Join our mailing list here: www.historycomment.org

Join RGHF: www.joinrghf.org

Discuss this week's WPHS feature at www.rghfforum.org

Our four RGHF features "What Paul Harris Said," "Frank Talk Gems," "Our Foundation Newsletter," and "Why I am a Rotarian," are emailed once each month. Get your free copy www.historycomment.org

What Paul Harris Said
December 30, 2007
www.whatpaulharrissaid.org

 

In The Rotarian magazine, February 1940

What Paul Harris Said

December 30 2007

 

"This is a critical year. It is not easy to be optimists while storm clouds obscure the sky. Rotarians are especially sensitive to international disturbances because ties of friendship bind us together, ties which cannot be dissolved by governmental fiat".

Paul P Harris, “We Must Plan For Peace” The Rotarian, Feb 1940
See the full article at http://www.whatpaulharriswrote.org/rotarian/1940peace.htm

At this time of year we think back to days long gone and look ahead to the future. Decades ago during the Second World War Paul Harris told us to Plan for Peace. Thankfully, Rotary heard those words and acted upon them through our Rotary Foundation. The Foundation’s Peace Programs can - and must - make a difference in this violent and divisive world.

Do we still need to plan for peace? Just consider what we have witnessed this week in Pakistan. As Paul Harris says, “It is not easy to be optimists while storm clouds obscure the sky”.

Scientists discovered many years ago that all human beings are genetically 99.9% the same. I do believe that Paul Harris discovered that fact many, many years ago. Why not make a New Year's Resolution now to further support the Rotary Foundation's programs that develop and promote World Peace and Understanding?

A very Happy and Peaceful New Year to you all.

Calum Thomson
RGHF Chairman 2006/07
Rotary Club of Longniddry & District
District 1020
Scotland

What Paul Harris Said
December 16, 2007
www.whatpaulharrissaid.org

 

In  The Rotarian magazine in 1946

What Paul Harris Said

December 16 2007

 

"We must help all nations in distress and raise the standards of living of the lowly. If we steadfastly pursue this course, prosperity such as we have never enjoyed before will be ours, the wheels of industry will be kept turning, and all nations will be friends.

What a blessing it would be to live in a friendly world, where all nations are good neighbors! ".

"Fear and Hate Must Go" by Paul P Harris July 1946

Read the full article at http://www.whatpaulharriswrote.org/rotarian/1946fear.htm

At this time of year, many Rotarians think about the Christmas message of Peace on Earth and goodwill to all humanity.

There is a story that hails from the Ukraine about a family who were so poor they went to bed on Christmas Eve with their tree completely bare. The spiders who lived in the house felt so sorry for the family that overnight they spun intricate and beautiful webs to decorate the tree. As the sun’s ray fell on the tree on Christmas morning the spiders’ webs miraculously turned to silver and gold and the family’s troubles were no more.

Paul Harris’s hopes for the future in 1946 can best be achieved through The Rotary Foundation. The Foundation allows all of us to work towards changing the world. We can create our own miracles by remembering to contribute to the Foundation at this time of year whatever our own religious and cultural beliefs.

The Foundation creates its own miraculous webs through world peace and understanding every time we embark on a project that alleviates poverty, advances education and improves health. And soon we will have a world completely rid of Polio.

As Paul Harris would testify if he were alive today – Miracles can happen!

Calum Thomson
RGHF Chairman 2006/07
Rotary Club of Longniddry & District
District 1020
Scotland

 What Paul Harris Said
December 2, 2007
www.whatpaulharrissaid.org

In The Rotarian magazine, November 1911

What Paul Harris Said

December 2 2007

" Rotary has differed from other organizations in that it has not inherited a system of cut and dried policies rendered sacred by tradition or history. …With so many capable, devoted friends feeling responsibility for the future of Rotary, we may reasonably expect to turn out a twentieth century mechanism which will constitute an agreeable surprise to ourselves and the rest of the world".

Paul P Harris, “Message from the President” in The Rotarian Nov 1911

http://www.whatpaulharriswrote.org/rotarian/1911messages.htm

In 1911, Paul Harris was writing about a newly formed organization called Rotary. His concern was not of procedure and policy but what are our values and philosophy.

Recently, the Rotary Foundation’s Future Vision committee announced new proposals for the future direction of The Rotary Foundation. Under Chairman Bob’s leadership, the Foundation has attempted to give new focus to our mission and create a more simple and straightforward system that every Rotarian can understand. Our vision is to enable Rotarians to advance world understanding, goodwill and peace. Our mission is to improve health, support education and alleviate poverty.

The future vision allows districts to take more direct responsibility for the stewardship of Foundation funds by implementing a block grant structure based on the district simplified grants system; It creates a more straightforward gateway for us to work with co-operating organizations on larger grant projects in the poorest areas of the world; And it places a greater emphasis on the humanitarian aspects of all Foundation programs with more support for educational programs with strong humanitarian emphases.

More information is available here. http://www.rotary.org/en/MediaAndNews/News/Pages/071105_news_futurevision1.aspx

This is a ‘twenty-first century mechanism’ for ‘doing good in the world’.

 What Paul Harris Said
November 18, 2007
www.whatpaulharrissaid.org

 

In The Rotarian magazine, April 1929

What Paul Harris (and other Rotary leaders) Said

November 18 2007

 

"The purpose of The Rotary Foundation is to assure us of Rotary in perpetuity, by providing for contingencies and unforeseen emergencies, that we may continue to serve all humanity in the interests of permanent world peace, and for all those fine contributions to art, health, science, character etc., and to such a degree as to make Rotary's contribution an important factor in this present-day civilization".

Arch C Klumph - "The Rotary Foundation" The Rotarian magazine April 1929

 

November is Rotary Foundation Month

 

 

Often I wonder when Arch Klumph rose to address the eighth annual Convention of the International Association of Rotary Clubs in Atlanta on 18^th June 1917, did he realise that he would change the world forever?

 

In proposing the establishment of "an endowment fund for the purposes of doing good in the world", he transformed Rotary from an inward looking, self help body of businessmen to an organisation that is one of the most highly respected humanitarian voluntary bodies in the world:

 

·         A body that would be represented at the birth of the United Nations;

·         A body that would launch an educational programme that, in the days that following the end of the Second World War, had the primary aim of creating World Peace & Understanding;

·         A body that would launch the amazingly ambitious goal of eradicating Polio from the world;

·         A body that would touch the lives of millions in so many ways that nobody knows or have even heard of.

 

So, what were your motives when you joined Rotary all those years ago? Did you have a vague idea that it would benefit your career, or your business and that was sufficient reason to put up with the old fogies that each had his own seat and woe betide anyone that sat in his seat?

 

Perhaps slowly at first, you began to realise that you were enjoying the craic with these men and when they went carol singing at Christmas, or delivered parcels of food to children whose father wasn't working, you began to realise that this was the real benefit of your membership of Rotary – not furthering your career or business but in the realisation that by sharing a little of what you have can mean so much to those that have even less than what you can give. – You had become a Rotarian

 

That's what Arch Klumph did to us – his "Endowment Fund" became The Rotary Foundation. He made us realise that it costs so little to put a smile on a child's face, or crush a crutch that would have been used to aid a child that caught Polio.

 

 

Colum McLoughlin

RIBI Rotary Foundation Committee

Annual Programs Fund Strategic Advisor – Zone 17

Rotary Club of Newtonabbey,

District 1160

What Paul Harris Said
October 7, 2007
www.whatpaulharrissaid.org

RGHF’S 7^TH ANNIVERSARY

 Dear RGHF Subscribers, 

This next Thursday, 11 October, will be the seventh anniversary of RGHF. It began with one web page, listing the first 50 clubs of Rotary. This was included on the website of Rotary Club of Pueblo #43. Today, in observation of RGHF’s 7th anniversary, we extend an invitation to all of our readers to join us as we continue to be the largest effort for internet preservation of Rotary’s history. www.joinrghf.org

When we started “What Paul Harris Said” in the winter of 2001, it was an idea from past Rotary International Director Lynn Hammond. In a conversation with RGHF Founder Jack Selway, Director Hammond suggested “Let Paul Harris do the talking” when it came to Rotary values. Selway started the feature with this first mailing, shown below, to a list of about 100 individuals. That list has grown to nearly 8,000. The “invitation” is to all our readers, particularly historians and webmasters to join this large and expanding project to preserve the history of Rotary.

Here is that first issue of WPHS

What Paul Harris Said

30 December 2001

"Since the beginning of civilization, there has been a surplus of sayers of things. If there is any one particular in which I would have Rotary distinguished from other organizations, it is in the quality of character which results in the doing of things." Paul Harris, Message to the 1921 RI Convention in Edinburgh, Scotland. http://www.whatpaulharriswrote.org/rotarian/1921message.htm

This was the first in a weekly series of "What Paul Harris Said," from what became Rotary Global History.  

Certainly Paul Harris would have pride and admiration for what Rotarians have done to eliminate Polio, through PolioPlus, just these past two decades or so. But, as kind and loving, toward Rotary, as Paul always was, he would also ask if each of us had truly done a part of this. And that's a Rotary minute from Rotary Global History.

Jack Selway - Founder, Rotary Global History.
Member - Rotary E-Club of the Southwest, USA
Pueblo, Colorado, USA

What Paul Harris Said
September 23, 2007
www.whatpaulharrissaid.org

 

What Paul Harris Said

 in his radio address from the Boston Convention in 1933

 

“If you have the love of your fellow men in your heart, my friends, you are a potential Rotarian”.

 

Visit http://www.whatpaulharriswrote.org/library/1933.htm for the full recording.

 

 

Rotary clubs strive each and every year to find those community spirited men and women who we can truly describe as Rotarians and invite them to join our movement.

 

I met a young couple last month who told me a remarkable story about how they had planned to go to Sri Lanka in December 2004 to get married. Two days before they set out, the Tsunami hit that country and their dream wedding and honeymoon plans were cancelled. A month or two later, they thought it would be appropriate to travel to Sri Lanka anyway if only to support the badly hit tourist industry. On arriving and witnessing the devastation, they vowed to stay on in that far off land and do what they could to rebuild the community. Both young people had their own businesses but simply felt the greater urge to help. They spent a year in Sri Lanka working on building schools and providing educational opportunities for the children.

 

These potential Rotarians ought to be Rotarians. Paul Harris’ simple observation is a relevant and true today as it was in 1933. Rotary is their natural home.

 

They also sent me a poem written by a local woman from Sri Lanka who lost her family in the tsunami which I will share with you.

 

TRUE GIVING IS THE MOST WONDERFUL OF THINGS
 
To give cleanly without debt
To give without having taken first
To give to their not your need
To give something you value without recourse
To give without creating bitterness in another
To give without offending cultures
To give without leaving conditions
To give silently and not take fame in giving
To give without taking the dignity of the benefactor
 
THIS IS THE WAY OF TRUE GIVING
 
To not give truly is not to give
To give with a plaque is to indebt
To give publicly is an exchange of value
To give without empathy is to take dignity
To give with conditions is to employ
To give having taken is to trade
To give unfairly is to divide
To give hope that cannot be sustained is to disappoint
To give without value is to dispose
To give to your need is to profit
To give a debt is to enslave
 
ONLY THE WISEST HAVE ACHIEVED TRUE GIVING
HAVE LEARNT TO GIVE WITH TRUST
AND LEAVE THE GREATEST GIFT OF DIGNITY...

 

Calum Thomson

RGHF Chairman/President 2006/07

R/C Longniddry & District

District 1020, Scotland.

www.whatpaulharrissaid.org

 

What Paul Harris Said

9 September 2007

 

In 1935 Paul Harris wrote his second major work, "This Rotarian Age," which can be read, in its entirety on our website.

 

In the book, he writes "The first sixty-seven years of the writer’s life have been high times. He wouldn’t have missed them for anything." However, he then proceeds to tell the world that for the previous four years he has been unable to practice law, due to a nervous breakdown. This is described in very few words on page 200 of his book.

 

Many years ago, I managed to acquire a copy of that book inscribed to a friend of Harris’. That amazing inscription and the story of Harris’ health is found at http://www.whatpaulharriswrote.org/signature/rotarianage/index.htm 

 

 It appears that Harris wrote the book, “This Rotarian Age” while he was recovering from this break down, and while staying at the home of a friend in Michigan. It makes for a fascinating read. The entire book is found at http://www.whatpaulharriswrote.org/library/rotarianage/rotarianage.htm  all 257 pages with illustrations.

 

Yours in Rotary Global History
Jack Selway,
Founder of RGHF
Pueblo, CO
Rotary E-Club of The Southwest USA

What Paul Harris Said
August 26, 2007
www.whatpaulharrissaid.org

 

What Paul Harris Said

in his address to the RI convention in Havana, Cuba 1940

 

“I have no hesitation in saying that world peace could be achieved and made permanent if reared on Rotary’s firm foundation of friendliness, tolerance and usefulness.”

 

Rotarians of today are leaving a legacy to the children of the world when we, Rotary, join our world partners in the celebration of the certification of the eradication of polio from the world.  More importantly, and I do mean more importantly, is the fact that the Rotarians of today and tomorrow have the opportunity to leave their own legacy of "doing good in the world" for future educational and humanitarian service programs. 

 

Do we dare dream that Rotarians of today not only make it a habit of making an annual contribution each and every year, but leave a percentage of their estate or a one time significant gift to The Rotary Foundation's Permanent Fund?

 

This should be the dream, goal and reality of all Rotarians.  They need just look and see and feel and touch the wonderful programs and projects we are continually completing that help the world know a more humane society and a more peaceful world. 

 

Thank you.

 

Louis Piconi,
Trustee, The Rotary Foundation 2007-11
RI Vice President 2000-01
Member, Rotary Club of Bethel-St. Clair, Pittsburgh, PA, USA, D7300

Member RGHF

What Paul Harris Said
August 12, 2007
www.whatpaulharrissaid.org

 

What Paul Harris Said

In The Rotarian magazine, June 1912

 

"If the money in this world which is doing its possessors more harm than good could be diverted to charitable purposes, charity would have no financial problems; and it would be unnecessary to intercept the course of any decent, honest dollar going on about its business without homicidal intention…

 

My work in Rotary is nearly done." Read the full article at http://www.whatpaulharriswrote.org/rotarian/1912junemessages.htm

 

Paul Harris’ words of 95 years ago reflect back on to ourselves as we begin to work towards fulfilling The Rotary Foundation’s Annual Programs Fund target for 2007/08.

 

Paul Harris, like Arch Klumph after him, believed in voluntary giving from Rotarians without any financial obligations being placed upon Rotary members. This remains true today. Harris, like so many others, could see that when we use our voluntary donations for charitable purposes, the world will see what we can do with every ‘decent, honest dollar’.

 

From our ambitious Rotary Centers in Peace and Conflict Resolution to our continued drive towards the elimination of polio, our freely given contributions to our Rotary Foundation will continue to fund the charitable purposes Paul Harris dreamed of almost a century ago.

 

Sadly, Harris gets it wrong when he concluded with the words that his work is ‘nearly done’ - Paul Harris would continue working for the Rotary movement for another 35 years. This truism is consistent to every member of a Rotary club - our work is never done - nor, is our commitment to The Rotary Foundation.

 

Calum Thomson

RGHF Chairman/President 2006/07

R/C Longniddry & District

District 1020, Scotland.

29 July 2007

What Paul Harris Said

In The Rotarian, 1945

 

“I like to think that the pioneering days of Rotary have just begun. What’s 40 years in the life of a great Movement? There are just as many new things to be done as ever there were. Kaleidoscopic changes are taking place, many of them without our will. Even to hang to the fringe of this fast-changing world is about all most of us can do. Rotary must simply continue to pioneer or be left in the rear of progress.”  Paul P. Harris, The Rotarian 1945  http://www.whatpaulharriswrote.org/rotarian/1945bestisyet.htm

 

Even now, over 60 years later, Paul Harris’ words still have meaning as today there are still so many new things to be done and some promises that have to be kept. By keeping up with the fast changing world, Rotary will remain the progressive force it always has been.

 

Whatever new challenges we set ourselves, we must never forget our unfulfilled promises such as the complete eradication of polio. If every district allocates 10% of its available DDF for this year to the PolioPlus Partners Program, we can reach the $5 million goal needed to fund National Immunization Days in India, Pakistan and Nigeria and fulfill our commitment. That's one of our 2007/08 Rotary Foundation pledges we CAN achieve.

 

Remember what Paul Harris said -we must all strive to be PIONEERS on the long road to peace.

 

  

Calum Thomson

RGHF Chairman/President 2006/07

R/C Longniddry & District

District 1020, Scotland.

 What Paul Harris Said
July 15, 2007
www.whatpaulharrissaid.org

 

In The Rotarian magazine (February 1923)

What Paul Harris Said

July 15 2007

 

“ Rotary is not an organization for retrospection .It is rather one whose worth and purpose lie in future activity rather than past performance.”

 

 

Rotary's future in the 21st century looks bright thanks to the support of Rotarian donors all over the world. We have a Foundation that is well respected and admired by other global organizations, charities and Governments. The Rotary Foundation carries out our educational and humanitarian programmes with great efficiency and changes people's lives in every corner of the earth.

 

Isn't it a shame that our future activity is limited by the thousands upon thousands of dollars that are still locked up in District Designated Funds? There are Foundation programs that are crying out for help at this time - such as the Polio Partners Program, Our Peace Centers and the Scholarship Pool for Low Income Countries. Our district designated funds are applicable to the ANNUAL Programs Fund. It is vital that we keep on, year upon year, spending our contributions and doing good in the world.

 

Our Rotarian donors expect it, our vulnerable and scarcely-resourced World demand it.

 

Calum Thomson

RGHF Vice-President

R/C Longniddry & District

District 1020, Scotland.

Rotary Global History
www.rotaryhistoryfellowship.org

 What Paul Harris Said
June  30, 2007
www.whatpaulharrissaid.org

 

What Paul Harris Said

June 30 2007

 

“When it was thus made known to the world that Rotary was an ethical movement, the true significance of the classification system was realized as it had not been before. We had a piece of machinery of which at first, we had not foreseen what would be the ultimate use. Now we saw it – that the classified (person) of Rotary should be he interpreter of the ideal of service above self, in business and the professions. We sought, thereupon, to widen our area in every direction, not only to get the largest number of members in each Club…but to get as many Clubs in the country as we could organize. We went ahead with Rotary organization, because we knew it was capable of doing something really for the good of the community.”

 

-extract from the minutes of ‘History of Chicago Rotary Committee’ (April 16 1931) quoted in PRIVP Frank Lamb in “The Meaning of Rotary”

 

As we begin a new Rotary year on July 1^st, it seems obvious to me that our new President, Wilf Wilkinson, sees the Rotary movement in much the same terms as his predecessor did, decades before. Wilf emphasised that our Rotary movement is an ETHICAL movement during his address to the RI Convention last week.  Business, Professional and Community leaders will be attracted to our movement because of our ethical values. Our classification system can and does allow Rotarians to become better leaders in business, the professions and community through our Four Way test, community service and through our ethical code.

 

Wilf notes that:

"Our commitment to vocational service has always been an important part of Rotary too. And, through my presidential year in 2007-08, it will become even more important. Rotary connects people who share these special values."

 

And if this teaches us anything, it teaches us that Rotarians care because Rotary Shares.   

 

*********

Finally, a big thank you to all of those who visited us at our booth in Salt Lake City. It was wonderful to meet you all. May I encourage our subscribers to follow the example of Rotary International President Wilf Wilkinson and consider taking the next step and join Rotary Global History in order to keep our services available to all Rotarians running well into the future. 

 

Calum Thomson

RGHF Chairman/President 2006/07

R/C Longniddry & District

District 1020, Scotland.

Rotary Global History
Authorized by Rotary International
www.rotaryhistoryfellowship.org

 What Paul Harris Said
June 17, 2007
www.whatpaulharrissaid.org  

What Paul Harris Said

June 17, 1919

Note: Below is the annual message from the Founder of Rotary to the International Convention. It was read by Secretary Chesley R. Perry at Salt Lake City,, Utah, Tuesday morning, 17th June, 1919.

“If it could ever have been truly said that Rotary was insular in its viewpoint, that time is past. Rotarians now understand that the best rule to apply in cases of doubt is the broadest and most generous which the circumstances will permit. Rotary is not tied to tradition. All of the field of human usefulness is open. It has no occasion for lavish expenditure. Its ways are simple; may they ever be so, to the end that Rotary may remain pure. If these things may be, Rotary will not seek smooth paths for men strong as they stumble onward.” Paul P. Harris, 1919 read at the Salt Lake City Convention: http://www.whatpaulharriswrote.org/rotarian/1919convention.htm

 

As we meet here at this convention held in the same city of 88 years ago, just consider how far we have come. At our last Salt Lake City convention, we had $60 in our endowment fund (now known as The Rotary Foundation) – look how far we have travelled.

 

I’m not talking, of course, about the miles we have clocked up in our cars and on trains and aeroplanes, but about our cherished Rotary movement.

 

Paul Harris again hits the nail upon the head when he tells us that Rotary’s ways are simple. Our aims remain straightforward and succinct; Our all encompassing aim is to continue to strive towards world peace and understanding and to doing good in our world. These aims remain ‘pure’. Paul Harris’s message was to a convention of hope that looked towards a new bright future – a future that sadly did not materialize.

 

Let us hope that in 2007, a peaceful world is within our sight. Look outwards Paul Harris tells us, look outwards.

 

Calum Thomson

RGHF Chairman/President 2006/07

R/C Longniddry & District

District 1020, Scotland.

What Paul Harris Said
June 3, 2007
www.whatpaulharrissaid.org

In his message to the 1946 RI Convention at Atlantic City, New Jersey,

"What should Rotarians do to back up the United Nations? Just what they are doing. Rotarians were chairmen of seven national delegations at the San Francisco Conference, and in all, as delegates or consultants at the San Francisco Conference, there were fifty Rotarians. Thus the spirit of Rotary was very definitely in evidence in San Francisco during the writing of the United Nations Charter."

Was it not significant that retiring UN Secretary General Kofi Annan specifically mentioned Rotary International by name in his retirement speech a few months ago? Not only has Rotary International worked with the UN, other Governments and NGOs in the fight to eradicate polio, our organization helped formulate the United Nations Charter as Paul Harris points out.

Sadly, Harris would not be around to see how this new, idealistic creation would develop. I suppose there are many critics of the United Nations today as it struggles to cope with global conflicts and tensions all over the world. Yet, the United Nations, surely, offers the best way forward towards a peaceful future. Rotary also continues to work for peace with the same enthusiasm and commitment of 50 years ago.

Today, we have developed our own Peace Fellow Program to honor Paul Harris' memory. See http://www.rotaryfirst100.org/foundation/programs/peace.htm  for more details. There will also be a World Peace Symposium at the Salt Lake City Convention, June 14-16 (more details here)  http://www.rotary.org/newsroom/foundation/070112_peacesymposium.html 

Thus, with a cadre of professional mediators and peace specialists working for and working in conjunction with the UN, the "Spirit of Rotary" as Paul Harris said, will live on. This is what we are doing to "back up the United Nations".

Please consider visiting the RGHF booth at our 97th Annual Convention - #936. The booth shall also contain a Peace Journey Exhibition conceived and prepared by Chairman of the RGHF Board & President 2007/2010 Joe Kagle.

Calum Thomson

RGHF Chairman 2006/07

R/C Longniddry & District

D 1020,

What Paul Harris (and other Rotary leaders) Said

May 20 2007

 

PRIP Herb J Taylor

In his address to the 1955 Rotary Convention in Chicago, Illinois, USA.

 

“The finest slogans are useless without action”

 

Herb Taylor’s observation at the 50^th anniversary Convention is one of the simplest truisms.  Over fifty years later, Rotary has created a new slogan for a new age; a slogan that is designed to tell the world what Rotary is – its ideals and its aims. That slogan is HUMANITY IN MOTION.

 

In order to create the ‘motion’, Rotarians must provide the fuel to allow Rotary Clubs to move forward with their local and international service projects. Contributing to the Annual Programs Fund of the Rotary Foundation is an obvious way to provide HUMANITY IN MOTION. It’s not too late to contribute to 2006/07 APF and of course the more we can provide, the more action we can undertake. Without providing the energy, we are powerless. We cannot tackle the huge problems of lack of water, disease, inadequate education and hunger.

 

To release the potential power of Rotary, give generously to your Rotary Foundation and help sustain humanity in motion.

 

Calum Thomson
Chairman  2006-07
Rotary Global History
www.rotaryhistoryfellowship.org

6 April 2007

Rotary Global History
Authorized by Rotary International
www.RotaryHistoryFellowship.org

What Paul Harris Said

In a letter to Rtn Will Moffat, April 1930

"The tendency towards slavish adherence to precedent only stands in the way... Needless and purposeless limitation is immoral. Will you not be the Moses to lead us out of this wilderness?"

click on the link below for the full article written by RGHF historian Basil Lewis entitled "Why Only One?"

http://www.rotaryfirst100.org/clubs/clubs/whyone.htm

Paul Harris’ comments were addressed specifically to those Rotary clubs in the large cities who were opposed to the expansion of new clubs within the city limits. Yet, we can use Harris’ quote here and generalize on so many other issues that concern Rotary clubs today, 77 years later. We can see how the founder of Rotary was never willing to be tied and bound by old rules and decisions from the past – Rotary was and is an evolutionary force.

Last week’s Council on Legislation is a clear example of Rotary’s determination to embrace change for the better. What better example could we give than to highlight enactment 07-329 that allows clubs to invite community leaders who have shown a commitment and involvement in community affairs into their Rotary clubs.

to all our subscribers

JOIN US FOR OUR CONVENTION BREAKFAST MEETING
RGHF is hosting a breakfast at 07.30 on Sunday, 17 June at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City.Tickets are priced at $30. As a subscriber to our weekly features, please come along and join us.

Calum Thomson
RGHF Chairman 2006/07
R/C Longniddry & District, D 1020
Scotland

What Paul Harris Said

April 22 2007

 

In The Rotarian magazine, March 1918

 

“I do not believe capital can afford to permit hunger, squalor or disease. Let us banish the city miserable before we build our city beautiful. Slums are political malaria breeders, and we must not have them in our midst...

 

We can dispense with ignorance, degradation and filth; we must have education, enlightenment, morality, and cleanliness, and more and more of it, if our civilization is to be made secure.”

Paul P Harris, The True Spirit of Service Can Redeem (the) World

 

 

In an unusually political essay, Paul Harris reminded a world re-emerging from years of global conflict what really matters to the ordinary citizens of the world. Many Rotary clubs have embarked on projects in the city slums this year and have worked tirelessly on water, literacy and health & hunger projects where it really matters.

 

Yet, in today’s world, nearly 90 years later, Paul Harris’ vision of a clean world without ‘filth’ takes on new meanings. Thanks to Rotarians around the world and through their visionary projects, Rotary is beginning to realize the environmental challenges of the 21^st century. It is inevitable that Rotary will take a position of leadership in 'preserving planet earth' in the coming years.

 

Calum Thomson

RGHF Chairman 2006/07

R/C Longniddry & District

D 1020 Scotland

What Paul Harris Said
April 8 2007

http://www.rotaryfirst100.org/presidents/1993barth/index.htm
Past RI President Bob Barth to the 1993 Rotary International convention in Melbourne, Australia:
“I’d like to share what I believe is symbolized when I wear the Rotary wheel emblem:
You can rely on me. I am dependable. I am available. I give more than I take. I add value. I serve ”

It was with great sadness that we read about PRIP Bob Barth’s death last week. http://www.rotaryfirst100.org/presidents/1993barth/obit.htm

Perhaps this excerpt is Bob’s most famous quote and one that’s worth restating.

Wherever Rotarians meet around the world, from the busy airport departure lounge in a far off land to the local restaurant in the neighboring town, the Rotary badge acts like a letter of introduction – it says all these things that PRIP Bob says and so much more.

Wear your Rotary badge with pride and remember the fact that the wheel has a keyway to symbolize movement –to make the point that Rotary can never be a static organization -it is, in fact, humanity in motion.

Calum Thomson
RGHF Chairman 2006/07
R/C Longniddry & District
District 1020, Scotland

March 25 2007

What Paul Harris Said

In The Rotarian magazine in 1925

 

 "Can personal friendships grow into national friendships in such manner as to promote the interests of peace?...

Yes, but it is a dream that we can make come true. Our confidence must never falter. I believe that there is justification for our faith, in the lives of great men such as these, who were faithful to their trusts, who could be friendly, and who were "what they seemed." Paul Harris, The Rotarian magazine 1925
http://www.whatpaulharriswrote.org/rotarian/192510sixthobject.htm

Paul Harris was writing about our fourth object of Rotary (then known as the sixth object) in 1925 and spent some time discussing some of the various friends he had met through the Rotary movement from all parts of the world.

Today, it seems clear to me, that the best way to make friends from all over the world is to get involved with our Global Networking Groups – Vocational & Recreational Fellowships and Rotarian Action Groups. http://www.globalnetworkinggroups.org The work that these organizations carry out is vast and varied and there is a group for you!

Through our Global Networking Groups long-lasting and lifelong friendships can be made. Our first object of Rotary states that acquaintance is an opportunity for service. Any club member can see the truth in that statement by considering her or his own club. These “Fellowships” allows the Rotarian to take a step further and make friends on an international basis.

For example, Rotary Global History www.rotaryhistoryfellowship.org is a worldwide fellowship of nearly 130 members based in more than 30 countries. It is a grouping of like-minded individuals. RGHF has also opened doors for many Rotarians around the world and directly led to successful matching grant projects and Group Study Exchanges to name but two developments.

Other fellowships can boast of similar successes. Never underestimate the power of global networking!
_________________
Calum Thomson
RGHF Chairman 2006/07
R/C Longniddry & District
District 1020, Scotland

Rotary Global History

Authorized by Rotary International

www.RotaryHistoryFellowship.org

 

What Paul Harris Said

March 11 2007

 

“As my Lassie Jean and I were strolling around the yard one summer afternoon, our minds reverted to the blessings which were ours. We listed our home, perched on the hill top midst friendly oaks and with evergreens in plenty to give impression of warmth when cold winds blow; we also listed books and household goods, sacred accumulations of years and representing many sacrifices.

 

 An impulse suggested the question: Would life be worth living without these things? It did not (take) long to answer, Yes, life is even more sacred.

 

 Then came another: Is there anything more valuable than life? We thought of (the) touch of vanished hands and the sound of voices stilled and realized that there are things without which life would be so sterile that it might well end. If there were no such things as fellowship with friends and communion with loved ones, life would be darker than starless night.

 

 Friendship can hurdle national boundary lines, religious and political differences; and with love all things is possible.”

 

Paul P Harris’ Christmas Message 1930

 

This message was quoted, in full, by 2007 President Wilfrid J. Wilkinson in his speech to the RIBI Assembly on March 4 2007.

 

Membership recruitment is vital to the continued good work of Rotary clubs throughout the world. It is a necessary ingredient to the long-term future of our clubs and of our movement. The membership drive is not, however, simply about numbers and statistics. RI President-elect Wilf, by quoting from the founder of Rotary, is highlighting some of the essential benefits that membership of Rotary bestows – namely friendship and fellowship.

 

New members are new friends and without new friends we cannot achieve all that we hope and dream of. New members are like the stars who help illuminate the night; New members means there are more hands to join with as we link the world together and more members offer more opportunities to create a peaceful world.

 

Help light up the night. Have you asked someone in your community to join Rotary?

 

Calum Thomson

RGHF Chairman 2006/07

R/C Longniddry & District

D -1020 Scotland

What Paul Harris Said

February 25 2007

 

We celebrate February 23, 1905, as the birthday of Rotary. With equal propriety we might celebrate the date of the renaissance. What would there have been to celebrate in Chicago today had it not been for the new birth, the renaissance. By its virtue friendly men and women of many nations have been gathered together in Chicago in the spirit of "Peace on earth, good will toward all men."

Paul P Harris address to the RI Convention, Chicago 1930

 

 

As of this Friday, the Rotary “Renaissance” is officially 102 years old.

 

We can infer from these words that Paul Harris saw his Rotary idea as a simple reaffirmation of some ancient beliefs – Peace on Earth and goodwill to all its inhabitants. The wonderful event of 102 years ago was a wake-up call to all the peoples of the world.

 

Harris never ever claimed the idea of a “Club” was unique. In various places around the world, at different times, similar organizations had appeared. For more – click on the link - http://www.rotaryfirst100.org/historians/lewis/forerunners.htm

 

The main difference between Harris’ club and other forerunner clubs was that Harris' Rotary Club was the one with the strongest foundation of universal, sound and rational principles - capable of lasting over time and renewing itself.

 

It is highly significant to learn this week that The Rotary Foundation has been short-listed for the prestigious Nobel Peace prize. Even today, the same beliefs that four men once shared in a Chicago office, that transcended country and continent, is as relevant and recognised as such.

 

Calum Thomson

RGHF Chairman 2006/07

R/C Longniddry & District

D-1020, Scotland

What Paul Harris Said

February 11th 2007

 

"Happiness is not to be found in possessions. That truth has been borne home to us time and again. Happiness is a state of mind, it comes unsought and it is the by-product of wholesome, sensible and unselfish living and thinking."

Paul P Harris' message to the RI Convention at St. Louis 1943

 

Rotary Shares.

 

At the recent International Assembly at San Diego, 2007 RI President Wilfrid J. Wilkinson announced this theme for our Rotary year 2007/08. Wilf said: "If one strong common thread exists among our 1.2 million members, it is our willingness to share...They share their compassion, their enthusiasm, and their commitment to help those in need and make the world better."

 

Wilf is reminding us that the unselfish way of life is the happy way of life. Like Paul Harris, Wilf links SHARING to personal involvement.

 

Paul Harris SHARED his idea of the Rotary Club with thousands upon thousands of Rotarians in every corner of the world, RI President-elect Wilf asks everyone to SHARE Rotary by leading projects, bringing in new members and sharing ideas & resources.

 

This will show the world that Rotary Shares.

 

Calum Thomson

RGHF Chairman 2006/07

R/C Longniddry & District

District 1020, Scotland

What Paul Harris Said

January 28 2007

"Has Rotary a meaning for you? No? Possibly you haven't the right perspective. You have worried yourself so much over the little unimportant things that you haven't even given yourself a momentary glimpse of the tout ensemble. Stand back, a few paces, for a moment, far enough away from the picture so that the details may assume their proper proportions and disclose their true relationship toward each other. It will profit you to get the distance sense." Paul P Harris 'The Distant Sense' published in The Rotarian, February 1914
http://www.whatpaulharriswrote.org/library/sense.htm

This article (also quoted in WPHS last month) was an early Harris treatise on business ethics.

In order to understand Paul Harris' idea of distant sense, he gives us great advice to forget about life's trivialities and get everything into perspective. What are the things that really matter in this world? When we can answer this question, we are well on our way to discover what Rotary is all about.

As we begin 2007's leadership training and development programs (starting with the International Assembly and continuing until our Club Assembly), let us all be wary of the distant sense.

That's excellent advise from Paul Harris!

Calum Thomson
RGHF Chairman 2006/07
R/C Longniddry & District
D-1020 Scotland

15 January

By its failures as well as it's successes, Rotary advances, but no worthy motive, if made known, fails to register itself somewhere, somehow. Possibly its influence may be felt in entirely unexpected places."
Paul P Harris, Peregrinations Volume 3

January is Rotary Awareness month.

It never ceases to amaze me, how, wherever you are in the world, the power and influence of Rotary is close at hand. The world is full of Rotarians engaged in useful and necessary service projects. From South Africa to Indonesia, Brazil to India, Rotarians show they care by building a better world to share - for today's and tomorrow's generations.

Paul Harris' observation of the 1930's was made as he travelled the globe and saw 'humanity in motion'. The Rotary ideal of WORLD PEACE and UNDERSTANDING is a message that unites every human being - a message that everyone can identify with.