I would like to thank everyone in the District for the opportunity to serve as your District Governor these last two years. I hope I was able to make a difference in your club by promoting change and the opportunities that are available to you as Rotarians. Some of these opportunities are the friends you make in your clubs, the friends you make when you interact with other Rotary members, going on a Rotary Fellowship trip to some other District in the world, going on a humanitarian trip to change someone's life (and your own), going to an International convention to see the impact Rotarians make around the world and attending your own District conference.
All clubs struggle to keep their membership and I would like you to do something simple. ASK SOMEONE to join you. It's how you became a member. If you don't ask someone to join, they can't say yes. It's up to you to ask. It's also important that you take care of your new members. Sit with them at meetings. Ask them to join you on a project. Don't forget them. Talk to them about the benefits of Rotary, what your club does in the community and how Rotary impacts the world. What other organization is eradicating a disease like polio from the world and we are the only organization in the world that has a plan for peace and is working on it?
Every club in our District makes a huge impact in their communities and around the world. For example, when you make a contribution to The Rotary Foundation you're not just making a contribution you are making a difference in people's lives around the world. I asked all of the clubs who would take over for them if their club ceased to exist and no one had an answer. THAT IS THE IMPACT YOU MAKE NOT ONLY IN YOUR COMMUNITIES BUT AROUND THE WORLD! Please don't forget the impact that you make.
Thank you again for your support and keep making a difference. Practice Service Above Self.