RI Vice-President & Director Valarie Wafer's June 2022 Newsletter

It is incredible to realize that this will be my last entry in our Beyond Borders monthly newsletter.  This incredible resource and professional publication would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of many who submit articles to keep us up to date on the incredible work of our Rotarians. Thank you.  There is one individual who must be thanked for her hard work, dedication, and skill.  Editor PDG Ariane Carriere who has worked tirelessly to bring us this world-class newsletter.  This will be Ariane’s last publication after four years.  Thank you, Ariane, you are a shining star!

 

Each of you in Zones 28 and 32 have given the best you have. It has been an incredible experience being a member of your team for two years, serving as RI Director.  A privilege I never took lightly, a privilege that will be cherished with fond memories knowing that we met the challenges of the last two years and came out stronger.

 

I want to thank each of you.  We have looked at membership through a new lens and are reaping the benefits.  We have found new innovative ways to fundraise and publicize our good work.  And we have made diversity, equity, and inclusion a top priority.  The thanks goes to our members, our leaders, and our clubs.  Innovation and a change in culture does not begin at the top of any organization but with the team on the ground, in the community and you have done an incredible job.

 

I want each of you to close your eyes and go back two years.  Have we moved forward? Is your Rotary experience enhanced?  Is your club reflective of the community and relevant to new members?  My guess is that many of you are nodding your heads with conviction.  Be proud of your accomplishments, your ability to serve and support our members through a tough and challenging period in history.  You have inspired me, and I tell your stories everywhere I go.

 

Thank you to the incredible Zone team that I have been blessed to work with.  You have thought out of the box, and I know the seeds that you have planted will come to fruition in the years to come.

 

As I pass the baton to Director-elect Drew Kessler, I do it with pride and confidence knowing that these seeds will continue to be watered, nurtured, and challenged.  Drew is an incredible leader and I wish him an incredible journey!

 

Thank you for all the love and support you have shown to Mark and myself.

 

“The openness of our hearts and minds can be measured by how wide we draw the circle of what we call family.”-Mother Teresa

 

You are our Family, and we are richer for it.