It is my privilege to speak to you today about something close to all our hearts—the Rotary Action Plan. As members of this incredible organization, we share a collective purpose: to make a lasting impact in our communities and the world. The Rotary Action Plan is not just a document; it is our roadmap for shaping the future, ensuring we remain relevant, impactful, and inspirational. Rotary International’s action plan is a clear framework to fulfill our shared mission of “Service Above Self.” The Rotary Action Plan is built on four strategic priorities: Increase Our Impact, Expand Our Reach, Enhance Participant Engagement, and Increase Our Ability to Adapt. The world today is not the same as it was when Rotary began in 1905. Demographics have shifted, the pace of change has accelerated, and technology has created new opportunities for connection and service. What hasn’t changed is a need for the values that define Rotary: fellowship, integrity, diversity, service, and leadership. The Action Plan honors our past and embraces our future. It is meant to help evolve Rotary as an organization to not only keep us relevant but thriving. These priorities are not new; they are deeply rooted in our mission and values. But they provide a modern framework to meet the unique challenges of today’s rapidly changing world. Let us talk about Rotary’s vision statement first which is “Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.” This statement was created with input and feedback from Rotary members and approved by the RI Board and TRF Trustees in 2017. Shortly after the vision statement was adopted, the Committee began developing Rotary’s new Action Plan. Again, the Committee invited reactions and input from Rotary members. In June 2018, both boards approved the strategic priorities and objectives that drive the new Action Plan. The Action Plan rolled out in the 2019–20 Rotary year. The plan focuses on strengthening Rotary as a dynamic force for good, combining our legacy of service with fresh strategies for growth and engagement. It is a call to action for every Rotarian to embrace change while staying true to Rotary’s timeless principles. The world today is more interconnected yet more fragmented than ever. Global challenges like climate change, inequality, pandemics, and conflicts demand innovative, scalable solutions. At the same time, social dynamics are shifting—millennials and Gen Zs prioritize purpose-driven communities, while digital tools reshape how we connect and collaborate. For Rotary to thrive and lead in this landscape, we must adapt. The Rotary Action Plan recognizes this urgency. Let’s explore why these priorities are essential. 1. Increase Our Impact Our commitment to service has always been Rotary’s hallmark. However, to solve today’s pressing issues, we must focus on outcomes over activities. It’s not just about how many projects we complete but about the lasting difference we make. Through the Action Plan, we aim to align our resources and energy towards sustainable, measurable solutions. Whether it’s advancing literacy, eradicating polio, or addressing environmental issues, we need to amplify our efforts with evidence-based strategies. This will elevate Rotary as a leader in global problem-solving, inspiring others to join our cause. 2. Expand Our Reach Rotary’s reach is impressive, but it can and must grow further. This is not just about increasing membership—it’s about creating diverse, inclusive spaces where people from all backgrounds can collaborate. We must meet people where they are, both physically and digitally. Technology enables us to connect across borders and generations. Imagine a hybrid Rotary club where members from different continents work on a shared cause, or community service projects that engage local and global participants alike. Expanding our reach means making Rotary accessible to everyone who shares our passion for service. 3. Enhance Participant Engagement Engagement is the lifeblood of any organization. If members are disengaged, no action plan can succeed. We need to go beyond asking people to join Rotary—we must ensure they feel valued, inspired, and fulfilled. This involves rethinking how we operate. Are our meetings engaging? Are we listening to the ideas and aspirations of new members? Are we offering leadership opportunities to all? The Action Plan encourages us to embrace mentorship, celebrate diversity, and create personalized experiences that deepen members’ connection to Rotary’s mission. 4. Increase Our Ability to Adapt Change is inevitable, but growth is optional. Rotary’s strength lies in its adaptability over the years, but the pace of change today is unprecedented. We must evolve not only to survive but to thrive. This includes reimagining how we organize our clubs, how we communicate, and how we innovate. It might mean experimenting with new club models, leveraging data to drive decisions, or embracing bold initiatives that challenge the status quo. The Action Plan provides a framework to embrace flexibility without losing our identity. We’ve been through a lot in the last few years, and many members may not feel like this is the best time to talk about action plan. But I think this is exactly the right time to talk about it. Over the last couple of years, I have talked about two of the major factors eroding Rotary’s growth. First is the change in how we get information, and the second is how a shifting economy makes a growing number of people feel like they don’t have control over their own economic fates and why a service organisation such as Rotary is not in their radar. So now we must confront a third element: in a country as diverse as ours, how can we disagree deeply while still finding a way to live together and make more people in the community see Rotary as a force to develop the world. That’s what my speech is all about now. It is the idea of pluralism and developing the habits and approaches to that help us see why others disagree to see Rotary as we do. The action plan will help us develop the strategies and skills to make them agree to see peace as a force for development and what they can do, not just for today but for generations to come. At Rotary, we bring together leaders who are already working around the world to build diverse coalitions and bridge divides in their own communities. We’ll also explore the challenges we face, examine strategies that work, and talk about how we can help the next generation of leaders get the tools and training they need to do even more. This will be a generational project. But I’m encouraged by Rotarians experimenting with different ways to bring people together and build social trust. It’s the key to building stronger organizations, figuring out how to work together, and ultimately delivering results – and it’s some of the most important work we can do right now in Rotary. There is no better time to implement the Rotary Action Plan. We stand at a crossroads, with extraordinary opportunities to lead. The world needs Rotary’s vision, values, and resources more than ever. By committing to the Action Plan, we ensure that Rotary continues to grow as a global force for good. More importantly, we ensure that the people and communities we serve are empowered to overcome challenges and build better futures. Let us remember that the Rotary Action Plan is not a document for someone else to implement. It is a shared responsibility, a collective journey. Each of us has a role to play in increasing impact, expanding reach, enhancing engagement, and adapting to change. Together, we can transform the challenges of today into the successes of tomorrow. Together, we can ensure that Rotary not only remains relevant but continues to inspire hope, foster connection, and create lasting change. Thank you for continuing to show up for that work – and for believing in a better vision for Rotary. Let’s keep building it together. Thank you. Let us move forward with determination and purpose. The time to act is now.