Page 7 - English Edition 2002

Message from PRIP Gary Huang

Affected by the COVID-19, unfortunately, many Rotary activities are not able to be carried
out smoothly as before. Although we have encountered sudden tests and are still facing
such severe difficulties, we shall not be discouraged. As Rotarians, we cannot let the
pandemic stop us because at this moment, there are more people in need in the world. It is
the good opportunity for Rotarians to “Lend a Hand” and “Serve to Change Lives”. Rotary
International has resources and experience in the area of focus on “disease prevention and
treatment” that we can use to help people around the world fighting against the COVID-19.
Equipped by the resources of The Rotary Foundation, we are also able to make a difference
in thousands of communities throughout the world. Through the connection and strength
of Rotarians around the world, we can demonstrate the Rotary’s spirit of “Reach Within
to Embrace Humanity”. We can help the world to bring hope and peace through Rotary
service.
Currently, there are 12 Rotary districts in Taiwan. Along with D.3450 (Hong Kong, Gary C.K. Huang
Macau, Mongolia), and D.52 (China), a total of 14 districts constitutes Rotary Zone 9. As RI President, 2014-15
of February 28, 2022, the Rotary global membership is 1,194,356, and the membership
of Zone 9 is 36,974. The membership of Taiwan is 34,200, ranking the eighth in the TRF Chair, 2019-20
Rotary world. When I served as RI President in 2014-15, the Rotary’s global membership
was increased to nearly 1.23 million, the highest record in its history. Unfortunately, the
membership has been declining in recent years. Membership is the lifeline for a successful
Rotary organization. Membership growth is an important mission for every Rotarian,
because with more members we will be able to provide more service and increase our
impact. And Rotary will become stronger. Therefore, we must do our best to invite more
leaders in our communities to join Rotary and involve them in Rotary services.
Taiwan with its largest number of Mandarin-speaking clubs in the world, has become
one of the most important regions in Rotary since its extraordinary membership growth
and financial gifts have been making tremendous contributions to Rotary International.
Especially when I served as RI President in 2014-15 and TRF Chair in 2019-20, the annual
achievements are outstanding. And this would be impossible if without the support from
Taiwan Rotarians. I would like to express my deep appreciation to all of you! As the
Mandarin-speaking Rotary clubs more and more actively participate in service projects
around the world and share the spirit of Rotary, the impacts provided by Chinese Rotarians
in the world has grown rapidly. Through their increasing strength in doing good in the
world, Chinese Rotarians has become an important role in connecting the world. Since
March this year, Editor-in-chief of Rotary’s flag monthly magazine “Rotary” is a Chinese,
Wen Huang. He is professional in Chinese language. I believe that there will be more
opportunities for us to show the achievements of Mandarin-speaking Clubs and Taiwan
Rotary.
I deeply appreciate all the Rotarians and spouses in Taiwan for your great service and
contributions. Though no one knows how long the COVID-19 epidemic will last, I hope
that in the current difficult situation, everyone of us will continue to follow the object of
Rotary and work hard. Through the spirit of “come in to learn, go out to serve”, a variety of
methods and service projects, we will continue to take action and spread the love of Rotary
to the world. Together, we can bring the pandemic to an end. We can do good in the world.
Let's “Light Up Rotary” together, look forward to the future, and make the world better!
I pray for all of you! Wish you safe and healthy!

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