July 2016: The Start of the Rotary Year

Posted by Clint Schroeder on Jul 01, 2016
 
The start of something new is always exciting - and so it is with each new Rotary year.  We associate the new year with an opportunity to change and turning over a new leaf.  It also provides an occasion to reflect - to look at the past, present and future.  Our lives are full of significant dates for celebrating - from birthdays to anniversaries, to holidays and milestones.  July 1st, Rotary’s New Year, is a time to look at our clubs and district, to celebrate what we have accomplished up to today and what we envision for our future.
 

Aloha Rotarians,

The start of something new is always exciting - and so it is with each new Rotary year.  We associate the new year with an opportunity to change and turning over a new leaf.  It also provides an occasion to reflect - to look at the past, present and future.  Our lives are full of significant dates for celebrating - from birthdays to anniversaries, to holidays and milestones.  July 1st, Rotary’s New Year, is a time to look at our clubs and district, to celebrate what we have accomplished up to today and what we envision for our future.

Immediate Past District Governor, Del Green has skillfully led our district over the past year and we greatly appreciate his efforts. Thank you, Del!  And to all the assistant governors, district coordinators, chairs and officers, club presidents and officers; many THANKS for a job well done serving our district in 2015-16.
 
As we head into 2016-17, I encourage all of you to take some time to reflect.  Consider the accomplishments and challenges experienced within your club during the past year.  Take an assessment of where your club is now, and what should your “club of tomorrow” look like.  Do some creative thinking, and visualize everything that is possible for your club...  My challenge to you is to decide how to turn those ideas into reality.
 
We have assembled a fantastic D5000 team to assist you with all of your Rotary endeavors.   From our district officers, governor line, and avenues-of-service chairs, to the club presidents, leadership and board members – we are all ready to serve you, our clubs, and Rotary International.
 
2016-17 will be truly significant for Rotary. We’ve made great strides in the battle against Polio.  The disease is now endemic in only two countries, and we are that much closer to fulfilling our promise of a Polio-free world.  This year, we also celebrate a truly momentous occasion: The Centennial of our Rotary International Foundation. What started with a $26.50 donation has since grown into a Foundation that holds $1 billion in assets and has spent over $3 billion on programs and projects to make a difference throughout the world.
 
2016-17 Rotary International President, John Germ has given us the presidential theme:  Rotary Serving Humanity.  As brilliant as it is simple, it truly tells the story of what we have always done – and what we will continue to do – long after our goal of eradicating Polio has been achieved.  The new theme, in conjunction with the 100th Anniversary of the RI Foundation, gives us very clear direction for our 2016-17 goals/areas of focus:
  • Continue to build and strengthen the RI Foundation so we can further our good work at home and abroad.
  • Continue to build and strengthen our membership so we have the time, talent and treasure to accomplish our mission.
  • Eradicate Polio – once, and for all.

Simply put, our main objective this year is to grow!

  • Grow our understanding and support of the RI Foundation. 
  • Grow our membership through new member attraction.
  • Grow our membership through current member retention.
  • Grow our advocacy, awareness, and support of the End Polio Now campaign.
  • Grow the number of sustainable projects we support both locally and globally.
  • Grow our general Rotary knowledge and share our story as often as possible.
  • Grow our Rotary leadership talents both in and beyond our clubs.
  • Grow our promotional efforts of our club activities and the Rotary brand.
  • And last but not least, Grow the value that we provide to our members, partners, and project beneficiaries.
 
It is my distinct honor and privilege to be serving as your 2016-17 District Governor.  Hawaii’s District 5000 is a vibrant, growing and dynamic place to be a Rotarian.  Your 2016-17 leadership team is prepared to help make you, your clubs, the district, and Rotary International even stronger over the coming year.
  
I look forward with you to a year of great accomplishments and of Rotary Serving Humanity.
 
Yours in service,
 
Clint Schroeder
District Governor 2016-17
D5000 Hawaii