Unveiling the Enchanting 2024–25 Rotary Theme: “The Magic of Rotary”

In a compelling address at the Rotary International Assembly on January 8, President-elect Stephanie Urchick unveiled the much-anticipated theme for the 2024–25 Rotary year: “The Magic of Rotary.” Far from a whimsical incantation or the wave of a wand, Urchick emphasized that the magic within Rotary is a result of the collective efforts of its dedicated members.

President-elect Urchick’s inspiration for the theme was drawn from a poignant experience in the Dominican Republic, where she witnessed the tangible impact of clean water filters on two young boys. As the filters transformed dirty water into a clean, life-sustaining resource, the boys, captivated by the process, implored her to “show me the magic again.” This simple yet powerful moment underscored that Rotary’s work, while not magical in itself, possesses the profound ability to change lives.

Central to the theme is the emphasis on prioritizing peace, a cornerstone of Rotary’s mission. President-elect Urchick urged members to champion Rotary’s Action Plan, striking a delicate balance between continuity and change. To further this commitment, she announced plans for a presidential peace conference in 2025, themed “Healing in a Divided World.” This aligns with Rotary’s enduring dedication to peacebuilding, as evident in its global network of peace centers.

Having trained nearly 1,800 peace fellows over the past two decades, the Rotary Peace Fellowship remains a testament to Rotary’s commitment to fostering peace. The newest peace center, located at Bahçeşehir University in Istanbul, Turkey, is set to welcome its inaugural class in early 2025.

President-elect Urchick also reiterated Rotary’s unwavering commitment to eradicating polio, urging incoming governors to join or initiate PolioPlus Societies. While acknowledging polio as a top priority, she called on members to engage with elected officials, raising awareness of the persistent threat and garnering support for eradication efforts.

The address underscored the vital importance of balancing continuity and change within Rotary. President-elect Urchick called for a reevaluation of practices that may have remained unchanged for decades and urged members to embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) principles. According to Urchick, this embrace of DEI fosters unity in purpose, making Rotary more effective and relevant.

As Rotary International embarks on the 2024–25 year, President-elect Stephanie Urchick’s call for members to create magic through their projects, donations, and outreach sets the tone for a year focused on positive transformation and impactful change. The theme encapsulates the essence of Rotary’s ability to bring about tangible, positive transformations in communities worldwide.