This series on the History of Rotary is a reproduced from a series of posts on Rotary Club of Bandar Sungai Petani's Facebook page from 9th to 23rd February 2014, which is the anniversary of Rotary.
Engage Rotary, Change Lives
RI President Ron D. Burton unveiled the RI theme during the opening plenary session of the 2013 International Assembly in San Diego, California, USA, the annual training event for incoming district governors.
“If we really want to take Rotary service forward, then we must make sure that every single Rotarian has the same feeling about Rotary that each one of us here has today,” Burton said. “We need to make sure that every Rotarian has a meaningful role to play, that they’re all making a contribution, and that their contribution is valued.”
Burton said the July launch of The Rotary Foundation’s new grant model, Future Vision, makes it an exciting time to be a Rotarian. He said the new grant model, which has been used by about 100 pilot districts since 2010, represents a new era for the Foundation, and will help Rotarians get excited about Rotary’s ability to change lives.
“It takes everything that is wonderful about Rotary and raises it to a new level — by encouraging bigger, more sustainable projects while providing increased flexibility for local projects, both of which address the needs of the community being served,” he said.
Burton asked the incoming district governors to take the lead in helping their clubs through the transition, with the assistance of their district Rotary Foundation chairs, who also attended the assembly this year. The training sessions are focusing heavily on equipping these leaders to go back to their districts as experts on the new grant model.
Before the assembly, Burton asked each of the incoming governors to make a donation in their name to The Rotary Foundation in order to demonstrate leadership by example. At the assembly, he announced that all 537 governors-elect had complied; along with donations from all RI Board members and Foundation Trustees, the contributions totalled US$675,412.
“Now, I have to believe that some of this is money that The Rotary Foundation probably would not have received had I not asked. And I think that this is an important lesson” he said. “If you want somebody else to do something, you can just sit around and wait for them to get the idea, or you can ask.”
Burton applied that lesson also to membership development, which he insisted is the responsibility of every Rotarian. He told the audience that although he had been an active member of the Key Club, a youth program of Kiwanis International, he went on to join Rotary simply because the Rotary Club of Norman, Oklahoma, invited him to.
“You have to ask,” he said.
But Burton emphasized that the job doesn’t end when a new member joins: “It’s not done until that new member is engaged in Rotary, inspired by Rotary, and uses the power of Rotary service to change lives.”
Previous Rotary Annual Themes.
• 2012-2013 Peace Through Service
• 2011-2012 Reach Within to Embrace Humanity
• 2010-2011 Building Communities Bridging Continents
• 2009-2010 The Future of Rotary is in Your Hands
• 2008-2009 Make Dreams Real
• 2007-2008 Rotary Shares
• 2006-2007 Lead the Way
• 2005-2006 Service Above Self
• 2004-2005 Celebrate Rotary
• 2003-2004 Lend A Hand
• 2002-2003 Sow the Seeds of Love
• 2001-2002 Mankind is Our Business
• 2000-2001 Create Awareness…Take Action
• 1999-2000 Act with Consistency, Credibility, Continuity
• 1998-1999 Follow Your Rotary Dream
• 1997-1998 Show Rotary Cares
• 1996-1997 Build the Future with Action and Vision
• 1995-1996 Act with Integrity - Serve with Love - Work for Peace
• 1994-1995 Be A Friend
• 1993-1994 Believe In what You Can Do - Do what You Believe In
• 1992-1993 Real Happiness is Help Others
• 1991-1992 Look Beyond Yourself
• 1990-1991 Honor Rotary with Faith and Enthusiasm
• 1989-1990 Enjoy Rotary
• 1988-1989 Put Life in Rotary - Your Life
• 1987-1988 Rotarians - United in Service Dedicated to Peace
• 1986-1987 Rotary Brings Hope
• 1985-1986 You Are the Key
• 1984-1985 Discover a New World of Service
• 1983-1984 Share Rotary - Serve People
• 1982-1983 Mankind is One-Build Bridges of Friendship Throughout the World
• 1981-1982 World Understand and Peace
• 1980-1981 Take Time to Serve
• 1979-1980 Let Service Light the Way
• 1978-1979 Reach Out
• 1977-1978 Serve to Unite Mankind
• 1976-1977 I Believe in Rotary
• 1975-1976 To Dignify the Human Being
• 1974-1975 Renew the Spirit of Rotary
• 1973-1974 A Time for Action
• 1972-1973 Let's Take a New Look and Act
• 1971-1972 Good Will Begins with You
• 1970-1971 Bridge the Gaps
• 1969-1970 Review and Renew
• 1968-1969 Participate
• 1967-1968 Make Your Rotary Membership Effective
• 1966-1967 Better World through Rotary
• 1965-1966 Action, Consolidation and Continuity
• 1964-1965 Live Rotary
• 1963-1964 Meeting Rotary's Challenge in the Space Age
• 1962-1963 Kindle the Spark Within
• 1961-1962 Act. Aim for Action. Communication For Understanding. Test for Leadership.
• 1960-1961 You are Rotary - Live it!
• 1959-1960 Vitalize! Personalize! Build Bridges of Friendship
• 1958-1959 Help Shape the Future
• 1957-1958 Enlist-Extend-Explore-Serve
• 1956-1957 Keep Rotary Simple
• 1955-1956 Develop Our Resources
“If we really want to take Rotary service forward, then we must make sure that every single Rotarian has the same feeling about Rotary that each one of us here has today,” Burton said. “We need to make sure that every Rotarian has a meaningful role to play, that they’re all making a contribution, and that their contribution is valued.”
Burton said the July launch of The Rotary Foundation’s new grant model, Future Vision, makes it an exciting time to be a Rotarian. He said the new grant model, which has been used by about 100 pilot districts since 2010, represents a new era for the Foundation, and will help Rotarians get excited about Rotary’s ability to change lives.
“It takes everything that is wonderful about Rotary and raises it to a new level — by encouraging bigger, more sustainable projects while providing increased flexibility for local projects, both of which address the needs of the community being served,” he said.
Burton asked the incoming district governors to take the lead in helping their clubs through the transition, with the assistance of their district Rotary Foundation chairs, who also attended the assembly this year. The training sessions are focusing heavily on equipping these leaders to go back to their districts as experts on the new grant model.
Before the assembly, Burton asked each of the incoming governors to make a donation in their name to The Rotary Foundation in order to demonstrate leadership by example. At the assembly, he announced that all 537 governors-elect had complied; along with donations from all RI Board members and Foundation Trustees, the contributions totalled US$675,412.
“Now, I have to believe that some of this is money that The Rotary Foundation probably would not have received had I not asked. And I think that this is an important lesson” he said. “If you want somebody else to do something, you can just sit around and wait for them to get the idea, or you can ask.”
Burton applied that lesson also to membership development, which he insisted is the responsibility of every Rotarian. He told the audience that although he had been an active member of the Key Club, a youth program of Kiwanis International, he went on to join Rotary simply because the Rotary Club of Norman, Oklahoma, invited him to.
“You have to ask,” he said.
But Burton emphasized that the job doesn’t end when a new member joins: “It’s not done until that new member is engaged in Rotary, inspired by Rotary, and uses the power of Rotary service to change lives.”
Previous Rotary Annual Themes.
• 2012-2013 Peace Through Service
• 2011-2012 Reach Within to Embrace Humanity
• 2010-2011 Building Communities Bridging Continents
• 2009-2010 The Future of Rotary is in Your Hands
• 2008-2009 Make Dreams Real
• 2007-2008 Rotary Shares
• 2006-2007 Lead the Way
• 2005-2006 Service Above Self
• 2004-2005 Celebrate Rotary
• 2003-2004 Lend A Hand
• 2002-2003 Sow the Seeds of Love
• 2001-2002 Mankind is Our Business
• 2000-2001 Create Awareness…Take Action
• 1999-2000 Act with Consistency, Credibility, Continuity
• 1998-1999 Follow Your Rotary Dream
• 1997-1998 Show Rotary Cares
• 1996-1997 Build the Future with Action and Vision
• 1995-1996 Act with Integrity - Serve with Love - Work for Peace
• 1994-1995 Be A Friend
• 1993-1994 Believe In what You Can Do - Do what You Believe In
• 1992-1993 Real Happiness is Help Others
• 1991-1992 Look Beyond Yourself
• 1990-1991 Honor Rotary with Faith and Enthusiasm
• 1989-1990 Enjoy Rotary
• 1988-1989 Put Life in Rotary - Your Life
• 1987-1988 Rotarians - United in Service Dedicated to Peace
• 1986-1987 Rotary Brings Hope
• 1985-1986 You Are the Key
• 1984-1985 Discover a New World of Service
• 1983-1984 Share Rotary - Serve People
• 1982-1983 Mankind is One-Build Bridges of Friendship Throughout the World
• 1981-1982 World Understand and Peace
• 1980-1981 Take Time to Serve
• 1979-1980 Let Service Light the Way
• 1978-1979 Reach Out
• 1977-1978 Serve to Unite Mankind
• 1976-1977 I Believe in Rotary
• 1975-1976 To Dignify the Human Being
• 1974-1975 Renew the Spirit of Rotary
• 1973-1974 A Time for Action
• 1972-1973 Let's Take a New Look and Act
• 1971-1972 Good Will Begins with You
• 1970-1971 Bridge the Gaps
• 1969-1970 Review and Renew
• 1968-1969 Participate
• 1967-1968 Make Your Rotary Membership Effective
• 1966-1967 Better World through Rotary
• 1965-1966 Action, Consolidation and Continuity
• 1964-1965 Live Rotary
• 1963-1964 Meeting Rotary's Challenge in the Space Age
• 1962-1963 Kindle the Spark Within
• 1961-1962 Act. Aim for Action. Communication For Understanding. Test for Leadership.
• 1960-1961 You are Rotary - Live it!
• 1959-1960 Vitalize! Personalize! Build Bridges of Friendship
• 1958-1959 Help Shape the Future
• 1957-1958 Enlist-Extend-Explore-Serve
• 1956-1957 Keep Rotary Simple
• 1955-1956 Develop Our Resources
Ron D. Burton
President 2013-14
President of Rotary International
Ron D. Burton
President 2013-14
Rotary Club of Norman
Oklahoma, USA
Ron D. Burton retired as president of the University of Oklahoma Foundation Inc. in 2007. He is a member of the U.S. Supreme Court Bar, the Oklahoma Bar Association, and the Cleveland County Bar Association. He is also a member of the American Bar Association, the ABA Section of Taxation Exempt Organizations Committee, and the ABA Section of Real Property, Probate, and Trust Committee on Charitable Organizations. He was vice president of the Last Frontier Council of the Boy Scouts of America and received the Silver Beaver Award. He also received the Norman United Way and Junior League Volunteer of the Year Civic Award.
A Rotarian since 1979, Burton has served RI as director, president’s aide, RI president’s representative, committee and task force member, Rotary information counselor, zone trainer, International Assembly group discussion leader and moderator, Council on Legislation representative, and district governor. He also chaired the 2011 New Orleans Convention Committee. As director, he served as chair of the Executive, Administration, and Audit Committees.
His extensive service to The Rotary Foundation includes vice chair and member of the Foundation Trustees, vice chair of the Future Vision Committee, and member of the International PolioPlus Committee and PolioPlus Speakers Bureau. Other service includes national adviser for the Permanent Fund Initiative, member of Permanent Fund Leadership Team, and consultant to the Development Committee. In addition, he has served as a regional Rotary Foundation coordinator and moderator of the regional Rotary Foundation coordinator training program.
Burton has received the RI Service Above Self Award and the Foundation’s Citation for Meritorious Service, Distinguished Service Award, and International Service Award for a Polio-Free World. He and his wife, Jetta, are Paul Harris Fellows, Benefactors, Major Donors, and members of the Paul Harris, Bequest, and Arch C. Klumph Societies
Ron D. Burton
President 2013-14
Rotary Club of Norman
Oklahoma, USA
Ron D. Burton retired as president of the University of Oklahoma Foundation Inc. in 2007. He is a member of the U.S. Supreme Court Bar, the Oklahoma Bar Association, and the Cleveland County Bar Association. He is also a member of the American Bar Association, the ABA Section of Taxation Exempt Organizations Committee, and the ABA Section of Real Property, Probate, and Trust Committee on Charitable Organizations. He was vice president of the Last Frontier Council of the Boy Scouts of America and received the Silver Beaver Award. He also received the Norman United Way and Junior League Volunteer of the Year Civic Award.
A Rotarian since 1979, Burton has served RI as director, president’s aide, RI president’s representative, committee and task force member, Rotary information counselor, zone trainer, International Assembly group discussion leader and moderator, Council on Legislation representative, and district governor. He also chaired the 2011 New Orleans Convention Committee. As director, he served as chair of the Executive, Administration, and Audit Committees.
His extensive service to The Rotary Foundation includes vice chair and member of the Foundation Trustees, vice chair of the Future Vision Committee, and member of the International PolioPlus Committee and PolioPlus Speakers Bureau. Other service includes national adviser for the Permanent Fund Initiative, member of Permanent Fund Leadership Team, and consultant to the Development Committee. In addition, he has served as a regional Rotary Foundation coordinator and moderator of the regional Rotary Foundation coordinator training program.
Burton has received the RI Service Above Self Award and the Foundation’s Citation for Meritorious Service, Distinguished Service Award, and International Service Award for a Polio-Free World. He and his wife, Jetta, are Paul Harris Fellows, Benefactors, Major Donors, and members of the Paul Harris, Bequest, and Arch C. Klumph Societies
20 Reasons to Join A Rotary Club
The Opportunity to Serve
Rotary is a service club. This is perhaps the best reason for becoming a Rotarian - the chance to do something for somebody else.
Friendship
A basic human need - One of the two reasons Paul Harris began Rotary in 1905.
Business Development
The second original reason for Rotary's beginning. Everyone needs to network.
Personal Growth
Membership in Rotary continues one's growth and education in human relations and personal development.
Leadership Development
Serving in Rotary positions is like a college education in Leadership.
Community
Membership and involvement in a Rotary club makes one a better community citizen.
Continuing Education
Each week at Rotary there is a program designed to inform and enlighten.
Fun
Rotary is fun. The club projects are fun. Social activities are fun. And the service is fun.
Public Speaking Skills
Rotary develops confidence and skill in public communication, and the opportunity to use it.
Citizenship in the World
There are few places on the globe which do not have a Rotary club - instant friends in both the local community and in the world community.
Travel Assistance
Rotary clubs everywhere may assist in quickly obtaining services of a doctor, lawyer, dentist, etc., while travelling.
Entertainment
Every Rotary club and district has parties and activities that provide social fun and camaraderie.
Develop Social Skills
Every week and at various events and functions, Rotary develops one's personality, social and people skills.
Next Generation Programs
Rotary provides one of the world's largest youth exchange programs; high school and college clubs for future Rotarians, and youth leadership programs.
Vocational Skills
Rotary fosters growth and development in each person's profession or vocation and encourages sharing this development with others.
Ethics Reinforcement
Rotarians practice a 4-way Test which governs ethical standards. Rotarians are expected to be ethical in business and personal relationships.
Cultural Awareness
Rotary is a cross section of the world's most prominent citizens from every background. Rotarians learn to love and work with people everywhere.
Prestige
Rotary is the oldest and most prestigious service club in the world.
Nice People
Rotarians are important people who adhere to the policy that while it is nice to be important, it is more important to be nice.
No “official creed”
Rotary is an open society of men and women who simply believe in helping others.
Rotary is a service club. This is perhaps the best reason for becoming a Rotarian - the chance to do something for somebody else.
Friendship
A basic human need - One of the two reasons Paul Harris began Rotary in 1905.
Business Development
The second original reason for Rotary's beginning. Everyone needs to network.
Personal Growth
Membership in Rotary continues one's growth and education in human relations and personal development.
Leadership Development
Serving in Rotary positions is like a college education in Leadership.
Community
Membership and involvement in a Rotary club makes one a better community citizen.
Continuing Education
Each week at Rotary there is a program designed to inform and enlighten.
Fun
Rotary is fun. The club projects are fun. Social activities are fun. And the service is fun.
Public Speaking Skills
Rotary develops confidence and skill in public communication, and the opportunity to use it.
Citizenship in the World
There are few places on the globe which do not have a Rotary club - instant friends in both the local community and in the world community.
Travel Assistance
Rotary clubs everywhere may assist in quickly obtaining services of a doctor, lawyer, dentist, etc., while travelling.
Entertainment
Every Rotary club and district has parties and activities that provide social fun and camaraderie.
Develop Social Skills
Every week and at various events and functions, Rotary develops one's personality, social and people skills.
Next Generation Programs
Rotary provides one of the world's largest youth exchange programs; high school and college clubs for future Rotarians, and youth leadership programs.
Vocational Skills
Rotary fosters growth and development in each person's profession or vocation and encourages sharing this development with others.
Ethics Reinforcement
Rotarians practice a 4-way Test which governs ethical standards. Rotarians are expected to be ethical in business and personal relationships.
Cultural Awareness
Rotary is a cross section of the world's most prominent citizens from every background. Rotarians learn to love and work with people everywhere.
Prestige
Rotary is the oldest and most prestigious service club in the world.
Nice People
Rotarians are important people who adhere to the policy that while it is nice to be important, it is more important to be nice.
No “official creed”
Rotary is an open society of men and women who simply believe in helping others.
Famous Rotarians...
The 'Colonel' Harland Sanders 1890-1980
The founder of the Kentucky Fried Chicken fast-food empire. At age 29, he was a founding member of the Rotary Club of Jeffersonville, Indiana. The Colonel went on to join two other clubs and remained an active member in Rotary until his death in his 90th year. He also wore cool white suits!
President John Fitzgerald Kennedy 1917-1963
The 35th President of the United States of America was a member of the Rotary Club of Hyannis, Massachusetts.
Edgar "Daddy" Allan 1862-1937
Founder of the Easter Seals organization dedicated to helping people with physical disabilities. He was first an honorary member, then an active member, of the Rotary Club of Elyria, Ohio. His organization got underway when he convinced several Rotary clubs in Ohio to fund-raise to help address the needs of the many children physically devastated by polio. His organization was the first grant recipient of the Rotary International Foundation.
Dr. Charles H. Mayo 1865-1939
Co-founder of the world-renowned Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Dr. Mayo was a member of the Rotary Club of Rochester, Minnesota and served as its Club President.
Admiral Richard E. Byrd 1888-1957
The famous Arctic & Antarctic explorer and aviation pioneer was a member of the Rotary Club of Winchester, Virginia. It is reported that in 1922, Admiral Byrd brought his club's pennant flag in his expedition to the South Pole. He reportedly did the same in 1926 when he went to the North Pole.
Guglielmo Marconi 1874-1937
Inventor of commercially-viable wireless radio. Marconi was an active member of the Rotary Club of Bologna, Italy.
Sidney "Charlie Chan" Toler 1874-1947
In the 30's & 40's Toler starred as "Charlie Chan" in more than a dozen movies. He has an interesting connection to Rotary. Between 1914 to 1917, Toler, an American, was living in Halifax, Nova Scotia, working as an actor and playwright. He joined the Rotary Club of Halifax and was a member in the year his club sponsored the Rotary Club of Charlottetown. Toler left Halifax & went on to become a Broadway star. In the 1930's he took on the role for which he is most remembered - Charlie Chan .
President Jimmy Carter
The 39th President of the United States of America, was, prior to his Presidency, a submariner (nuclear engineering), a peanut farmer, a State Senator, and Governor of Georgia. He was also a Rotarian. In 1984 he was awarded the Rotary International Award for World Understanding.
Orville Wright 1871-1948
Aviation pioneer & inventor, Orville Wright was co-inventor of the first successful airplane. He also was a member of the Rotary Club of Dayton, Ohio.
Emmanuel "Manny" Dapidran Pacquiao
World champion professional boxer and politician, RC Manila 101, Philippines
And many more like :-
Franklin D. Roosevelt (Former U.S. President)
Konrad Adenauer (former German Chancellor)
Neil Armstrong (American astronaut)
Angela Merkel (German Chancellor)
Nicolas Sarkozy (Former French President)
Margaret Thatcher (Former British Prime Minister)
Walt Disney (American film producer)
Bill Gates (American software entrepreneur)
Ronald Reagan (Former U.S. President)
George W. Bush (Former U.S. President)
Richard Nixon (Former U.S. President)
Rainier III. (Prince of Monaco)
Hassan II (King of Morocco)
Asif Ali Zardari (former Pakistan President)
The founder of the Kentucky Fried Chicken fast-food empire. At age 29, he was a founding member of the Rotary Club of Jeffersonville, Indiana. The Colonel went on to join two other clubs and remained an active member in Rotary until his death in his 90th year. He also wore cool white suits!
President John Fitzgerald Kennedy 1917-1963
The 35th President of the United States of America was a member of the Rotary Club of Hyannis, Massachusetts.
Edgar "Daddy" Allan 1862-1937
Founder of the Easter Seals organization dedicated to helping people with physical disabilities. He was first an honorary member, then an active member, of the Rotary Club of Elyria, Ohio. His organization got underway when he convinced several Rotary clubs in Ohio to fund-raise to help address the needs of the many children physically devastated by polio. His organization was the first grant recipient of the Rotary International Foundation.
Dr. Charles H. Mayo 1865-1939
Co-founder of the world-renowned Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Dr. Mayo was a member of the Rotary Club of Rochester, Minnesota and served as its Club President.
Admiral Richard E. Byrd 1888-1957
The famous Arctic & Antarctic explorer and aviation pioneer was a member of the Rotary Club of Winchester, Virginia. It is reported that in 1922, Admiral Byrd brought his club's pennant flag in his expedition to the South Pole. He reportedly did the same in 1926 when he went to the North Pole.
Guglielmo Marconi 1874-1937
Inventor of commercially-viable wireless radio. Marconi was an active member of the Rotary Club of Bologna, Italy.
Sidney "Charlie Chan" Toler 1874-1947
In the 30's & 40's Toler starred as "Charlie Chan" in more than a dozen movies. He has an interesting connection to Rotary. Between 1914 to 1917, Toler, an American, was living in Halifax, Nova Scotia, working as an actor and playwright. He joined the Rotary Club of Halifax and was a member in the year his club sponsored the Rotary Club of Charlottetown. Toler left Halifax & went on to become a Broadway star. In the 1930's he took on the role for which he is most remembered - Charlie Chan .
President Jimmy Carter
The 39th President of the United States of America, was, prior to his Presidency, a submariner (nuclear engineering), a peanut farmer, a State Senator, and Governor of Georgia. He was also a Rotarian. In 1984 he was awarded the Rotary International Award for World Understanding.
Orville Wright 1871-1948
Aviation pioneer & inventor, Orville Wright was co-inventor of the first successful airplane. He also was a member of the Rotary Club of Dayton, Ohio.
Emmanuel "Manny" Dapidran Pacquiao
World champion professional boxer and politician, RC Manila 101, Philippines
And many more like :-
Franklin D. Roosevelt (Former U.S. President)
Konrad Adenauer (former German Chancellor)
Neil Armstrong (American astronaut)
Angela Merkel (German Chancellor)
Nicolas Sarkozy (Former French President)
Margaret Thatcher (Former British Prime Minister)
Walt Disney (American film producer)
Bill Gates (American software entrepreneur)
Ronald Reagan (Former U.S. President)
George W. Bush (Former U.S. President)
Richard Nixon (Former U.S. President)
Rainier III. (Prince of Monaco)
Hassan II (King of Morocco)
Asif Ali Zardari (former Pakistan President)
