RI president Message

February 2008

The Rotarian

In the last few weeks, as I considered what I might write on this page, I thought again and again of the words widely attributed to the American poet Ralph Waldo Emerson: “Peace cannot be achieved through violence; it can only be attained through understanding.”

In Rotary, we work toward peace through understanding, and we work to build understanding through service. In our travels throughout the Rotary world, Joan and I have seen very vividly the kinds of projects that genuinely create understanding and bring people together. Most often, they’re the projects that involve both Rotarians and beneficiaries. They’re the projects that allow everyone to work with each other toward a common goal and to share in the pride and benefit of a job well done.

When we come together in friendship with the people we wish to help; when we communicate goals, needs, and expectations clearly; when we approach our work with a spirit of cooperation, not charity – this is when we truly build understanding. This is how we begin a process of change that will endure far longer than our involvement in any one project.

In the years since Rotary International chose to take on the goal of global polio eradication, we’ve seen again and again how working toward a common objective can bring people together. We’ve seen an unprecedented level of international collaboration as governments and agencies around the world have built new channels of communication and cooperation. And we’ve seen how the openness and trust that were developed through this effort have endured, allowing for other projects, more cooperation, and greater understanding among nations.

Rotary will never be able to solve all the world’s problems or meet all its needs. What we can do, and what we try our best to do, is to help where and how we can – and, through our service, to bring people together in peace to help each other.

All of Rotary’s projects, no matter how small, have the potential to build understanding and bring peace. As we enter World Understanding Month, I ask all of you to remember that every project has a twofold purpose: meeting its practical objective and building goodwill and friendship. If we plan and serve well, we’ll also build lasting bridges to a better future. As Rotarians, we truly believe that peace is possible.

Wilfrid J. (Wilf) Wilkinson
President, Rotary International