What a year so far and an amazingly short amount of time left for 2025-2026!
Each club visit has been a revelation in the depth and complexity of Rotary on the local level. I spent some time recently with a non-Rotarian (recruiting her for membership) and as we continued talking, she commented that she had no idea of the depth and impact of Rotary. I wonder sometimes if our members are “in the know”.
Beyond your club, what can you say about Rotary? We’re getting rid of Polio, we help bring clean water to areas, etc., etc. Yet, what does that mean? What happens when an area gets access to clean water? It transforms those communities through improved health, education, and economic stability. It BREAKS the cycle of poverty by allowing residents to pursue education and income-generating activities instead of doing the time-consuming activity of water collection.
What about here? Does hanging 144 flower baskets in Downtown Carlisle really have an impact on the community? I’d say yes. Each time I help with the weekend watering activity, someone says, how wonderful to see these – thank you to Rotary! One woman claimed it was why she moved to Carlisle! It gives pride in the community, offers a bit of beauty, and nature in an urban setting. Is it life-altering? Perhaps not, and yet, it makes going into Carlisle more fun than seeing bare lampposts…
Please, please tell our stories more. What is your club doing? What is it’s impact? Invite guests to help with a service project vs attending a meeting. We are People of Action, it’s time to show that part of us. Join me at the Rotary Means Business June 3rd, that’s a great intro to Rotary!
Thank you for letting me part of this, I know my life is better for it.
Yours in Rotary,
MB
District Governor 2025-2026