Message from

Rotary International President

Stephanie A. Urchick

Rotary is at its best when we foster a sense of inclusion and belonging in our clubs. In fact, I would go so far as to say that belonging is The Magic of Rotary itself.

With a focus on inclusivity and belonging, it is easier to be united in a common purpose. When we are committed to one another and focused on our goals, we are most effective.

Rotary’s Action Plan can help. The Action Plan comes with tools you can use to collect feedback, assess your club’s strengths and weaknesses, and address challenges.

The world is changing, and our clubs can’t afford to stand still. But the changes we make need to be consistent and strategic — building on one another toward a greater vision. The Action Plan can help you work toward that vision and create effective change within your club.

Following the Action Plan and addressing suggestions from the community will go a long way to fostering the sense of belonging we want all Rotary members to feel in their clubs.

That’s why expanding our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is so important. Committing ourselves to each other’s well-being is the first step to expanding our reach, allowing us to spread Positive Peace in these troubled times.

Peacebuilding is one of our top priorities, and one of the most effective ways we can build peace is with our Rotary Peace Fellowships, through which peace and development professionals learn how to prevent and end conflict.

We offer the fellowships through our Rotary Peace Centers at leading universities around the globe, where more than 1,800 Rotary Peace Fellows have graduated.

And thanks to a $15.5 million gift from the Otto and Fran Walter Foundation, we can continue supporting peacebuilders in more regions with the next peace center at Bahçeşehir University in Istanbul.

Opening another peace center is a monumental achievement, and it is my great honor to invite you to
celebrate at next year’s Rotary Presidential Peace Conference at the Istanbul center. The three-day
conference 20-22 February will highlight the many ways our family of Rotary advances peacebuilding. Registration for the conference is officially open. I hope to see you there.

The 2025 Rotary Presidential Peace Conference has great potential for our peacebuilding efforts — but only if we have your support.

The truth is, we’re not going to bring peace to the world, end polio, or grow membership by waving a wand and saying some funny words. It’s up to you. You create the magic with every project completed, every dollar donated, and every new member inducted.

I love my Rotary family and I know you do too. That’s why I know that together, we can make every club and district simply irresistible. This year, let us change the world by embracing The Magic of Rotary.

STEPHANIE A. URCHICK
Rotary International President
Rotary Year 2024 - 2025

Message from

District Governor

Roberto "Bobby" B. Zamora

I am deeply honored and humbled as the District Governor of our beloved District 3800. This is a momentous occasion for me and my family, and I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for entrusting me with this significant responsibility. Let me share something
with you that I’ve kept in my heart for quite some time.

One of my favorite movies of all times is the Raiders of the Lost Ark and all its sequels, starring Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones who is a globetrotting archeologist. It’s a story about Indiana Jones' adventures and journeys to find valuable treasures. In the movie’s sequels, he is joined by his father, Dr. Henry Walton Jones, Sr., portrayed by Sean Connery. The movie sequels are a tandem of the father and son’s adventures and journeys together and because of this, I am reminded of my dad, the late Past District Governor Teodorico “Teddy” E. Zamora. He taught me everything I need to know in life, let it be about family matters, business and everyday dealings with people around me. He was the one who brought me to the world of Rotary and I can proudly say that he trained and prepared me well. I reminisced our experiences together and I realized that our time together, our bonding and our experiences together made me who I am today. Those times are so worthy and priceless and for that, I can say that I am beyond blessed to have him in my life.

Going back to the movie of Indiana Jones, there was this scene where Indiana and his father, were being chased by German soldiers in a intersection road, so they were separated. Again, this scene always reminded me of my dad because we were always together. I felt his love and support in every endeavor I made. He was always there in my journeys but in this particular journey, what I consider a special milestone in my life, we were separated. Suddenly, I felt lost and so alone, alone is probably an understatement. Devastated and broken are the perfect words to describe how I felt when I lost my dad. I felt that my Rotary journey now would not be complete without him by my side but I know God has better plans for both of us. Maybe it’s His way of telling me that your dad has guided and equipped you well in all aspects in your life, so it’s time for you to conquer the world all by yourself. I felt that it is also my dad’s way of saying “kayang kaya mo na yan, anak! I have your full trust and confidence, you can do it!”

Somehow this made me realize that I am not completely alone in this journey, I have my loving and ever supportive Spouse Raquel, my two lovely daughters - Bea and Mia, my ever loving and supportive mother and the whole Barangay Zamora by my side. And of course, I have all of you, my Rotary family, especially my Irresistible Family with me in my Rotary journey. I am confident that with all of you by my side, I can conquer all the adventures and journeys successfully just like Indiana Jones.

Rotary is not just an organization; it is a global movement committed to making a positive difference in the world. It is a beacon of hope, service, and compassion, touching the lives of countless individuals in communities far and wide.

As I step into this role, I am mindful of the tremendous legacy of service and leadership that has come before me. I stand on the shoulders of giants – dedicated Rotarians who have tirelessly worked to uphold our shared values and advance our noble causes.

I am also fully aware of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Our world is constantly evolving, presenting us with new and complex issues that demand our attention and action. But in the face of adversity, Rotary has always risen to the occasion, demonstrating resilience, innovation, and unwavering commitment to service above self.

My vision for our district is one of unity in diversity, collaboration and impact. In Rotary, we celebrate the rich tapestry of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences that each member brings to the table. It is by embracing our differences that we foster innovation, creativity and understanding.

Together, we have the power to effect positive change – not just within our local communities but on a global scale. By harnessing the collective energy, talent, and resources of our members, we can tackle some of the most pressing issues of our time and create a brighter, more equitable future for all.

As District Governor, I pledge to lead with integrity, compassion, and inclusivity. I will work tirelessly to support and empower our clubs, strengthen partnerships, and inspire a new generation of Rotarians to join us in our mission.

But I cannot do this alone. I call upon each of you to stand with me – to lend your expertise, your passion, and your unwavering commitment to service.

Together, we can build a stronger, more resilient Rotary that continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

In closing, let us remember the words of our founder, Paul Harris: “Whatever Rotary may mean to us, to the world it will be known by the results it achieves.”

Let us strive to achieve greatness, to leave a lasting impact, and to be a force for good in the world.

Thank you once again for this incredible honor. I look forward to serving alongside each and every one of you in this new Rotary Year. Together, let us continue building on the magic of Rotary and make Rotary and our club experience will be – simply irresistible! Thank you very much!

ROBERTO “BOBBY” B. ZAMORA
District Governor, Rotary District 3800
Rotary Year 2024 - 2025

Discover our stories of service and how Rotarians in our District take action to create lasting change in our communities.

Discover news, updates, and initiatives from the District Governor

Issue No. 1 | R.I. District 3800 | July 2024

Message from

Rotary International President

Stephanie A. Urchick

Message from

District Governor

Roberto "Bobby" B. Zamora

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2024