In 1955, Rotary International announced a theme, "Develop Our Resources," to serve as Rotary's program of emphasis. Since that time, each president has issued a theme for his Rotary year. The shortest theme was in 1961-62 "Act." Other one-word themes were chosen in 1958-59 "Serve" and 1968-69 "Participate."
In 1963-64 had a theme for the times "Guidelines for Rotary in the Space Age." Other timely themes were in 1980-81 created "Take Time to Serve" and in 1973-74 used "Time for Action." Two themes have a similarity to commercial advertising: 1966-67 "A Better World Through Rotary" and 1978-79 "Reach Out." Bridges have been a striking metaphor. 1959-60 urged Rotarians to "Build Bridges of Friendship"; 1970-71 created "Bridge the Gap"; and 1982-83 declared "Mankind is One-Build Bridges of Friendship Throughout the World."
A worldwide focus was given in 1981-82 with the message "World Understanding and Peace Through Rotary," and again in 1984-85 urged Rotarians to "Discover a New World of Service." In other years, the individual was emphasized 1960-61 "You Are Rotary", 1971-72 "Goodwill Begins With You" and 1985-86 "You Are the Key." Frequently the theme urges Rotarians to become more involved in their club, such as 1983-84 "Share Rotary-Serve People" or 1967-68 "Make Your Rotary Membership Effective." But whether you "Review and Renew," "Take a New Look," "Let Service Light the Way" or "Dignify the Human Being," it is clear that the Rotary International president provides Rotarians with an important annual program of emphasis. In 1986-87, "Rotary Brings Hope" was the selected inspiring message.
In 1987-88 saw "Rotarians-United in Service, Dedicated to Peace," while in 1988-89 asked members to "Put Life into Rotary - Your Life." 1989-90 urged us to "Enjoy Rotary!" and 1990-91 asked that we "Honor Rotary with Faith and Enthusiasm." 1991-92 exhorted every Rotarian to "Look Beyond Yourself." In 1992-93, "Real Happiness Is Helping Others," and in 1993-94, Rotarians counseled "Believe In What You Do and Do What You Believe In." In 1994-95 encouraged Rotarians to "Be A Friend" to their communities.
Recently, 2000-01 "Create Awareness-Take Action", 2001-02 "Mankind Is Our Business", 2002-03 "Sow the Seeds of Love", 2003-04 "Lend a Hand", 2004-05 "Celebrate Rotary", 2005-2006 "Service Above Self", AND 2006-2007 "Lead the Way."