Today we were honored to be the first Club visited by our new District Governor, Gary Chenowith.
A Purdue graduate, Gary is a member of the Elk Rapids Club. He spoke first about Rotary International and its President, Shekhar Mehta. His theme is "Serve to Change Lives," and his main objective is to increase RI's global membership from 1.2 million to 1.3 million. North American membership has declined over the last 20 years, and "we need more Rotarians in the USA!"
Another of RI's objectives is Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. RI also has added a new focus--protecting the environment. At the same time we need to stay the course with respect to polio.
Gary also talked about objectives at the District level, which include:
- Identifying more passionate leaders for both Clubs and the District
- A new internet platform with year-round seminars and programs
- An emphasis on new members, including new Interact Clubs
- More international opportunities such as HANWASH (Haiti National Clean Water, Sanitation & Hygiene Strategy)
- Grant Management
- Polio Plus Society
- Live District Conference at the Grand Traverse Resort from May 12-15, 2022
In the Q&A session Gary noted that the District has increased funds available for Clubs with respect to publicity and the like.