THINKING OF THE FUTURE Interview with Serge Gouteyron, Vice-President of Rotary International, during his May visit to the District Governors in Naples, Italy.

Serge, could you please tell us about your Rotary experience?

It is a brief experience since I only became a Rotarian in 1990. Previously, I was completely involved with my profession and notwithstanding the numerous invitations I received to become a Rotarian, I simply didn't have enough time available. I am a member of the Rotary Club Denain-Bouchain, Nord, a small club in northern France chartered in 1958. I have been Club President in 1994-95 and it was a great experience characterized by a strong international spirit which seems to have been my motivation from the very beginning. The most important initiative that I have undertaken during my term was a large event centered on the role of Rotary.

The event featured the participation of 70 clubs from Europe and from neighboring countries. I have also chaired the France-Russia Inter-Country Committee and organized a meeting with the Mayor of Moscow (in those days a Rotarian) and the French Ambassador in Russia as guests. Thanks to the activities of the Committee, we were able to create 10 new clubs in Russia.

Also, I was District Governor in 2000-01, the year Frank Devlyn was President..

What do you think about the differences in membership between Europe and the United States? What direction should the organization take? I have noted that in many European countries, especially in Italy, Germany, and Eastern European countries, Rotary is rapidly expanding. Within two years we shall have a new district in Hungary and we are well represented in Bulgaria as well as in Romania. Membership development in this area is certainly greater than in the United States. However, we have to take into consideration the fact that in the US we have one Rotarian for every 600 people, while in Europe, the ratio is 1 to 1,500 thus making membership growth, more easily achievable. Membership growth is also significant in Switzerland and Belgium while France, Great Britain, and Scandinavian countries are experiencing a stagnant period although with a ratio of 1 Rotarian per 300 people.

What are the differences in respect to the way Europeans view Rotary compared to the way Americans do ?

I think that everyone should focus more on Rotary's messages, on the philosophy of our organization. In Europe we pay more attention to the Rotarian actions and this is a great honor but at the same time, we must create awareness of Rotary if we want to increase its strength and spread our philosophy of life. Although Rotary's philosophy is the same worldwide, we must allow it to penetrate in different areas utilizing a diversified approach through a variety of Rotary models that reflect the diversity our organization encompasses.

What kind of philosophy?

Paul Harris spoke about a "philosophy of life and of business with happiness as its goals." This philosophy should begin within our own social strata and through fellowship and solidarity, develop into mutual understanding. I believe that thanks to this message we will be able to attract many people to our organization..

The expansion to new areas has been a major focus in Stenhammar's program. Where do we stand now?

This is a very important issue. Four years ago we opened provisional clubs in China. Thanks to the determination of our President and Board of Directors, we finally managed to charter those clubs this year. The 22nd of May the Rotary Clubs of Shangai and Beijing were officially recognized and soon we will create a Rotary Club in Cuba and return to Vietnam. In Russia the numerous Clubs now belong to a new district and the Governor like any other Governor in the world attended the GETS.

What do you think about Rotary's cooperation with other organizations such as UNESCO?

I think, and I am sure a lot of people will agree with me, that Rotary and UNESCO have a common mission. We focus on training and education, on vital energy resources like water and ethics.

UNESCO displays the same interest and is considered a public governmental organization while Rotary is a private one. I find these aspects rather interesting for the nature of the reality they represent.

There are three fundamental aspects shared by Rotary and UNESCO. The goals of UNESCO have a cultural overtone, while Rotary includes culture in a different way. In any case, it is our duty to learn to improve our cooperation with other service organizations and it is probably only a matter of time, it is a gradual process.

According to membership development and the positioning of women in important roles, supported by Stenhammar, what would be the future Rotary leadership profile? How long will it take? And where do we start? Selecting women for important positions has been one of the major concerns of the President. Together with other aspects of membership, I am sure it will represent a key point for renewal starting from the Board. At present, the Board is composed of 6 directors from North America and Canada, 2 from South America, 5 from Asia, 2 from Japan and 4 from Europe. In the near future we shall have a larger European and Asian representation especially in view of the numbers produced by Rotary in India. The actions of the Board are quite important not only because they reflect Rotary's philosophy, but because it is up to the directors to review and analyze the programs' activities and their impact on local communities. Soon there will be issues concerning the representation of India at the Board.

In India there are 85,000 Rotarians and this great amount represents, like it should be everywhere else, the quantity of quality a motto dear to past President Carlo Ravizza that I regard with great attention. Consequently, I'm sure we will soon discuss the reason why there is no Indian member on the Board. .

What is your vision about the future for Rotary?

We need credibility and practicability across the board. Rotary must be international in every aspect even at the organizational level. In Evanston for example, Rotary should take into account other collaborations, not only from Americans but from all over the world.

Only if we follow this, the structure of the organization will really resemble a Rotary Club like in many parts of the world. Obviously, there will be some management issues but it is our duty to think about it.

Do you think we will have a new Corporate Project?

Before embarking in a new global project, which will be necessary soon, we have to think about certifying the success of the PolioPlus program. In the meantime, it is necessary for clubs to concentrate on the priorities that are water, literacy, health and hunger. It is extremely important to make the public aware of the multiple roles Rotary is devoted to and activities carried out by our network of Rotary clubs.

Can you imagine your role in the future of Rotary?

I believe that the fundamental aspects of this organization are vision, strategy and the development of Rotary's philosophy together with actions. I will dedicate myself to think about Rotary as I have always favored the development of new ideas and their realization.

To think about Rotary would mean to think about its programs. Many of these programs are interesting but perhaps the one where strategy seems to be more relevant are the Rotary Centers for peace and conflict resolution. How will this program evolve?

The program activities carried out in the seven universities around the world are very important for the peace process. The program is quite challenging for all Rotarians especially with regard to the development of personal relationship and harmony. We can't forget that the majority of conflict resolutions are resolved thanks to the relationship built by Rotarians throughout the world. If we go back to the learning environment, we realize that the participants in this master program have no problem adapting to work with international organization such as UNESCO thanks to the experience they have gained through our program. However, one of the major problem of this program is that is quite expensive because it includes the student expenses and those of the teachers. For this reason, the Rotary Foundation is trying to modify it in order to reduce its costs. This would mean a reduction in the duration of the studies and an increase in the number of participants. Which ever the case might be, we are determined to move on.

How was your Vice-President's role?

It was very simple, I was a member of the Board just like everyone else and I had to substitute the President when he was not available-just like on this occasion here in Italy.

What happened to the family obligations of a Rotarian who accepts such an important position?

When I became District Governor, my wife stopped working to be with me during my Rotary travels. Presently she doesn't do it anymore and has resumed working. However, when the necessity arises, she then follows me wherever I go. It is a very little sacrifice and always brief, therefore manageable. I believe that it is very important for the family to believe in Rotary, just as much as when someone decides to take up the responsibility of senior leadership.