PDG John Davis – RI D9800 Foundation Director
John began by saying that Change and Sustainability are the current “in” words of Rotary International and The Rotary Foundation and the question of whether Rotary, 107 years after it was formed, now is at the top of its life cycle and about to decline or will it continue to do good in the world in its 2nd century. Membership has plateaued and as an organization we are not attracting young adults
Is it because our organization is too rigid, and are the trappings of Rotary, with weekly meetings etc still relevant in the 21st century.
Rotary International has realized that to make an impact on achieving major goals, it needs powerful friends and partners such as the relationship with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Recently Rotary formed a partnership with UNESCO-IHE institute for water education. This is where Rotary is heading, it has the vision, and in many cases, the manpower but needs the finance and critical mass of major corporations and government bodies. These major projects require long term commitment and while Rotary needs to meet the challenges of a changing world, its core values remain as strong as ever. John then spoke of bringing changes to the club and District level. Rotary Foundation is shifting to funding major programs rather than a multitude of small programs. The Future Vision program now has three grants, District, Global and Packaged grants. John spoke on District Grants and the new structure. He concluded by saying the world needs Rotary and Rotary needs a strong Rotary Foundation if it is to continue its good works.