more than I imagine because of leadership opportunities in Rotary. What I know now, after watching Join or Die, is that belonging to a club, like Rotary, can even increase my life expectancy.
I encourage you to share the Magic of Rotary. We have members who haven’t attended a meeting in a while. For those members, offer to drive them to a meeting or meet them for coffee. We have friends who think the world has too many problems. Take those friends to a meeting, so they can hear an inspiring speaker. We have family members who think they can’t make a difference. Bring those family members to a hands-on project. Rotarians are making magic every day (not just during the holidays). Thank you for being the Magic of Rotary.
Rachele Bouchand
District Governor
Rotary District 5030
