Rotary District 5020 News

“We but mirror the world. All the tendencies present in the outer world are to be found in the world of our body. If we could change ourselves, the tendencies in the world would also change. As a man changes his own nature, so does the attitude of the world change towards him. This is […]

Rotary International has a statement on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity that is often misunderstood.  You can read it here: https://www.rotary.org/en/about-rotary/diversity-equity-and-inclusion.  The statement does not mandate a change in the political views of Rotarians or a require that Rotarians be re-educated to become more enlightened. The statement is about how Rotary clubs can provide a welcoming […]

I was on a flight going south a few years ago. The person in the seat beside me turned out to be the neighbour of a Rotarian I knew quite well from another community. We had a great chat and, as I usually do, I turned the conversation to Rotary.  She was fascinated by the […]

It is traditional at this time of year for people to review their lives and make resolutions to be a better person. Perhaps we could also review our Rotary lives and make a resolution to be better Rotarians? That, of course, brings up the question of what makes or who is a good Rotarian. Rotary […]

It’s an interesting word.  It is used for both hello and goodbye in Hawaiian, but it means so much more.  Aloha is an attitude.  You can interpret it to mean peace, love, or respect.  It is a very Rotarian word. As Rotarians, we practice Aloha. It is in our guiding principles, the objects of Rotary.  […]

I was going to write a message this month about not always following tradition.  It was about how to consider new alternatives, rather than “we’ve always done it that way.” I’m sure the message would have been wonderful, but instead I decided to not do what I have always done. This month, I encountered a […]

In 1985-1986 a Rotarian from Wenatchee, Washington became president of Rotary International with a theme of “You are the Key”.  I believe he was referring to the little notch that you see in the Rotary wheel.  It is a “keyway”.  If you have a driving wheel, you need to be able to connect the wheel […]

Imagine you are in heavy traffic. A vehicle with company signage cuts you off and makes rude gestures toward you. What if instead that vehicle with company signage allows you to ease into traffic and gives you a friendly wave. How do each of those scenarios affect your opinion of that company? What if that […]

One of the hot-button topics in society in general and Rotary clubs, in particular, is the concept of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI).  Rotary International has adopted DEI as a core value. The only problem is that almost everyone has a different idea of what DEI means. Diversity has always been a core value of […]

This is always an exciting time.  Club presidents and boards are stepping into their new roles.  Everyone is looking forward to a great year. We have additional excitement this year as we enter the first time in Rotary International’s 117-year history when we are led by a woman.  Female leadership is nothing new in Rotary […]