On the final day of the 2025-26 Rotary year, as Rotary Club of Ladner installs its new co-presidents and board for 2026-27, club member Avis Glaze gave this invocation on the theme of the coming year.
The Rotary Theme for the year, which is, “Create Lasting Impact’” is both an exhortation and an expectation. It is a powerful plea, encouraging us to realize our full potential.
The word “impact” measures the tangible and lasting effects of what we do, guides decision-making, improves outcomes and demonstrates value to our stakeholders. It refers to the effect that our actions, projects or policies have on individuals, communities, and the environment. Measuring our impact matters because it helps us realize the outcomes we strive to achieve, such as accountability, transparency, strategic decision-making, a culture of belonging, strong motivation and tenacity.
Rotarians are known for getting results. That is why Charity Watch, the independent nonprofit watchdog and rating organization said: “Rotary is widely recognized as one of the most trusted, effective and well managed service and charitable organizations in the world.”
The Rotary Club of Ladner has won International and local awards which have benefited our community immeasurably. These include: the Village Plaza, Rotary Splash Park, the Hospital Serenity Garden, activities focusing on individuals with special needs, Christmas hampers, the high school food pantry, water systems for Indigenous peoples in Chile and Laos, E-bike charging stations and youth scholarships, to name just a few.
Addressing President Brian Coe, as he completes his term, Avis says, “You deserve a strong vote of thanks for your exceptional leadership and achievements. Your modus operandi is reflected in the proverb, which says, ‘To lead people, walk beside them.’ You always show up to work alongside any group that has a task to be done. Your commitment to community development does not allow you to stay away. Diligence and magnanimity are defining characteristics of your leadership.”
Avis said the word that comes to mind when she thinks of our incoming presidents, Lynn Cameron and Richard Shantz, is “Trojans,” in the positive sense of that word.
“You are both incredibly dependable, hard-working, action-oriented and results-focused. You get things done! You achieve outcomes. I am certainly looking forward to another very productive year under your leadership. We pledge of our support.”
In sum, creating lasting impact means building a legacy that endures beyond your immediate time, title, or task. It means being an active and engaged Rotarian, pivoting from short-term visibility to intentional and sustainable actions. It means unleashing and nurturing the leadership potential that is certainly within each member of our Club, while promoting the strong sense of camaraderie and connectedness that we enjoy.
