The theme chosen by John F. Germ, President of Rotary International for the 2016-17 term, is “Rotary Serving Humanity”. His message is that our activities, polio eradication being the best known example, are not only for the purpose of increasing our membership; rather, what is important is to unite and work toward a common goal, and to train leaders to take over that work in the future.
Moreover, Regional Governor Shobe Tone’s slogan, “Review from the Future and Renew”, suggests that, to realize future ambitions, we must use the knowledge and experience we already have to decide how best to act in the present.

I have selected the word “Enlightenment” as the Rotary Club of Kyoto Rakuhoku’s presidential slogan for the 2016-17 term. When we consider the origins of the Rotary organization, we recall that it started as a gathering of people from different families, levels of education, and professional worlds who would exchange opinions, ideas and information at their meetings and in the course of performing humanitarian services. They thereby created a paradigm shift, and developed the Rotary philosophy. Each member then brought what they had learned back to their own workplaces and regions where they passed it on to others. This was the origin of our vocational and community service, and it is what inspired me to choose the slogan “Enlightenment”.

Having been appointed President for the 2016-17 term, with the help of our Directors, Officers and all of our dear members, I am determined to make this a fun year. Thank you for your support.