In my work and personal life, any time there is a misunderstanding, at the root of it, is usually communication. What was said, what wasn’t said, unstated expectations, and stated frustrations. This Rotary month’s theme is World Understanding.  I’d like to examine that through the lens of our mission statement and our vision statement.

• Mission Statement:  Why we exist – our purpose.
• Vision Statement:  What it will look like when our mission is fulfilled.

Rotary’s Mission Statement: We provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through our fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders.

At the heart of our purpose for existence, lies understanding, goodwill, and peace. Sometimes I wonder as Rotarians if when we think about “peace”, we think about – “those other people, in that other country.”   

Rotary’s Vision Statement:  Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.

For me, “Be the Inspiration” was a calling to take action, and I thought a lot about how important our role is in today’s world – whether it’s across the globe, or in our back yard. A call to action to be great humans on this earth, and inspire others to do the same. At this year’s District Celebration (District Conference), we are hosting our first Rotary District 5400 Peace Institute.  

We will explore civility in our community, bullying, trafficking, and more. We will talk about how we create understanding, and thus peace - across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.  I believe we could use a little more peace everywhere, and I’m hoping that you’ll join me as a Rotarian to take action, and aspire to inspire, a world that needs it.  

See you at the District Celebration in May!