‘Rotary Shares’ the theme for the 2007-08 Rotary year

The 2007-08 theme Rotary Shares acts as a daily reminder of what ordinary people can accomplish through the extraordinary work of Rotary, said RI President-elect Wilfrid J. Wilkinson.

"What makes Rotary great is our expressing the love in our hearts through the work of our hands and our minds," said Wilkinson. "As Rotarians, we don't just sit back and talk about loving other human beings. As Rotarians, we demonstrate that love, and we share that love, through helping each other."

And Rotarians don't need to do this alone. They know that when the need for service in their community can't be met by one club alone, they call on Rotarians from around the world to help. More than a theme, Rotary Shares is a call to action. Sharing Rotary ensures that Rotary continues a second century of service.

Rotary Shares means inviting people to join their local Rotary clubs. "Rotary will only be able to continue sharing if it continues to grow," said Wilkinson. To help Rotary grow, Wilkinson requested that all district governors ask their club presidents to bring in one new club member during their year in office.

"Without new members, nothing else matters," he said. Without our youth and new members, "it will only take a few decades for Rotary to disappear, and we've already seen that happen in other service clubs."

In addition to the crucial job of welcoming new club members, the president-elect said Rotarians should not forget their past. He asked them to reach out to former club members, including club members' widows and widowers.

"I ask you all, this year, to share Rotary freely and fully. Work hard, and work with love. And remember that everything you do in service to others is part of the magic of Rotary, the magic that allows ordinary people, like you and me, do absolutely amazing things."