Rotary District Governor John Salyers shared his vision with the Florence Rotary Club earlier this month. As District Governor, he travels to multiple clubs in various locations throughout Kentucky. Said Salyers, “Rotary Clubs are doing great things around the world. “
One of the challenges is sharing the good news about Rotary’s mission of service above self. Salyers said, “We must do a better job of enhancing our public image. “ The average person doesn’t know about the many community service and outreach programs supported by Rotary clubs. The Florence Club has championed several local initiatives including Mary Rose Mission, Shoes for Orphan Souls, Steinford Toy Foundation, and scholarships for education and mission work.
He also mentioned the international goal of increasing Rotary membership. For twenty years, the global Rotary membership has stood at around 1.2 million members, with over 34,000 clubs in 207 countries worldwide. Rotary International has embarked on a campaign to gain 100,000 new members and keep them active.
In 1988, Rotary International promised the children of the world that they would work tirelessly to eradicate polio. Even with a multi-billion dollar budget and generous gifts from benefactors, there are still financial obstacles to immunizing every child. Although there are now only three countries that are not polio free, these areas include some of the most remote areas in the world.
Salyers urged the local membership to join the club’s Foundation and contribute towards these goals. Concluded Salyers, “Being a Rotarian is a serious matter. Children around the world will appreciate your gift.”
