RI’s Annual Presidential Themes

LAST week, I featured the various notable RI Presidential themes over the years — Be a Gift to the World. Lead the Way. Goodwill Begins with You. Be the Inspiration. Create hope in the World. You are the Key. Kindle the Spark Within. Take Time to Serve. Be a Friend. Lend a Hand. Make Dreams Real. Serve to Change Lives. Sow the Seed of Love. Peace Through Service. Create Awareness – Take Action.

Notably, Rotary International is planning to discontinue this tradition of annual presidential themes in the next Rotary year. RI President Stephanie Urchick has announced that her theme, The Magic of Rotary, will be the final one in this longstanding tradition, which began in 1949-1950. To recall, it was in 1949 when RI President Percy C. Hodgson announced his 83-word theme, which included a list of four objectives. Since then, RI Presidents adopted shorter themes that evolved over the years.

The initiative to put an end to this 66-year-old tradition reflects the on-going discussions within Rotary about focusing more on continuity rather than yearly thematic shifts. This also shows that RI now aims to maintain its strategic priorities while ensuring that Rotary clubs worldwide continue to engage in meaningful service and outreach without the structure of annual themes.

I personally welcome RI’s move or plan to discontinue this tradition, as this will keep the focus on Rotary’s values and overarching motto: service above self. It will also pave the way for a much shorter, no add-ons, and no-frills title for Club Presidents. In other words, there will no longer be any unnecessary adjective to further describe the presidents of the Rotary Clubs.

On November 30, our very own Anton Mauricio will officially end his stint as General Manager of the government’s investment arm, the National Development Corporation (NDC). Serving with the rank of Undersecretary, DIS Anton competently took the helm of NDC and paved the way for various innovative reforms and trailblazing initiatives. Rendering public service in any capacity is surely one of the meaningful contributions that a citizen of this country can offer. Anton, who has been in the private sector all his life, did exactly that; and for sure, he will always look back to his NDC General Manager stint as a chapter of personal and professional growth and fulfillment. Well done and welcome back, Anton!

Congratulations to DG Jackie Rodriguez for successfully mounting a nationwide Alay Lakad activity last Sunday, November 24. Your hardwork and earnest efforts truly paid off. Hats off, too, to the Manila Rotarians led by President Jujut and Chair/AS Arik Carranceja, who participated in this milestone event.