By Ryan Hyland, Rotary editorial staff
Incoming district governors got their first look at the presidential theme for 2016-17, Rotary Serving Humanity, today at the International Assembly, an annual training event for future leaders. RI President-elect John F. Germ encouraged attendees to work as a team to get the word out about what Rotary is, and what we do, especially as we near the end of our goal to eradicate polio. “The more we are known for what we’ve achieved, the more we’ll be able to attract the partners, the funding, and most important of all, the members to achieve even more.”
We caught up with incoming district governors after the theme was announced to get their thoughts.
Megan Law, Rotary Club of Oklahoma City Midtown, USA (District 5750): “I think the theme perfectly describes what our goal has been all along. We’re here to help one small step at a time. What better way to say to the world, ‘Here’s what we do. We serve humanity.’ ”
Akabom Enebong, Rotary Club of Calabar, Nigeria (District 9140): “Nothing could have been more inspiring. It encourages us to do more. We all need to be prepared to carry out Germ’s theme.”
Kristofer Erlandsson, Rotary Club of Stockholms Vӓstra, Sweden (District 2350): “The theme is very concentrated. It’s easy to say and easy to understand. We have many complex challenges ahead, so it’s good that our theme is simple.”
Gabi Oren, Rotary Club of Gan Yavne, Israel (District 2490): “I’m very proud to be serving under this slogan [theme]. I like that he [Germ] said we all have opportunities but it’s what we do with them that make the difference.”
Nyoman Nilawati S, Rotary Club of Bali Taman, Indonesia (District 3420): “The theme is really the meaning of Rotary. Our projects reflect that; water, literacy, and opportunities for women. I want to tell my clubs all projects need to serve humanity.”
Martin Garcia, Rotary Club of Tawa, New Zealand (District 9940): “It captures everything we do. Whether it’s serving the people within our own club, our community, or the people we serve throughout the world. I loved that he said we’re Team Rotary. We have a shared goal of making the world better. I couldn’t have said it better myself.”
Jason Lim, Rotary Club of Bangkok Bangna, Thailand (District 3350): “Our work under this theme will help us create awareness of what we do. I believe this theme means we need to do more than just write checks. We need to go out and work with the community and understand how we can serve.”
Shaun Michel, Rotary Club of South Jordan, Utah, USA, (District 5420): “The simplicity of what he said, ‘serving humanity’ is something we all need to get back to. We need to make things simple for the people we serve. One thing I would have liked to see is the Rotary wheel in the logo. They took it away last year. I miss that.”
- Read more about the 2016-17 theme
- Download 2016-17 theme logo and materials
- Follow the assembly on Facebook and Twitter using #IA2016
Rotary Voices 
This really describes what Rotary is all about; either locally or globally, Rotarians across the globe are doing their part to make the world a better place for everyone!
LikeLike
Awasme and simple theme..
LikeLike
It is a beautiful and core 2016-2017 Rotary theme. Great to remember the basics of what Rotary does. I as well would welcome the Rotary Wheel somewhere in the graphic. And it would also be cool to show two globes with the second one featuring European and Asian countries who are sooo active with Rotary’s motto: “Service Above Self.”
LikeLike
Agree. Id love to see the Wheel !!
LikeLike
Awesome theme Rotary Serving Humanity which has and going to ignite the real purpose of Rotary and sustain its core value . I salute the RI president 1617.
LikeLike
We had to become a gift to serve humanity.
That is the wonder of Rotary Inter. God bless rotary in Guayaquil Ecuador District 4400.
eticia and Fernando.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The Theme is aware some and perfect We in Rotary have been serving humanity since the day Paul Harris , Gus , Silvester etc started Rotary as Rotary Continue to put smiles in people faces and serving the unserve and making dreams.
Rotarian’s are Angles in GOD Realm.
LikeLike
Very inspiring words,Proudly Rotarians!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Theme has wide meaning and sovmore relevant now
LikeLike
Reblogged this on Public Image Coordinator Günes Ertas.
LikeLike
Like the theme for the incoming Rotary Year. Rotary Serving Humanity.
It is appropriate and motivates Rtns to continue service to humanity.
Iqbalalavi Rotary Club Karachi East District 3271
LikeLike
Reblogged this on shanakyar.
LikeLike
Dear fellow Rotarians. We need to reduce cardiovascular mortality with a simple proposal that can be replicated around the world. Support us with our proposal. We want to educate children to reduce their weight and live longer. This will help us to serve humanity.
District 4400 Ecuador.
LikeLike
The theme is really the meaning of Rotary. It’s easy to say and easy to understand. Our work under this theme will help us create awareness of what we do.
Sk Abdul Hadi
Lt Governor; 2015-16. Rotary Information, RID-3281
LikeLiked by 1 person
very suitable theme..I look forward to the implementation of programs predicated upon same!!
LikeLike
Theme 2016-17: Simple, straightforward and to the point. It sets the course and enable us to focus on priorities of EPN and triangle of Service, Membership and Public Image. We need to be known of what we DO.
LikeLike
Pingback: Incoming district governors eager to serve humanity | The Rotary Club of Carteret