RI President's March 2011 Message
When I first joined Rotary in 1961, I often
heard Rotary leaders say “Keep Rotary Simple.” In fact, that phrase was part of
the RI theme in 1956-57! However, as Rotary has grown in both the number of
members and the number of programs during the last 50 years, simplicity has
become more difficult.
The revised RI Strategic Plan for 2010-13 is a
refreshingly simple approach to keeping Rotary strong and vibrant in the
future. The three priorities of the plan are clear and brief statements calling
us to (1) support and strengthen our clubs, (2) focus and increase our
humanitarian service, and (3) enhance our public image and awareness.
It is a true strategic plan because each of
the three priorities has a list of measurable goals, and in turn, there is a
scorecard to track progress of all the goals. We are realigning the RI budget
to reflect the new priorities, and we are trying to balance the priorities in
all RI activities. Even the breakout sessions at the 2011 convention in New
Orleans will be balanced between the three priorities. The new plan with the
simply stated priorities will not be left to merely gather dust on an office
shelf!
Please note the interdependence of the three
priorities. We have recognized for many years that Rotary cannot provide
exemplary service projects without strong clubs and that clubs cannot recruit
and retain high-quality members without significant service projects. The third
priority now recognizes that in the modern world, Rotary needs the support of
our communities, of partner organizations, and sometimes of governments, to
conduct larger service projects, which in turn build stronger clubs.
Rotary is now on the world stage due to
PolioPlus. But we are still a grassroots organization, and our strength is
dependent on the health of our clubs. The three priorities of the strategic
plan remind us that the success of Rotary is based on a simple formula of
strong clubs, significant service projects, and a favorable public image.
Thanks to Paul Harris and other Rotary pioneers, it is a simple formula that
produces extraordinary results – and a better world!
RI President
Ray Klinginsmith