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GOVERNOR BILL BOWDEN’S MESSAGE:
Greetings Rotarians,
I am deeply honored to serve as your District Governor for 2008-2009. I am humbled to try to carry on the great traditions of our Past District Governors and to pursue the goals which RI has outlined for the year. I shall do my best.
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Our District Governor with Rotary International President Dong Kurn Lee and his wife Young Ja
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President D.K. Lee and his wife, Young, of Korea, have spoken about the tremendous need in the world to reduce childhood mortality. He told 532 District Governors during our International Assembly in San Diego during January 2008, that he has given long and serious thought to what our theme and goals should be this year. He told about the serious mortality problem of children who are in need of more food, clean water, better health care, and opportunities for education. President Lee went on to say that 30,000 children die each day because of these conditions. He wants to give them a better chance in life. He wants to "Make Dreams Real" for them. This is our theme.
The best way for our clubs to fulfill these dreams is to have service projects to improve food supplies, clean water, better health care, and help make them literate. They need all of these project outcomes to escape poverty conditions. They cannot get better jobs if they are hungry, sick, have no clean water, and cannot read. We have projects like these that need to be done in our own communities. Another of President Lee's Goals is to increase our Club Membership by 10%. We know of many associates in our city who probably would like to become Rotarians but we have simply neglected to ask them. He also wishes for us to form two new District Clubs.
Polio Plus still needs our attention and contributions. It has not been totally eliminated in 4 countries. We can help by working projects within our communities to raise $1,000 per Club, for each of 3 years. Public Image is another key emphasis. We must tell the good news stories. Foundation support of RI programs for youth, student and group study exchanges continue on the front burner too as well as our EREY and Paul Harris Fellows. I would encourage Club Presidents to include these topics periodically in meeting announcements.
We have great websites for our District and International Rotary. These are outstanding resources. Tune in often.
Finally, for my Club Visit, I will dispense with the formal meeting prior to or after your regular meeting. I suggest you simply invite your club officers, directors, and any members to a 30 minute coffee reception at your meeting room so they can tell me about your projects and club. This informal session will be a great way to get to know each other and to learn about Rotary in your town. I will then be ready to give your regular program that day.
Respectfully submitted,
William P. Bowden
District Governor, 5750
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