Page 6 - 2023年5月號

People of Action — and empathy

I believe it is a time in our world for brave, service that helps reduce the stigma of seeking out

courageous, intentional leadership.
mental health treatment and expands access to care.
Last month, in this column, you heard
That is why I’m so heartened by President-elect
from my dear friend Anniela Carracedo. She
the global mental health system, not only for Rotary
is an amazing member of our Rotary family, Gordon McInally’s wonderful vision to help improve
and as a past Interactor and now Rotarian, she is this members, but for the communities we serve.
kind of leader. When Gordon announced our focus on men-
Anni shared a very personal story about coping tal health at this year’s International Assembly in
with a panic attack, something that I have also expe- Orlando, Florida, he reminded us that helping others
rienced. The outpouring and response to this story benefits our mental health by reducing stress and
have been tremendous and punctuate how critical it improving our mood. Studies show that performing
is that we acknowledge not only our strengths but our acts of kindness is an effective way to improve your
vulnerabilities too. own mental and physical health. Rotary service brings
When we talk about finding space for one another hope to the world and joy to our lives.
— creating comfort and care within Rotary — we’re Our new focus on mental health will take some
describing a club experience where we can all feel time to do right, and yet it builds on something that
comfortable sharing like Anni did, and we can all has been part of who we are for 118 years. We are
empathize with and support one another. Whatever People of Action, and behind that action is care, com-
we are facing in life, Rotary is a place where we know passion, empathy, and inclusion.
we’re not alone. Becoming champions of mental health is not only
We spend so much time helping our world, the right and kind thing to do, it is a tool that can Cre-
whether it’s working to end polio, cleaning up the ate Hope in the World, Gordon’s inspiring theme for
environment, or bringing hope to communities that his upcoming year as president.
need it most. Sometimes we can lose track of the If we serve our members, we serve our communities,
need to apply some of our energy and care to our fel- and if we can meet people where they are and lift them
low members and partners in service. up, they will imagine Rotary in a new light and come to
The comfort and care of our members is the single fully understand our value and our infinite potential.
greatest driver of member satisfaction and retention.
We need to ensure that it remains a priority — and JENNIFER JONES
that we further strengthen these bonds by performing President, Rotary International

PHOTOGRAPH: MONIKA LOZINSKA RI President

Jennifer Jones
(center) with
2023-24 President
Gordon R. McInally
and his wife,
Heather, at the
International
Assembly in

4 ᇃᢊ׭ᎈȁ2023.5 January