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ENGLISH (EN)

THE 2020-21 PRESIDENTIAL THEME: ROTARY OPENS

OPPORTUNITIES

Holger Knaack
Rotary International President-elect
20 January 2020

Fourteen years ago, Rotary held its first International Assembly here in San Diego. And
I was sitting right where you are — as a district governor-elect. I was nervous then about
the responsibilities ahead of me and the challenges of leadership.

Now, here we are in 2020, at the final International Assembly to be held here in San
Diego — and I am still somewhat nervous. The responsibilities are larger for me this
time. But so are the possibilities. I am so excited to share with you all the opportunities
that lie in front of us.

At home, you are part of a team that works together year to year, making sure that your
district’s most important work does not end with a new year of leadership, but continues
with greater emphasis. I am also part of a team.

I will be proud to continue President Mark Maloney’s strong commitment to growing
Rotary. However, I will not be asking you to grow by specific numbers, for a very simple
reason — every time that we have asked to grow by specific numbers, we have failed.
Instead of focusing on numbers, I want you to think about how we can grow Rotary
organically and sustainably. How can we keep our current members and win new
members who fit our clubs?
Then, how can we make our organization stronger to face the challenges before us? We
must rise to this incredible moment — when we are recognized worldwide for our efforts
to end polio — and fix our roof while the sun is shining.

In many ways, Rotary is in wonderful shape. We are financially strong. Still. The Rotary
Foundation is recognized as one of the world’s best charities. Our global grants continue
to grow, and we become a more internationally focused organization every year.

We are also evolving in interesting ways. There are now more Asian Rotarians than
North American. But there are risks if current trends continue. Especially in areas
where we see an aging population, Rotary is declining and over-aged.

We cannot stand still and be satisfied with everything we have done. The digital
revolution has affected us much harder than we anticipated. Others have faced this
challenge before us and fared poorly.

HOLGER KNAACK, THE 2020-21 PRESIDENTIAL THEME: ROTARY OPENS OPPORTUNITIES

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