In October, I urged district Rotary members to join the PolioPlus Society by pledging at least $100 annually to The Rotary Foundation's (TRF) PolioPlus Fund until polio is eradicated. As November is Foundation Month, I now encourage annual contributions to both the PolioPlus and Annual Funds. TRF supports global projects promoting peace, health, education, and economic growth. To focus resources on giving, the District opted out of a Foundation Dinner this year. TRF’s “Every Rotarian, Every Year” (EREY) initiative also aims for 100% member participation in donations and service. Sign up on MyRotary.org and make your pledge today!
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January is Vocational Service Month
Rotary Vocational Service is one of the five core avenues of service in Rotary International. It emphasizes using one’s professional skills and expertise to contribute positively to society, uphold high ethical standards in the workplace, and inspire others by example. The key elements of vocational service include:
- Ethics and Integrity: Promoting and upholding ethical behavior in business and professions, guided by Rotary’s Four-Way Test.
- Service Through Occupation: Using one’s vocational skills to address community needs, such as mentoring, job training, or volunteering expertise.
- Recognition of Work: Honoring the value of all professions and acknowledging individuals for their contributions to society.
- Networking and Collaboration: Encouraging Rotarians to learn about each other's vocations to foster better service opportunities and professional development.
Vocational service projects often focus on career guidance, skill development, youth mentoring, and ethical leadership initiatives.
Governor's Message - January 2025
Within the next few weeks, I will complete my official Club visits to sixty of our District's active Rotary and Rotaract Clubs. I have enjoyed learning about each Club and meeting its dedicated members. Without exception, Clubs in District 5050 are involved in the seven focus areas and the five areas of service.
Rotary's areas of focus are closely tied to its avenues of service. January is Vocational Service Month. The vocational service theme emphasizes the importance of using one’s professional skills and expertise to serve others, uphold ethical standards, and foster the dignity of all occupations. Paul Harris’ vision was rooted in using one’s profession not only for personal success but also as a means of serving society.
One of several examples I witnessed during my Club visits is the efforts of the members of the South Surrey Club to start a Men’s Shed. A Men’s Shed is a community-based organization providing a safe, friendly, and inclusive space where men can work on meaningful projects, connect socially, and improve their well-being.
Originating in Australia, the concept has spread globally, offering men of all ages a place to share skills, learn, and contribute to their communities. During my visit to one of its meetings, I heard of efforts to outfit a newly acquired space with tools and equipment to work on personal or community projects.
Shawn O'Donnell Sr., a dedicated Rotarian since 1993, has been selected as Rotary District 5050’s Governor for 2027-2028. With a history of service, including terms as Everett-Port Gardner Rotary Club President and Assistant Governor, Shawn has been active in training and committee roles across the district. He and his family, who manage their restaurant group in Washington and Montana, have been involved in numerous community projects and hosted Rotary events. A longtime wrestling official and avid mountain biker, Shawn is also recognized as Mukilteo’s 2024 Citizen of the Year. Shawn and his wife Tina reside in Mukilteo.
Rotary's PolioPlus program has faced many challenges, much like Miss Vicky’s journey. From raising an ambitious $100 million to a staggering $10.4 billion with partners like WHO and UNICEF, our commitment has only grown. Over the past decade, we’ve reached over 3 billion children, delivering more than 10 billion vaccine doses.
Despite setbacks, including a surge in cases in 2008 and recent vaccination hurdles in Afghanistan, hope remains. Wild polio cases dropped to just 10 in 2023, and new strategies, including the injectable vaccine, are enhancing our efforts.
Recent conferences reaffirmed our resolve, with 87% of Gaza's children vaccinated in the latest campaign. As Rotarians, we must remain focused on achieving a polio-free world by 2029. Together, we can overcome obstacles and continue this vital mission!
Rotary International District 5050 is enhancing youth protection by introducing a new volunteer application process. This includes online training, references, and background checks to ensure a safe environment for youth. Adhering to these steps upholds our commitment to safeguarding children and promoting Rotary's values of integrity and service.
Rotary International's President-elect Stephanie Urchick unveiled the 2024-25 presidential theme, "The Magic of Rotary," during a recent address. Urchick stressed that this magic isn't about fanciful tricks but resides in every Rotarian's ability to make a positive impact. She recounted a poignant experience in the Dominican Republic that showcased Rotary's magic—providing clean water that changed lives.