Rotary New Theme

[Prewitt Howells]

Jonesa member of the Rotary Club of Windsor-Roseland, Ontario, Canada, revealed the 2022-23 presidential theme, Imagine Rotary, as she urged people to dream big and harness their connections and the power of Rotary to turn those dreams into reality.

Each January, as Rotary district governors-elect convene at the International Assembly for training and fellowship, they can be certain of two things: a lot of take-home reading and the announcement of a new RI theme.

The tradition of crafting a theme is credited to 1949-50 RI President Percy C. Hodgson, who outlined a list of four objectives for his term in office. Among them were the better application of the principles of vocational service and dedication to world understanding and peace through international service programs.

In the decades that followed, RI presidents introduced theme logos, lapel pins, ties, and scarves and in 2019-20 Socks! Theme ties were introduced in the 1990s, and are now given out yearly. Many have incorporated the theme for the year. The first scarves showing the RI theme were designed by 1998-99 RI President James L. Lacy and his wife, Claudine, Follow Your Rotary Dream.

The logo for the theme was designed by Riki Salam, an Australian artist and graphic designer specializing in contemporary Indigenous art, design, and communications. He also created the 2023 Rotary International Convention logo which will be held in Melbourne, Australia, thus connecting the two by a shared visual language.

There is, of course, a deeper meaning behind each element of the design. The circle in aboriginal culture for instance, signifies our connections to one another. The dots around it represent people and there are seven because of Rotarys areas of focus.

Great. Powerful and meaningful theme. Colours remember Polio Eradication, Environment and suffragette movement of women. As a whole, it is a guiding light and a tool for Rotarians for getting things done. Good. Thank you.

I love the logo as it ties in with Indigenous people everywhere. Canada, unfortunately, has not treated our Indigenous people well with our residential schools and the hundreds of deaths of children there due to abuse, neglect, experimentation, and disease. We also need to atone for the 60s scoop, and our whole history of their treatment. The symbolism of the circle and people, and the colours of the environment, peace, and the suffragette movement are perfect. Thank you.

The sweep of each element from tail to head represents creation, starting from a point and growing through the shape. The three shapes represent the elements, and are nurturing, protecting, and hugging each other to create a whole.

In his speech to the 2023 International Assembly, President Gordon explained the origins of the theme. In 2006, he visited the village of Ban Taling Chan in Thailand, which had been devastated by a tsunami in late 2004. Rotary members had helped rebuild houses, a meeting hall, and childcare and medical facilities. Upon his arrival, a woman approached him and presented him with a beautiful shell necklace. It had been in her possession for over 30 years and was one of the few possessions she had left.

This year, Gordon is encouraging Rotary members to make mental health a priority. Rotary has a unique ability to connect people and cultures, giving hope and receiving it through acts of kindness. Now is the time to expand this culture of care, both within Rotary and in the world at large.

The theme was inspired and detailed with a story of hope following the tsunami in southeast Asia when he was given a small conch shell by a survivor who had lost her family, home and livelihood. The efforts of Rotarians had restored her optimism and given her hope.

How can we help?Please select who you want to contact.District GovernorGlobal GrantsMembershipRotary Business NetworkVoices of Rotary PodcastWebmeisterFriendship ExchangeRYLAFirst Name *Email Address *MessageSend Message

It begins with a 5K Walk/Run and Kids Run at 7:30 a.m., continues with the State Street parade running from County Line Road south to Electric Avenue beginning at 10:30 a.m., then the Free Concert and Food Truck Festival from 5 to 9:45 p.m. at the Westerville Sports Complex, and culminating with the Westerville fireworks display at 10 p.m.

Special thanks to the Westerville City School District for its continuing support of the Rotary Parade Theme Contest, and to district Community Engagement Coordinator Charlie Boss for this story and photo.

Founded in 1959, the Rotary Club of Westerville is a service club of business professionals and leaders working to improve our community and larger world. We are part of Rotary International. Find out more at WestervilleRotary.com. Contact the Club and learn how to join at www.westervillerotary.com/contact-form. Read more about the Rotary International organization at Rotary.org.

The best way to pursue membership is to contact an existing Club member, and attend one of our lunches or events as her or his guest. Members of the public also are welcome to attend our events on their own, to see what our service club is all about. If possible, please give notice of your intent to attend a luncheon or social by emailing Westerville...@gmail.com.

Over the years, Rotary International Presidents had to come up with a theme to guide activities for the largest Humanitarian Service Organization. This year's theme focuses on creating hope in the world.

But during their October board meeting, the directors considered the data that shows that Rotary needs to increase continuity and brand consistency despite its leadership changing year over year.

By using consistent and unified messaging and visuals to tell the Rotary story, the organization can focus on what's important to it: increasing public awareness and understanding of who we are and what we do, offering a memorable membership experience for all, and raising contributions for The Rotary Foundation.

Knaack, a member of the Rotary Club of Herzogtum Lauenburg-Mlln, Germany, revealed the 2020-21 presidential theme, Rotary Opens Opportunities, to incoming district governors at the Rotary International Assembly in San Diego, California, USA, on 20 January.

Each year Rotary develops a theme for the Rotary Year. This year the theme is 'Rotary Opens opportunities', certainly something that is important in these present times! Clubs need to apply the theme to their printed material, website and social media sites etc.

To find the theme for the year go to this link or search 'Rotary Theme for 24-25'. You will be able to download a file that has a number of different file formats that can be used for print, the web and also guidelines on use of the colours used in the theme.

3a8082e126