Rotary’s founder, Paul Harris, believed that serving humanity is “the most worthwhile thing a person can do,” RI President-elect John F. Germ said, and that being a part of Rotary is a “great opportunity” to make that happen.

Germ unveiled the 2016-17 presidential theme, Rotary Serving Humanity, to incoming district governors on 18 January at the International Assembly in San Diego, California, USA.

“I believe everyone recognizes the opportunity to serve Rotary for what it truly is: not a small opportunity, but a great one; an opportunity of a lifetime to change the world for the better, forever through Rotary’s service to humanity,” said Germ.

Rotary members around the globe are serving humanity by providing clean water to underdeveloped communities, promoting peace in conflict areas, and strengthening communities through basic education and literacy. But none more important than our work to eradicate polio worldwide, he said.

After a historic year in which transmission of the wild poliovirus was stopped in Nigeria and all of Africa, Germ said we are closer than ever to ending polio.

“We are at a crossroads in Rotary,” he added. “We are looking ahead at a year that may one day be known as the greatest year in Rotary’s history: the year that sees the world’s last case of polio.”

Last year’s milestones leave just two countries, Afghanistan and Pakistan, where the virus still circulates. Polio would be only the second human disease ever to be eradicated.

When that moment arrives, it’s “tremendously important” that Rotary is ready for it, said Germ. “We need to be sure that we are recognized for that success, and leverage that success into more partnerships, greater growth, and even more ambitious service in the decades to come.”

Germ, a member of the Rotary Club of Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA, encouraged attendees to return to their clubs and communities and spread the word about Rotary’s role in the fight for a polio-free world.

“People who want to do good will see that Rotary is a place where they can change the world. Every Rotary club needs to be ready to give them that opportunity,” Germ said.

Enhancing Rotary’s image isn’t the only way to boost membership. “We need clubs that are flexible, so our service will be more attractive to younger members, recent retirees, and working people.”

He added: “We need more willing hands, more caring hearts, and more bright minds to move our work forward.”

Find more videos from the event
Download 2016-17 theme logo and materials
Follow the assembly on Facebook and Twitter using #IA2016
Download speech transcripts

By Ryan Hyland

Rotary News

(https://www.rotary.org/myrotary/en/news-media/news-features/germ-reveals-rotary-serving-humanity-2016-17-presidential-theme)

18-Jan-2016

 

 

 

 

 

First Name: Programs

Second Name: Rotorooter

 

 

 

Monday, June 27, 2016

 

We celebrated the end of our Rotary year, recognized President Lynnetta Kopp and the Board of Directors for their contributions, welcomed Randy Van Rooyen as our new President, and awarded two Paul Harris Fellowships.  

 

 

Thank you, Lynnetta, for your service.  Some highlights from the past year: Welcomed District Gov. Mary Van Hout, updated Bylaws, added five new members, increased member engagement, Nicaragua projects, Rotary Minute, exceeded the Club's fundraising goal, donated wheelchair accessible picnic tables for Erickson Park, recognized Teri Wildt and Bill La Rue as Rotarians of the Year and Dirk Gasterland as recipient of the Rotary Lifetime Achievement Award.

 

 

 

Welcome, Randy!  Randy thanked Lynnetta for sharing her energy and enthusiasm with the club, Club Administrator Kathi Millard for her dedication, and the Board of Directors for the opportunity to serve.  

Randy spoke briefly about the themes for the upcoming year:

1. Satisfaction Survey results

2. Continuity of Leadership

3. Increase Membership

4. Search for Signature Fundraiser

 

 

A Paul Harris Fellow was awarded to Steve Earp for his outstanding commitment to the La Crosse Community.  Steve and Sharon, owners of SSE Music, provide gifts of time, talent, and treasure to benefit many causes, including Rotary Lights, Freedom Honor Flight, North American Squirrel Association (NASA), Irishfest, Riverfest, their local church, and the Port of La Crosse Harbor Commission.  Thank you, Steve and Sharon!

 

 

Terry Miller was recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow for his outstanding contributions to Rotary East.  A Rotary North transplant, Terry has been a member of East for almost five years, served as Treasurer, and volunteered for many club events.  Congratulations and thank you, Terry!