On Rotary Leadership: Be the Change (Part II)

Now, you ask yourself, what could a simple Rotarian like myself do? There is plenty that you can do, my dear Rotarian, if you will support your club in initiating projects that could alleviate the plight of our less fortunate fellowmen through feeding programs and free health care services. If you are a medical practitioner, perhaps you could volunteer some of your precious time to give free consultations or medical assistance. You may also participate in club projects to initiate, develop and implement projects that promote livelihood programs for the marginalized communities which have the possibility of providing long-term solutions to the vicious cycle of poverty.

This is the time that we begin awareness amongst us, that we, Rotarians who are capable financially as well as capable to bring about change and uplift the lives of many, must act in unity to give the needy a chance to live, a chance to dream and a chance to become themselves contributing citizens to our communities and country.

Bringing about change will not be easy. It will require of every one of us a strong conviction or for each one to take a firm position on a certain issue. It may put anyone in a difficult position. But if you believe in what you do, I advise you to forge ahead and follow your dream. Do not be dissuaded by mean critics, instead, take criticisms constructively and find ways to improve more.

Let me please end this article by quoting Past RI President Bitchai Rattakul, my own Rotary International president as a Loving President. He said: “Virtues of intelligence, integrity, and courage alone are not enough for the leadership that Rotary expects of you. If you are to be a successful leader, you must have the capacity to stand strong under reverses, to rise from periodic defeat and to dedicate yourselves to the ultimate goal. Profit from the mistakes of the past and learn from these experiences. Never be ashamed to own that you have been in the wrong. It is a way of saying that you are wiser today than you were yesterday.”

President Bitchai also said: “Forming convictions is a natural outcome of the process. If you recognize opportunities, make hard choices, develop focus, and exercise some daring, you will be living life to the fullest. And it is only through living life that you experience the joys, the sadness, the exhilaration and the pain that come with experiencing the consequences of your actions. This is what I mean by conviction. This is what a true leader should profess. As your convictions grow, your contributions to Rotary grow.”

As President Bitchai said, we must stand by our principles and convictions. Like the lotus flower, we must remain unaffected but continue to perform our duties as Rotarians holding on to such convictions and principles. I wish you God’s blessings, and may you live your life like the lotus flower, peaceful, content and free from mundane attachments.