Dear members of the Rotary family,
Rotary is service — and Rotary is also friendship.
That is exactly what Rotary Fellowships
are about. They bring together people with shared interests, create new
connections across clubs and countries, and remind us that Rotary friendship
often becomes especially meaningful when we share a passion. Fellowships
broaden our Rotary experience in a very personal and international way. In that
sense, they also reflect my yearly motto, “Team Up,” because true collaboration
grows where people connect, discover common interests, and build trust.
I experienced a particularly meaningful example of
this on May 17, 2025, when I had the pleasure of attending the 20th anniversary
of the “Swiss Fleet”
at the Seerose Resort in Meisterschwanden. Events like this beautifully
demonstrate how much Rotary friendship, fellowship, and international spirit
are found within the Fellowships — and how vibrant Rotary becomes when people
come together across clubs and borders.
As this is my final contribution to the Governor
Newsletter, I would above all like to take this opportunity to thank you all
from the bottom of my heart. Thank you for your support, for the many inspiring
encounters, for your commitment in your clubs and projects, and for a truly
great and very memorable year. My special thanks also go to my fellow
governors, the district team, the assistant governors, the secretariat, and
everyone who helped make this year such a success. For me, “Team Up” was never
just a motto, but a mindset — and throughout this year I was able to see how
much our district can achieve when we work together.
I would also like to warmly wish my successor, Urs F.
Meyer, a wonderful start to his year as Governor of District 1980, much joy in
the role, and every success. I am especially grateful that, with his own
priorities and his own style, he will continue important district efforts — in
particular the district project ROMI,
our strong focus on three-year planning and continuity, and the further
strengthening of our external public relations work.
And finally, two brief reminders: the Rotary
International Convention will take place in Taipei, Taiwan, from June 13–17,
2026. It is a wonderful opportunity to experience the global spirit and
diversity of Rotary. And for those already looking ahead to the fall, the
Rotary Action Summit in Palanga, Lithuania, will take place from September 3–6,
2026.
Once again, my sincere thanks to all of you. I leave
this year with many wonderful memories, valuable conversations, and deep
gratitude. And I do so with the strong conviction that as Rotarians, we achieve
the most when we do it together: Team Up.
With warm Rotary greetings,
Unite for Good – Team Up!
John
