My comments about RI presidents in the July issue generated interesting feedback from our readers. Many Rotarians said they enjoyed our coverage of President D.K. Lee, but raised some questions about spending time with the RI presidents.

“Let me suggest that one of the real benefits should be spending time with individual Rotary clubs, finding out what their members do, what makes them successful, and how their members feel about Rotary,” said Past District Governor Michael Hayes of Westminster, Colo., USA, who best summed up the views of many readers.

I couldn’t agree more with Rotarian Hayes, and my intention was not to convey that interacting with RI presidents comes at the exclusion of, or takes precedence over, communication with Rotary clubs and members. In fact, I am a Rotarian (Rotary Club of Chicago) and find my experience as a Rotarian to be both personally and professionally rewarding. I couldn’t fulfill my responsibilities as editor in chief if I didn’t interact with Rotarians regularly. I also attend 10 to 12 meetings annually at clubs other than my own. Getting feedback from the membership and listening to them at their weekly meetings is an invaluable resource for determining the direction and content of the magazine.

But beyond that, I’d like to stress that the target audience for the magazine is the “average” Rotarian, and The Rotarian staff is committed to writing, editing, and designing the most compelling magazine aimed at them. And that commitment can only be served if our staff not just listens to comments from readers but is also proactive – soliciting feedback from members regularly.

As the flagship publication of Rotary International, The Rotarian is required to publish mandatory material (announcements from headquarters in Evanston, Board decisions, and so on), some of which might not necessarily resonate with the majority of our readers. But it is the goal of the magazine to be a valuable resource for the average member, and I hope that what you read in the pages of the magazine might make you take some positive action as a member.

Your club and district publications serve to keep you informed of local news and events. I hope that you use The Rotarian to stay connected with Rotary on an international level. All Rotarians are proud of our organization, and I hope that receiving the magazine each month is one source of pride for you.

And, as always, I encourage your comments.