Dear Fellow Rotarians
It is my profound honour to serve as the District Governor of Rotary International (RI) District 3450. I extend my deepest gratitude to Past District Governors and their remarkable teams for steering our District to contribute and create positive results in our committees over the past years. Now, we must build on these successful outcomes and transform them into lasting impact — in ourselves, in our clubs, and in our communities.
Create Lasting Impact — this is the Presidential Message of 2026-2027 RI President Olayinka Hakeem Babalola. He tells us that we are called not only to act, but to ensure that what we do endures. Change is only the beginning. Impact is what endures.
Membership Growth through Pride and Sense of Belonging
RI has set an ambitious goal: by 2030, we should reach 1.25 million Rotarians and 125,000 Rotaractors. However, membership growth is not just about new members joining. In fact, our district’s key challenge is not recruitment of new members but retention of existing members. Many members, especially new ones, leave because they lack of pride, sense of belonging, and fulfillment. They joined Rotary to make a difference yet often feel disconnected from that purpose.
The root cause is mindset and engagement. When members feel unseen, unheard, or unfulfilled, they will not introduce quality new members — and eventually, they will leave. Therefore, our 2026-2027 goal is clear: enhance sense of belonging and pride through genuine member care programmes, fostering unity and pride in Rotary service.
To achieve this, the District Membership Committee will continue ongoing membership development plans while placing new emphasis on restoring Rotarian pride. We will establish a Member Retention Survey Team to analyze why members leave, providing data-driven insights for every club to improve their club experience for their members.
Building New Clubs, Not Just New Members
We must also think structurally. Growth means building new rooms, not just filling existing ones. New clubs break through membership portals and bring in entirely new members — without competing for existing ones. I encourage all clubs to explore different formats: satellite clubs, passport clubs, venture clubs, or flexible meeting models. Each shares Rotary’s values but offers an unique experience tailored to modern lifestyles.
To motivate membership growth, starting July 1, 2027, each club that achieves net membership growth compared to July 1, 2026, will receive HK$1,000 for each net growth member from the district to support its community service projects. Let growth of membership fuel even greater in our social services impact.
Fellowship, Wellbeing, and Unity
A Rotarian who enjoys fellowship stays. A Rotarian who feels cared for serves longer. This year, we will organize cultural, recreational, and sports activities — Rotary Singing Contest, sports competitions, and concerts — to strengthen happiness, satisfaction, and pride across our district.
Embracing Diversity and Future Leaders
With an open mind and heart, we will welcome the best people with the best ideas. We will also embrace our Rotaractors, not as service target, but as equal partner. Invite them into committees and project planning, not just participation. Today we sow seeds of contribution through service. Tomorrow, they will become our leaders.
From Change to Lasting Impact
Fellow Rotarians, when we change ourselves, we change our clubs. When we change our clubs, we change our communities. And when we change our communities, we create lasting impact across the globe.
Let us empower District 3450. Let us welcome quality new members. Let us enhance our pride, build new clubs, care for one another, and together to create lasting impact in our district, in our communities and in the world.
Yours in Rotary
CP Jimmy Lau
District Governor
Rotary Year 2026-2027
Rotary International District 3450
