Greetings Rotarians,
I hope that each of you and your family members are doing well and staying safe. We are in the midst of some very challenging times. But with every challenge comes an opportunity. As I make my club visits (virtual that is), I am discovering that Clubs are not letting this pandemic keep them from doing good in their communities. Fund raisers and service projects that were done in the past may not be feasible today. But they are being very creative and discovering that there are other ways to have an impact on their communities. Rotarians are People of Action and society looks to us to make a difference. The world needs Rotary more now than ever before.October is Economic and Community Development Month. This is actually one of Rotary International's "Areas of Focus". Unemployment, underemployment, lack of economic opportunity, lack of appropriate training, and the absence of social safety nets lie at the core of poverty. For the poor, labor is often the only asset available to improve well-being. Creating productive employment opportunities is essential for reducing poverty and achieving sustainable economic and social development, and for providing income security and empowerment especially for women, people with disabilities, youth, and the extremely poor. Like education and health strategies, generating income and creating opportunities for a productive workforce and entrepreneurship are essential for reducing poverty. Rotary clubs all over the world work with communities to enhance economic and community development. Every community has different needs and different opportunities to serve.
October 24 is World Polio Day and we want to focus our attention on the eradication of polio this month. Many clubs have special events to raise money for Polio Plus. Please remember that every dollar Rotary raises to fight polio is matched with two dollars from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. I encourage Rotarians in District 5930 to "LEND A HELPING HAND" with our fight to eradicate Polio from the face of the Earth.
I am proud to be a Rotarian and blessed to serve as your District Governor this year.
Eddie