RI President Dong Kurn Lee announced during the 2008 International Assembly that his theme for 2008-2009 will be "Make Dreams Real" for the world's children. Lee stated at the Assembly that he was in disbelief when he learned that 30,000 children under the age of five die every day from preventable diseases.

 "Once I understood the issues behind that terrible number, I knew what I needed to do." Lee said. Rotary will keep its service emphasis on water, health and hunger, and literacy - but with a major focus on children - during Lee's presidential year.

 "In 2008-09, I will ask you all to Make Dreams Real for the world's children," he said. "This will be our theme, and my challenge to all of you."

Rotarians can improve children's health, Lee said, even in small ways, such as delivering mosquito nets, rehydration salts, vitamins and vaccines. "So much more can be done with just a little more: a trained birth attendant, a simple clinic, a school feeding program, a visiting nurse" he commented. In 2008-09, Rotarians will be asked to open their eyes to the needs of children in communities near and far, Lee said.

The first RI president to establish a theme was A.Z. Baker in 1955. His theme for the year was "Develop our Resources".  Since that time, each RI president has created a theme for his Rotary year.

The shortest theme was in 1961-61. Joseph Abey selected "Act" as his theme. Several other one-word themes have been chosen - Charles Tennent, in 1957-58, used "Serve" and Kiyoshi Togasaki, in 1968-69, picked "Participate."

Some themes were created for the times. "Guidelines for Rotary in the Space Age", "Take Time to Serve" and "Time for Action".  Bridges has been a common thread for some: "Bridges of Friendship", "Bridge the Gap" and "Mankind is One - Build Bridges of Friendship Throughout the World."

Many recent themes use an inspirational message, such as "Rotary Brings Hope", "Look Beyond Yourself", "Real Happiness is Helping Others", "Mankind is Our Business" and, in 2002-03, "Sow the Seeds of Love".

RI presidents continue to find new and original themes to carry their message to all Rotarians during their presidential year. Each theme continues to help promote the overall Rotary message of Service above Self.