“When do you start that big job with Rotary?” a friend of mine asked. I laughed and said, “soon.” What I didn’t say was that the job of District Governor, for me, started two years ago, when past District Governor Dorothy called and said I had been selected. After the initial shock I said to Dorothy that I would accept on one condition; that I had the support from several past District Governors and Assistant District Governors. Dorothy assured me I would have. Then, my job, as District Governor began. It involved reading, learning and seeking advice from Duncan, Dennis, Gord, Dorothy, Tom, Pete, Wayne, John, Trevor, Tom Davies, Moe Rodgerson and Kathryn Atkin. Each one has been most generous with their wise counsel to me. 

I had the wonderful opportunity to take training in Niagara Falls, San Diego, and Salt Lake City, and met, on these occasions, the over 500 District Governors Elect, and Rotarians from around the world, who make up a mighty force.

I have put in place a very strong and dedicated leadership team numbering more than 50, and seven capable Assistant District Governors. During the PETS & SETS training, I had the opportunity to meet our group of incoming Presidents and Secretaries. This District is in great hands. I feel most fortunate, and take great pride in those members of District 7820 who have agreed to stand with me this year.

Under the theme of “Rotary Shares” our International President Wilf Wilkinson has made a commitment to continue the established priorities of water, literacy, health and hunger, and the family of Rotary. He has further asked us to continue to strengthen our clubs with a net increase of one member per club by March 31st 2008. Wilf is the first President of Rotary International from Canada in over 50 years.

We do a lot of important work in our communities and internationally and while we should never lose sight of the seriousness of what we do, at the same time we should try to do it with a light heart….a sense of whimsy and enjoyment of the camaraderie of our fellow Rotarians. Rotary should never become a chore or a duty. So I’m asking clubs to consider how you can keep or inject fun into everything we do. It will keep current members motivated and make joining Rotary more attractive. I have chosen for my theme this year, “Keep Rotary Fun”.

To that end, I’d like each D7820 Rotarian to commit to introducing one new person to the fun of Rotary, either though membership or involvement in a Rotary project or activity.

• Involve family member(s) in a club project or event.

• Invite past members and the spouses of deceased members to participate in a club event.

• Enhance cooperation with another Rotary club though a visit, information sharing or joint project. Consider establishing a

District Fellowship Exchange whereby members of clubs arrange to go and visit members of another club to learn about their community and club activities and make new Rotary friends. Make a weekend of it or a mid-week getaway.

Vocational Service has been referred to as the “forgotten” Avenue of Service. It is often the least understood area of endeavour despite the fact we are all members of Rotary representing our particular vocations. It is an area I have always had a passion for and will encourage clubs that have not been able to develop Vocational Service projects to commit to establishing one project in the coming year.

• Involve young people in Rotary through the establishment of additional Rotaract and Interact clubs as a means of fostering community service among our youth.

• Dedicate one club meeting to an explanation of the Rotary Foundation, the achievements of the Foundation and the value of membership support of the Foundation.

• Advance the District Strategic Planning process in a manner that ensures clubs are involved and our District organization continues to respond to club priorities.

• Establish club Public Relations Committees with PR Committee Chair participating in Executive meetings to ensure clubs make more information available to communities on the work of clubs and Rotary International.

• Share Rotary International and Rotary District information (Lighthouse Newsletter, Clubs in Action) with club members by printing off copies and distributing them at club meetings.

As we go forth this year, I ask you to remember the words of legendary Baseball star Jackie Robinson who said, "A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives." Have a great year and remember to Keep Rotary Fun.