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Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change — across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.
The Rotary International Board of Directors adopted the above statement to describe the vision of our organization. I believe that our club is well position to take on this vision. I will start with the first word – together. ReCSWUSA is more than a single individual. I want to thank this year’s club board of directors. I want to thank Carol Anderson, John Dugaw, Steve Canter, Ola Olugbodi, and John Wintersteen for agreeing to continue serving the club in their board roles for this past year. While we may not have always seen eye-to-eye on all issues, their valuable input and counsel was given in the best interest of your club. My next thank you goes to Steve Cervantes who was willing to take on a club leadership role as new Rotarian. Thanks to Hiro Yamato, Ginny Dugaw, and Victor Esperón for filling the positions that became vacant throughout the course of the year. In addition to filling these roles, they help maintain the diversity of perspective that needed to reach good decisions for the club. Last – and far from least – Óscar Carreón and Wendy Nelson are owed my deepest gratitude. Without them being willing to serve as future club presidents, this would have been our last meeting.
Next, I want to examine where people unite and take action to create lasting change. As an international English-speaking club, we provide a place for our members and guest a to learn about the issues/problems from around the world and how Rotary can play a part in making a difference. The Rotary eClub of the Southwest USA is known for its members who give their time, treasury, and talent in service to humanity. I think that the verbs unite and take are key in this phrase because they are in the present tense. While we celebrate our accomplishments of the past, we do not rest on our laurels. While we plan, we do not procrastinate when it comes to bettering the lives of other.
I will end with the phrase in ourselves. I want to thank each of you for the opportunity to serve as your club president. The time that I have spent producing our meetings has enriched my knowledge of the power of Rotary. It has given me fresh insights on what I can to make a difference through the connections we make here. Writing this weekly corner has led to another lasting change for me. When I was first asked if I would be willing to serve as president, this corner was at the top of the list of reason to decline. The thought of attempting to write something each week felt daunting. As my term wound down, I realized that I had found a voice that I will continue to write with less of a Rotary focus.
I would like you to spend time this week thinking about Rotary’s Vision Statement. I am a better person by working for lasting change around the world and in my local community. I have heard multiples times here in Toronto, Rotary helps me be my better self. As we enter Óscar’s year as club president, please consider the world that you want to see.