President’s Message

2004-2005
International President
Nicôl Lea

December 8, 2004

Dear Fellow Quotarians:

Christmas is my favorite time of the year. It's a season where the spirit of Christmas is in the air as we join in the festivities. The store displays are full of lights and sparkles, and Christmas songs are playing on the radios. It's a season for the children as they visit Santa Claus and ask for that special gift. It's a season of giving from the heart to those who are less fortunate. It's a season for merriment when we visit our friends and exchange good tidings. It's a season where we send our greetings to our family and loved ones. It's a season for sharing and enjoying traditions of peace and goodwill. It's a season where we rejoice that we made it through this year and we can rest a bit!

And while Christmas may be associated with one religion, the spirit of this time of year is meaningful to everyone. Now we approach the Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, and as such the end of the annual cycle of life. From now on the days will get longer and the promise of renewal is in the air as we start to move into the annual cycle of spring and summer with its new growth and eventual harvest to come. Now is the transition between the end of the old and the beginning of the new, a time for joy, expressing love to friends, family, and self, and contemplating our own inner transition into the wonderful future we choose to create for ourselves. As we prepare to give birth to our future, we need to take time to nurture ourselves, commit to our healing and growth, and honor ourselves for meeting the challenges that brought us to this place.

As I correspond with Quotarians throughout the world, the spirit of giving is evident in our deeds and thoughts. We do make a difference to ourselves, our families, our friends, and to those we assist. Quotarians are the most special people in the world, and it is up to us to share ourselves with those with whom we come in contact.

November 17-20, 2004, I had an opportunity to share with other service club leaders from around the world as I attended the 45th Annual Service Club Leaders Conference in Geneva, Switzerland. The Service Club Leaders is an organization comprised of service organizations where the elected officers and the executive directors meet annually.

I met with the elected leaders from other service organizations such as American Mensa, Civitan International, General Federation of Women's Clubs, Kiwanis International, National Ambucs, National Exchange Club, Optimist International, Pilot International, Rotary International, Ruritan National, Sertoma International, Soroptimist International, Soroptimist International of the Americas, Soroptimist International of Europe, Toastmasters International, and Y'S Men International. There were about 65 of us, and we exchanged ideas and concerns and learned new ways in which service organizations operate in our changing world. We were also joined by some of the executive directors of the service organizations.

Since this year's conference was in Geneva, we toured the international offices of the Red Cross, United Nations, and the Olympics. It was exciting to visit these places and to hear about their service mission and how they are making a difference.

It was valuable for Quota International to be represented at this conference, as we are a participant in the international area of service. Joining with other service organizations creates a stronger bond between us in achieving our mission. Quota International has much to be proud of and can stand tall among our peers.

At next month's board meeting I will be sharing what I learned in Geneva about service organizations with the rest of the board. After we discuss these ideas, we will share with you those that appear to have promise for Quota.

This is a busy season as we celebrate with family and friends. My holiday wish for you is:

• Bless those who have helped you during this year.
• Forgive those who have caused you discomfort or distress this year.
• Count your many blessings.
• Rejoice in being alive and vibrant.
• Contribute all you can and leave your emotional baggage at the dump.
• Decide what qualities you want to share with others along your way.
• Create the "magic of you" wherever you go.
• Trust the Universe to take care of you.

With Love,

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