District Governor Doug's September Message
Children can bring out the best and the strangest parts of us! Think of the moment of their birth. We immediately love them, unconditionally. They are innocent, free of fault, trusting, loving and we introduce them to the world with “baby talk”. Our high pitch “goo goo” talk is the first hint of communication they hear. We brag, we compare and we hope for the best. But then, at some point the reality of the situation seeps into view.
They are born for one reason: To replace us!
As business people we know the value of training a replacement. Money is allocated; whole manuals are written on the process for it is that important for the survival of any business.
But sadly, the training for life is lacking. Cheating and lying; areas so common in business and government, how do we possibly teach replacements the value of our Four Way Test? In this land of plenty, how do we explain suicide as the #1 cause of death among our teenagers? Or the second leading cause of death, homicide?
Heroes are found within entertainers and athletes, hero status bestowed by our youth only because they excel in their craft not for any meaningful contributions to better the world or community. We must introduce our replacements to true champions, those who place ethics before profits, character before popularity.
Our replacements, in life and in Rotary need us. We need to energize, enthuse and expand our youth programs. We have a goal of adding at least 10 new Youthact, Interact, or Rotaract clubs to our District this year. We want to continue and expand the efforts made at RYLA. Elyse Beardsley and Joe Harding are already at work planning a great weekend. A weekend that in the past has changed lives, developed leaders and created excitement about Rotary. This year, let’s double the number of attendees to 200 and remember they do not need to be Interact members!
Your job in life will someday belong to someone else. Train now for the legacy you want to create.
-Doug