July 2015

 

DG KEVIN'S JULY MESSAGE

 
 Each year, the new President of Rotary International chooses a theme that unites all 1.2 million Rotarians around the world in a shared Vision – a simple phrase that can help us reflect on what we do and what we can achieve by working together. Hopefully, by now you know that RI President Ravi Ravindran’s theme for 2015-16 is “Be a Gift to the World.” I think this expresses the essence of Rotary. I think most of us joined Rotary because we wanted to serve others, to be a gift, in our own community and in communities around the world.
 
Throughout our history, I believe Rotarians have been a gift to the world: promoting peace; fighting disease and promoting disease prevention; providing clean drinking water; supporting child and maternal health; supporting education and literacy; and providing resources that help to grow local economies – particularly in underdeveloped areas of the world. Perhaps one of the most significant ways Rotary has been a gift to the world is through our relentless fight to eradicate polio – a feat that might be accomplished within the next year or two.
 
As we begin a brand new Rotary year, I’d like you to think about how you will be a gift to the world in 2015-16. It has been said that the past is history, the future is a mystery and this moment is a gift – which is why we call it “the present.” Take this moment, the present, to think about how you will use your unique talents and skills to be a gift to your loved ones, to your Rotary club, to your community and to the world. Together with our Rotary colleagues, we can build a brighter future for our world.
 
Here’s an idea: Write the words, “Be a Gift to the World” on a card, or better yet, download the theme logo from https://www.rotary.org/myrotary/en/news-media/office-president/presidential-theme and print it out. Then put this message some place where you’ll see it every day as a simple reminder of what you can be.
 
Kevin J. Crosby, Ph.D.
District Governor 2015-16
Rotary Club of Buffalo - Sunrise
Kevin@D7090.org