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ROTARY THEME ANNOUNCED
for RY 2007-2008
The 2007 International Assembly is now history. But what happened in San Diego will carry through to Rotarians everywhere as the group of 532 incoming district governors takes what they've learned back to their clubs in preparation for the next Rotary year.
The group found a common source of inspiration in the 2007-08 theme, Rotary Shares.
"This assembly is awe-inspiring," said Richard V. Fisher, the incoming governor of District 9270 from Durban, South Africa. "It's the experience of a lifetime."
The International Assembly, which ran from 28 January to 2 February, is an annual Rotary leadership development event in which seasoned Rotary leaders train and inspire the next group of district governors to help them prepare for the year ahead. Traditionally, it's here that RI leaders share their goals for the new Rotary year beginning 1 July.
"We lead you, so you can lead others," RI President William B. Boyd told the assembly participants, echoing the current RI theme, Lead the Way.
"We have high hopes and expectations that you will do what you can — and more," said incoming Rotary Foundation Trustee Chair Bhichai Rattakul to 2007-08 district governors. "Go forth from here and serve. Help and guide your clubs, sharing with them your strengths."
Filled with Rotary fellowship that pervades the meeting and armed with new Rotary resources, the future governors and their spouses are up for the challenges of the coming year.
"It's a great fellowship opportunity. And there is so much to learn," said District 9120 Governor-elect, Saliu Osifuemhe Ahmed, from Kaduna, Nigeria.
District 5710 Governor-elect Chuck E. Trimble, from Burlington, Kansas, USA, said the meeting reinforced ideas about Rotary he has had for years. Referring to this year's group discussions he said, "It's great to be in a room with 20 other district governors-elect and hear what they're thinking."
Discussion group topics included membership development and retention, public image, youth programs, The Rotary Foundation, and club support.
The family of Rotary — the support network that includes Rotarians' spouses — was active as well. While the district governors-elect were training, their spouses learned about Rotary in their own sessions. "I believe that I can help my husband [District 3830 Governor-elect Renato Magadia]," said Vicky Magadia, from Makati City, Philippines. "I'm adding to what he's learning here."
On Thursday, Rotarians and their spouses enjoyed International Festival Talent Night. With enthusiasm and in colorful national dress, Rotarians took to the stage to dance and entertain the crowd, showcasing the global flavor of the meeting.
In the midst of the festivities though, no one forgot what it meant to be a Rotarian. To raise funds for The Rotary Foundation, some Rotarians had their costume props auctioned off on stage by RI General Secretary Ed Futa. Australians raised US$7,000 by selling a large inflatable kangaroo, an Italian group auctioned off a miniature "World Cup" soccer trophy for $2,000, and Past RI President Frank J. Devlyn contributed $1,500 to the Foundation by bidding on a sombrero from fellow Mexican Rotarians.
Besides the impromptu auctions, The Rotary Foundation raised, as of 1 February, $225,000 in contributions at the assembly.
From the 14 volunteer sergeants-at-arms who kept the event running smoothly, to the Rotary leaders and trainers who shared their knowledge and experience, to the incoming governors who generously contributed to the Foundation and gave their time and energy to prepare for the year ahead, they all proved how Rotary Shares.
RI President-nominee,
2007-08
Wilfrid J. Wilkinson
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