DISCURSOS - Rotary International

When we talk about sustainability in Rotary, we’re not just talking about making sure our service
lasts: We want to make sure that Rotary lasts. And that means making sure that our clubs are
sustainable — that they’re going to keep going strong long after we ourselves have left them.
That means, of course, not just bringing in new members, but mentoring them and making sure
that they become active and engaged Rotarians. It means adapting to the needs of younger members,
so that Rotary clubs are friendly to younger working professionals. It means finding better
ways to bring past Interactors, Rotaractors, and RYLA participants into our clubs as Rotarians, so
that no former Rotaractor ever says, “I would have loved to join Rotary, but no one ever asked me.”
And making sure that Rotary is sustainable means making sure that every club has a presence
on the Internet, so that the younger members that Rotary needs can find us when they look
for us.
The Internet is the easiest way for a potential new member to get information about a club — and
one of the easiest and best ways for a club to show what membership has to offer. The best club
websites give a window into the life of a club, with details on projects and speakers, the club’s
calendar of meetings, and its schedule of events. It’s the best way to show people who might not
know much about Rotary what it’s like to be a Rotarian.
I also encourage you to think of the Internet as part of your public image toolbox. Use social media,
use Facebook and Twitter, to get the word out about what your district and clubs are doing. Not
only does this help Rotary reach new members, but it helps Rotarians reach each other — with
ideas and inspiration, and the potential for new partnerships.
In your year as governor, you’ll see a redesigned RI website that will enable Rotarians to connect
with each other even more easily. In the meantime, we’ve added some features that you can benefit
from now. Just last week we launched a microsite that allows you to apply online for Foundation
grants under Future Vision. In addition, at the Bangkok convention we introduced Showcase as
a resource to highlight the great work that Rotarians do around the world, and I would urge each of
you to encourage the Rotarians in your district to post their projects on Showcase, so that we can
use the power of social media to show the world the fantastic things that Rotary does.
As your general secretary, one of my goals has been to ensure that Rotary’s work is recognized
— especially our role in the eradication of polio. In the past year, Rotary has been the subject of
feature stories on the BBC and in The Economist magazine and in many other media outlets around
the world. This month, Time magazine’s international edition ran a cover story on polio eradication,
with Rotary prominently featured as a leader in the eradication effort. It’s great to see. It builds morale
and enthusiasm among Rotarians and shows the world what an organization such as Rotary
can accomplish. But, even more important, it helps build support worldwide for polio eradication so
that we get the resources we need to finish the job once and for all.
Now, I’d like to close by quoting something I once heard President-elect Ron say, which was that,
as much as he’s done for Rotary, he could never pay Rotary back for everything Rotary has done for
him. I think he speaks for all of us. And I believe that the best thing that each one of us here can do
for Rotary is not to try to pay it back — but instead, to pay it forward. The best thing we can do for
Rotary is to make sure that Rotary continues to grow, continues to go from strength to strength —
not just this year or next year, but for many years and many generations of Rotarians to come.
I wish you all a wonderful day of learning and preparing, and an incredible year of service and
leadership — in which you will all engage Rotary, and change lives.
Thank you.
International Assembly Speeches 2013 29