Our President-Elect, stepping up as our Sergeant-At-Arms
Inaugural Charter Party, November 2024

Editor’s Note: Ronnie’s reflections as President-Elect of ReCII offer a refreshing take on leadership - one rooted in learning, commitment, and an appreciation for the enthusiasm of fellow members. With a focus on engagement, growth, and inclusivity, his insights remind us that a Rotary club thrives not because of its leaders, but because of its members.

The Role of President-Elect
Learning from the Best

Ronnie Bohler

As one of the founding members of ReCII, stepping into the role of President-Elect has been a completely new experience for me. 

Only three of our members - Denise, our President, Ignacio, our YEO and Sergeant-at-Arms, and Ramona - had prior Rotary experience, so for most of us, this has been a journey of learning together. 

For me, this year has been an invaluable opportunity to observe, learn, and prepare for what’s ahead.

This role is all about shadowing our current President, Denise, and gaining insight into the inner workings of the club. It’s about absorbing knowledge, observing leadership in action, and understanding how to best support our members when I take on the presidency next year. 

I’ve been fortunate to have a front-row seat to how ReCII operates, and I’m taking every opportunity to learn from Denise’s experience and leadership.

While I may not have had formal duties just yet, I’ve come to understand that leadership in Rotary isn’t about holding a title - it’s about showing up, staying engaged, and contributing to the club’s energy. That’s been my focus so far.

Building a New Club: Growth, Energy & Commitment

One of the most exciting things about ReCII is watching it grow - not just in numbers, but in enthusiasm. Seeing new members join, watching relationships form, and feeling the collective energy of the group has been incredibly rewarding.

That said, one unexpected challenge has been finding the time to stay actively involved. I didn’t realize how much time it takes to be a fully engaged member, but as I’ve discovered, it’s absolutely worth it. I’ve simply had to be flexible, adjust my schedule, and prioritize my commitment to the club.

Key Contributions & The Importance of Showing Up

If I’ve learned one thing, it’s that showing up matters. While I may not have launched major projects yet, my biggest contribution has been committing to attending weekly meetings.

Consistency is key - missing a few weeks makes it harder to reconnect, and I’ve come to appreciate that staying involved week after week is what truly keeps a club strong. It keeps us informed, engaged, and connected.

Of course, there are exciting projects on the horizon, and I’m particularly eager to talk more about Rainbow Rotary - an initiative that deserves real attention.

Lessons in Leadership & Looking to the Future

If I had to sum up my biggest takeaway from this experience, it would be this: a Rotary club isn’t built by its board - it’s built by its members. Leadership, while important, is secondary to the collective commitment of the group.

As I look ahead to my term as President, my greatest hope is that our members stay just as committed and enthusiastic as they are now. The success of ReCII doesn’t rest on one person - it rests on all of us showing up, engaging, and making things happen together.

For now, our focus should be on growing the club just a little more and getting some exciting new projects off the ground - and I know we’re already working on that.

So, as I prepare to step into the role of President, I have just one request - please go easy on me! (Only partially in jest!) Because at the end of the day, it’s not about me, or the Board - it’s about the incredible members who make this club what it is.

And that’s exactly how it should be.

~ Ronnie Bohler
President-Elect,
ReCII, 2024-2025