Dear District 5750 Rotarians,
May in Oklahoma and around the World has been tumultuous. Rotary International Director Beth Stubbs shared at our Hope in the Heartland Tri-district Conference last month that the Rotary International Board of Directors shared that is the most tumultuous time in the world that we have ever experienced. Even as we were at the District Conference, about 60 miles away, Sulphur was hit by a deadly EF-3 tornado.
Now more than ever, we need to Create Hope in the World.
On the way to this year’s 2024 Rotary International Convention in Singapore from May 25 to 29, one of my fellow District Governors was on the Singapore Airlines flight that experienced turbulence resulting in a broken neck and his wife suffered a broken back. A committed Rotarian, he posted on Facebook that he hoped he would be well enough to still attend the convention!
We need to Create Hope in the World!
Attracting over 25,000 delegates from around the world, the International Conference at the Singapore EXPO Convention and Exhibition Centre connected Rotarians and provided a platform for sharing insights on creating positive, lasting change in communities.
In the Opening Ceremony, prominent speakers like Graça Machel, Mozambican politician and humanitarian and widow of former President of Mozambique Samora Machel (1975–1986) and former President of South Africa Nelson Mandela (1998-2013), and Rotary International President R. Gordon R. McInally, emphasized themes of equality, peace, and mental health.
McInally called on the convention participants to promote peace through their work with Rotary.
“We are an example of what a better world could be: one where people find common ground across their divides and common purpose in elevating humanity,” McInally said. “Through our service projects, our humanitarian efforts, and our systematic approach to peacebuilding and conflict resolution, we can be catalysts for positive change in the world.”
As Rotarians at levels of service in our Clubs, District 5750 and Zone, we have the amazing opportunity to lock arms and connect to the world in 2025 in Calgary, Canada, June 21-25, 2025.
The Rotary International Convention is where you will find people of action from around the world brainstorming solutions to some of the most pressing challenges and celebrating our works of service that create lasting change.
The convention is where we renew connections, discover fresh perspectives, and create unforgettable moments and enduring relationships. It is my encouragement that you attend if possible.
Please be watching for some great highlights from this year’s convention in Singapore on the Rotary International website, social media and the “Rotary Magazine.”
Thank you for all you do to Create Hope in the World.
Yours in Rotary,
Jeanean Jones
The He Xin Lion & Dragon Arts Troupe performs at the opening general session of the 2024 Rotary International Convention in Singapore.