Today we watched the presentation that Rotary International President Elect Jennifer Jones gave at Great Lake PETS in Kalamazoo.
Jennifer talked about finding inspiration in Rotary.  She told of a colleague who was a Rotarian for thirty years before getting involved in a service project that touched him to the extent that he finally "got" Rotary.  Another Rotarian suggested that--as with children--if you want Rotarians to become responsible members, give them responsibilities.
 
How can we think differently about Rotary?  While we have brought in more than a million new Rotarians, we have also lost that many.  In looking at how to fix that situation Jennifer said that in lieu of exit interviews we should ask new and existing members what they would like to get out of Rotary--making members fall in love with their club.
 
Jennifer brought us up to date on our long-term battle with polio.  We are down to a single case, but we still need to immunize for another three years.  Then if all goes well, we'll cross the finish line in 2026.
 
In terms of inspiration Jennifer talked about the Gift of Life mission that provides open heart surgery for children who can't afford it.  She attended the successful surgery on a six-month old girl, changing the girl's life from one of despair to one of hope.
 
Finally, Jennifer talked about sending medical supplies to victims in Ukraine, noting that Rotary is an organization without borders or boundaries.  She concluded her presentation by inviting everyone to sign along with John Lennon's "Imagine."  Jennifer's video prentation is available through this link.