I want to thank the Board of Directors for the assistance they provided during the two years, and of course the ROTI membership who placed their trust in me.

As I began thinking about what this 'farewell talk' might contain, I thought about looking at previous monthly reports. Then it occurred to me that perhaps I should mention important issues that arose during the last two years. That idea didn't go very far, since what may seem important to me, might not seem important to others.

Since many folks appear to be interested in numbers and membership growth, that idea caught my attention until I received an email from another fellowship to which I belong. That group proudly announced reaching 300 members; but does truly outstanding work. Numbers no longer seemed especially important. Our membership has had growth during the past two years, with over 1,800 members. Some of those however are duplicated in our three ROTI lists however, so membership totals, are like age, "just a number." I am however grateful to those of you that spread the word of the benefits ROTI can bring to a Rotarian. There is a simple way you can assist in bringing ROTI to others by simply putting www.roti.org after your name in your signature. You may be surprised how many people will click on it out of curiosity. Some may even write you and ask questions about membership.

The matter of issues on ROTI arose, and I remembered the issues of PHF: award or contribution, religion, social networking, more recently a joke involving cows. As I thought of these and others discussions, it should be recognized that ROTI has members from almost one hundred countries. Our members represent many cultures, ages, religions, education, and other differences. This can create difficulties as we have seen, but can also bring knowledge of those differences. The message of awareness of the sensitivities of others is an important message that we all need to develop in order not to antagonize others. I have had the good fortune to travel to over twenty countries and learned that words, and even hand signals, do not mean the same thing in all countries. Your ROTI Chair quickly learned in Brazil that the "OK" sign of placing the thumb and 1st finger together, does not mean "good job."

Continuing to think about topics for this final report, it occurs to me that many of our members do not sign their posts with name, club, district, city, and country. ROTI has always asked to include this in order to help us identify our members properly. This provides the reader with more information to identify the post, and might assist others in replying. We learn that clubs in the United Kingdom operate under slightly different regulations (RIBI) than those to which many are familiar. We learn that members in some countries with different religions are more sensitive to certain topics.

It would be great if more of our new members would write a paragraph or two about themselves and their Rotary club.

I would personally like to see more of our membership contribute by posting to our lists. Remember that "Rotary Shares." I know that our members have accomplished much during both brief and lengthy times in Rotary. Why keep your good news to yourself; let others know what you have done. Let others know what you tried to do, but did not succeed. It may help others. Consider posting to ROTI as being similar to putting money in the bank; it can draw interest and help you later. Well, in today's financial times, maybe that is not a great example; posting may draw MORE interest than putting money in a bank. LOL

One thing I had hoped to accomplish, but did not, is to update our By-Laws. There are several sections that need to be changed, and many to added. I know Chair-Elect Lecticia plans to tackle them in her "wish list." Please extend to her the courtesy you have shown me as she begins her two-year term as your ROTI Chair.

By the time you read this the RI Convention in Birmingham would have begun, and perhaps finished. Another regret I have is not being able to attend this event. It would have been wonderful to see some of my ROTI friends from that side of the Atlantic, and of course other countries. Glo and I remember fondly meeting so many in Chicago, Salt Lake City, and Chicago, and look forward to being in Montreal and New Orleans in 2010 and 2011.

And speaking of Glo, I want to thank her for the patience she always showed me whenever I became upset with ROTI difficulties. Fortunately, she was very busy herself as District Grants Chair, so there were many times when were were at our respective computers pounding away. Those slaps at the keyboard were sometimes accomplished by "I will quit this for a little while and have a Scotch....care to join me?"

In closing, I again thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve as your Chair for 2007 - 2009. It has been a wonderful learning experience for me, as it was for those who have previously served as ROTI Chairs. You will continue to see posts from me, and I look forward to seeing posts from you, and you, and you. Be sure to put a "U" in ROTI.

Ron

Ron Nethercutt
ROTI Chair 2007 - 2009
Major Donor
RC Clark Centennial D 3790
bahaybata.org
Angeles City, Philippines