Beverly Luedke, District Governor 5870, 2021-22 was our speaker on 20th of October. She talked about attending the International Assembly on Zoom instead of person and how emotional it was to hear the RI President’s theme – Serve to Change Lives! She believes the word “change” is the most important word – we change lives and by serving Rotarians’ lives are changed. She shared four hopes –
*Hope to increase awareness of what Rotarians in our district do (our district is up at the top in giving among the districts in the world). She looked for a place in the US to do a Global Grant…found the Navajo reservation near Flagstaff that doesn’t have good drinking water. They only have 6 gallons of clean water a day for a household. The global grant is partnering three international districts and five US districts to participate in a $283,500 grant to provide 63 families with clean water. From 17th-24th of May, there is a bus going to Flagstaff to celebrate this project.
*Hope to increase the impact of service. $40,000 set aside to do district-wide projects. First project - $10,000 to Central Texas Food Bank. She is requesting that clubs to find a local pantry that gets food from the Central Texas Food Bank and serve there. 2nd project involves human trafficking. The District will be giving out information about how to help combat human trafficking. 3rd project involves the environment. Putting benches, trees, and little libraries throughout the district. 4th project – November 4th District Zoom series –Empowering girls and women.
*Hope to help us understand why we should tell others why we are Rotarians and show that we have a gift to give. Gave pins to the members present in person showing the Rotary theme. Challenged everyone to bring one person to Rotary as guest and listen to our programs.
*Hope to help rekindle our Rotary energy that has been lost a bit since COVID began. Need to become the community leader for service in our communities – become relevant again. Will help membership growth.
DG Beverly also talked about what can be found on the website with regards to speakers and having fun, and the district friendship exchange with a district in the Minnesota area – led by Leslie Bagby. She discussed about needing to change if club projects aren’t working or membership is not growing. Make small changes – they could make a big difference! Make sure new members know what they are a part of. Challenging us to make a difference in someone’s life! Make the gift of Rotary! Serve and change lives!!