DG Kevin's May Message

As Rotarians, we are all teachers. For some of us, teaching is, or was, our profession.  Yet, regardless of what our vocation is or was, each of us has the responsibility – make that, opportunity – to teach others what it means to Be A Gift to the World.  Most of all, we teach others by being an example of what it means to put values into action and serve others in our local communities and around the world. What we do as Rotarians speaks louder than verbal platitudes about helping others.

 

Being a role model for Service Above Self is important, but it isn’t enough.  I think it’s important that we seek out opportunities to influence children, teens and young adults proactively.  Rotary offers many opportunities to do that.  Our community service projects, EarlyAct, Interact, Rotaract, Slapshot, RYLA and Youth Exchange programs all provide many opportunities to inspire, mentor, and influence future generations – those who will succeed us as leaders in our communities.

 

As Rotarians, we hope that the work we do will build a better world for others – today and into the future. One of the best ways we can ensure that is to reach out and get engaged with participants in our youth programs.  It’s great to sponsor a student for Slapshot or RYLA or Youth Exchange.  It’s wonderful to sponsor an EarlyAct, Interact or Rotaract club.  It’s even better when you continue to stay involved with the participants in these programs.  Who knows?  You might help inspire a life-long interest in serving others.  What a legacy!