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The 2007-08 theme
Rotary Shares will act as a daily reminder of what
ordinary people can accomplish through the extraordinary work of
Rotary, said RI President-elect Wilfrid J. Wilkinson at the 2007
International Assembly's opening session.
"What makes Rotary great is our expressing the love in our
hearts through the work of our hands and our minds," said Wilkinson.
"As Rotarians, we don't just sit back and talk about loving other
human beings. As Rotarians, we demonstrate that love, and we share
that love, through helping each other."
Almost everything Rotary does involves sharing, Wilkinson told more
than 500 district governors-elect gathered at the meeting in
San Diego. "We share our time, we share our
talents, and we share our money with others who need our help."
 Furthermore, he said, "In Rotary, sharing doesn't mean giving away
what you have to spare, what you don't need for yourself. Sharing
means giving
of
yourself, selflessly, for the good of others."
And Rotarians don't need to
do this alone. They know that when the need for service in their
community can't be met by one club alone, they can call on Rotarians
from around the world to help, said Wilkinson.
More than a theme,
Rotary Shares is a call to action. As the incoming
governors begin preparing for the year ahead with the training,
leadership, and inspiration they receive at the International
Assembly, Wilkinson asked them to focus on sharing their leadership,
skills, and dedication to making clubs and districts stronger.
Sharing Rotary does more than strengthens Rotary; it ensures
that Rotary continues a second century of service.
Rotary Shares means inviting people to join their local
Rotary clubs.
"Rotary will only be able to
continue sharing if it continues to grow," said Wilkinson. To help
Rotary grow, Wilkinson requested that all of the incoming governors
ask their club presidents to bring in one new club member during
their year in office.
"Without new members, nothing else matters," he said. Without our
youth and new members, "it will only take a few decades for Rotary
to disappear, and we've already seen that happen in other service
clubs."
In addition to the crucial job of welcoming new club members,
the president-elect said Rotarians should not forget their past. He
asked them to reach out to former club members, including club
members' widows and widowers.
Wilkinson reminded the audience that the opportunities they'll have
to help may not come their way again.
"This year is your chance to
be a district governor, to help your clubs, to guide them, to share
your strengths and your love."
In the year ahead, a great deal will be asked of Rotarians, said
Wilkinson.
"I ask you all, this year, to share Rotary freely and fully. Work
hard, and work with love. And remember that everything you do in
service to others is part of the magic of Rotary, the magic that
allows ordinary people, like you and me, do absolutely amazing
things."
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ROTARY THEME FOR 2007-08