Dear Rotary District 5030 Members,
I hope this letter finds you well as we embrace the beautiful month of November. As we step into this month, I want to remind you that November is Rotary Foundation Month, a time when we celebrate the incredible impact that our Rotary Foundation has had on communities around the world. It’s a time to reflect on the power of Rotary to make positive change and to consider how we can further support this vital work.
The Rotary Foundation is at the heart of what we do as Rotarians. It enables us to fund projects that provide clean water, improve maternal and child health, promote education, and foster peace. Through our contributions to the Foundation, we are able to turn our ideas into actions and change lives for the better. I encourage each of you to take a moment this month to learn more about the Rotary Foundation and consider making a contribution to support its important work.
As we celebrate Rotary Foundation Month and reflect on the rich history of Rotary International, let us also consider the evolution and continuous improvement of Rotary. Rotary was founded by a Chicago lawyer named Paul Harris in 1905. Paul Harris and his friends gathered in Harris’s office on February 23, 1905, with the idea of creating a club that would foster fellowship and networking among professionals from different backgrounds. They envisioned a club that would rotate its meetings among members’ offices, which is why the organization became known as “Rotary.” The main objectives of the Rotary Club, as outlined by its founders, were to promote ethical business practices and to give back to the community through service projects. The concept of “Service Above Self” became a core principle of Rotary.
Today, Rotary International is a global network of more than 35,000 Rotary clubs in over 200 countries and regions, with millions of members dedicated to service projects in areas such as health, education, sanitation, and peacebuilding. Rotary continues to evolve and improve to better serve the changing needs of our communities and the world.
Our District Leadership has a vision to expand our clubs’ abilities and communications, aligning with the continued evolution and improvement of Rotary. In today’s digital age, having a strong online presence is essential to better serve the needs of our clubs and members. We are committed to creating a solid online foundation that will enable us to connect more effectively, share resources, and collaborate on projects that matter to our communities. In the coming months, you can expect to see new online initiatives and tools that will enhance your Rotary experience.
As we move forward, let us continue to embrace the spirit of fellowship, ethical business practices, and service to our communities and humanity. Together, we can make a lasting impact and be a force for good in the world.
Thank you for your dedication to Rotary and for all that you do to make our district a vibrant and impactful community. Your passion and commitment are truly inspiring.
Wishing you a wonderful Rotary Foundation Month!
Yours in Rotary,
Chris Nakea
Editor, Rotary District 5030 Newsletter