The Power of Connection

The power of connection is essential to improving life. We embrace our differences, recognizing that our diversity is our strength. This sentiment echoes the powerful words of founding father Thomas Heyward, Jr. "We mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor." These words remind us that our connections are built on mutual commitment, not self-interest.

Rotary meetings, much like smartphones, are tools for connection. But unlike the fleeting interactions of social media, our gatherings are opportunities to learn, to share, and to grow together. We connect not to get, but to give. In a world increasingly divided by tribalism, Rotary stands as a melting pot where different perspectives and backgrounds meld together, creating something new and inspiring. We celebrate our common values rather than blaming others for our differences.

The purpose of our leaders is not just to manage tasks, but to inspire and motivate. A true leader communicates the ethos and purpose of Rotary, building a shared motivation within the team to achieve our common goals.

In our interactions, we strive to build up rather than tear down. We seek to find ways to give people a hand up rather than a handout. We ask questions to understand and solve problems, not to undermine or criticize. The questions we can't answer and the answers we can't question drive us to seek out new knowledge and perspectives. This process helps us help others solve their own problems, fostering independence and growth.

Our values as Rotarians are reflected in our actions every day. We're constantly writing our legacy, not through grand gestures, but through the everyday acts of kindness and service. Our legacy is defined not by what we leave behind, but by the people we have helped. We understand that living a life worth dying for means making a lasting impact on those around us. This impact will be etched into the minds of others through the stories they tell about us and serve as future lessons.

Through our efforts, we show that true connection transcends individual differences and builds a stronger, more inclusive community. Together, we create a legacy of compassion, integrity, and lasting change. Work, as my dad wisely said, "is only work if you’d rather be doing something else." For us, the work of Rotary is a passion, a calling. It's a testament to the power of connection, the strength that lies in our differences, and the enduring impact of service.