Rotary Shares:
In January of 2007, then Rotary International President-Elect Wilifrid Wilkinson announced that Rotary Shares will be the theme of the 2007-08 Rotary year.
He chose the theme because so much of what Rotary is about involves sharing. “In Rotary, sharing doesn’t mean giving away what you have to spare, what you don’t need for yourself,” Wilkinson said. “Sharing means giving of yourself, selflessly for the good of others.”
One important aspect of Rotary Shares will be an emphasis on bringing new members into the club – thus sharing Rotary with others. Wilkinson reminds Rotarians that the only way that Rotary will be able to continue sharing is if it continues growing.
“It is not always an easy thing to invite someone into Rotary. Too often, we hear no. And nobody likes to hear no,” Wilkinson said. “It is easy to get discouraged. But you have to expect those no’s and know when to ask again – and when to move on to find a yes somewhere else. That yes you get on the second or third or fourth try is what Rotary needs from you most of all. It is the single most important thing you can do to ensure Rotary’s second century.”
Sharing Rotary with other members of our community and bringing them into Rotary International is just one aspect of Rotary Shares.
Wilkinson answers the question: Why Rotary Shares with three excellent points.
1. Rotary Shares because Rotary cares.
2. Rotary Shares because Rotarians know the needs
3. Rotary Shares because Rotarians provide Service Above Self.
Wilkinson was trying to inspire the leadership of Rotary, his words are also significant to each Rotarian regardless of office, rank or years of experience. Sharing what is great about Rotary with your community and sharing what is great about yourself with Rotary is a call to which all Rotarians should answer. It is a perfect theme which not only is appropriate for Rotary International, but it encourages each Rotarian to be involved.
