I’ve been hiding a bit of a secret from everyone this year and I feel it is probably about time I came clean. You see I find myself completely overcome with excitement and enthusiasm around our building club programme and the ways in which each and every member makes a contribution to bringing about a better world.
Whether it be Christmas presents, spectacle recycling, youth programmes, community gardens, Rotary Foundation programmes, Mental Health programmes, Swapmeet, our weekly meetings, the Magic Show, Donations in Kind, MERC, PICYS, Life Education… I look at all this and more and frankly I’m inspired and honoured to be a Rotarian in the Rotary club of West Perth.
Sure we all have things going on in our lives that take up our time, yet in spite of that, we still each choose give – how can that not make you excited (I’m trying to think of how the introvert in my life may view the same, perhaps just the hint of an up turn in the corners of her mouth, or an imperceptible nod…) Either way, it is difficult to deny the positive energy it creates however you choose personally to express it.
That leads me to the inevitable question – if I can feel this enthusiasm and can see the impact our efforts are having in supporting our communities, surely there are others who would equally enjoy the opportunity to contribute in the same way. Whilst we can complicate the equation with ease, the simple math is more people, more opportunities to serve. More experience, more inspiration, more engagements.
Perhaps you are thinking often less is more and that is true in many cases, but Hospitals can’t operate with only one doctor, schools can’t operate with only one teacher or student, the RFDS can’t operate with only one plane… Or can they?
We are each stewards, custodians of a legacy. 1.2 million people doing good in the world. Imagine the difference 2.4 million people might be able to make….?
Yours in Rotary Service,
Stephen
President 2020-21