Service over self as Jacqui is appointed First Lady of Navan Rotary Club

Albert Einstein and Mahatma Gandhi may not have had much in common - but they could conjure up some pithy, meaningful sayings.

In her maiden speech as the new President of the Rotary Club of Navan last Thursday evening Jacqueline McCormack made reference to both these world figures - quoting them to underline a point she wanted to emphasise.
“Strive not to be a success but rather to be of value,” was a line turned out by Einstein that she willingly used. 
Then there was those words of wisdom once voiced by the great Gandhi: “Be the change you hope to see in the world!” the father of modern India urged.
The quotes were carefully chosen by the new club President because they underline what the Rotary movement is about; with terms like “value” and “hope” helping to shine a light on the organisation’s philosophy and aims. 
Although each Rotary club develops their own programs, all Rotarians worldwide are united in a campaign for the global eradication of polio.
There’s another line she used that further underlines that philosophy or ethos. This time it’s taken from the the Rotary Club’s mission statement itself. 
“Together we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change - across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.” 
Jacqueline officially took over as club President last Thursday evening. She takes the reins of the Rotary Club of Navan of what is a worldwide movement at a significant time. Next year the Rotary Club of Navan will celebrate it’s 40th anniversary.
Describing how she was both “honoured” and “humbled” to be elevated to the presidency, the appointment was a significant moment in the life of this Navan woman who has given a lot to her local community over the years - and who clearly is capable of coining some quotable quotes herself.
“There are certain moment’s in one’s life that are pivotal and transformative, that become milestones by which all of our subsequent experiences are measured,” she said in her speech. “When we look back at the events that form our lives, we divide them all into ‘before’ and ‘after’. We can point at one moment and say: ‘That is when everything changed.’” 
Taking over as President of the Rotary Club of Navan was “one of those moments” and the new President has acknowledged all those involved in the Rotary 
Club of Navan both past and present. 
When it comes to Navan and the local community Jacqueline McCormack is to the manor born. Her volunteering started back In 1984 when Jacqueline was offered the chance to do something for her community and became a board member of the local Credit Union. She made her mark too becoming the first President of St Mary’s Credit Union in 1998 and held various spells in that role.
She was a dedicated volunteer, providing leadership in the local CU and also at regional and national level. 
She ensured that during her time in office that the necessary regulations were implemented and that the credit union continued to strive to provide access to funding for the members and stayed involved until recently. 
She points to the mission statement of the Credit Union: “Not for profit, not for charity but for service.” She says it’s worthwhile absorbing those words because the statement strikes a tone very similar to that of the Rotary Club movement. 

GOALS

Rotarians, Jacqueline will remind you, believe in the concept that “service is above self.” The Rotary Club of Navan now has a long history in the local community of raising funds from a range of fundraising activities and programmed which support many local organisations such as St Vincent de Paul, Meals on Wheels, Autistic Society, Tabor House, Alzheimer’s Society, Meath Women’s Refuge to name but a few. The causes are many. Demands are still acute, forty years on. 
Among the highlights of the fund-generating initiatives run by The Rotary Club of Navan is the ‘annual’ Tree of Remembrance’ that can be seen each year in both the Navan and Johnstown shopping centres. This project is now recognised as part of the festive period in Navan. The next fundraiser is the annual golf classic that will be held this 
year at Royal Tara on Friday 19th July.
“This golf classic has been in operation for 35 years and is the oldest charitable golf event in the country,” she adds. And then as the evenings close in there will be again be opportunity to support the annual Cinema night. 
There are other projects run by Rotary Club of Navan such as the Youth Leadership Programme which provides young people an opportunity to sparkle in an interview-like format. It’s about helping young people fulfill their potential; developing their leadership skills while at the same time giving them an insight into the Rotary Club. 
Looking ahead, one of Jacqueline McCormack’s chief aims as Rotary Club President is to broaden the appeal of the movement and to make people aware of what it’s all about. 
There is a tremendous sense of fellowship and fun being part of a Rotary Club, she adds. It can be a unique, “vibrant” experience and tremendously fulfilling. It’s a movement that promotes truth, fairness for all, friendship, unity. As Gandhi might say, the kind of change you would hope to see in the world. Transformative.