Julie's Rotary story is full of Family.
She talked about how she came to apply for the position of District Governor - after the encouragement and support of her husband, Pat and children Haley and Conor. They felt it was an opportunity of a lifetime and that they could take care of each other during the times that she needed to travel. She was not surprised - they all knew how much Rotary means to her. Her children have been attending Rotary meetings and helping with events since they were small - in their baby carriers.
She then talked with her Rotary Club. She did not know what to expect but was pleased that they looked at this as an opportunity for the entire Rotary Club - they took pride in the fact that a club member had the opportunity to represent them at a higher level of Rotary. It was not just about Julie it was about the Club - her Rotary family - and they fully supported her decision.
We were pleased that her parents accompanied Julie to our club meeting - Mike and Barb Martin. She pointed out the importance of family - including her extended family - in her life - being her backbone. They ground her when needed but also lift her up.
As District Governors prepare for the year they attend Rotary International Assembly. Julie stated that experienced was life-changing. She explained that there were meetings with everyone in a large room hearing from amazing speakers - Rotary International leaders and others. They also participated in smaller group meetings but, even then, there were representatives from 20+ different countries together - all with the same interests and concerns.
She realized that, though she had not traveled extensively, she was still able to connect with the world through Rotary.
She wondered how to Be The Inspiration - to bring the 2018-19 Rotary theme to the District. She chose to LEAP:
- LOVE ourselves
- Do this with ENERGY and ENTHUSIASM
- Be AUDACIOUS - challenge yourself
- PROVE yourself - don't ask anyone to do anything you aren't willing to do
- Membership - understanding that membership is key to the organization take care of them and build membership
- Public Relations - It is upon all of us to spread the word about Rotary and what we have done, and can do, to support world understanding and peace; use the People of Action campaign materials so that we all give a unified message
- Interact, Rotaract - expand our reach in membership by building on our Interact and Rotaract clubs
Rotary's new Vision Statement:
"Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change — across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves."
Reading the new Rotary Vision Statement, Julie challenged us to take action to create change, be the inspiration to our families, ourselves and other Rotarians.
We thank Julie for her time, commitment and leadership!