Continuity of emphases key to Rotary's success

By Antoinette Tuscano

RI President William B. Boyd has announced at the 2007 International Assembly that his successor, President-elect Wilfrid J. Wilkinson, will continue to emphasize four key service areas — literacy, water management, health and hunger, and the family of Rotary.

Wilkinson's choice of emphases follows the lead of Boyd and other recent presidents who worked to create a consistent focus over the last few years. This trend helps clubs continue their work in areas important to Rotary from year to year.

"These basic needs have been at the forefront for Rotary's efforts for several years now, and I hope that will continue," Wilkinson told an audience of district governors-elect at the 2007 International Assembly in San Diego. "With clean water, good health, and the ability to read and write, so many of the people who need help will have the ability to help themselves."

Boyd agreed saying, "These are areas that build on each other, with each being a prerequisite for the next."

In addition, placing emphasis on the family of Rotary — which includes Rotaractors, Youth Exchange students, and Rotary World Peace Fellows — helps ensure Rotary's viability, so clubs can continue to do service projects, said Wilkinson.

During his worldwide travels as president this year, Boyd said he has seen repeatedly how all types of projects in the areas of literacy, water management, health and hunger, and the family of Rotary have "opened up a world of possibilities for their beneficiaries… Everywhere, we saw the truth of President-elect Wilf Wilkinson's theme, Rotary Shares."

By continuing to focus on these areas over time, Rotary clubs can maximize the impact of their service projects, Boyd said.

"Emphases definitely help our clubs to focus," said Bill Pettus, of the Rotary Club of Jackson Hole Supper, Wyoming, USA.

"The continuity with last year allows us to build on what we started, and continue that focus into this year and into the future," said Mary E. Martin, a member of the Rotary Club of North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, USA.