As we embark on our exciting journey together into the new Rotary Year, 2025-2026, I am sure that, like me, you are brimming with anticipation for a year of unparalleled fellowship, membership growth, and community service through partnerships in District 7020 and beyond.
Last year under the energetic and dynamic leadership of Immediate Past District Governor Dominique Bazin, Rotary Clubs and Rotarians in District 7020 experienced the Magic of Rotary.
This Rotary year as we build on the legacy of IPDG Dominique and Past District Governors before her, we want to make the Vision Statement of Rotary a reality in District 7020: “Together we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change, across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.”
The Presidential message “Unite For Good” recognizes that Rotarians as “People of Action,” when faced with community needs, they come together with other Rotarians and like-minded persons from other organizations, to plan and execute projects that will address these in an impactful, transformative, and sustainable way. We recognize that if we want to increase our impact and expand our reach, that partnership will be key to achieving this.
Rotarians in District 7020 have been doing good in our communities for decades. There is the risk though of becoming overwhelmed, inured, and insensitive to the many pressing needs that exist in our communities. Rotarians are reminded to continue to attune and be sensitive to those with needs and to implement big and bold projects using funding from The Rotary Foundation as a ‘lever’ to address these needs and thereby transform the lives of those affected. The district 7020 theme which aligns well with the Presidential message is Recognize Needs Transform Lives. Rotary Clubs in district 7020 are being asked to identify at least 5 community needs and to address them during the year.
District 7020 is poised to experience explosive and exponential growth in membership by an intense focus on the formation of new clubs, especially utilizing innovative club models. Everyone we meet who shares Rotary’s values of fellowship, integrity, diversity, service, and leadership, must be seen as a potential Rotarian and should be told of the immense benefits and value proposition of becoming a Rotarian. Club Presidents and Assistant Governors are asked to proactively look for opportunities to charter new clubs and both clubs and AGs have been incentivized to do so. The District Membership Team is ready to help you in this process.
As the hurricane season is upon us, please ensure your club disaster plans are up to date and that there is a communication plan to reach out to Rotarians and others in the event of a disaster. The District Disaster Team has hosted and will continue to host webinars to help clubs to be prepared for the hurricane season and other natural disasters.
This Rotary year we want there to be unparalleled fellowship and connection between Rotarians within and outside of regular club meetings. Rotarians are being reminded to visit clubs (in-person and virtually) besides their own as well as Rotaract clubs, while Rotaractors are also being asked to do the same. We encourage inter-clubbing, the hosting of interclub assemblies, and social events outside of club meetings that allow Rotarians from different clubs to mingle, exchange ideas, and become better acquainted with each other.
These new opportunities for fellowship may spark new partnerships and enhance the Rotary experience for members as well as expose potential members to Rotary. Speaking of unparalleled fellowship, be sure to register for District Conference 2026, to be held in Kingston, Jamaica, from April 27 to May 2, 2026. Take advantage of early-bird registration now! I also expect to see a large contingent from district 7020 in Taipei at the 2026 RI Convention from June 13-17, 2026!
Let us continue to pray for and support in tangible ways our Rotarian and Rotaract brothers and sisters in Haiti. We hope that peace and calm will be restored and that the people of Haiti will be allowed to thrive in a violence-free environment.
In closing, I want to wish you all an impactful and joy-filled Rotary year filled with opportunities to forge new connections and partnerships and one of explosive and exponential growth in membership in district 7020 as we Unite For Good and Recognize Needs Transform Lives. I look forward to visiting with all of you to fellowship and seeing firsthand the tremendous and impactful service being done by the clubs across district 7020.
William (Bill) Aiken
District Governor 2025-2026
Rotary International District 7020
Unite for Good
Recognize Needs Transform Live
