The RI president’s monthly message "My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Rotary!"

When we talk about building membership, we all recognize that welcoming a new member into a Rotary club is only the beginning of our task. To turn a new club member into a committed Rotarian, much more is necessary – and the first step is helping that new member to get involved.

Every Rotarian in every club should know that he or she is not only needed but relied upon. Every Rotarian should have a job within the club – a role to play. After all, why are we in Rotary? We are here to make a difference. Yes, we enjoy our Rotary service, but that is not enough if we are to make Rotary a priority week after week, year after year. The knowledge that we are having an impact, that we are changing lives – that is what keeps us going, no matter what other demands may compete for our time. And this is why each one of us, however long we have been in Rotary, must always be striving to grow as Rotarians – to find new ways to help others, and to bring about all the positive change we possibly can. For this, more than anything, is what makes our Rotary service worthwhile.

Whether we are new members or old ones, each of us can find ways to become more involved in Rotary service – at the club level, the district level, and beyond. Rotarian Action Groups are a wonderful opportunity to put specific expertise or interests to work, in a way that brings Rotarians from every part of the Rotary world together for a common goal. Whether your passion is water and sanitation issues, or microcredit, or blindness prevention – whether you want to volunteer your dental skills or help organize blood drives – chances are there is a Rotarian Action Group for you. And if not, why not organize one yourself? You can learn more about Rotarian Action Groups at www.rotary.org/actiongroups.

Rotary is and always has been an organization based on its clubs. The purpose of Rotary International is not to direct its clubs, but to connect, inform, and support them. Where and how each club, and each Rotarian, chooses to serve, is ultimately the decision of each one alone. So follow your own ambition and your own vision. Open your eyes to the challenges in our world, and use the strength you have through Rotary to find ways to overcome them. Every one of us has so much potential, and can achieve so much, when we Reach Within to Embrace Humanity.

Kalyan Banerjee 
President, Rotary International