January 28, 2006
Newsletter Bringing people together! Issue #2
ROTARACTORS ARE OUR BEST AND BRIGHTEST This year the Chair of the RI Rotaract Committee is Charles Grant, member of North Shore Rotary Club, Houston, Texas, District 5890. What do we know about this person? What do we know about the RI Rotaract Committee? We hope that the interview below will answer these and a few other questions! Charles, please tell us how you became a member of Rotary club. The president of San Jacinto College North, prior to me (Dr. Ed Lehr), asked me to join. I had always known that Rotary was a service club that did great things for the community and the world. Dr. Lehr knew that I was service minded and in his words, “would make a good Rotarian”. I knew that Rotarians were the “movers and shakers” in the community I lived in and I aspired to be like them. So, without any doubts I joined the Rotary Club! And how did you become involved with Rotaract? This same president, Dr. Ed Lehr, called me and another young faculty member into his office. We were very afraid because we had been summoned to the president’s office. When we walked in he said, “you two guys are going to sponsor Rotaract”. We said, “yes, sir.” When we walked out of the president’s office, my colleague said, “what the hell is Rotaract”. That is how I became involved. That was in 1985 and I have been a sponsor of the San Jacinto College North Rotaract Club ever since. I have always enjoyed working with young people and love their enthusiasm and positive outlook on life. Rotaractors are leaders and I used to teach management development, which in essence is leadership skills. I was a management development instructor at the college many years ago. There were so many young, bright students in my management classes I just knew that working with young professionals was right for me. This year you are appointed as RI Rotaract Committee Chair. Tell us a little bit about Committee structure and people on your team. The committee is made up of six Ro-
tarians and four Rotaractors from around the world: I am from the United States. Rotarians are from: Venezuela, Israel, Australia, Philippines, and South Africa. Rotaractors are from: Sweden, New Zealand, Italy, and Hong Kong. What exactly does the Committee do? The main purpose of the committee is to communicate with Rotaractors around the world and to improve Rotaract as an organization. Specifically, our charge is to help plan the pre-conference that is always held prior to the international convention. Did you set any goals for your year as a Chair? Yes, I have five simple goals for this year: 1. For each Rotaract Club around the world to bring in at least one “quality” member. 2. For each Rotary district to start one new Rotaract Club. 3. For each country that has a Rotary Clubs, but do not have a Rotaract Club, to start one. 4. For each Rotaractor to donate $2 and each Rotaract Club to donate $5 to the Katrina Disaster Relief Fund. 5. To promote the pre-convention that will be held in Malmo, Sweden/ Copenhagen, Denmark on 11-14 June 2006 and make it the best pre-convention ever. How do you keep communication with Rotaractors around the world? By E-mail. The main communication tool is RotaractNET yahoo group (http:// groups.yahoo.com/group/rotaractnet/). I receive many Rotaract correspondences from around the world and try to respond to any request or question that I get. Also, I email on a weekly basis, Haris Sofradzija, the Rotaract staff member at Rotary International. Each year the RI President presents the Outstanding Rotaract Project Award. Tell us about this contest.
In my opinion, the awards that we give out at the pre-convention are shining examples of what Rotaractors around the
world are doing. Rotaractors are our best and brightest. They are our future leaders of our cities, countries, and the world. The World Outstanding Project Award specifically recognizes Rotaract Clubs that have gone far beyond the call of duty in service above self. I encourage each European club to submit their projects, so we can share ideas, experience and show what Rotaract does! And last but not least – Rotaract Pre-convention and Convention in Malmo & Copenhagen – what can we expect from it? I expect the largest number of Rotaractors to attend this pre-conference. I hope to build a better working relationship between Rotary and Rotaract. I expect Rotaractors to have a lot of fun, meet and make new friends around the world, and learn as much as they can about Rotary and Rotaract. I encourage Rotaractors to register for the pre-conference and participate and be a part of the activities, workshop, etc. Elena Kornienko, member of RI Rotaract Committee 2004-05 and 2006-07
EUCO 2006
A few days ago, on a moonlit night, the following conversation somewhere in Europe was overheard by the EUCOsatellites. We feel it our duty to inform you of this interesting discussion. For confidentiality reasons, we have omitted all names from the transcript below:
… ° Will you join us in Belgium? ° You mean for the EUCO2006 in Antwerp? ° Yes, indeed. °I’m not sure yet, I’ve never been to a conference like that. ° You definitely have to come. The last conferences in Paris, Budapest and Amsterdam were really a blast. You meet lots of enthusiast Rotaractors over there. You know, XXXXXX, the girl from XXXX who came to our club meeting last summer, well I had met her in Budapest!! ° She was nice, that’s true. ° It’s a great opportunity to meet lots of nice people like her. When I first traveled to a European Conference, I only knew one other foreign Rotaractor. However at Budapest’s airport, while waiting for the minibus for the hotel, I encountered some other Rotaractors. ° But what happens during a weekend like this? ° There are some city tours, some cultural visits, and so on. There is an official conference on Saturday and of course there are parties every night. Apparently for EUCO2006, they’ve built their programme around diamonds and stars. Page 2
Newsletter
January 28, 2006
EUCO 2006 ° Diamonds and Stars?? ° I didn’t know either, but Antwerp seems to be the world capital of the diamond trade. There are visits to the diamond museum and in the diamond district. The gala evening on Saturday is inspired on the diamonds theme. They call it the “National Diamond Gala”. As it’s also the Belgian National Gala they expect 1500 people. ° WOW! And what do the Stars stand for? ° They are the 12 European stars. The programme says on Thursday we go to Brussels. There’s a visit of the historical centre, but also visits to the European Parliament and other Institutions. ° At least we’ll know where our taxes for Europe are going to! How come you know the programme so well? ° I’ve been surfing on their website - WWW.EUCO2006.BE - and I already registered of course! On their website, you also find information on the company visits on Friday. I’m still hesitating which one to take: the nuclear power plant or the port of Antwerp. ° Sounds really cool. I would choose the Port. I am starting to think that this conference is something I should do! When is it? ° It’s from the 26th till the 30th of April. You can participate from Wednesday to Sunday or from Friday to Sunday. XXXX and I will go from Wednesday on. We will stay until Mon-
day, as it is the first of May. °I can only arrive on Friday. I cannot take too many days off from work. ° You better register soon. Last time I looked, already 400 people had registered and the conference is limited to 500 persons. The weekend only costs you €125 and
EUCO 2006 Team This conversation was just one example of the hundreds that have been held lately throughout Europe. It seems that lots of Rotaractors are preparing to participate to the biggest European Rotaract event. Have a look at WWW.EUCO2006. BE to see what it’s all about. But more importantly, don’t hesitate to join us in Antwerp on the brilliant event that EUCO2006 will be. We’re ready to welcome you!
BRIDGING THE WORLD For the first time in the history of Rotary International the annual world conference will take place in Scandinavia and will be a joint conference in Sweden and Denmark! This year Rotaract is invited to take an active part. The theme is “Bridging the World” – a bridge between countries and cultures and a bridge within the Rotary family. It is with great pleasure we invite you to join the Rotaract Preconvention on June 8th-11th and the Rotary International Convention 2006 June 11th-14th in Beautiful Malmö and Wonderful Copenhagen. The Preconvention 2006 offers a variety of educational events including vocational workshops, inspirational speeches and company visits. The social highlights will include a welcome party, an International Night, sightseeing and of course a traditional Grand Gala.
it includes all activities: the hotel, meals, transport and so on. ° That’s a real bargain. ° Yes it is! And I really think it’ll be a brilliant weekend. ° Great!! I’ll register right away. Thanks! ° You’re welcome. It will be fun meeting you in Belgium. Don’t forget to spread the word around in your district. ° I will!
Preconvention meeting 2006 Along with the educational and social events, the Preconvention is an opportunity to experience fellowship with other Rotaractors, lots of interaction and of course to experience what a Rotary International Convention is all about. The setting is Scandinavia, home of Hans Christian Andersen and Astrid Lindgren – the place of fairytales! See the Little Mermaid, the many castles and perhaps meet the Royal families of Sweden and Denmark! Don’t miss the new concept of home hosting B&B! Rotaractors from Denmark and Sweden open up their homes for our foreign guests during the Convention days June 11th–14th. This is the chance for you to experience the Danish concept of “hygge” (having a great time) and of course
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experience true international Rotaract fellowship! At www.rotaract.se/preconvention2006/ you can find more information about the social programme for Preconvention 2006, accommodation and of course register for this once in a lifetime event! To register for the Preconvention meetings on June 9th-10th please visit www.rotary.org Please notice that the cheapest price is with registration for the social programme is before January 31st 2006 and for the Preconvention, December 31st 2005. We are looking forward to see you in Beautiful Malmö and Wonderful Copenhagen, June 2006. Best Regards, Anders Forslund, Kristine Binzer Chairmen of the Rotaract Preconvention Committee
BESP 2005 Service Above Self – something Rotaractors in Europe take very literally The last week of January is the time for voting which project is going to win the title as the Best European Service Project in Rotaract 2005. The competition is strong as both the standard and the number of participants is large. The Committee consists of four reps: Tobias Gillen from Germany, Mathias Wijffels from Belgium, Filip Mrkvicka from Slovakia and myself, Kristine Binzer from Denmark. This year’s projects are all very interesting with different approaches to how we as young people in Rotaract can contribute in our local communities as well as on a more global level. Children, adolescents and people so unfortunate to live with disability or poverty have been the main focus of the majority of these projects. However, focus on skill development among young people of their communities, the environment, AIDS awareness as well as cultural awareness and global peace have also been the focus of great projects. The tough part will be to decide who the winner will be as in many respects these projects are all winners. However, the three top finalists and the winning project will be presented at EUCO 2006 as inspiration to us all.
Now some pure facts for the curious people: - 17 applications received - 9 countries represented - 3 countries with more than one application: Turkey, Serbia-Montenegro and Poland - 5 projects involving international cooperation - 6 projects targeted at and dealing with children. Needless to say we are very impressed by the standard of these projects and proud to be part of an organization not only talking about making a difference – but actually doing it! Looking forward to see even more countries represented next year’s competition. Kristine Binzer Rotaract Europe Social Projects Officer 2005/2006
http://www.rotaracteurope.org
Newsletter
Issue #2
Rotaract Russia
On November 26th, 2005, Rotaract Moscow International (ROAMI) was officially chartered.
to other Rotaract Clubs, seven members were Rotary Exchange Students, five have relatives who are members of Rotary Club Moscow East, two members are Rotary Ambassadorial Scholars, and one member participated in a Group Study Exchange. To celebrate the chartering of the club, ROAMI organized a three-day program over the weekend of November 25-27, and invited Rotaractors from around the world to participate. Representatives from clubs in Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Russia, and Ukraine; and Rotary Exchange Students from Canada and Taiwan (who are currently living in Siberia), participated and welcomed the new club into the Rotary family. The centerpiece of the weekend was a visit to the club’s project, which was not a standard facility tour. ROAMI invited members of Maria’s Children, an arts rehabilitation program for Russian orphans, to show the Rotaractors ways to effectively interact with the children. During the 60km train ride to Sergeev Posad, the Rotaractors learned how to become clowns, using toys and costumes that Maria’s Children provided. At the orphanage, the group spread themselves among the many children to spend time with them on a more personal level than a formal tour would provide. The children also treated the Rotaract guests to a concert. As part of the visit, ROAMI presented the orphanage with a gift of television, VCR, and DVD player. This gift was determined together by ROAMI and the orphanage’s director, who had made a special request for these items for one of the children’s recreation rooms. The spirit and fellowship of Rotary was shared throughout the weekend and the members of ROAMI thank all involved for helping the club achieve such a successful launch.
ed States. The official language of the club is English. ROAMI has already selected its first project, an orphanage for deaf and blind children in the town of Sergeev Posad, 60km north of Moscow. ROAMI can already boast a wealth of Rotary experience: nine members previously belonged
Steve Collins, Rotaract Moscow International member and Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar, United States to Russia (District 5020 to District 2350)
Rotaract in Russia – what do we know about it?
It is hard to believe that there are only 38 Rotaract Clubs in one of the biggest countries in the world – Russia…. But this is true! One of the reasons is that the Rotaract movement is still considered to be young in our country (the first Rotaract club was chartered in 1991) and we are at the stage of building our network. The first meeting of all Rotaract clubs in Russia was held at the “Rotary in Russia” Conference in St. Petersburg on April 3-4, 2004. We were greatly impressed and very happy to see that the Organizing Committee treated Rotaract as a future of Rotary and supports us in all undertakings. So, what does an average Russian Rotaractor look like? It is a nice looking girl, 22 years of age, a university student, who likes to party and accepts Rotaract as her way of life. Her friends are also Rotaractors and like to spend time together discussing what kind of interesting and fun activities they could make for kids from the local orphanage. Here are some statistics about Russian clubs: there are 38 of them in four districts – 1430, 2350, 2370, 5010. All these districts are international and Russian Rotaractors work with fellows from Finland, Sweden and USA (Alaska). However, the number of districts will change shortly – we will have one European district that will combine 1430, 2350 and 2370. We keep working out the ways of communication and still find it useful to combine the national meeting with Rotary Conferences. The next conference will be held in Moscow on June 17th-18th 2006. European Rotaractors are very
good in establishing communication among districts and countries, so we will be happy to see you at this conference and learn how to build a network that will work! As soon as more information is available about the coming event, we
will send it out. Keep an eye out and we hope to see you in one of the most beautiful cities in the world! Elena Kornienko, Rotaract Club Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, Russia
A NEW RED STAR ARISES
Sponsored by Rotary Club Moscow International, this is the first “international” Rotaract Club in Russia, with 20 charter members originally from seven countries. In addition to various parts of Russia, members hail from Austria, Bulgaria, Colombia, France, Japan, and the Unit-
http://www.rotaracteurope.org
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Newsletter
January 28, 2006
ROTARACT ITALY My Rotaract Country
www.rotaract.it
Italy, officially the Italian Republic, is a country in southern Europe with a population of about 58 million people. It comprises the boot-shaped Italian peninsula, the Po River valley, and two large islands in the Mediterranean Sea, Sicily and Sardinia, and shares its northern alpine boundary with France, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia. The independent countries of San Marino and the Vatican City are enclaves within Italian territory.
Nowadays Italy is a modern country with the sixth largest GDP in 2004, a member of the G8 and a founding member of what is now the European Union, signing the Treaty of Rome in 1957.
Rotaract in Italy is very strong! We have ten districts, 358 clubs and 5400 members, but we work each day to make it stronger. Rotaract carries out many different projects. Of course, the most important is the national one. This year, we are promoting “Safe Driving” among young people in partnership with the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructures that aims to decrease road accidents especially among young people. A great importance is given to the district projects. Here below you will find a summary of them: District 2030, for instance, is organizing activities during the Paralympics Games, in order to promote Rotaract. They also organize the Piedmont Roundtrip - during ten days Rotaractors from around the world visit Piedmont Rotaracts. Rotaract District 2040 launched the National project focused on road and driving safety. The project involved the Italian Police, the Ministry of Transportation, “Croce Rossa” and all main Italian institutions. The project promoted “information, training and raising awareness at all levels. The district also launched a renowned fashion gala in Como some years ago, “Galà della Moda”; with a budget of 80,000 euros the Galà involved Cavalli, Ferrè, Iceberg, Fiorucci, Trussardi, Missoni, Acqua Marina, and the main Italian and foreign griffes. Rotaract Milano Duomo Rotaract organizes the MIW (Milan International Weekend). District 2050 is organizing a District Trip to London District 1130 to share Rotaract ideas and knowledge. District 2060 is collecting money for an association called “Il sogno di Stefano” in order to buy dialysis machines for children. District 2070 is carrying on two different projects. The first one is Rotaract trip to Djerba (May 15-20) and the con-
struction of a vocational school in Bukavu (Congo) in partnership with the association “Mamma della Pace ONLUS”. Rotaractors are going to Congo to witness the beginning of the construction. District 2080 has announced a competition of advertisement and short film about “Safe Driving”. In partnership with Rotary clubs they are carrying on a ROTMED project, which promotes cultural exchange among the countries of the Mediterranean area. The association Fiaba, which works for the breaking of architectural barrier, is supported by District 2090. District 2100, in cooperation with the association “Una Mano Tesa per Thanaka”, is providing the funds for the construction of a paediatric pavilion in Kenya. District 2110 is carrying out several projects: a set of Intercultural Conferences, the collection of 500 sacs of blood, and the “Little Horse” project that aims to enhance the international Rotaract friendship. RTC of Castelvetrano Valle del Belice organizes every year a summer Handicamp where they spend ten days helping handicapped people. Last but not least is District 2120 that is working on two projects: the first one concerns the construction of a Multipurpose Centre in Senegal and the second one is dealing with fund raising to buy a van for a young street vendor whose dad was affected by and died from leukaemia, and in order to follow the treatment had to sell the van they use to have. This may seem just a list of activities and projects, but as every Rotaractor knows, behind it there is the faith and the hard work of many people who live their life in a different way: the Rotaract One!
Italy is called Belpaese (Italian for beautiful country) by its inhabitants, due to the beauty and variety of its landscapes and for its world’s largest artistic patrimony; the country is home to the greatest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Chiara Buggio Italian Rotaract Europe Representative 2005/06 chiara.buggio@tin.it
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THE LITTLE HORSE PROJECT The 2110 Rotaract District – Sicily and Malta is actually involved in an international project which will build a network of friendship between 15 different Rotaract Clubs in the world and contribute to spread Sicilian traditions and culture to the world of Rotaract! will do your tour around the world! Last August some Sicilian RotaracYou’ll visit far and exotic places like tors met a young Sicilian Little horse Egypt, Lebanon, India, Malaysia, Philcarrying three persons in a narrow ippines, Japan, Bolivia, Brazil, Colomstreet of the Baroque Town of Modica, bia, the Unitin Sicily. ed States and They were the United a s t o n Kingdom!” ished by Imaging his colors, himself visitsmart and ing all these brightenwonderful ing in the places, the lights of Little Horse the night couldn’t wait but noticed anymore and also a sad proposed to smile on his start his tour face, and as soon as couldn’t possible, and asked us for some help guess what the reason could be… so to prepare everything for his travel. So they asked him the reason! the Sicilian Rotaractors collected some He answered that his sad mood was due to the new Sicilian generations’ gifts for the clubs and friends who were going to host him and put him in a travlack of care about Sicilian ancient trael-box of 1st ditions! “I class!! had never That is had enough the beginmoney to go ning of the around the story… the world to see Little Horse many differhas already ent places, visited meet new Egypt and people and Lebanon, make new he has been friends - he conquered said. – If I by the marcould, then vellous hosI would find Little Horse with Rotaract Club pitality of my way beAlexandria Cosmopolitan the first four tween the clubs, and is now travelling to India! By Sicilian traditional way of life and my the time he will finally be back home real nature… Indeed, I would carry (in early June), he will certainly be full with me the beautiful essence of Sicily of the gifts the 2110 Rotaract District and make the world appreciate Sicilian will use for a fundraising auction for culture!” the beloved Rotary Foundation! The Sicilian Rotaractors realized If you wish to follow the footsteps they could help him: “We are in the of Little Horse, please, come and visit world of Rotary, aren’t we?”, so they http://2110.rotaract.it. asked his mobile number and promised to take only ten days to send an email to Roberta Macaione rotaractnet and give him the best news Rotaract Club Palermo Cefalù of his life! Within ten days they would International Service Director have called him: “Thanks to Rotaract District 2110, Italy and to 15 wonderful Rotaractors you
http://www.rotaracteurope.org
Newsletter
Issue #2
Rotaract Club Milano Duomo Milan International Weekend – III Milan International Weekend was launched in 2003 – 2004 by Federico Santini to celebrate the tenth anniversary of Rotaract Milano Duomo and to create a real International Event in Italy. Rotaract Italia has always been really strong and active in the domestic activities. All the Italian Clubs promote significant and ambitious social and professional projects Milan Cathedral that involve the terriRotaract Club Milano Duomo, founded in 1994, is tory, the main Italian institutions, Rotary, non Rocurrently the biggest club in Italy and maybe in Eu- taract members. rope with some 60 members. events in Europe. Milan internaMILAN (two million inhabitants) is the most important city of Northern Italy, capital of Lombardy, and one of the world’s capitals of Fashion, Business, Industry, Soccer, Nightlife and Shopping. It is called “Milan to be drunk” for its dynamic lifestyle and the strong entrepreneurial spirit of its people. Milan is the part of Italy you do not know yet and goes beyond stereotypes, although it represents our country. The origins of the city date back to 400 B.C. when the Gauls settled in this area of the Po Plains, having defeated the Etruscans who, from then on, started to decline. When the city was conquered by the Romans in 222
Charter: March 1994 President: Alessandro Paoli Vice-President: Valentina Bonaventura President-elect: Pasquale Merella Past-President: Federico Vasoli di Fivizzano Secretary: Marco Parnaso, Marco Maltoni Prefect: Federico Santini http://www.rotaractmilanoduomo.it Main Projects: Assistance to Muriglio family, Assistance to San Vincenzo, Milan International Weekend, Professional Workshop, international twin ship, Formation Course for new Rotaract Members.
B.C. and annexed to the Empire, it was called Mediolanum. Thanks to its favourable geographic location, Milan is an extremely important communications centre.
Rotaract Milano Duomo has two main social projects. The first relates a very difficult situation of a family with an autistic son, named Stefano. Our club, for several years has provided assistance to this family, both with economic and moral help. Every year with the money we collect through the international weekend we pay for two summer weeks of colony in a specialist centre. Furthermore we meet the family almost once per month. The second social project is weekly and all the members are obliged by club statutes to attend it once a month. Every Saturday morning we go in a school of Milan with the guys of “San Vincenzo”, an association that provides clothes and food to poor people. The activity consists of preparing and distributing the lunch for around 100 persons every Saturday. We have helped San Vincenzo since 1999 and we are really happy with this club service.
Alessandro Paoli (right) and Federico Santini Our club invested a lot of energy to improve international action, creating as example a network of contacts with Rotaract all over Europe and the world. We are always ready to guest Rotaractors coming to Milan for working, studying, vacation and we are always ready to come to the main international
tional weekend is the logic consequence of our mentality. Not only social projects, not only professional projects, not only international projects. According to us, Rotaract must be as fruit salad: the chance of having different fruits mixed together. Not only one. The third Milan International weekend is the top our Weekend could reach. We are very proud to guest a Rotaract Europe meeting, and more than 120 people from European countries and 80 persons from other Italian districts. We want to thank Edgar, Rotaract Europe staff and all the representatives for the chance. We promise a great weekend. And we promise not to stop and organize a Milan international weekend 4 even better.
Rotaract Europe expresses its sincere gratitude to Rotaract Club Milano Duomo for hosting a winter Rotaract Europe meeting! http://www.rotaracteurope.org
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Newsletter
January 28, 2006
Rotaract the Netherlands Mostly we think in “Big” when it concerns projects involving Rotaract. For example, organizing big fundraising activities for well-known charity organizations or having a Grand Gala and collect as much money as possible is a main issue. The bigger, the better. So big, that hopefully the local newspapers will write about it and potential new Rotaractors will get curious and interested to join us. For a small club like ours it isn’t easy to organize such a big project without help from others. Therefore this time we chose a
JUST ONE OF THOSE SIMPLE THINGS… simple activity – helping a local organization for mentally handicapped people between 10 and 25
years old. For the first time in their his-
tory they held a sport day. There were swimming activities and it was one of the most exciting parts of the day not only for the participants but also for the whole crew. It’s a hell of a project to swim with 50 mentally handicapped young people. The weekend before the great Rotaract Europe meeting in Zagreb our club members assisted during this special day. Armed only with swimsuits we acted like
lifeguards and hosts at the same time. First we did some simple water-aerobics, after that we had to practice several watergames with our team and made sure everybody enjoyed the games without getting hurt. For a few people it was the first time in a swimming pool. After a few hours, we got dressed and took part in a professional basketball clinic. This was a relatively easy project - all we had to do was join, help and make fun. The look in the eyes of the people was enough for us to know that it was worth it. The question is, did we help them or did they help us…. It was a great day! RTC Haarlemmermeer
Rotaract Great Britain and Ireland Wolf Walking in Ufton Woods When Vic Allen first mentioned taking wolves for a walk I thought “sounds fun”. The reaction of other Rotaractors ranged from “here’s my money when are we going?” to “you must be joking!” . The only proof was of course to go and meet these amazing creatures. 26 Rotaractors from 7 clubs in 1090 turned up on a cold November Saturday lunchtime. A fantastic winter’s day, the sort that you would quite like to go for a walk in, with wolves as an added bonus.
Wolf sisters, Dakota and Duma (North American Timber Wolves) eventually arrived along with the Wolf Conservation Trust volunteers. My first impression was that they looked rather like big cuddly Alsatians, especially with their thick white winter coats. However one yawn to show off a set
of very large pointy teeth makes you realise they are not domestic dogs. The sisters were given a chance to sniff us all but surprisingly decided that there were more interesting smells and sounds in the woods. Everyone got a chance to get up close and personal to the wolves by stroking them on their bellies. Apparently they don’t like their heads being stroked, considering the size of the teeth that was fine by me. It was also slightly disconcerting to have to wolf turn to look you in the eye, however I did avoid getting licked which one or two of the group suffered. Duma and Dakota took us on a fantastic walk and even decided to go for a swim in the lake which I wouldn’t have tried considering the weather; however their fur coats are so thick that only the top layer actually gets wet. They are quite happy even in temperatures as low as minus
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30. Walking Duma and Dakota were a great experience and I can safely say that at no time did I feel the slightest bit nervous We finished off the afternoon with a visit to the Wolf Sanctuary in Been-
teers make us wonderfully welcome and I can now tick the “things to do” box marked “take a wolf for a walk”. I would recommend the experience to anyone, it’s a great opportunity to get to know these fantastic animals. They
ham. A chance to see the other resident packs of North American Timber Wolves and European Wolves but also a chance to warm up. The wolves were great, the volun-
are friendly, safe, calm, beautiful and unfortunately misunderstood. www.ukwolf.org Adam Hunter D1090 Rotaract Chairman
http://www.rotaracteurope.org
Newsletter
Issue #2
Rotaract Poland
ROTARACT FRANCE COORDINATION NATIONALE
Contest for Young Leaders
Road Safety
Rotaract Club of Trojmiasto has organized the first edition of the Andrzej Walentynowicz Contest for Young Leaders. Its main objective was to help young leaders (15-25 years old) in continuation of social projects conducted by them in the region.
To return safely after a good evening is the objective of “captain of party”.
By this help (financial and educational support) organizers wanted to guarantee further development of the best projects. Initiators of the contest say that in Poland they face very significant, uneven regional development. As far as in the cities life level is quite high and there are many nongovernmental organizations that can help solve everyday problems, it is not so easy in small villages. In such places there are no Rotaract Clubs and it is very often simply too far for the existing ones to reach there with their service. By this contest members of the Rotaract Club of Trojmiasto wanted to pass over the words they have learned from Andrzej Walentynowicz, club founder, great Rotarian. He used to say : “A man is worth that much as he did for others”. As an effect of the Contest three projects for the local communities have been awarded by jury. The first prize went to Przemyslaw Zbrog, who thanks
In France, the main reason of the mortality of the young people is death in a traffic accident. The action which took place with the partnership of Prevention Routière, a non-profit organization, and French Federation of the insurance companies (FFSA) consisted in sensitizing the young people on the consequences of alcohol on driving and in making responsible during the evenings. On the 10th of December Rotaractors participated at the National Day of Prevention in some of the 85 participating discotheques to sensitize the young people. The only massage to send was “The one who drives is the one who does not drink”. At each entry of the chosen establishment, a reception is set up where Rotaractors transmit
to the funds received in the contest, was able to open an intermediary point for volunteers in his city (Malbork). The second prize went to Franciszek Trzaskos who will use the financial support for opening the first digital newspaper edited only by young non-professionals who will publish stories of their lives, share experiences and reveal their dreams. The third prize was given to Justyna Niemas who helps handicapped children in municipal day-care common room where she will now, thanks to the funds received in the Contest, extend the range of exercises by therapy-by-music and therapy-by-sport. Adam Rewako
messages of prevention on the factors of risks: speed, tiredness and especially consumption of alcohol. They also propose at the groups of young people to designate one of them, this one leaves these car keys and is supposed not to drink during the evening. This one will be able to get back his/her keys after an alcohol test. The godfather of the evening television and radio famous presenter Cauet animated himself one of the evenings retransmitted in the 84 other discotheques. “Captain of evening” in some figures: 85 participating discotheques 680 voluntary coming from 14 associations (Rotaract was good introduced in France) 10600 captains
Rotaract Turkey Route Istanbul 17-21 May 2006
Turkey- Azerbaijan: A Bridge of Friendship and a Series of Projects
Bodrum RAC: New Year’s Fun for the Homeless Children
Turkish Rotaractors of D2420 are inviting Rotaractors from all around the world for a full of five days of Rotaractor fellowship, sightseeing, service project and fun @ ROUTE ISTANBUL 2006. By joining the D2420 team in ROUTE ISTANBUL the participant is promised to discover Istanbul, the great metropolis of Turkey. During their stay, the participants will be hosted in the houses of fellow Turkish Rotaractors, getting a wonderful opportunity to get to know the culture and the cuisine (yummy!!). Moreover, a trip to Ancient Istanbul, to a traditional Turkish Bath (Hamam), a boat tour on the picturesque BOSPHORUS and of course, a fantastic BELLY DANCE SHOW are in order during this great program. The web site www.rotaract2420.org/routeistanbul may be visited for information and online preregistration. D2420 Rotaractors are looking forward to meeting all those who’ll join them in May! For further questions & to join mailing list pls contact: routeistanbul@gmail.com
Members of Ankara-Maltepe RAC of Turkey and Baku RAC of Azerbaijan joined their enthusiasm for service in the past months. Ankara-Maltepe RAC traveled to Azerbaijan and visited Baku RAC for ten days and organized and participated in three activities. The first was a vocational service project, a panel discussion with influential speakers from the business world that aimed to educate and encourage citizens who wanted to form an SMB (small to medium business) of their own. Fifty participants of the panel were certified. Secondly, Ankara-Maltepe and Baku RAC gave vocational achievement awards to Azeri writer Baba Veziroglu and artist Tunzale Agayeva in an evening co-meeting with 200 participants in total. As a last note, the two Rotaract clubs visited Qobustan and formed even stronger bonds of fellowship between members. District 2430
Bodrum RAC took the residents of Mugla Shelter for Children out for a “Happy Day”. Thirty-one kids and four of their teachers traveled to Bodrum by bus, by the courtesy of Bodrum Seyahat bus company. The participants enjoyed Bodrum, a beautiful sea-side village of Turkey by the Aegean coast. Lunch was served at a past Rotaractor’s restaurant in Bodrum. Later the girls were taken to a well-known barber shop for stylish haircuts and care while the boys visited Bodrum Underwater Archeological Museum. All involved sponsorships were found by the Rotaractors’ efforts. “Happy Day” turned out to be a beautiful day of voluntary service and fun both for the Bodrum RAC members and the children. District 2440
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Bringing people together!
Newsletter
January 28, 2006
European MultiDistrict Informational Organizations (MDIO) CRN (Contactorgaan Rotaract Nederland) Districts: 1550 - 1610 President: Rick Westerhof rick.westerhof@rotaract.nl, http://www.rotaract.nl/organisatie Rotaract France (Coordination Nationale Rotaract France) Districts: 1510 - 1520 & 1640 - 1790 Chairman: Laure Nacher laure_nacher@yahoo.fr http://www.rotaract-france.org DANIO 2005-2006 (Rotaract Denmark) Districts: 1440 – 1480 President: Kristine Binzer DP@rotaract.dk http://www.rotaract.dk
What is the value of one member? Ten proud Rotaractors standing in a line One disliked the President, then there were nine. Nine ambitious members on a project, late One forgot their commitment, then there were eight. Eight creative members had ideas good as heaven One lost enthusiasm then there were seven.
RDK (Rotaract Deutschland Komitee) Districts: 1800 - 1900 & 1930 - 1950 RDK-Vorsitzender: Lutz Reimer Lutz.Reimer@ rotaract.de http://de.rotaract.de RGBI (Rotaract in Great Britian and Ireland) Districts: 1010 - 1290 Chairman: Lisa Burnett lisa@rotaract.org.uk http://www.rotaract.org.uk
Rotaract Norge (Norwegian Rotaract) Districts: 2250 - 2310 2004-05 Chairman: Torunn Reksten torunn_reksten@yahoo.com http://www.rotaract.no
Newsletter
Seven loyal Rotaractors got in a fix They quarrelled over projects, then there were six. Six members remained with spirit and drive One moved away, then there were five. Five steadfast members wished there were more One became indifferent, then there were Four. Four cheerful members full of fun and glee, ‘Till one complained, then there were three. Three eager members, What did they do? One got discouraged, then there were two. Two lonely members, my rhyme is nearly done. One joined a sports team, then there was only one. One faithful member, feeling rather blue Met with a neighbour, then there were two. Two driving members, each enrolled one more Doubling their number, then there were four. Four determined members, just wouldn’t wait. ‘Till one reached another, then there were eight. Eight excited members signed up eight more. In another six verses, they’ll be a thousand-twenty four! Rotaract in Great Britian and Ireland
Rotaract Europe Newsletter Issue #2, January, 2006 MDIO Rotaract Europe www.rotaracteurope.org Editor-in-chief Julia Kurbaka Marketing&Communication Officer, Rotaract Club Kyiv-Centre, D 2230, Ukraine Julia_kurbaka@yahoo.com Technical editor Andrij Eremenko Rotaract Club Kyiv-Centre, D 2230, Ukraine eav@autopen.info Literal correction Thomas Krepitch East Valley Rotaract, D 5510, USA tkrepitch@cox.net
Bringing people together!
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