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2008 Archives |
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Our four RGHF features "What
Paul Harris Said," "Frank
Talk Gems," "Our Foundation
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What Paul Harris Said
for August 2008
Today, the 10th of August, 2008, happens to be the 51st
anniversary of Rotary Club of Port of Spain, 1957, the First Club of
Trinidad and Tobago. Just ten years following the death of Rotary founder
Paul P. Harris. It was nearly 40 years after the first non English speaking
club in Havana Cuba. At the time, Harris questioned whether Rotary could
overcome language barriers. However, Rotary prevailed, as evidenced in this,
the last article of his life, in The Rotarian, by Paul Harris:
“Almost contemporaneously, l started a campaign for Rotary Clubs in other
cities. Most of the membership considered it a vagary beyond the bounds of
reason. So, I went forward alone, but with the sympathy of all. It is a
matter of history how Club Number Two was organized in San Francisco, how
Rotary went across the Canadian border to Winnipeg and eventually across the
sea to the British Isles, where it became an influence throughout the length
and breadth of Britain. Cuba came in, and, eventually, Rotary spanned the
world.” Paul P. Harris, The Rotarian, late 1946, published shortly after his
death.
http://www.whatpaulharriswrote.org/rotarian/twoscore.htm
There are those today who suggest that Harris’ bright light dimmed toward
the end of his life. This article was, to my mind, as sharp as any in his 79
years.
It might be useful for all Rotarians in every club to realize that Paul was
apposed in his early plans to expand Rotary. If you believe in something and
have the passion to carry it out, it’s very likely that you’ll encounter
resistance, but take courage from the founder of Rotary. Read his books,
letters, articles, and messages at
www.whatpaulharriswrote.org
Paul mentions Club Number Two. In November they will celebrate 100 years.
http://www.rotaryfirst100.org/clubs/cities/clubs/02sanfrancisco.htm
Yes, the story of Rotary will have to be written again and again.
Yours in Rotary History,
Jack Selway, Founder/CEO
RGHF www.rghf.org (Rotary Global History Fellowship)
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What Paul Harris Said
- July 13 2008
“Why should a
man (or woman) continue to strive
for more wealth after (s)he has
acquired reasonable sufficiency?
The money
quest is largely habit, is it not?
‑or is it
a disease? Whatever it may be it has
a deadly grip.
There is a growing
number of men (and women), however,
who possess sufficient character to
enable them to master their own
destinies, to turn abruptly in their
tracks when the time comes to give
up the pursuit of the almighty
dollar and devote themselves to
their second business: attention to
the world's needs.
The larger this number becomes the
easier it will be for others to
follow. The progress of civilization
depends upon these men (and women)
of character.”
Paul P Harris’
message to the RI Convention in Los
Angeles 1922 (read more here
http://www.rotaryfirst100.org/presidents/conventions/1922/index.htm )
There are now close to 1.1 million
Paul Harris Fellows in the world
today. These men and women have
indeed devoted themselves to the
attention of the world’s needs by
raising over one billion dollars for
The Rotary Foundation since 1957. Is
it not right that we have used the
Founder of Rotary’s name to
recognize these worthy men and women
because our Paul Harris Fellows
reflect the thoughts and hopes of
Paul Harris himself?
It is a truly wonderful honor to be
named as a Paul Harris Fellow; to
accept that pin and medallion which
contains the image of Paul Harris.
Yet for all of us, and I mean ALL of
us, it is only the beginning of a
journey – a journey to even
greater commitment to donating our
excess dollars to helping others. Is
that not what Paul Harris is talking
about here?
How many of us have enjoyed the even
greater pleasure of naming someone
we love as a Paul Harris Fellow?
Recently, I had such a privilege.
When we name someone as a Paul
Harris Fellow, we honor that person
and honor the name and memory of our
Founder. As a Rotarian, there is no
greater feeling than to present
the pin and medal to someone
special.
Rotarians are indeed men and women
of character who devote themselves
to giving service and their excess
dollars to helping our fellow human
beings. Paul Harris would be so
proud of the Paul Harris Fellowship
– our most successful fund
development tool.
Let's make 2008/09 the best year
ever for giving to The Rotary
Foundation and giving in the name of
Paul Harris.
You can read more
about the Paul Harris Fellowship by
Past RI President Cliff Dochterman
by clicking on this link - http://www.rotaryfirst100.org/presidents/1992dochterman/phf.htm
Calum Thomson
RGHF Chairman 2006/07
Rotary Club of Longniddry and
District
D-1020, Scotland
calthomson@aol.com
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What Paul Harris Said
www.whatpaulharrissaid.org
Sunday 15 June 2008
Recently, WPHS presented the history of the 1922 Los Angeles convention
of Rotary International.
Now many of us in RGHF are at the 2008 convention; From LA, we’ll look
back at the second convention in LA.
http://www.rotaryfirst100.org/presidents/conventions/1962/index.htm
At that convention, the 53rd, there were over 22,000 in attendance. The
theme of the convention was “Communication for Understanding.” Rotary
founder Paul Harris had been gone, from this life, for over 15 years,
but this is something that Paul wrote about “understanding” just before
he died.
“The Rotary way works! But Rotary has no patent on it, for it is but the
Golden Rule in action. Any person, any nation, can apply it by
displacing negative hatred and fear with goodwill based upon
understanding. Peace among nations is not impossible of attainment; they
can find peace if they will.” Paul P. Harris, 1946, “Fear and Hate Must
Go.”
www.whatpaulharriswrote.org/rotarian/1946fear.htm
Paul Harris wrote about understanding in over 100 articles found at
www.whatpaulharriswrote.org It might have been the keystone of his
philosophy. His grandfather, Howard Harris, taught young Paul to seek
understanding, tolerance, and peace with all people. It is an important
part of Rotary today. This reminder and the reading of all of Harris’
works will no doubt inspire new leaders of Rotary.
We’ll see you in LA at the House of Friendship booth #166 all this week.
http://www.rotaryhistoryfellowship.org/rghf/activities/2008losangeles/index.htm
Yours in Rotary History,
Jack Selway, Founder/CEO
founder@rotaryhistoryfellowship.org
RGHF (Rotary Global History Fellowship)
www.rghf.org
New articles at RGHF
www.recentposts.org
Remove or add addresses at
www.historycomment.org
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What Paul Harris Said
www.whatpaulharrissaid.org
What Paul Harris Said
Sunday 13 April 2008
FIRST***HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO PAUL HARRIS, WHO WOULD HAVE BEEN 140 YEARS OLD
ON THE 19TH OF APRIL THIS YEAR.*** this reminder from past Rotary Global
History Fellowship Chairman Matts Ingemanson. By coincidence for even
numbers, March 17th was the 120 anniversary of the death of Howard
Harris. Who, you ask? Paul’s grandfather who steered him on his “Road to
Rotary.”
The 1922 Convention of Rotary was the first of what will soon be three
(3) conventions in Los Angeles, California USA. It was also the site of
a major change in our name, from the “International Association of
Rotary Clubs” to “Rotary International. At this like you can visit all
the LA conventions, including the one we’ll be attending in just two
months.
www.rotaryfirst100.org/presidents/conventions/1922/. Just over 6,000
were in attendance.
Rotary founder Paul Harris sent this message:
“Today, a wireless message may be flashed around the world in less time
than it took the man of the bloody club to get a thought through his own
stupid brain.
The extraordinary significance of recent electrical discoveries will be
eclipsed by others yet to come. Time and space have been wiped out as
factors in the opposition of man's communion with his fellow men.” Paul
P. Harris, 1922, in his message to the first LA convention.
www.whatpaulharriswrote.org/rotarian/1922friendship.htm
And now today, Rotary Global History Fellowship and all Rotarians can
send messages in a way that might have amazed Harris, or might not have.
The more I read his works, the more I’m certain that he would not have
been surprised at anything today. Except that I believe he would have
hoped that we would have achieved world peace by now. We’re trying,
Paul, we’re really trying.
Yours in Rotary History,
Jack Selway, Founder & Executive Vice President
Rotary Global History Fellowship (RGHF)
founder@rotaryhistoryfellowship.org
2008 Convention Update
www.rotary2008.com
New articles at RGHF
www.recentposts.org
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What
Paul Harris Said
March
30 2008
“Love is mightier than hate. Give it one half the
advertising that hate has had and there will be no more war”.
The Rotarian magazine, February 1924
Read the full article at
http://www.whatpaulharriswrote.org/rotarian/1924_2opinion.htm
As Paul Harris would observe if he were alive today, it is so sad
that the world’s media largely ignore our successful club projects
that change peoples lives for the better and concentrate on the
negative violence that plagues the planet.
That is why Rotary clubs ought to establish a public relations
committee within the club. It is a crying shame that the public
along with so many Rotarians are not fully aware of all the
wonderful and inspiring projects that Rotary is engaged in each and
every day all over the world.
In my personal music collection there is a wonderful lyric that
proclaims “If you are willing to change the world, let love be
your energy”. It seems to me that Rotary is like an ever-ready
battery that can provide all the love that we need for the whole
world – and the good news is that there is an unlimited supply
amongst Rotarians.
Please tell your stories to the world and advertise ‘love’ as first
suggested by Paul Harris.
Calum Thomson
calthomson@aol.com
RGHF Chairman 2006/07
Rotary Club of Longniddry & District
District 1020
Scotland
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What Paul Harris Said
March 9, 2008
www.whatpaulharrissaid.org
In his message to the International Convention in Toronto 1942
What Paul
Harris Said
March 9 2008
“The grandest opportunity to serve humanity is directly before us.
Let us remember that it is always darkest just before dawn. These
are the before daylight hours. Let us fervently hope that when the
sun does rise it will usher in a day of unprecedented glory - the
day of the brotherhood of man."
See the full article at
http://www.whatpaulharriswrote.org/library/conventions/1942toronto.htm
As Paul Harris tells us, a world of goodwill
and peace provides Rotarians with countless opportunities to serve.
Paul Harris described himself in numerous articles as a Rotary
ambassador of goodwill. During his many travels around the world, he
would share his dream of a more peaceful world with everyone he met.
Harris’ optimism came from his love of his fellow mankind and his
certain knowledge that Rotary will always remain an organization that
looks forward and never dwells on past achievements.
It is no surprise that our Rotary International President Wilf Wilkinson
places so much emphasis on the power of the Rotary International
Convention. It is the convention that brings Rotary ambassadors of
goodwill from all over the world together in friendship and fellowship.
It is a truly inspiring and motivating experience to discover the power
of Rotary INTERNATIONAL.
Calum Thomson
calthomson@aol.com
RGHF Chairman 2006/07
Rotary Club of Longniddry & District
District 1020
Scotland
2008 Convention Update
www.rotary2008.com
Register for the 2008 RGHF breakfast
https://www.sporg.com/servlet/IndRegister?orgID=972&viewType=1
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What Paul Harris Said
February 10 2008
In 13
Days Rotarians around the world will
mark the 103rd
anniversary of the first gathering
of four men, who went on to create
Rotary as we know it today. Rotary
Global History Fellowship has for
nearly eight years been bringing
Rotary’s History to life. Today, our
feature “What Paul Harris Said,”
reminds all of us that we are
imperfect humans. We all make
mistakes, but if we move forward and
continue to seek world peace and
understanding, we will make
progress.
Paul
Harris, founder of Rotary made very
few mistakes, but one that is still
in print is interesting since it
involves Rotary #5, the Rotary Club
of Los Angeles, where Rotary’s 99th
convention will be held.
In
“This Rotarian Age” Harris refers to
LA as the fourth club, he later
wrote a correction.
“Early in the
year 1908,
Manuel
Munoz, a member of the Chicago club, was prevailed upon to carry the message to
San Francisco.
He pledged himself to interest some
suitable resident of the city of the
Golden Gate in the organization of a club. In
Homer Wood,
a young lawyer, he found the right
man. Homer not only organized a club
in his own city, but in conjunction
with other friends organized clubs
number three in
Oakland,
and number four in
Los Angeles.
“Paul Harris, 1935 “This Rotarian
Age.” Page 77
http://www.whatpaulharriswrote.org/library/rotarianage/rotarianage.htm
So, if you make a mistake, shake it
off. Remember that 50% of the
initial four men, quickly dropped
out of Rotary. Another footnote to
history is that SF#2, Rotary Club of
San Francisco will, this November,
be only the second club to reach 100
years. Visit their booth in
Los Angeles
to learn more. And we hope to see
many of you at our annual RGHF
Breakfast in LA.
Yours in Rotary History,
Jack Selway, Founder, Rotary Global
History Fellowship (RGHF)
Member: Rotary eClub of the
Southwest USA
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What Paul Harris Said
What Paul Harris Said
January 13, 2008
www.whatpaulharrissaid.org
In his message to the International Convention in Los Angeles 1922
"Rotary is the door to friendship. Let us throw it open to every
people."
See the full article at
http://www.rotaryfirst100.org/presidents/conventions/1922/index.htm
In these few words to the Convention of some 84 years ago, Paul Harris
summed up a new era of international Rotary. It was at the LA Convention
of 1922, that the term ROTARY INTERNATIONAL was formally recognized.
Today as we again prepare to meet in the same city in June, remember
these words. At the International Convention, Rotarians from all over
the world get the unique opportunity to meet and share ideas; to inspire
and be inspired; and to build new and ever lasting friendships.
But before then, let us reflect on Paul Harris’ simple words. Let them
guide us to work toward renewing and expanding this mass organization
that each of us belongs to and loves. Why can’t we find men and women
from every profession and every land, from every culture and from every
background – a Rotary world OPEN TO EVERY PERSON?
See you in Los Angeles.
Calum Thomson
RGHF Chairman 2006/07
Rotary Club of Longniddry & District
District 1020
Scotland
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The contents of this
website, our
electronic features and newsletters have been researched, collected,
compiled, and written by
Rotarians.
RGHF Mission:
As an effort to serve others, RGHF accumulates and preserves the
complete history, values and philosophy of the Rotary movement, as
well as encourages others to do the same at every level of the
Rotary movement, and publishes those histories, values and
philosophies on the internet, as well as other forms of media as
expedient. 17 March 2003, amended 20 December 2007, Rotary Global
History Fellowship
Board of Directors.
 This
fellowship is not an agency of, or controlled by,
Rotary International, but is affiliated with individual Rotary districts,
clubs, other Rotary organizations and enjoys the support of Rotarians,
clubs, districts, and zones world-wide. The views and opinions expressed
on this website are not necessarily the collective views and opinions of
Rotary International or all Rotarians. Rotary International is not
responsible for any content and accepts no liability therefore. ©
2000-2008
RGHF (Rotary Global
History Fellowship)
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