Our Journey Together

 

First off, I want to thank Neil Berg for all he has done in his year as our District Governor. I’m not sure he noticed it, but I was shadowing him off and on throughout the year, watching and learning – at the District Board table, during his “official” visits and at special Rotary events. It was truly an amazing experience, as everyone I talked to was appreciative of Neil’s presence, his availability, his caring for the club and the members, his knowledge, his advice, and ever so important, always thanking everyone for what they are doing for Rotary. And he did all this and his day job as well. Thank you, Neil for all you do for Rotary!

 

Secondly, I want to thank the District Leadership Team (Club Presidents, District Board, District Administrator, Assistant Governors and District Committees/Sub-Committees) for a job well-done! We certainly have a lot to be proud of, so we need to make sure we take a little time out to celebrate all of our successes and major achievements in a year where our focus was on “Rotary Serving Humanity”.

 

Thirdly, I want to thank all of the Rotarians in our District who responded to our member survey earlier this year. You have spoken and now our Clubs and District leadership must respond. We know our work is cut out for us, but we are committed to responding as we owe it to you, our District 5360 Rotarians.

 

Moving forward, I’m honoured, grateful and excited to be serving as your District Governor for 2017-2018. I look forward to meeting as many Rotarians and prospective Rotarians as I can, getting to learn about all of the great things our clubs are doing to make a difference and by helping our clubs and district grow and become more vibrant.

Our RI Presidential theme for this year is “Rotary: Making a Difference.” District 5360 Rotarians and their families and friends have made a difference, are making a difference and will continue to make a difference in their clubs, their communities and their world. I’m confident of that.

 

Rotary International and The Rotary Foundation will continue to focus on three strategic priorities for 2017-2018 –

Support and Strengthen Clubs,

Focus and Increase Humanitarian Service and

Enhance Public Image and Awareness.

 

During the year they will also be rolling out a draft of a new strategic plan aimed at Rotary’s next 5-10 years. Some of you may be asked to provide your feedback on what you see, so I encourage you to let your voice be heard, just as many of you did when you responded to our member survey. I’m excited to see that Rotary has finally developed a “Vision” statement for the organisation.

 

“Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.” I would be interested in hearing what you think.

 

In closing, I want to congratulate and thank all of our 2017-2018 Club & District leaders for serving, for leading and for helping Rotary Make a Difference. Let’s have another great Rotary year!