Historic Moments -- RI themes

By Susan Hanf
Rotary International News -- 13 January 2011

Lapel pins featuring theme logos. From left: Lend a Hand (Jonathan B. Majiyagbe, 2003-04) and Show Rotary Cares (Glen W. Kinross, 1997-98).

E ach January, as Rotary district governors-elect convene at the International Assembly for training and fellowship, they can be certain of two things: a lot of take-home reading and the announcement of a new RI theme.

The tradition of crafting a theme is credited to 1949-50 RI President Percy C. Hodgson, who outlined a list of four objectives for his term in office. Among them were the better application of the principles of vocational service and dedication to world understanding and peace through international service programs.

Though Hodgson's 83-word proclamation ran substantially longer than today's shorter, punchier themes, Rotarians' desire to celebrate and support their president's annual program of service has remained the same. Other early themes include Rotary Is Hope in Action (Joaquin Serratosa Cibils, 1953-54), Kindle the Spark Within (Nitish C. Laharry, 1962-63), and Good Will Begins with You (Ernst G. Breitholtz, 1971-72).

In the decades that followed, RI presidents introduced theme logos, lapel pins, ties, and scarves. Theme ties were introduced in the 1990s, and are now given out yearly. Many have incorporated the theme for the year. The first scarves showing the RI theme were designed by 1998-99 RI President James L. Lacy and his wife, Claudine, Follow Your Rotary Dream .

A list of past presidents and RI themes can be found in the Official Directory .

For more information:

See Rotary History and Archives
Visit the Rotary Global History Fellowship website
Read more Historic Moments

69 Comments:

At 9:40AM on 4 April 2012, Adaugo h. Osondu wrote: I love rotary club

At 9:47AM on 6 February 2012, Papa Tony D3830 wrote: When I was president 2007-08 we were all known as Sharing Presidents internationally. Its easier for us to relate with our fellow past presidents even from different district or zones. Wish I could be adopted annually too.

At 9:31AM on 4 October 2011, Jerold A. Haber, PDG wrote: I have a recommendation for a new Rotary International theme. If a representative of a future president will contact me, I will share it.

At 9:25AM on 3 October 2011, PP Carlito Go wrote: Each year's RI Theme is unique and serves as an inspiration for every Rotarian but in totality they mean the same - Service to mankind.

At 10:06AM on 19 September 2011, Usha R Prabhu wrote: Dear Sir, I am past president of Rotary club of Shimoga Dist.3180 I loved the theme for the year 2011-12. It directs the rotarian to work with a heartfelt commitment and deep love, which will bring highly satisfying results. Further I would like to know whether any Rotarian may suggest the themes for 2012-13. If it's acceptable, what are the terms and conditions and to which address it should be sent. . I would like this letter to be included in the comments, as the information may inspire lots of Rotarians to think of a nice theme. Yours sincerely Usha R Prabhu

At 9:14AM on 18 July 2011, Rtn.PP Mahmood Ali Khan,Dhaka wrote: The Object of Rotary, the ideal of service, seems to be the spring source of all the annual themes so thoughtfully innovated by the RIP's since the beginning by PRIP Hodgson in 1949-50.In each year's theme we find emphasis on some aspects of it or on friendship, high professional ethics, philanthropy and international peace as intended by the RIP. In fact 'Service Above Self' appears to be an undeclared permanent theme of Rotary.

At 1:00PM on 22 April 2011, Rotr,ABAS KUTI, ROTARACT CLUB ANKPA C.B DIST9125NIGERIA wrote: What realy add more restpect to rotary is ri theme and is d only way to recognised rotary every were in d hole world.theme is d key to rotary,let reach withing and embrace humanities.

At 12:22PM on 20 April 2011, K. Ramalinga Reddy, District Governor:2010-11, RI Dist.3160 wrote: RI President's theme is always a great inspiration for every Rotarian and will the Rotarians working around the theme

At 9:49AM on 3 February 2011, Dr Gautam Jahagirdar PP RC Gulbarga North RI Dist 3160 wrote: I only wish many Rotarians go through this article.

At 10:09AM on 31 January 2011, DRR Adeoye Kingsley Oladele wrote: Rotary is Good that is the good ideas from the leadership as direction for the year which inspire and motivate. Thanks to Paul,

At 4:13PM on 25 January 2011, Rotr. Akintayo Orimadegun wrote: These themes make me appreciate Rotary More

At 10:39AM on 24 January 2011, Byabazaire Donnan wrote: good to note that nothing is unchangeable. If neck ties and scarfs were introduced only recently. I look forward to more innovations that will brighten up Rotary.

At 10:22AM on 24 January 2011, Rtr Nuraldeen Abubakar D9125, Nigeria wrote: Lets all analyse the words of the new theme "Reach Within to Embrace Humanity" we will understand that Banerjee has tasked us to do more than ever. To serve humanity we need to go deep into our heart. All the best

At 10:09AM on 24 January 2011, Mike Omotosho, Nigeria wrote: Most people come to Rotary to give to humanity. So at Rotary meetings, what you’ll see – among other things – are demonstrations of courage. Standing up for what we believe. It also adds a burden of responsibility, expectation and opportunity. This can be overwhelming and downright scary but we don’t focus on ourselves instead, its selfless service to others At the end you are able to say to yourself, ‘I lived a fulfilled life, i touched someones life. This RI theme summarises that experience

At 9:59AM on 24 January 2011, Ayoub, PIRG, Zone 20B wrote: Rotay theme creates enthusiasm for the new year; and attracts new members. It is the continuing development of Rotary Image.

At 8:12AM on 19 January 2011, PPMasih Malik Chowdhury mphf wrote: Rotary themes inspire us with new vigour and zeal for rendering SERVICE ABOVE SELF

At 8:28AM on 18 January 2011, dr rakesh naik president rotary club of vapi wrote: a wonderful theme has been given by RIPE kalyan banerjee!!!!its every rotarian 's heart beat that turns the rotary wheel for service.

At 8:28AM on 18 January 2011, Rtn.Suvimol Phirapatdist ....thailand wrote: May all rotarians around the world .............Lend a Hand and sow the seeds of love to make the new theme come true............... Reach Within to Embrace Humanity.............

At 8:32AM on 18 January 2011, Dominic Okafor, President-Elect, Rotary Club of Port Harcourt wrote: Finally, the long awaited Theme is out. I think the theme charges every Club and Rotarian to be more service oriented.

At 1:36PM on 17 January 2011, Jinendra Kothari wrote: rotary require new theme every year because theme reflects particular year R.I President thoughts & priority.

At 1:42PM on 17 January 2011, Rtn PHF Dr Satwant Singh wrote: Its a Great Theme

At 12:06PM on 17 January 2011, Sushrut Mankad wrote: Eagerly awaiting for Theme from our PRIDE Kalyan Banerjee. - Rtn.Sushrut Mankad GSE Chair 11-12 D 3060

At 12:07PM on 17 January 2011, SK Pahariya President RC Jaipur India RID 3050 wrote: The RI themes are so fascinating that we plan to print a Rotary Calendar July-June displaying 12 selected RI Themes with Thoughts.; I have already organised thru Rotary News Trust an Essay competition on " The RI Theme I like most''. How do you like this idea of Rotayr Calendar??

At 12:07PM on 17 January 2011, PDG Aswini Kar wrote: RI Theme should be motivating, inspiring, meaningful and should have rotary ideals. Theme should be such as to create an enthusiasm and make Rotarians proud. Every Rotary club should take up one project based on RI Theme of that year. Clubs should do justice to the theme, theme should not be a stamp on the banner, flag or pin.

At 12:09PM on 17 January 2011, Adesegun A. Tijani wrote: RI yearly themes are inpirational messages to all Rotarians and the general public who can take time to read and digest the short message they convey. All the themes are inter woven with each other. I praise the efforts of our leaders in directing our thinkings with the various themes.

At 12:01PM on 17 January 2011, Flo Espiritu wrote: I'm so excited to know what's gonna be the next RI Theme and how's the logo gonna look like!!! PDRR Flo Espiritu Rotaract Representative RI Rotaract and Interact Committee

At 11:58AM on 17 January 2011, RTN.Narayan Krishna Kharel wrote: rotary themes are life themes!!!They are very much inspirational!!!!!!

At 11:58AM on 17 January 2011, PDG Rajkumar Rajgaria wrote: RI Themes give a new Direction for the Rotary year

At 11:57AM on 17 January 2011, Shyamashree Sen wrote: The Rotary Theme of the year reinvents the wheel and our faith and belief in the wonderful work that we do as Rotarians, every year. Come January, we the members of our District (3291) look forward to the officil announcement of the official theme. I personally feel truly excited to take out my box of theme pins and go through them ...it gives me a new faith in our mission, motto and activities as Rotarians. Long live Rotary...may we succeed in bringing peace and goodwill on this earth through humanitarian activities and our bonds of love across borders and physical barriers that divide the world!

At 11:25AM on 17 January 2011, Rubens S Thevenard wrote: Act the Rotary you dream of.

At 11:23AM on 17 January 2011, Deepak Agrawal wrote: i believe Rotary should maintain only one theme to create a permanent public image, rotary wheel as logo and 'Service above Self' as theme

At 11:23AM on 17 January 2011, Mark Zober wrote: I can hardly wait to see RI President Elect Kalyan Banerjee's new theme and logo...I want a theme tie!

At 11:19AM on 17 January 2011, ijeoma Okoro, Assistant Governor, Rotary Club Of Port Harcourt wrote: i joined Rotary the year the Rotary Theme was follow your Rotary Dream. i served as Club President the year it was Make Dreams Real, it helped us to make dreams real and we did. These themes are apt and actually propel the rythm of every Rotary year. The future of Rotary is in your hands, it is continuos and i hope the new theme would be exciting as well!

At 11:18AM on 17 January 2011, Dr.Pramod Rath wrote: To gearup and encouragement theme is required.It gives immense strength, guidance and motivation to serve better. Long Live Rotary PDG Dr. Pramod Rath.RID-3260

At 10:18AM on 17 January 2011, Aa.Cha.Ashoka Kumara wrote: Really it is fine

At 10:12AM on 17 January 2011, Sk. Abdul Hadi, R C Khulna North, RID-3280 wrote: We look forward to the Rotary Team. Join Rotary-enjoy fellowship.

At 2:51PM on 14 January 2011, Ayoub,PIRG,Zone 20B wrote: Enjoy Rotary While Working for Rotary Image

At 9:17AM on 14 January 2011, Bill Pollard, PDG 08-09, D7600 (VA, USA) wrote: We continue to Make Dreams Real!

At 10:11AM on 27 December 2010, Manoj Chawla wrote: I Love Rotary

At 11:32AM on 23 September 2010, CHARTER PRESIDENT ROTARY CLUB OF LUCKNOW BARADARI wrote: Rotary International Theme is a preface of that year, basing on that all prime activities can be planned for the Rotary year,it works like a spark-plug

At 9:08AM on 29 June 2010, Marjorie Goward wrote: Where can I find the list of all the previous year's themes please. Thank you Marjorie

At 9:11AM on 12 March 2010, Baskaran.TTS wrote: I served 2003-04 as the District Rotaract Representative (DRR) for RID 3200, during when which i was much fascinated by the RI then Theme " Lend A Hand". I love collecting RI Theme pins. Im a successful Rotary Annet Rtn today because i was a successful DRR in Rotaract.I Love Rotary.

At 11:10AM on 22 February 2010, Mukesh Mehta wrote: RI Themes are very thoughtful and suggestive. They are "Words & Pictures in Action" ! I love them.. Mukesh Mehta , RC-Ankleshwar,RI Dist 3060,India

At 10:48AM on 11 February 2010, Ruperto B. Esteban Sr. wrote: This article helps on the Rotary Theme is very helpful, especially for the new recruits who keep on asking about the yearly theme of the Rotary and why it is replaced year after year

At 9:27AM on 10 February 2010, Altaf Gohar wrote: Themes shows, keen intrest of the Rotary lovers.

At 5:16PM on 1 February 2010, Rtn. Rajesh Shanbhag wrote: R. I. Theme is always an inspiration to every rotarian. it gives spark & energy to fulfil Rotary objectives.

At 9:34AM on 15 January 2010, Samson Mshelia wrote: The current year theme "the future of Rotary is in your hand" is timely especially in Nigeria where two Districts have been merged (9120 an 9130) now 9125. We all need to lokk for for quality members to join ROTARY.

At 9:25AM on 14 January 2010, dr.meena wrote: R I Themes give all rotarians and others also inspiration ,it was good to see all the themes .The themes are

At 10:44AM on 13 January 2010, Roberto Silva wrote: I agree with my fellow rotarians about to have available all the Themes in the web. Please consider to make a slideshow with all the pins.

At 12:52PM on 4 January 2010, Franklin Thompson wrote: I agree that all of the themes and logoes should be available on the website. They are unique to Rotary, and are something to be proud of for each Rotarian. I would not be surprised if there are some members who have a collection of the pins. I have about seven, and wish I had more.

At 9:22AM on 4 January 2010, Pratap Puranik(3170), Past RRIMC Zone 6a wrote: Wish all the available Themes were exhibited. When we read all of them in succession, its fun and create Symphony. It is great to be a Rotarian!

At 9:19AM on 4 January 2010, gbemisoye tijani mst wrote: Rotary Themes are very revealing and reflective of rotary foci then and now-Gbemi

At 9:18AM on 4 January 2010, Dimeji Balogun (Shalom) wrote: RI Theme always lovely

At 9:18AM on 4 January 2010, ROTR ABORISADE O.A RC JOS SHERE HILLS CB wrote: Having something like theme for every year shows how organised the organisation is with area of focus. We cant wait to have next year theme to be unveiled.

At 9:17AM on 4 January 2010, Robert Strachan wrote: These themes come at a cost to all Rotarians, whether it be in the form of lapel pins, ties or scarves! Do we really need the 'businesses' that have sprung up around the creation of our annual theme memorabilia? The themes would probably be just as effective if they were confined to images on websites and documents, etc.

At 9:14AM on 4 January 2010, Dr K.A. Abraham/DGE D3310 wrote: The RI Theme in the year Bichai Rattakul was president of RI was "Sow the seeds of love" This theme sums up what Rotary does year in, year out. Paul Harris said " Love is mightier than hate. If love had half the advertising that hate has had, then there will be no more wars". Let us than be active with acts of love

At 9:13AM on 4 January 2010, Mark Doyle wrote: I endorse Jim Berg's sentiments above "most of the themes transcend time...as they should. They are galvanizers and calls to action for all Rotarians." As noted in the article, all themes are listed in the Official Directory but the images are not. Thanks to the staff at Evanston I was able to download them all. The name badges of my Club - Pretoria west D 9250 - have the logo and theme for the year in which a member joined on them.

At 9:08AM on 4 January 2010, PDG Dr.Vijendra wrote: In the Democratic world of Rotary wherein each club can plan and execute innovative diversified projects and program mes to suite their local needs and cultures the RI Presidential Theme will give direction and guideline to create unity in diversity.

At 8:53AM on 30 December 2009, Danny L. Vicencio M.D. wrote: Every year,each of us look forward to the Rotary Team because it serves as the guideline of a particular thrust an incoming RI President has and, it helps in identifying him easily in the future. Furthermore,the logo symbolizing the said theme adds color and meaning during that Rotary year.

At 9:37AM on 29 December 2009, Rtn. Farook Siddiqui wrote: RI themes are always a source of inspiration not only for ROTARIANS but for others also.....

At 4:41PM on 28 December 2009, Jim Berg wrote: I underline Rui Amandi's opinion of PRIP Jonathan B. Majiyagbe's theme. It was as fitting then as now. I too was a DG in '03-'04 with Rui. But, thankfully, most of the themes transcend time...as they should. They are galvanizers and calls to action for all Rotarians. I recall President - Elect Jonathan asking a small group of DGEs if it was a desirable expense to change the theme each year. This PDG said 'yes' then and YES now!

At 1:12PM on 28 December 2009, Jack Harig wrote: Each year the RI' Presidents theme refreshes the way we look at our Rotary commitments.In my case this years theme reminded me that Rotary is "Up Close & Personal" It makes clear the obligation of every Rotarian in every club, in every district and in every country around the world to share his or her unique talents and skills to do as a group of like minded individuals what we could never hope to do alone.

At 9:21AM on 28 December 2009, Tony Stanhope wrote: I don't particularly like this year's theme. I believe that the logo "The future of Rotary is in your hands" is not inclusive enough. I believe a beter logo would have been "The future of Rotary is in our hands".

At 9:15AM on 28 December 2009, Manikandan, Charter Secretary, Rotary Club of Karaikudi Heritage wrote: Nice to see all the themes here.

At 9:11AM on 28 December 2009, S Nagendra wrote: R I President's theme is always a great inspiration for every rotarian and will keep the rotarians working round the theme and the vision of the Ri President for 12 months. this is unique to Rotary

At 9:10AM on 28 December 2009, Frank Devlyn wrote: Good info..... now let us all Create Awareness & Take Action in giving life to these important past themes as well as to The Future of Rotary Is In Your Hands

At 9:05AM on 28 December 2009, Rui Amandi wrote: I'm very proud by serving as Governor in the year 2003-04 under the ruling President Jonathan B. Majiyagbe. The theme couldn't be more adequate then the one "LEND A HAND". In fact then and now the mankind need many "hands" in order to achieve PEACE. But for that "hands" must be available to serve all the ones in need. Let's "LEND A HAND" through a ROTARY which Future is in our ones. Rui Amandi PDG 2003-04 RD1970

At 9:04AM on 28 December 2009, Jack Selway wrote: http://www.rotaryfirst100.org/presidents/themes/ for a complete list, linked to presidents and conventions. From RGHF

At 9:04AM on 28 December 2009, afolabi bouazizi wrote: i love the rotary themes

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