Building Communities, Bridging Continents

October 5, 2010: Today’s meeting got under way as District Governor, Rick Moore discussed our Rotary District 7770, as well as Rotary International.

Rick is a native Charlestonian, Clemson graduate, past member of the Summerville Rotary Club and a current member of the Charleston Breakfast Club. He served on numerous Board and Committee positions with both clubs, most notably, as Centennial President of the Charleston Breakfast Club. His District responsibilities include: Grants Club Committee Chair and as the District Governor Nominee for Rotary year 2010-2011. Rick is a multiple Paul Harris Fellow, Major Donor, Benefactor and Charter Member of the Paul Harris Society.

Rick began his presentation discussing the importance of “building communities” and “bridging continents.” He discussed Rotary International President, Ray Klinginsmith and his role of enhancing Rotary’s visibility and vitality. Rick had the pleasure of meeting Ray and described him as “simple, grounded and a pleasure to be with.” Although our international role is important, Rick explained that our community involvement is “90% of what we do.” And as he held a small orange ball, Rick spoke about the balls ability to move with little effort and it’s symbolism for all Rotarians to be “movers and shakers in [our] communities and clubs.” Later in his presentation, Rick awarded our Executive Secretary, Carroll Schweers the orange ball in recognition of her strong core values and commitment to Rotary.

Rick continued his presentation with a strong focus on Rotary Fellowship and Membership. As he displayed a slide of Rotary’s founding members (Paul P Harris, Silvester Schiele, Gustave E. Loehr and Hiram E. Shorey), he discussed the importance of their fellowship and legacy. On a personal level, Rick spoke about the fellowship he enjoyed at this year’s District Social. He encouraged members to attend the next District social, which will be held on National Rotary Day, Friday, April 22, 2011 in Hilton Head, SC.

As another important “prong” of Rotary, Rick reviewed membership statics: 1.2 million members world-wide, India is the fastest growing membership country and 10% membership attrition each year. He explained that with the support of our members, Rotary can continue to make lasting difference in our core initiatives: Polio Eradication, Peace Builder, Scholarships, GSE, Grants and DSG.

Rick concluded his presentation with the distribution of chocolate coins and the encouragement to give to someone in display of “service above self.”

Submitted by Teal Van Saun, Keyway Committee