Davide Gallasso, 51 years old, the youngest Governor in Italy, was our guest on October 13.
An empathetic, determined individual, respectful of our club’s history, he certainly won the sympathy of the many Rotarians present. The visit to the District clubs – he stated – is not only a pleasure but also a duty of the Governor (Art. 16.030 of the Rotary International bylaws), who must be a source of motivation and inspiration.
This is a time of great change in the Rotary world, with Jennifer Jones, 55 years old (an incredible individual, those who wish to know more should read the July 22 issue of Rotary magazine), now serving as International President. She has proposed “Imagine Rotary” as the theme for the year. Does John Lennon come into it? Exactly! If you reread the lyrics of the song, you will find the inspiration to move forward, to have dreams and to be capable of achieving them. An example? The End Polio Now campaign: Rotary has made a difference. Let us therefore imagine what Rotary we will see in 1, 3 or 10 years. Let us imagine what comfort and care we must provide for our members, to understand their expectations and seek to fulfill them. Let us imagine diversifying club membership with young members and new professions and with gender diversity (goal within one year: 30% women). Let us imagine the future, for example: RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards). Let us imagine knowing Rotary better: training and continuing education. Let us imagine our image: how are we known? What do we do for the community? Let us imagine extending donations to The Rotary Foundation to external parties as well.
Many questions from members on various topics, particularly on female presence (which incredibly some clubs still oppose). But let us remember that next year we will have a female President and Vice President, let us remember (as President Lombardi emphasized) that the Communications Committee has worked diligently (there was no doubt, just look at who the members are….!) to implement Rotary communication on the main social media platforms: now it is up to the members to connect and share our links. Come on, let us imagine that those who cannot manage it (we are not all very young) will have some son or grandson who will set up the connection for them, after which everything will be very simple.
LF
