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sustainability into our service projects, but we have to make these issues more of a
priority. Younger people are waiting for us to inspire them to action.

Young people today enjoy service and want to be active in it. We see this in Rotaract —
and Rotaractors are now like us. We are all part of Rotary International. We have done
away with the artificial age limit. Let Rotaractors decide what kind of Rotary experience
works best for them. And anyone who has worked with Rotaractors knows that these
young people are bright, energetic, and they get things done! Rotaractors are faster,
more effective, and impatient. Their impatience is a virtue. They want to see results
now and they will do the necessary work to get it done right away!

Their impatience and persistence make an impact. Nine years ago, Rotarians had an
idea for a new project with the Berlin zoo that, one weekend a year, puts on an amazing
show for children that encourages exercise, reading, and healthy eating. While Rotary
clubs were still thinking and discussing the project, Rotaractors just decided to start it.
And now, all 36 Berlin Rotary and Rotaract clubs take part and make thousands of
underprivileged children happy.

So let’s take up the challenge and open the doors of Rotary for Rotaractors and young
professionals.

But let us also remember that there is no wrong age to become a Rotarian. Every age is
welcome; every age has something important to contribute. As we reach out to young
Rotarians, we will not leave others behind.

But what about existing clubs? Some parts of the world are already doing a good job
with member engagement and retention, while other parts of the world need to do
better. To do that, we are going to have to choose new members carefully and ensure
that they are the right fit for the right club. We need to make sure that the club meets
their expectations. Take it seriously and take your time — you are choosing new friends
for life.

We need to stop thinking of new members as people we can mark down as statistics
and then forget about. People who leave Rotary talk, and others listen. That affects
our image. We want every new Rotarian to be a lifelong Rotarian — a friend engaged
in Rotary.

Every new member changes us a little bit. That person brings a new perspective, new
experiences. We need to embrace this constant renewal. We will grow stronger as we
learn from new members and take their experience and knowledge. That’s why we need
more women in our clubs and more women in leadership positions.

We also need to remember that meeting new people and making sure they enjoy their
membership is fun. We enjoy each other’s company and have a great time doing
whatever we do. We need to embrace these joyous experiences.

The best way for us to have fun is to be together — whether it is at a large gathering like
this assembly or the Rotary International Convention, at a service project, or in our
regular meetings. And being together makes us more effective.

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