Rotary International’s newly adopted theme for 2021-22 is “Serve to Change Lives,” and I cannot think of a more appropriate focus as we emerge from this worldwide pandemic and begin to rebuild our clubs, our communities, and our world.

 

Our world -- and certainly our Rotary world -- is much different today than it was 12 months ago. We faced a global health crisis, natural disasters, and economic turmoil all at the same time and the whole world was affected.

 

Through it all, Rotary has stood tall. We have heard stories of amazing acts of generosity and personal acts of service by clubs, Rotarians, and Rotaractors. Rotarians are, if nothing else, resilient, and our ability to adapt to a changing world put us in a position not only to survive the pandemic – but able to help others in the process.

 

Despite myriad hardships created by the pandemic, the humanitarian work of Rotarians never ceased.

 

Internationally, The Rotary Foundation was quick to respond to this generation’s worst humanitarian crisis. Since March 2020, The Rotary Foundation has awarded $32 million in global and disaster-response grants for projects related to COVID-19. All over the world, Foundation grants are supporting projects that demonstrate Rotary’s impact and reach. 

 

Closer to home, District 5495 Rotarians rolled up their sleeves and worked throughout the year serving those most impacted by the pandemic. Despite personal obstacles faced by many of our own members – our clubs never stopped serving their communities.

 

We may have been forced to meet virtually and stay in our homes for the better part of a year, but there was plenty we could – and did -- do: Collect food for local food banks. Plant trees. Donate computers to our schools. Purchase supplies for first responders. The list goes on and on.

 

 

Rotary has been serving our world for more than 110 years – over 100 years right here in Arizona! We’ve survived two world wars, depressions and recessions, economic disasters and now a second worldwide pandemic.

 

But our work is far from finished, and the year ahead may be even more challenging than the year we just completed. For as we emerge from this pandemic, the aftereffects and resulting damage will linger for many years to come.

 

Our communities, schools, neighbors, charitable groups and more need our help. The need for service is greater than ever before and Rotary International President Shekhar Mehtar’s call to “Serve to Change Lives” should be every Rotarian’s key focus during the year ahead.

 

Regardless of your club’s size – or whatever condition your club finds itself in as it rebounds from a year of limited activity – I encourage you to put community service at the top of your list of priorities for 2021-22.

 

How can we “Serve to Change Lives” in the coming year? Below are some real-life examples already put into practice by many of our clubs.

 

Paul Harris once said, “Whatever Rotary may mean to us, to the rest of the world it will be known by the results it achieves.”

 

If there ever was a year to achieve results, this is the year. Despite the challenges that lie ahead, I’m excited about the opportunities before us and look forward to joining District 5495 clubs as they “take action to create lasting change – across the glove, in our communities and in ourselves.”

 

This is our year to shine. To serve. To achieve results. 

 

Let’s find a way to “Serve to Change Lives.”