Rotary
International Ray Klinginsmith's June 2011 Message
The RI president’s
monthly message - June 2011
When the smoke settles...
My fellow Rotarians
There was a time when
gunpowder smoke was so thick on battlefields that it was difficult
to determine the victors until the smoke settled. Evaluating the
success of this year in Rotary is similar because we won't learn
the final figures until the year has ended. However, there are some
achievements that can be reviewed – before the smoke settles!
The major accomplishment
has been the creation of a new culture of innovation, which has
encouraged both Rotarians and RI staff members to review our policies
and procedures at all levels and to determine if they are truly
best practices or merely traditional practices. Many changes toward
more modern business methods have resulted, and I am encouraged
by our progress.
The innovative climate
has produced a simplified and streamlined RI Strategic Plan that
calls for us to support and strengthen our clubs, focus and increase
humanitarian service, and enhance public image and awareness. The
first two priorities reaffirm our core values, and the third priority
recognizes the need for more public awareness and support in our
local communities around the world. The plan has measurable goals,
and it provides an excellent road map for Rotary's future growth
and development.
Other improvements have
included the new regional Rotary coordinators, whose job is to help
our district governors to help our clubs to become Bigger, Better,
and Bolder. The new Presidential Citation program has provided a
score sheet for all of our clubs to test themselves against the
other clubs in their districts, and the results will be very helpful
to both the current and incoming governors – and to RI as
well!
We also have given additional
attention to our New Generations programs, particularly Rotaract
and Rotary Youth Exchange, and we have focused more emphasis on
the Reach Out to Africa initiative. We also have shaped a new approach
for the training of incoming district governors and more meaningful
assignments for past district governors.
All in all, we have
made some significant improvements. But the most important question
is whether we have paved the way for an even better year next year.
Have we done the right things to ensure that the best days of Rotary
are still ahead? And we won't know that – until the smoke
settles!
Ray Klinginsmith
Building Communities
/ Bridging Continents
President, Rotary International, 2010-11
TRF Chairman's
June 2011 Message
Meeting in
person helds build friendships
Trustee Chair's monthly
message - June 2011
Fellowship and friendship
are two of the cornerstones on which Rotary is built – two
components of Rotarians' work that are indeed important. At any
given meeting, one can only do a certain amount of work during the
time allocated for the actual meeting. An equal amount of work is
done during coffee breaks, luncheons, dinners, or over a drink in
the bar. These opportunities make it possible to get to know the
person – or see the face – behind all the e-mails and
the phone calls.
Cyberspace has given
an opportunity for rapid communication. We can have more frequent
meetings at considerably lower costs. But has it helped personal
relationships? I doubt it.
The supreme occasion
to feel the internationality of our organization is the annual Rotary
International Convention – the latest one in New Orleans.
To meet and greet Rotarians from all over the world during a period
of almost a week is unforgettable. To enjoy the plenaries, to participate
in the breakout sessions, to have a meal with new and old friends
are highlights during such a convention. In addition, to look at
the colorful dresses worn by so many Rotarians, particularly from
Africa, Asia, and South America, is an aesthetic delight. May a
Rotary International Convention never be transferred to cyberspace!
With due respect for
cyberspace, the face-to-face meetings are of highest value. The
possibility of a handshake or a hug can never be replaced. If a
cyberspace convention were to happen, we shall lose the fellowship
and friendship, which are so important when we are Building Communities
– Bridging Continents through Service Above Self..
Carl-Wilhelm_Stenhammar
Foundation Trustee Chair, 2010-11
Source: Rotary International
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