A Place for Each of Us

Dear friends,

Do you know what a “key” and a “keyway” are? In Bulgarian we say [shponka] and [shponkov kanal].

A keyway looks like a small “defect” in the perfect circle of the opening at the centre of a gearwheel. But this little groove has a purpose. It receives part of the key – a small metal piece seated in a matching groove on the shaft. This connects the shaft and the wheel, allowing them to turn together. The key transfers movement and force from one part to the other.

The operation of an enormous system can depend on this small, almost invisible element.

Years ago, a friend from my club drew our attention to that little groove at the centre of the Rotary wheel. He was talking about the club president: the club is the wheel, and the president is the small connecting element through which our collective energy becomes movement.

Now it seems to me that this is a place for each of us.

Even the finest club of dedicated Rotarians, the strongest district or a team of capable, active people needs this connection. Someone who, at the right moment, will take responsibility and help turn collective strength into action. To do good. To create lasting impact.

That person may be the club president, the district governor or the RI president. But the place is not reserved for them. Sometimes it is filled by the person who recognises what is needed, finds a solution and brings others along.

Why am I telling you about these technical details?

Yesterday, my dear friend Altan asked a question that initially irritated me. Then it made me think. And remember the story of the key.

Look at the two logos below. One was created using Rotary’s Brand Center; the other with an AI model. At first glance, there is almost no difference.

Except that the AI model had smoothed away the keyway.

A beautiful image of a wheel which, had it been an actual component in a mechanism, could no longer have transferred force as intended. One small detail had disappeared. And with it, the purpose of the connection.

This incident brought my thoughts back to people. To those around us whose contribution we may not yet have recognised. To those who have the willingness but need knowledge, trust and an opportunity to try.

Let us prepare the people around us to be ready to set the system in motion. Let us share our experience, entrust them with responsibilities and support them as they find their place.

Because, at the right moment, someone of us can be that small element through which the strength of the whole becomes movement.

Warm regards
Tanya