RI President Ian Riseley writes to Rotarians during Membership Month
Ian Riseley
President 2017-2018
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Dear fellow Rotarians:
I joined Rotary in 1978 when I was relatively young and had just opened my accounting firm. The reason I joined the club was because I believed that associating with the most influential people in the community would benefit my business. However, Juliet and me did not take long to realize that Rotary offered us so much more. Indeed, Rotary provided us with opportunities to forge new friendships and to grow the company, but it has also become the best way to make a difference in our communities, both locally and internationally.
Each August, we celebrate Membership Month and the development of new clubs. For this reason, I hope you will take time to reflect on your Rotary career and what you could do to help others embark on their own path in our organization. There is a potential Rotarian in everyone who wants to make a difference, regardless of age or gender, and you can help them become part of our organization.
Rotary seeks to offer materials that help them cultivate and retain membership. Clubs can use the new customizable brochure available at the Brand Center . This template will allow them to upload their own photographs or choose from existing ones, include the details of the club meetings and exhibit the events and projects they perform in order to show their activities in the community. The Discover Rotary presentation is a great tool for introducing Rotary to potential partners. If you would like to find more resources, please go to the membership page .
Share on Facebook your pride of being a Rotarian using the picture frame of your profile you can find here by doing a search for "Rotary". They may also include a message about why they decided to join Rotary and the reason they are active in their clubs. Something as simple as sharing their stories could spark a conversation with someone who does not know Rotary and the work we do.
As the world changes, Rotary changes with it. I am pleased to say that since joining, Rotary has evolved tremendously. It will not be me, but you, who will tell the story of the future of Rotary. As club and district leaders, you pave the way for the leaders of the future.
Again, thank you very much for everything you do and will continue to embody our motto: Rotary makes a difference.
Sincerely,
Ian Riseley
President of Rotary International 2017-2018
Source: RI District 2202