“With a new day comes new strength and new thoughts”- Eleanor Roosevelt

 
When I sit down to write this monthly column, I usually take the time to reflect on my message from a year ago.  Last January we received the news of a vaccine that would protect us from this pandemic. We were hopeful that the world and our lives would open up and resume. To a large degree that happened as many of our clubs continued to serve our communities and when possible, had meetings and celebrations in person.  Today, one year later, we are facing the challenge of new variants, vaccine hesitancy and vaccine equity.  But this new day also brings the hope that we may finally see the end of this pandemic very soon.

These are not just columns to reflect on but chapters in our personal memoirs.  We have experienced challenges and loss but we have also found a new strength and developed new thoughts.  New strengths of human compassion, kindness and a commitment to our core values.  New thoughts of how to fundraise, how to conduct our Rotary meetings, training sessions and board meetings.  Each new strength and each new thought will place our organization in a better, stronger and more relevant position to lead and serve.

The new year typically is a time to make resolutions, resolutions that are typically abandoned by February.  So, I won’t make any resolutions I will make a few promises for 2022. 

*I will increase my giving to the Rotary Foundation

*I will bring in two new members

*I will mentor and follow these new members to ensure their Rotary experience brings value and    meaning to them.  And

*I will tap someone on the shoulder for leadership at the club, district and zone level

I hope you will join me and make a few promises of your own.

As we turn the calendar page to a new year, we realize we are halfway through this Rotary year. We have six months to reach our goals and support RI President Shekhar’s key initiatives of Each One Bring One, Empowering Girls and strengthening our community with Rotary Days of Service.  

It is our job, each of us, to leave our clubs, districts and our zones a little stronger on June 30th.  Let’s keep up the momentum, inspire those around us, lead with distinction and Serve to Change Lives!

 Mark and I wish each of you joy, health and happiness for the New Year!

Yours In Rotary,
 
Valarie
 
Valarie Wafer
 
Rotary International Vice President (2021-2022)
 
Rotary International Director (2020-22)
 
Rotary Club of Collingwood, South Georgian Bay
 
valarie.wafer@gmail.com