Rotary
International John Kenny's January 2010 Message
January 2010
My fellow Rotarians,
January is the month
the Romans associated with their two-headed god Janus: one head
looking backward to the year that has just passed, and the other
looking forward to the year ahead.
In Rotary, January is
the halfway point of our year of service, and it is also a time
for us all to look at both the past and the future. It is the time
of year to take stock, to review the goals that we have set for
ourselves, and to evaluate how well we have fulfilled those expectations.
It is a time to look honestly at our progress and our challenges
and to consider the steps we will need to take to complete our planned
service successfully.
I am sure there is much
you can be proud of achieving in the last six months. In my travels,
I have already seen how much Rotarians can accomplish when they
are determined to do so. You have helped bring safe, pure water
to those who lacked it, provided food and shelter to those who needed
it, and assisted in the educations of those who could not read or
write. You have promoted the ideal of service within a context of
fellowship, friendship, and high ethical standards.
Rotarians are able to
make changes that will shape the course not only of the months but
of the years and decades that lie ahead. This is our privilege.
It is also our duty as Rotarians – as caring members of society
who are in the fortunate position of being able to help those living
in conditions we can barely imagine. So there is much to be done
these next months. Do not waste a moment of that most precious commodity:
time.
We are all volunteers
serving in a volunteer organization. None of us was compelled to
become a Rotarian; each of us chose, and was chosen, to become a
member. Every year, every day, each of us chooses to continue the
task we have begun, and to continue to put Service Above Self. It
is not always the easy path, but I know it is the right one.
I wish to take this
opportunity to thank you for the Rotary service you have given,
the service you are giving, and the service I know you will continue
to give in the future.
The Future of Rotary
Is in Your Hands.
John Kenny
President, Rotary
International
TRF Chairman's
January 2010 Message
Foundation makes Rotary’s
work possible
January is Rotary Awareness Month – a time to learn more about
our organization, and a time to focus on our public image. Raising
awareness of Rotary is an important part of the RI Strategic Plan:
The more Rotary is known for its good work, the more good work Rotary
will be able to do.
As Past RI President
Robert Barth of Switzerland said, “We believe that the Rotary
pin on our lapel sends a message. It says, ‘You can rely on
me. I am dependable, I am reliable, I give more than I take. I am
available.’”
Because of The Rotary
Foundation, people around the world know that they can depend on
Rotary in their time of need. It is the Foundation that allows Rotarians
to say yes to calls for help, when otherwise we might be forced
to say, “There is nothing we can do.”
As Rotarians, you are
here because you believe in Service Above Self. And as Rotarians,
you know that through Rotary, you can have an impact beyond what
you could ever hope to have as individuals. One person, no matter
how great the talents and resources, is limited. Working alone,
there is only so much that can be done. But when we work together,
when we pool our resources with those of 1.2 million other Rotarians
around the world – and with the resources of our Rotary Foundation
– we can make a difference that will be remembered for generations.
It is up to all of us.
Glenn E. Estess Sr.
Foundation Trustee Chair
Source: Rotary International
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