RI President-Elect Germ Reveals Official Presidential Theme for RY 2016-2017

Speaking before incoming district governors last January 18, 2016 at the International Assembly in San Diego, California, USA, RI President-Elect John F. Germ unveiled the 2016-2017 Presidential Theme, “Rotary Serving Humanity”. According to him, Rotary’s founder, Paul Harris, believed that serving humanity is “the most worthwhile thing a person can do,” and that being part of Rotary is a “great opportunity” to make that happen. He likewise said that “Rotary members around the globe are serving humanity by providing clean water to underdeveloped communities, promoting peace in conflict areas, and strengthening communities through basic education and literacy. But none more important than our work to eradicate polio worldwide.”

Further, he added that “people who want to do good will see that Rotary is a place where they can change the world. Every Rotary club needs to be ready to give them that opportunity.”

On the aspect of boosting membership, Germ, a member of the Rotary Club of Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA, said that ”we need clubs that are flexible, so our service will be more attractive to younger members, recent retirees, and working people.” Also, he was quick to add that “we need more willing hands, more caring hearts, and more bright minds to move our work forward.”