Renovation of Evolution

In 1930, at the RI Convention in Chicago, Paul Harris said: “If Rotary is to realize its proper destiny, it must be evolutionary at all times, revolutionary on occasion.” Obviously this revolution doesn’t imply the use of weapons, but a REnovation of eVOLUTION, the most appropriate meaning for that word, on Rotary’s view. The ability to renovate is an indicator that evolution and growth can follow. For more than 100 years Rotary has been evolving creatively.

As we see the coming of a new world, a constantly changing new world that brings hope to the communities, we recognize the very concept Rotary has been advocating, which is “the unity to do good and promote peace”. Many fear the doom and gloom forecasts for the future. Bad things happen only to those not aligned with hope and peace. The decision to build a harmonious and peaceful world is a component of our choice to renovate evolution. It’s a matter of alignment and choice. Unlike other international organizations, Rotary doesn’t need external consulting to find its path. When we make decisions on how to serve in our clubs, districts, and at the international level, we manage the issues and evolve in the process, gaining enough maturity to better serve. The evolution is interrupted only when there is not enough goodwill to combine resources.

The evolution happens day by day. It’s on the goal of the club to become stronger by coming together in a project. It’s on a potential member, who decides to join Rotary after being invited to take part

in one of our projects. It’s an evolution in the orientation process, so potential members first see what we do, and then what Rotary is.

This evolution is felt when we focus on our responsibility with the future generations, organizing RotaryKids, Interact and Rotaract Clubs.

This evolutionary energy is noticed when each and every one of us does what it takes to build a better world.

The renovation of evolution has to do with the awareness of ourselves. Although we have many talents, they have not been refined and used enough. This is due to the lack of polarization and opportunities to further enhance these talents and put them into good use. By allowing the awakening and daily growth that comes with cooperative actions, we have a different attitude towards life. A renovated Rotary is part of this change in attitude, necessary to fight the apathy that sometimes permeates in our clubs.

To create the new paradigms of a creative evolution in Rotary it’s essential to:

1. Be aware of the need to renovate and put efforts to achieve this renovation; 2. Allow this evolution to occur in synergy with our Object; 3. Accept our limitations and come to terms with the fact that the methods we have used until now no longer work; 4. Contribute to the implementation of new models to bring new vitality into the organization; 5. Pay attention to dissenting opinions, trying to appreciate the value of each one of these opinions and incorporate their positive aspects in our evolutionary process; 6. Practice innovations with a serene and responsible approach.

And this includes for example, the possibility to different

approaches of new members to join a club or new clubs to be chartered, allowing these new members to participate on a project even before joining Rotary, giving them the opportunity to understand first what Rotary does to later on understand what Rotary is.

Evolution can’t bring destruction in its path. It got to be a complement to renovation. Everything changes with time, and as Rotary leaders, we have to be aware of this concept.

Each Rotarian should have the opportunity to contribute, to apply his leadership skills and to be duly recognized for doing so. Change your thinking and you’ll change the world. Each one of us should analyze and implement the necessary measures to positively influence the evolutionary process, by serving with solidarity.

By acting this way, we honor our past and bring about new ideas for the present, opening the doors to a bright future.

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