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Today is actually December 18. I will climb into Professor Peabody’s Way-Back machine, put it into reverse to leap forward 2 weeks to January 2, 2024.
Happy New Year!
I hope you had a great 2023 holiday season. This is the time many of us look back at the past year thinking of the good times and maybe lessons learned. Now is the time to think about and put into place the things we are going to do this year; new initiatives, fix some carryover items for last year and drop baggage that is not productive.
My thoughts are on what I need to do to capitalize on my opportunities. This past year has been truly a wonderful time meeting new friends, seeing old friends, and seeing the power of Rotarians around the world working together to create lasting change and hope in our world. I look forward to working with Super District 6400 Rotarians to effect the changes you are working to create.
I especially am looking forward to improving our environment starting with a global grant to restore parts of the Rouge River shore understory, supporting our members working to end human trafficking and slavery, continuing to strengthen our initiatives to erase the stigma of mental illness and bring support to those in need. We will continue to work to ensure the long-term success of Rotary as the service organization that is a place everyone to be a part and can make a difference.
What is on your mind for 2024? I wish you all good health and that you find happiness in your life. This is an important time to consider how you can “Be the One” as we prepare for the next Rotary year. Is your club looking for people to step forward to lead one of the committees, serve on the club board of directors or lead the club as an officer. Clubs, Districts and Rotary International needs continuity in or direction and work. That requires leaders working together with their successors and predecessors to ensure everyone is on the same page, not reinventing the wheel and working with goals and programs that build on what has gone before. If you are a President-Elect, President Nominee or other incoming club, thank you for stepping forward.
January is Rotary’s Vocational Service Month. I think this is often overlooked as being one of the 5 Areas of Service. Vocational service is an important aspect of Rotary, and it can help strengthen your club by providing opportunities for members to use their professional skills and expertise to serve their communities. Here are some ideas for leveraging vocational service to strengthen your club:
- Invite speakers: Invite professionals from different fields to speak at your club meetings.
- Organize vocational service projects: Organize projects that leverage the skills and expertise of your members.
- Encourage mentorship: Encourage members to mentor young people who are interested in their profession.
- Partner with other organizations: Partner with other organizations in your community to leverage your members’ professional skills and expertise.
Mid-year meetings for current club Presidents are scheduled for Tuesday, January 23 and Wednesday, January 24. Details to follow. We ask that you attend at least one, both will be on zoom.
Professor Peabody tells me I must return to December 18 immediately or I will upset the space time continu……
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