Being the president of a Rotary Club is a significant leadership role, entailing the oversight of the club's operations, projects and community engagement efforts for a year. It involves strategic planning, organizing events, fostering membership engagement and upholding Rotary's values of "Service Above Self." Despite being a Rotarian for the past 12 years, my tenure as president was during our relatively new club's fifth year. The most important challenge was membership, handholding all members and doing something unique to motivate them. 

With almost 80% of our members being new to the Rotary world, a big task was to make them aware of various avenues and aspects of Rotary. The position of leadership not only gives you a chance to lead a group but also increases responsibilities. I found this role immensely rewarding, which is probably why our DG Manjoo and her team entrusted me with the responsibility of being the COPs convenor for RY 23-24. This role gave me a chance to interact with all presidents individually and with their members. As a convenor, I attended 57 installations of our COPs mates, which provided me with the opportunity to understand the culture of each club and the kind of work they do for the community. It also gave me numerous ideas that I could implement for my club. 

The most important driving force during my entire year as president was DG Manjoo. Her involvement in each and every avenue is uncountable. She remembers everything and executes it perfectly. Her passion for developing us as leaders began long before our presidential tenures. Completely different interactive games and sessions made us work efficiently. Her entire district administrative team was amazing. Special mention goes to Executive Secretary Unmesh and Events Secretary Vivek—hats off to their dedication to Rotary work. Madhur and I are blessed to have friends like Unmesh and Vivek.

All our COPs mates have excelled in their work for Rotary as per their club's culture, whether it's the innovative Millet Jatra by Pradip or wheelchair distribution by Ajay Chitnis. Ever-ready friends like Umesh, Ketaki, Vipin, Ranjit, Surekha, Reshma, Rupa, Ninad, Sahil, Ajaya and Manisha, along with COPs co-convenor Ashok, have created a special bond. A particularly special bond was formed with my ever-smiling friend Nikhil Bhalerao. It's very difficult to name everyone and their work, but what’s important is that we all have made friends for a lifetime. 

Overall, being a Rotary Club president is a rewarding experience that allows you to make a meaningful difference in your community and beyond while also developing personally and professionally. It’s a chance to embody Rotary's motto of "Service Above Self" and inspire others to join in creating positive change. 

31 presidents responding to my appeal for a synergy partner to our first-ever Global Grant project was the cherry on top. 

Reflecting on this journey, I am immensely proud of our achievements and grateful for the support and friendships that have been forged. This year has truly been transformative, both for me and our Rotary Club of Phoenix.

Rtn. Dr. Sameer Dolare 

President RY 2023-24

RCP Phoenix

COPs Convenor RY 2023-24