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FOUNDER Jack Selway CARL CARDEY MATTS INGEMANSON DICK MCKAY PDG AMU SHAH
FLORENCE HUI FRANK DEAVER JOE KAGLE BARHIN ALTINOK PDG DENS SHAO
VIJAY MAKHIJA PRID JOHN EBERHARD BASIL LEWIS PDG DON MURPHY TOM SHANAHAN
PDG GERI APPEL PDG DAVE EWING EDWARD LOLLIS PDG JOHN ÖRTENGREN PDG KARI TALLBERG
O. GREG BARLOW JOSE FERNANDEZ-MESA FRANK LONGORIA PDG FRED OTTO CALUM THOMSON
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PDG INGE ANDERSSON PDG JAMES ANGUS  Deceased RAY MACFARLANE PAUL MCLAIN

Frank Deaver Rotary Editorials

 
From Diversity to Unity
By Frank Deaver
Rotary Club of Tuscaloosa, Alabama USA



Thousands of Rotarians from more than a hundred countries came together for the RI Convention in Salt Lake City, and in one of the earliest gatherings they demonstrated an example of why Rotarians are Rotarians. Backgrounded by the stirring music of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, readings were presented by Moslem, Buddhist, Mormon, Hindu, Jewish, and Christian representatives. The selections included common themes of brotherhood, service, and peace.

The underlying message was consistent and obvious, summarized by convener Ron Burton. Whatever our differences, he said, whether racial, religious, or political, "we are united by our humanitarian works, our high ethical standards, and our promotion of goodwill and peace in the world."

Selections read from the holy books of Islam and Buddhism underscored respect and consideration for others. Harmony and happiness were the emphases from the Hindu religion. The Mormon speaker said that whatever our differences, "as Rotarians we all want the same things." And the Christian commandment, "love thy neighbor," challenged doing for others.

The session underscored the Rotary Shares theme of the incoming RI President Wilfrid Wilkinson. "Almost everything Rotary does involves sharing," he said. "We share our time, we share our talents, and we share our money with others who need our help." For Rotarians, he added, "Sharing doesn't mean giving away what you have to spare, what you don't need for yourself. Sharing means giving of yourself, selflessly, for the good of others."

The story is told of a farmer whose corn won top honors, year after year, in a fair. In a news interview, it was disclosed that he regularly gave some of his prized seed corn to his neighbors. "Why do you do that?" a reporter inquired. "That only helps your neighbors compete for the annual honor." The farmer replied, "But you don't understand. The wind blows pollen about the area, and cross-pollinates the corn. If my neighbors raise inferior corn, my own crop will soon be compromised. It is by helping my neighbors that I help myself."

It is the same with Rotary's service role in improving the human condition. By reducing the temptation to hostility, by improving health conditions, by promoting higher standards of learning, Rotary is making the world a better and safer place for all.

Helen Keller said, "Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much."

Rotarians representing five different world religions spoke at that convention session in Salt Lake City. All of them cited quotations or principles deeply held in their respective religious beliefs, but themes shared by Rotarians, whatever their religion. In the four days of that convention, Rotarians blended the themes of the outgoing and incoming presidents. They were inspired to Lead The Way, as they departed to demonstrate that indeed, Rotary Shares.
RGHF Committee Editorial Writer Frank Deaver,    23 August 2007