DISCURSOS - Rotary International

It is important to integrate our own families into the family of Rotary. Rotary should be
something that brings families together — not a force that pulls them apart. Rotary clubs
and districts can offer diverse service and social activities that appeal to all members. . . . I
am from the South [of the United States], where family is the highest priority. I grew up in
a Rotary family — five of my brothers were Rotarians, three served as club presidents, and
our son is also a Rotarian.
In his 2007 speech to the International Assembly, Past President Wilf Wilkinson, referring to his
predecessor in office, Past President Bill Boyd, said, “I also plan to continue [his] emphasis on
the family of Rotary, because in caring for each other, we help assure that Rotary will be around
to continue these good efforts for many years to come.”
May I also repeat what I said at the International Assembly in 2002? “It isn’t hard to walk away
from a group in which you have no investment. It is very hard to leave the family.” People don’t
leave organizations when they feel at home. This initiative highlights the need for that environment,
which can have a serious impact on growth while reducing attrition.
And so, I invite you to join in an exercise of imagination. If every one of you asks his or her
spouse or a friend to join Rotary, we will instantly have an increase of 538 members. If your child
joins, the increase is doubled, and imagine then the impact of bringing alumni and organizations
into the family of Rotary. We will have many more hands to serve humanity and make the world a
better place.
It remains for me to thank the president-elect for inviting me to make this presentation, and you,
as members of the family of Rotary, for your patient attention.
22 International Assembly Speeches 2013