DISCURSOS - Rotary International

Rotaract clubs operate much like Rotary clubs but are open to professionals ages 18 to 30. Either
format provides an opportunity for mature young people to contribute in a meaningful way to
their community and to society as a whole. Over the last few years, my Rotaract club has done
service work in my community and raised money for PolioPlus. With each service project, our
members learned to identify needs and find ways to meet them. This is something that governments
can’t always do. But Rotary finds a way.
The importance of all New Generations programs, but especially Rotaract, is that they serve as
steppingstones to eventual membership in a Rotary club. As of this year, Rotary has more than
1.2 million members. New Generations has almost 600,000 participants. Imagine how great it
would be if, in 10 years or so, more than half a million young people were standing in line, waiting
to join Rotary. How wonderful it would be to literally have a new generation of Rotarians who
know the greatness of Rotary because they grew up in it.
This new generation of Rotarians is possible, and they are ready. But they need your encouragement
and your support. Without you, without your support, it is likely they will not come. Groups
such as Rotary are not something that young people my age are gravitating toward. Many people
my age do not realize they need Rotary. We look for something that can provide us with value,
with opportunity, and with significance. Unless Rotary provides something relevant to our lives,
it is not likely we will participate. It all depends on you. What value, what benefit, what relevance
will you provide that will encourage my generation to join?
I am thankful to each of you and to Rotary International for the opportunities you have given me.
Although I am the child of a Rotarian, that connection only allowed me to open the door. But
how will young people without a connection to Rotary be able even to find that door? It was the
encouragement of many Rotarians that allowed me to walk this path — a path that not only took
me to a foreign land but opened my eyes to the needs of the world and to the friendships that
could be made through service and fellowship. I am proud of all that I have been able to accomplish
through Rotary. I am grateful for all that I have learned and experienced because of Rotary.
I am excited to see what’s next for Rotary and what your incoming class of leaders will accomplish.
Though it may sound a bit selfish, I am most excited envisioning the day that I can finally
stand with pride and proclaim for all to hear that I am a Rotarian. Truly, that will be the culmination
of a dream that started with a simple invitation to participate in a Rotary service project.
Good luck during your year of service. As you work to gain new Rotarians, remember to sow the
seeds for the next generation. By doing so, you strengthen Rotary and strengthen a commitment
to community and international service that can and will perpetuate Rotary.
International Assembly Speeches 2013 17