Each year the world of Rotary goes through its annual change of leadership all across the globe. From the International President, through the International Board of Directors, to the District Governors and on to Club Presidents, individuals who have been trained and prepared take up their new duties and responsibilities on 1 July. For the next 365 days it is these leaders, along with their own teams of assistants and helpers, who will help move our organization forward and make our motto of service above self an even stronger reality in the lives of many across the street and around the world.

So I want to begin my year as District Governor for District 7390 with both a word of welcome and a word of thanks. First the welcome.

• Welcome to all the new Club Presidents. Without you and the work you do none of this vision we share would become a reality in the lives of so many.
• Welcome to the new and returning Assistant Governors who work so diligently with the clubs in their areas, helping them to become better and stronger and vital resources to serve as people of action.
• Welcome to District Governor Elect John Anthony and District Governor Nominee Greg Staub who take up their new duties this year and who will help mold and shape our vision for the future as we move ahead.
• Welcome to the new members who have recently joined Rotary or who will join at some point in this new Rotary year. Each of you will bring a gift to Rotary in terms of the skills, ideas, commitment and passion you have for making our communities and our world better than before we joined.
• And a special word of welcome to all those who share our passion for service in Interact and Rotaract. You are vital parts of our identity as Rotarians and the service you offer to your communities is highly valued by all.

And my word of thanks then goes to all those who are noted above and to all the members of our clubs whose excitement, enthusiasm and yes passion for Rotary has helped lead us to become THE preeminent service organization in the world. Thank you for stepping up and for your willingness to be counted as People of Action. Thank you for the difference you make in our world each and every day. Thank you for being passionate about Rotary.

And a very special word of thanks go to Past District Governor John May who served us so well last year as our Governor. I was proud to serve as part of his team and grateful for all I learned from him about this role. Thank you John!

I will share more thoughts on a regular basis through this Newsletter and I very much look forward to visiting each of our clubs, meeting our members and sharing with you my passion for Rotary. Don’t hesitate to be in contact if you need anything or want me to make a special visit for awards, presentations or activities. If I can, I will be there.

In our common life of service

Paddy Rooney