Six Months In: The Parts I Expected and the Ones I Didn’t

Six months ago, I slipped on the District Governor chain of office, stuck on the badge, smiled for the photos, did the customary big speech and thought I had a pretty good idea of what I was in for.

Turns out…….I had some idea.

Just not all of it…

This role has been everything people said it would be, inspiring, humbling, energising and busy!! But also there was a few things they didn’t quite warn me about.

At the six-month mark, it feels like the right moment to pause, take a breath, and reflect honestly on what this journey has been so far.

Here is the Good Stuff (and there’s been plenty)

First, the absolute privilege of it all. Visiting clubs across our district, meeting all the different people, hearing local stories, seeing creativity, generosity, and optimism in action, that has been the fuel in my tank.

There have been a few moments where I’ve sat quietly (hard for me!) at the back of a room thinking, “Wow… this is Rotary at its best.”

Projects that change lives. Members stepping up when it would be easier to step back. New ideas taking shape. Long-standing traditions evolving rather than fading.

I’ve seen leadership emerge in unexpected places. I’ve seen clubs reconnect with their “why”. I’ve seen people fall back in love with Rotary and that never gets old.

There have been laughs too. Plenty of them.....usually at my expense!. Because as I’ve always said if you can’t laugh in Rotary, you’re probably taking yourself far too seriously.

The Hard Bits (let’s not pretend they don’t exist)

Here’s the brutally honest part.

Some aspects of this role I have not enjoyed, in fact I have absolutely hated and some situations I was never truly prepared to face.

Leadership at this level doesn’t just come with the applause and handshakes. It also comes with difficult conversations, competing expectations, jealousy, plenty of criticism and moments where there is no perfect answer, only the least bad one.

There have been issues that have required me to be firm instead of friendly. Clarity instead of comfort and that’s been tough because my instinct is always to try and bring people together, not sit in the space where things are fractured.

It’s also been really confronting to learn that no matter how transparent, fair, by the book or values-driven you try to be, not every decision will be welcomed, but that’s just everything in life right?.

That’s a lesson I’m still learning and probably will keep learning forever.

The Balancing Act (or circus act)

Then there’s been the juggle. All the balls in the air, trying to catch them all.

Family. Work. Rotary.

Trying to be present everywhere, all at once, turns out to be impossible despite my best superhero intentions. There have been early mornings, late nights, long drives, and the occasional moment of wondering whether I left my brain on the top shelf at home.

Balancing this role with family life has been the biggest challenge of all. The guilt of missing moments with my children. The gratitude for an understanding partner. The constant recalibration of priorities. The questioning of whether it’s been worth it all.

It’s not always graceful. Sometimes it’s messy, sometimes the arguments have cut deep, but it’s real and it’s part of the story.

Why It’s Still Worth It

Despite the challenges or maybe because of them I’m deeply grateful for this experience.

This role has stretched me. Tested me. Forced me to grow in ways I didn’t anticipate. And it has reminded me why Rotary matters: not because it’s easy, but because it brings together people who are willing to step up anyway.

I’ve learned that leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about showing up, listening carefully, acting with integrity, and being willing to carry the weight when needed.

Looking Ahead: The Next Six Months

The road ahead is full. There’s momentum building. There are conversations still to be had. There’s work to do.

The next six months will be about deepening my connections, supporting clubs and members through change, celebrating success loudly, and tackling challenges with honesty and compassion. It’s about keeping the focus on impact, relevance, and fun because Rotary should still feel like something you want to be part of.

I’m stepping into the second half of this year with open eyes, a steadier stride, a fully recharged bullshit detector and a heart that’s still very much in the game.

I’m halfway through, I’m still learning, I’m still committed I’m still proud to walk the path.

And yes, I’m still smiling… well most of the time anyway.

Evan Burrell

Club Banners: Rotary’s Most Collectable Collectable—But Do We Still Care?

For more than a century, Rotary clubs around the world have exchanged these small, colourful, and often beautifully crafted banners as symbols of fellowship, identity, and global connection.

These banners, often proudly displayed in meeting rooms or kept as treasured mementos, represent a long-standing Rotary tradition rooted in friendship and international goodwill. But as Rotary continues to modernise, digitalise, and adapt to new generations of members, one question quietly emerges: Is the club banner still relevant, or has it become just another Rotary relic destined for the archive box or dare I say it the rubbish bin?

A Brief History of Rotary Banners

The custom of exchanging club banners dates back to the early 20th century. As international travel became more accessible, Rotarians visiting clubs abroad sought meaningful ways to commemorate these encounters. A banner bearing a club’s name, colours, motto, and local symbolism became the perfect token.

By the 1950s and 1960s, banner exchanges were pretty widespread. District Governors returned from club visits with suitcases full of banners! (Thankfully i’ve only been given 3 banners in my current year as DG)

Meeting rooms hung them proudly along the wall, forming a colourful tapestry of Rotary’s global footprint. Banners were not simply decorations, they were storytelling tools. Each one reflected the character, culture, and spirit of the club that created it and they were, or to some degree are tangible reminders that Rotary extended far beyond one town, district, or country. For many clubs, designing a banner was an act of pride a chance to showcase local history, industry, or iconic landmarks and for visiting Rotarians, presenting their club’s banner was both a gesture of respect and a reminder of the shared values that bind us.

But Are Banners Still Relevant Today?

Fast forward to today’s Rotary. The world has changed. Communication is instant and digital. Some members are younger, busier, and less inclined toward collecting memorabilia. Rotary itself encourages innovation and flexibility. The question becomes unavoidable:

Are club banners a meaningful tradition that strengthens Rotary identity, or have they become nostalgic novelties, the Rotary equivalent of collecting a collectable that doesn't spark joy anymore?

On one hand, many clubs no longer display banners regularly. Some have entire storerooms filled with dusty collections from decades past. Budget-conscious clubs question the cost of printing them. Environmentally conscious members question the need for more “stuff.”

On the other hand, banners remain one of the few tactile, personalised symbols of Rotary’s internationality. In an era of Zoom meetings and digital engagement, a physical object exchanged between clubs can feel refreshingly authentic. For visiting Rotarians, handing over a banner can still spark conversation, connection, and pride.

Tradition vs. Transformation

As Rotary strives toward long-term growth and relevance, traditions like the banner exchange inevitably come under review. But traditions can evolve rather than disappear. Some clubs now design minimalist or eco-friendly banners made from recycled materials. Others create digital banners, high-resolution designs shared via email or over social medis, reducing waste while maintaining the spirit of exchange.

My question isn't simply “Should we keep banners?” but rather is it a cherished emblem of fellowship, or a quaint tradition ready for retirement?

Is it a symbol of global unity, or just another trinket cluttering our cupboards?

The answer may be different for each club. But as Rotary continues balancing innovation with heritage, this small piece of fabric invites us to ask a bigger question:

What traditions really truly matter in Rotary now, and how do we honour our past without being limited by it?

Article by Evan Burrell

When Recognition Becomes Routine

There was a time when receiving a Rotary pin gave you goosebumps.

It wasn’t just another ceremony, it was a moment.

A proud nod from your peers that said, “You belong here. You’ve earned this.”

Becoming a Rotarian meant your actions had already spoken for you, your values, your service, your integrity. The same went for the Paul Harris Fellow recognition. It wasn’t a piece of paper; it was a badge of honour. A milestone that said, you’ve made a real difference.

But somewhere along the way, those moments started to feel a little…automatic.

Pins handed out without the story, certificates given without the spark. And when recognition becomes routine, it risks losing what made it powerful in the first place.

Yet the answer isn’t to stop recognising, it’s to bring back the meaning.

To make every pin, every Paul Harris Fellow, every handshake matter again.

Because recognition isn’t about the formality, it’s about the heart behind it.

It’s about celebrating those who live and breathe Rotary’s values every single day, not for applause, but for purpose.

So let’s restore that pride.

Let’s make sure every award tells a story worth sharing, every pin represents a promise kept, and every act of recognition reminds us why we joined Rotary in the first place.

Because the true strength of Rotary has never been in how many wear the pin, but in how many live by what it stands for.

Article by Evan Burrell

I'm Ready For My Close-Up!

The most popular social media platforms are YouTube and TikTok. Know why? Engaging videos!

Have you jumped on the short-video train yet? Because if not you might be missing the best opportunity your Rotary club has ever had to connect, inspire, and grow.

And no you don’t need to be Steven Spielberg or have a big Hollywood budget. You just need a phone, a story, and a little bit of Rotary heart.

These days, creating engaging short videos for social media is so easy, no film crew, no expensive gear, no perfectly memorised script. You don’t even need to be totally confident on camera. You just need to tell a story.

When you look straight into that smartphone lens and speak like you’re chatting with a friend across the table, you build real connection the kind that turns viewers into followers and followers into future members.

Try this:

Share why you joined Rotary, be authentic, be real.

Show your club in action on a service project.

Interview your guest speaker right after their talk and capture their energy while it’s fresh.

Keep it short, 30 to 90 seconds is perfect and don’t worry about perfection you're not filming Citizen Kane!. Sometimes your first take is your best take.

Not sure what to post? Borrow inspiration! There’s a treasure trove of Rotary videos on YouTube or on my Changemaker Facebook page that you can share or remix to spotlight what Rotary does best, making a difference!.

And don’t forget the golden rule: Always include a call to action.

“Find out more about joining us.”

“Support our cause/event/fundraiser etc.”

“Follow our page for more good news.”

Video is one of the most powerful storytelling tools we have and it’s made for the People of Action.

So grab your phone, hit record, and start sharing the magic of Rotary in your own authentic way.

Who knows… your next clip might just go viral. Or at least win you a few standing ovations at the next club meeting.

Article by Evan Burrell

Chain Reaction: The Rotary Bling Debate

If you’ve been around Rotary long enough, you’ve probably seen it, that heavy gold chain draped ceremoniously around the neck of a Club President or District Governor, complete with a medallion that screams, “This person is Important.”

Known as the “Chain of Office,” this ornate accessory is one of Rotary’s more visible traditions. Presidents don it at changeovers, District Governors wear it at conferences, and occasionally someone forgets they have it on and tries to go through airport security with it.

But what is it really about?

The Chain Gang

The tradition of a ceremonial chain isn’t unique to Rotary, it harks back centuries to royalty, nobility, and civic leaders in the UK. Lord Mayors still wear elaborate chains during official duties, and the Rotary version is a respectful nod to that heritage. It’s a symbol of office, responsibility, and continuity.

But here’s the thing: when we, in our volunteer-run, service-before-self, “we make the world better with barbecues” organisation, break out the bling, are we still honouring tradition? Or just looking a little…… extra?

Hip-Hop Mayor Vibes?

Let’s be honest, to the uninitiated, a Rotary Chain of Office can look a lot like rapper bling. We’re just one gold tooth away from DJ Rotary spinning community service tracks. And when that medallion swings in the light, it does shimmer with a kind of “respect my authority” energy.

So is it elitist? Outdated? Silly?

Depends who you ask.

Commonwealth Quirk or Global Statement?

In many Commonwealth countries — Australia, the UK, New Zealand, Canada — the Chain of Office is fairly common. It’s steeped in local government traditions and carries a sense of formal respect. In other parts of the world, though, it can raise a few eyebrows.

Some Rotarians in Europe and the US, for example, might see the chain and think, “Is that for a coronation or a karaoke night?” Others might never have seen one at all.

Is It Time to Retire the Chain?

That’s the question. Some say yes, that it’s too hierarchical, that it makes Rotary look stuffy, or worse, like a private club from another era. Others see it as a fun and respectful way to mark leadership transitions.

There’s definitely a generational shift happening. Some younger clubs are forgoing the chain altogether. Others are giving it a modern twist, think sustainable materials, minimalist designs, or passing it around during meetings for a laugh.

So... Do You Wear the Bling?

Let’s open it up. Does your club President wear the chain with pride? Do you dust it off once a year, or is it permanently on display like an ancient relic? Is it time to update the tradition, or just embrace it for what it is: a quirky, shiny part of Rotary’s colourful history?

I’d love to hear from you, Are you team “Keep the Chain” or team “Leave it in the Museum”? Or maybe you’ve got a photo of your President looking like the Mayor of Rotaryville? Share it and I promise not to photoshop it.

As for me, if I wear it? Well I wear the chain in my role as District Governor when the need calls for it!

Article by Evan Burrell

From A Fresh-Faced Rotaractor to District Governor (Wait… What?!)

25 years ago, I was an 18-year-old kid walking into my first Rotaract meeting, probably just excited about the free food and the chance to meet a girl. If you had told me back then that one day I’d be heading to Orlando, Florida, to train as a Rotary District Governor, I probably would have laughed, choked on my snacks, and asked, “Are you sure you’ve got the right guy?”

Yet here I am, packing my bags for the Rotary International Assembly, where I’ll be learning how to take on this incredible leadership role. It’s both exciting and a little surreal.

Rotary has taken me on some amazing adventures over the years—from service projects in India to cooking snags on the BBQ outside a Bunnings to keynote speaking in the USA, even fulfilling my cowboy dreams of riding a horse with a six shooter and a ten-gallon hat on a Rotarians ranch in Southern Arizona —and now, it’s leading me into a whole new challenge.

I never expected this journey, but I wouldn’t change it for the world. Thank you to everyone who has been part of my Rotary story so far. I promise to give this role my all (and try not to break anything important along the way)……😉

Follow along on my adventure:

🌐 www.evanburrell.com

www.facebook.com/changemakerevanburrell)

#RotaryInternationalAssembly #DGInTraining #RotaryJourney #ServiceAboveSelf #WhatHaveIGottenMyselfInto

Why Santa Claus is definitely a Rotarian

Ever noticed how Santa Claus perfectly embodies the Rotary spirit?

First off, let’s talk about “Service Above Self”.The man spends his entire year working behind the scenes, coordinating a global operation just to make other people happy. He doesn’t get paid, doesn’t ask for recognition, he just gets the job done! That’s classic Rotary behavior—serving selflessly and with a big heart (and big belt buckle).

And what about “The Four-Way Test”? Santa nails it every time.

1. “Is it the truth?” Santa checks the list that says “you’ve been good”…so keep being good for goodness sake —no fake news allowed on his list.

2. “Is it fair to all concerned?” Coal for the naughty, gifts for the nice. Sounds fair, right?

3. “Will it build goodwill and better friendships?” A gift exchange is practically his whole vibe.

4. “Will it be beneficial to all concerned?” Um, yes—he’s literally spreading joy worldwide.

Let’s not forget Santa’s logistical genius. He’s the ultimate project manager, overseeing a diverse team of “service above self, Christmas elves”, maintaining a zero-emissions sleigh (sustainable leadership!), and ensuring timely delivery of billions of items. If anyone knows how to organise an event or run a fundraiser, it’s this guy. Santa could run a district conference in his sleep, with room for cookies and milk on the agenda.

Finally, Santa’s red suit? That’s his Rotary at work shirt in disguise. The cheerful demeanor, the relentless energy, and the commitment to community are all Rotary trademarks. So this year, when you see Santa, just remember—he’s been a Rotarian all along, and he’s already planning his next big project: peace on Earth, goodwill to all. 🎅🎄

Quarter of a Century of Service

As the saying goes, time flies when you're having fun!

This month is very auspicious as I celebrate a silver jubilee, yes it's my 25th anniversary of me joining the Rotary movement ! 🌟

As I sit down to reflect on my journey with Rotary International, I'm filled with immense pride and gratitude. It’s hard to believe that 25 years have passed since I first joined (at my Mothers insistence) this incredible organisation at the age of 18. What an extraordinary adventure it has been!

From the moment I became a Rotaractor at 18, joining Manly Sunrise Rotaract, I knew I was part of something special. Rotary’s commitment to "Service Above Self" resonated deeply with me, and I was eager to make a difference....after I found a girlfriend of course 🤣

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of participating in numerous projects, activities and other endeavours that have touched countless lives.

One of my earliest memories was participating in a local beauty quest that my Rotaract club put me forward for and I won! The judges must have been blind, but we raised a tremendous amount of money for the Make-A-Wish foundation. It was a simple yet powerful experience that showed me the impact of collective effort. From there, my involvement grew, and so did my passion for service and Rotary.

I’ve been fortunate to work on various Rotary initiatives, from organising blood donation drives, supporting causes for mental health to supporting education and research into the causes of stillbirth which touched my life deeply with the loss of my son Tom.

One of the highlights of my Rotary journey has been our international projects. I had the honour of being in a team to install medical equipment and build a self sustainable toilet in a rural community in Vanuatu. Seeing the smiles on the faces of those who benefited from our work was incredibly rewarding. I also collaborated on a project while in India in 2003 that provided polio vaccinations, contributing to Rotary’s global fight to eradicate this disease. Witnessing the progress we've made towards a polio-free world is nothing short of inspiring.

Another remarkable aspect of my journey has been the opportunities for personal growth and leadership development. Rotary has not only given me the platform to serve but also to grow as an individual. I was selected to be a team member on a Group Study Exchange visiting America for the 1st time and landing in New Jersey! I’ve also attended numerous training sessions, workshops, conventions and conferences that have enriched my skills and broadened my horizons....well some have....don't ask me about the 2011 New Orleans Convention, I have no memory of that Lol.

I have also been able to be in the fortunate position to be a keynote speaker, flying around the world talking about change and Rotary. I've served as District Rotaract Representative, and a Rotary club president twice! This was a particularly transformative experience, teaching me valuable lessons in leadership, teamwork, and resilience. So much so that I'll be District Governor in just over a year!?

Promoting Rotary has been a passion for me and something you all know about. Be it from being a Rotary Superhero, to wearing a Rotary suit covered in the logo to making countless graphics and memes, I'm trying to get our message in whatever way I can.

Rotary has also been a gateway to building lifelong friendships. The camaraderie and fellowship among Rotarians are truly unparalleled. I’ve met so many amazing leaders, changemakers and friends from diverse backgrounds, each with a shared commitment to making the world a better place....in some cases after we've shared a drink. These relationships have enriched my life in ways I never imagined possible.

It's also been amazing to have the support of my family in putting up with sometimes a little too much Rotary and my few absences.

As I celebrate this milestone, I am deeply thankful for the support and encouragement of my fellow Changemakers in Rotary. Together, we have achieved so much, and I am excited about the future. (Check in with me in 2049 when I celebrate 50 Rotary years)

There is still so much work to be done, and I am committed to continuing this journey of service and making a positive, fun and outrageous impact wherever I can. Remember this is the guy who taught an RI President how to do the Gangnam style.

To anyone considering joining Rotary, I can only say this: Do it. You’ll become part of a global family dedicated to doing good in the world. The experiences, opportunities, and friendships you’ll gain are invaluable.

Here's to 25 years of service, growth, and friendship. And here’s to many more years of making a difference together. Thank you, Rotaract, Rotary International, for being an integral part of my life’s journey.

Remember Be The Change, Be The Good