DG Mary Lou gets energy from other people. So although not a morning person, she feels the warmth and vibe from a group of Rotarians.

 

"Be The Inspiration" our RI theme this year. She explained the symbol, like a tsunami wave for good, a heart and sail giving direction forward.

 

DG Mary Lou gave a brief explanation of Rotary Zones, step up from Districts. She encourages members to attend Zone conference, next year in Niagara Falls (2019).

 

She sees an emphasis from RI towards being aware of Climate Change and taking initiatives to fight it.

 

Be the Inspiration. How do we do that? Her answer:

 

Unite People

Take Action

Make Change

 

In one word, she says 'DO'.

 

She explained her pink flamingo she calls Douglas. This one flamingo was pushing against all the others, going in the opposite direction until he succeeded in changing all the other flamingos so that they all changed direction and followed him.

 

RI several years ago hired consultants to determine why do people join Rotary. Why - because they want to belong to an organization that get things done. Unite People.

 

Take Action - get things done. Find the needs. Minister with a presence.

 

Create change. Be the flamingo of change.

 

DG Mary Lou gave us an update on the Polio Eradication efforts. As reported by Dr. Bob Scott Nov 7th at Foundation Dinner, the eradication of Polio has stalled. In 2017 total new cases all year was 22. To October 31, 2018 we are at 27. This is due to problems in Afghanistan primarily. Fractions and as Dr Bob says there are some cruel people. A 1,000,000 children were missed in the immunization campaign. They are trying to go house by house, street by street.

 

Dr. Bob Scott said 187 polio vacinators have been killed in recent years. Volunteers and some get paid about $2.50 per day.

 

We have successful eliminated polio from many other countries where there was unrest and warring fractions. We can do it here too. We have to keep up efforts. Keep giving. It isn't over yet.

 

DG Mary Lou said we can make change through the Foundation. Our giving allows Rotary around the world to make a difference, to make a change in lives. When we give, we contribute to all these efforts big and small around the world.

 

Be the Inspiration.