Rotary Ireland’s new District Governor has officially taken up the reins and launched a new ‘Vision Statement’ for Rotary of the future.
Speaking at the annual District Conference for Rotary Ireland in Belfast, attended by more than 300 Rotarians from across the island of Ireland, William outline his plans for increasing membership from 2,000 to 2,500 by 2022 – an ambitious 25%.
He also made a pledge to increase the number of clubs from 72 to 95 across Ireland to include a younger demographic, raise the profile of the 114-year-old organisation and to support those in need both globally and locally through an ethos of ‘Service above Self’.
William’s new vision outlines plans to recruit more members into existing Rotary Clubs, continue to increase diversity by bringing in more woman and younger members and by targeting the broadest possible spread of ethnicity and socio-economic backgrounds.
I’d challenge anyone to come along and find out more about your local club.”
There will also be a new focus on establishing Rotary clubs in towns and communities which don’t currently have one.
These new clubs will not conform to a rigid model, but will adapt to the lifestyle of their members so as to give the maximum possible opportunity for people to get involved in doing some good in the world.
William explained: “I am thrilled to be starting my new role as District Governor for Rotary Ireland during what is such an exciting time for Rotary.”
“Globally, we are on the verge of eliminating polio, this will be only the second disease in history, after smallpox, to have ever been eradicated.
Rotary is a vibrant organisation with some wonderful opportunities for members to get involved in real life changing activities.”
“We are also at an all-time high with the number of bikes we are sending to children in Africa with our School Bikes Africa project. These bikes are making a real and lasting difference to their lives and education.
“More locally we have over 70 clubs across Ireland, all of which are pro-actively creating events and projects that are making a real difference to people in their local communities.
“In 2019, we are pledging to have our greatest year fundraising through the Tree of Remembrance project which in past years has raised in excess of £250,000.
“The youth services element of the organisation is striving for excellence and offering young people in Ireland a range of opportunities to get involved with some fantastic competitions which will inevitably help them further develop both personally and in their careers.
“Our projects such as Youth Leadership Development, Young Citizens, Young Writer and Young Chef, are just a few.”
William told the Belfast gathering that Rotary needs more people of action to make a difference in their communities.
He added: “Rotary is a vibrant organisation with some wonderful opportunities for members to get involved in real life changing activities.
“I’ve been a Rotarian for 19 and it is one of the most rewarding things I have ever done.
“I have made countless friends, got involved with numerous projects I wouldn’t normally have had the opportunity to be involved with, supported my local community by giving my time and knowledge to make lives of those not so well off as others.
“I’ve travelled to Strasbourg with some of the most impressive young people I have ever had the pleasure to meet and I’ve even delivered speeches to large crowds of like-minded people.
“I’d challenge anyone to come along and find out more about your local club, we’d love more Rotarians in Ireland to join us.
“I’d ask those that see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in themselves to reach out and be a part of the Rotary family.”
Find out more about Rotary in Ireland by visiting their website.
To get involved with your local Rotary club, please complete our online form and a member of our team will be in touch.
