I recently spent some time looking at Rotary International’s website and while I was there I did a brief review of their current priorities. For those new to Rotary, or perhaps unfamiliar with the priorities the list is as follows:
- Promoting Peace
- Fighting Disease
- Providing Clean Water, Sanitation, Hygiene
- Saving Mothers and Children
- Supporting Education
- Growing Local Economies
- Protecting the Environment
As I reflected on these priorities I was couldn’t help but think about the overwhelming magnitude of the issues included on this list.
By themselves each one of these issues would bring significant change to the world, together if accomplished, they would transform the world as we know it. I thought to myself, talk about thinking big!
But this is nothing new. Rotary clubs and Rotarians have always been encouraged to think big! In fact, when faced with insurmountable odds that some claim are impossible to address, traditionally Rotarians have reacted, ‘’let’s go!’’ and then we rally the resources and personnel to get the job done.
When Rotary launched its Polio plus initiative in 1985 I was a new member of the club in Kemptville, Ontario. I still remember the clubs reaction. Rather than being daunted by the enormity of the challenge, we got excited about getting involved and taking part in something transformative.
Our work on the Polio Plus campaign brought our club members together, and connected us to a cause that spanned the entire planet. All these years later Rotary and Rotarians have never given up on that project and as a result, today polio was almost eradicated from our planet. Even now, as Polio seems to be resurfacing to threaten the world’s children I am confident that Rotary and Rotarians will double down and continue the fight.
Rotary’s commitment to take on big issues and get things done speaks to me of the importance of our own club visioning exercise. As we move forward in the creation of our club vision, we need to be sure to align our vision with one or some of these Rotary priorities.
Which of these priorities resonates with us as a club? Where do we want to place our focus? To answer these questions we need to be sure that we hear from each member. Which of the priorities resonates with you? As we begin to set the foundation for our club vision, as a club member your answer to this question is essential.
We stand before a blank page. The paper and pen are in our hands. The priorities are bigger than we are, but together, I am confident that if we think big enough, and work together we will do something amazing and have a real impact on the world. I look forward to working alongside you to create the vision and to working with you to make that vision real.
