As I write this, my last DG message for the year, I can’t help but to reflect on all the wonderful things we did this Rotary year. Everything I had envisioned our District accomplishing turned out better than I could ever have imagined. And that’s because of ALL the Rotarians who had an open mind and a willingness to do things a little differently. From accommodating my work schedule and holding joint club DG visits to leadership meetings and District All-Hands on the 5th of the month #CincoDeRotary5840.
We found different ways to give to our Foundation with World Polio Day and Giving Tuesday challenges and different ways to grow membership with our first service companion club. Our youth programs were in full gear as we formed new Earlyact clubs, Interact clubs, and even added one more Rotaract club. RYLA and Youth Exchange engagement increased, and we are slowly getting back to our normal numbers before COVID.
D5840 Rotarians are #PeopleOfAction and I’m so proud of all the great service projects our Clubs did this year. If you take the time to read our monthly Newsletters, you will agree that our clubs are making a difference. Rotary’s seven areas of focus are well represented in all the service projects showcased each month.
Our Membership Recognition Lunch was one for the books! Recognizing those Rotarians with 20 or more years of membership validated that our District is stronger than ever. Taking the time to especially appreciate those with 50+ years was truly special, and everyone felt it.
We also enhanced our relationships with our neighboring District 4110 in Mexico at our Bi-District Conference. And with the RC of Cozumel during our Club Celebration Cruise supporting their Green School. Bringing awareness of international service projects to our District will improve our commitment to the word “International” in Rotary International.
And finally, we achieved RI President Gordon McInally’s goal of bringing mental health awareness to our communities. Cranes for Hope unified our District in ways I never could have imagined. Clubs finding ways to fold their 20 cranes was part of the journey. Then bringing our District Interactors to engage in stringing the cranes allowed them to do something bigger than what they do on their own. Most importantly, it formed a partnership with the San Antonio Peace Center that I foresee will grow in the years to come. #CreateHopeInTheWorld
My sincere thanks to all of you for allowing me to serve as your District Governor 2023-2024. It has been a true privilege to lead such a wonderful group of Rotarians. An experience I will cherish forever. Mil gracias! #DG2324