Elko Rotary - A Message from the District Governor

Welcome message from our District Governor Janice Gage

The Future of Rotary is in YOUR Hands. Rotary International President John Kenny has coined a theme of empowerment for 2009-2010 - one that transfers power and responsibility to each and every Rotarian.

This year's theme logo represents the many hands of Rotary. There are sharing hands and caring hands. There are different colored hands to signify the diversity and internationality of Rotary. The hands are linked in fellowship. It is a chain of hands and every link is strong. Our 2009-2010 theme portrays the integrity and unity of Rotarians.

What impact will your hands have on the future of Rotary? RI President Kenny's focus areas for 2009-2010 are health and hunger, water, literacy and youth. Will your hands bring food, water and medical care to a deprived village? Will your hands place polio vaccine into the mouth of a child and save a life? Will you lend a hand to improve your own community?

Our youth are the future of Rotary. Will you pick up a book and read to an eager child to ensure a legacy of literacy? Will you host a Rotary Youth Exchange (RYE) student or serve as a counselor at Rotary Youth Leadership Academy (RYLA) camp? Can you organize a new high school Interact club or mentor a young adult's Rotaract club?

Will you introduce a new member to Rotary? Attracting new members is something each and every Rotarian can do to impact the future of Rotary. It costs nothing to extend our hands in fellowship and share the ideal of Rotary service. Great service and fellowship go hand in hand. The future of Rotary depends upon our members - you are our most valuable asset.

The opportunities to serve Rotary in District 5190 are endless. One only has to choose from a menu of options. For 2009-2010 I ask that you consider the impact your hands will have on the future of Rotary. Only you can determine how best to invest your time, talents and resources to achieve a maximum return. Theodore Roosevelt said "Do what you can, with what you have, where you are." All I ask is that you "do what you can" in 2009-2010.

Thank you for your service and commitment to Rotary District 5190. Ghandi said, "The future depends upon what we do in the present." What you do this year will make a difference in the world long after 2009-2010 because The Future of Rotary is in YOUR Hands.

Janice Gage
District Governor, 2009-2010
Rotary District 5190