MESSAGE FROM DISTRICT GOVERNOR 2011 - 2012
Graham Jones

A small body of determined spirits fired by an unquenchable faith in their mission can alter the course of history [Mohandas ‘Mahatma’Gandhi]

Rotary International President Kalyan Banerjee’s frequent references to Gandhi have particular significance for me. I remember vividly my history master, Peter Lovett sharing the above quotation with us. At the time it seemed so profound and it has become even more so since I have become a Rotarian; in fact, it characterises for me what Rotary is all about: ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Lovett also explained that Mahatma meant Great Soul, a title of remarkable respect. This title also resonates with my thinking about Rotary especially when I reflect on the amazing achievements that have brought Rotary to the verge of a Polio-free World. In the backdrop of these statements about Rotary, Marion and I wish to thank you for the special privilege you have given me as District Governor for the coming year.

We enjoy a very rich legacy of more than 106 years of Rotary and it behoves us to enhance that legacy in our year together. President-Elect Kalyan’s theme for the year is Reach within to Embrace Humanity and in my mind it is a very personal ACTION message. It says to me that each one of us must look within ourselves and take responsibility for building fellowship, bringing new members and creating diversity, providing leadership in service at home and abroad, demonstrating integrity, and supporting our young people. If we are going to be the determined spirits we need to be, and, if we are going to embrace humanity, each of us must live the passion we have for Rotary in our clubs, in our district and in our community. On the one hand, we need continuity to maintain the great Rotary programs that are part of our culture; on the other hand, we need change if we are to invigorate our clubs with new members, new ideas, and the kinds of programs that promote us as the service organization of choice.

Among other goals, I am going to initiate the development of a Strategic Plan for our District—a long term plan that encapsulates our values and priorities and makes both our District and our Clubs more visible, vibrant and attractive. It will complement the new Strategic Plan of Rotary International and in the words of its architects, will guide us to become “exponentially more effective”. I look forward to an enjoyable and exciting year as we build a partnership to meet these new challenges.