Lou reminded us that our new Rotary International President Ron Burton’s theme is to ‘Engage Rotary, Change Lives.’  Lou gave us six priorities to work on in our club to accomplish this

First, we are to work on enhancing our brand.  A study was done and they found 4 things that set Rotarians apart from most service organizations.  1)We act differently because of the 4 Way Test.  2)We think differently because we come from so many different professional backgrounds. 3)We have great passion and perseverance. 4)We do community service on a global scale. 

The second priority is the future vision.  We are entering a new and exciting Future Vision for our Foundation, a new Grant Model and most importantly, an expanded District Grant program giving the Clubs more money to do great local service projects.

The third priority was to enhance our public image.  Lou encouraged us to email pictures of Rotarians in service to the district website at [email protected].

The fourth priority is to increase membership.  However, Lou reminded us not to chase numbers, but rather to chase good people. 

The fifth priority is youth service.  Three years ago, the New Generations program was started and has become Rotary’s fifth avenue of service. Every year, thousands of talented and dedicated young people, ages 12-30, have an incredible experience in a New Generations program.  As Rotaractors and Interactors, they serve in communities at home and abroad. Through Rotary Youth Exchange, they explore new cultures. And as Rotary Youth Leadership Awards participants, they learn skills that will help them succeed as future community leaders.  

The sixth priority is to embrace and engage the family members of Rotarians.  We should try our best to include the family members of Rotarians in our social events and our service.

Finally, Lou reminded us that we are fortunate to have the 2014 District Conference here in Charleston on March 28-30, 2014 .   

Submitted by Doug Holmes, Keyway Committee