By Tom Gump, aide to 2024-25 Rotary International President Stephanie Urchick
It starts with our Vision Statement:
TOGETHER WE see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change across the globe in our communities and in ourselves.
It is not an accident that our Vision Statement begins with “Together we . . .” Together we are making, have made, and will continue to make a difference in the world. How?
Leadership change
One of Rotary’s strengths is its term limits on leadership positions. This ensures that our leaders have energy and that they bring in fresh ideas. And yet, some of our key initiatives, such as eradicating polio and empowering women and girls, require an unbroken and consistent operation. Success in these areas depends on it.
Continuity explained
President R. Gordon R. McInally, in his International Assembly remarks to district governors-elect, artfully described what “continuity” is and what it is not:
“Continuity in Rotary isn’t about doing things the exact same way we’ve done them before, or merely continuing every project begun by your predecessor. Rather, it’s about embracing the formula for change embedded in the Rotary Action Plan and committing yourself to creating lasting change in the world. It’s about moving Rotary forward year on year in a continually improving manner.
In Rotary, today, continuity is about transformation. It’s about adapting to a rapidly changing world and reshaping our service projects so they are data-driven and bring about lasting change for years to come. It’s about developing more consistent messaging that is more readily understood.
It’s about becoming more inclusive so we can expand our reach, and it’s about creating meaningful relationships — lifelong friendships — that enhance participant engagement.”
I don’t believe it could be said any better than that!
Why talk about continuity now?
When attending last month’s International Assembly, I listened to the remarks of our president and his two immediate successors – 2024-25 president Stephanie Urchick and 2025-26 president Mário César Martins de Camargo. It struck me how well their individual messages melded together to create one cohesive message. Nothing in their individual messages conflicted with the others’ messages.
Then I wondered – is this just their speeches at the assembly that worked that way? My question was answered recently when I saw all three of them in a virtual meeting being hosted by Brazilian Rotarians. Their remarks, though different, all fit together.
I have since heard Urchick present her presidential initiatives to other groups where she explained her third initiative of continuity. De Camargo, in speaking to a different group, also highlighted continuity. So it was not just for the assembly that they all spoke about continuity. The succession of presidents is committed to it.
How does continuity help us achieve our goals?
We achieve our goals by utilizing a network of business, professional, and community leaders. Together with our Rotary leaders, including our RI presidents, we extend continuity through our participation in programs that have proven results including empowering girls and eradicating polio. Continuity will be on display as our leaders meet with others on the world stage. Success breeds success. Building on our accomplishments will motivate and encourage our members to embrace the transformation necessary to grow.
What’s next?
Stephanie Urchick has told us that she will lead us, with the help of others, in taking Rotary’s Action Plan and its priorities to the Rotary club level. We can all look forward to the results of this continuity: increased service with a greater impact in our communities and around the world.
https://blog.rotary.org/2024/02/15/how-does-rotary-thrive-if-our-leaders-change-every-year/