July 2008

A Message from Your District Governor

            Our theme for the 2008-2009 Rotary year is MAKE DREAMS REAL. This theme describes what we do best. We take an idea or observe a problem and take actions that help people in need. Whether its hurricane recovery, scholarships, polio vaccination, literacy or countless other things, our efforts turn dreams in to reality. That MAKES DREAMS REAL.

            International President D. K. Lee, with this theme, has issued a call to action. In issuing this call, he has identified three areas that are familiar to us: health and hunger, water and literacy. He has asked us to focus theses three emphasis on reducing child mortality. President Lee told us at International Assembly, a shocking and unbelievable statistic. Every day, 30,000 children under the age of five die from preventable causes. These causes include pneumonia, measles, malaria, dirty water and lack of sanitation.

            To MAKE DREAMS REAL requires two very important ingredients: Membership and Money. Rotary membership in America has been declining for several years. We must reverse that trend. President Lee has asked us to increase our membership by 10% during 2008-2009. We can do that, by simply “asking” and by starting new clubs in towns that have no Rotary club.

The other ingredient, money, is necessary to MAKE DREAMS REAL. Foundation giving is the lifeblood that allows us to help others. Since 1983 Rotary has spent over $600,000,000 to eradicate polio, and it’s almost done. With 1.2 million Rotarians, and a goal of $100 per year per Rotarian, that’s $120,000,000 that can MAKE DREAMS REAL. We can all afford less than $2 per week. Please consider committing to $100 per year or $25 per quarter.

            2008-2009 will be a great year for District 6820 and for your individual clubs. Please call on any of the District Officers, Assistant Governors or Committee Chairpersons for assistance. Their contact information is in the online Directory. Thank you for your efforts to MAKE DREAMS REAL.