Joined: 07 Jul 2007
Posts: 43
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Dear fellow Rotarians,
Mohandas Gandhi once said, "If we are to teach real peace in this
world, and if we are to carry on a real war against war, we shall
have to begin with the children."
What Gandhi understood so well was simply this: that anger and
hatred, arguments and differences, rivalries and quarrels are not
inherited or innate. They are learned. Children who see hate, learn
hate. But children who see sharing and love, learn sharing and love.
The way things have always been is not necessarily the way they will
always be. For better or for worse, almost any status quo can
eventually change. When there is a new threat to be faced, people can
be divided by it and fight each other, or they can come together and
work together and find a solution to their problems together. Every
new challenge has the power to divide – and the power to unite.
In a world of change, Rotary must be the constant. And in a world of
increasing needs, Rotary must keep pace by making sure that we have
the strength and the numbers to do what needs to be done.
In this Rotary year, I have asked Rotarians everywhere to focus on
sharing Rotary through membership. It is time to evaluate where we
are in this task. Have we all invited a potential new member to a
meeting? If we've succeeded in bringing in a qualified new member,
are we helping that member to grow and succeed in Rotary?
Rotary can only continue to serve if it continues to grow. Simply
maintaining our membership at current levels will not be enough. As
the world's population and its needs continue to rise, we too must
rise to the challenge they present.
We must show the world that Service Above Self is more than just a
motto, and Rotary Shares more than just a theme. These words are our
truth – a truth that defines us, and all of Rotary.
Many decades ago now, Gandhi – who I think would have made a very
good Rotarian – said something else that resonates with us as
Rotarians: "Man becomes great exactly in the degree in which he works
for the welfare of his fellow men."
Each of us has the opportunity to become great through our Rotary
service. Let us all be sure that this is an opportunity that we seize.
Wilfrid J. (Wilf) Wilkinson
President, Rotary International |
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Ron Nethercutt
PP, PAG, TRF Alumnus, PHF+4
ROTI Internaltional Chair 07-09
D 3790 GSE Chair
RC Clark Centennial
Angeles City, Philippines |
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