January 2007
European Rotaract Informational Centre
Newsletter Bringing people together!
h t t p : / / w w w. r o t a r a c t e u r o p e . o r g
Issue #1 (4)
Dear friends in Rotaract from all over Europe, A new Rotaract year has started and I am convinced it will be a great one for Rotaract in Europe. We had our first E.R.I.C. (Rotaract Europe) meeting of this year in Celje, Slovenia in September where many of the European Rotaract country representatives were present to share information and to discuss Rotaract. This Rotaract year will be full of excitement and opportunities for you to meet Rotaractors from all over Europe. The next E.R.I.C. (Rotaract Europe) meeting in Bursa, Turkey in January 2007 and the EUCO in Milan, Italy in April 2007 are only two events which I would like to highlight. I hope to see many of you there! It is our objective to “BRING ROTARACTORS TOGETHER” from all across Europe – Rotaract in Europe is bigger than a club, it is bigger than a district and bigger than a country. This newsletter is a platform to exchange information
and to learn about Rotaract and people in other countries and cultures. If you would like to “become part” of this newsletter yourself, you are welcome to send us articles about your projects, your club’s experience and achievements. This way you can share information with Rotaract in Europe! Last but not least I would like to thank Julia Kurbaka, the Marketing, Communications & Webpage Officer for her big effort in preparing this newsletter as well as the other board members for their support in the past and the future. Looking forward to a fantastic year and hoping to meet as many of you as possible! Yours in Rotaract, Tobias Gillen President E.R.I.C. 2006/07
First E.R.I.C. (Rotaract Europe) Meeting This year’s first E.R.I.C./RE of 2006/07 in Slovenia Meeting was held in Celje, Slovenia from September 21st to 24th, 2006. Approximately 400 Rotaractors from fifteen countries, Rotarians, guests and friends were present at the concert and following reception on Saturday night in Celjski Dom in Celje. The weekend also included trips to the cities of Ljubljana and Maribor, everybody attending enjoyed the beauty of the cities and the country as well as the hospitality of the people. The objective, ‘to bring Rotaractors from all across Europe together’ was truly achieved. Twelve country representatives or their replacements attended the working session of the E.R.I.C. Committee on Saturday morning which was chaired by the president of the E.R.I.C. MDIO Tobias Gillen from district 1870, Germany. In the name of the particiIssue #1 pants we would like to thank the Rotaractors in Slovenia for their great effort and tremendous work.
Newsletter
Issue #1 (4)
European Rotaract Informational Centre
January 2007
E.R.I.C. Team 2006/07 President: Tobias Gillen (29 years) Muenster (D. 1870) since 1998 DRR 2000/01, Director International Services Rotaract Germany,Vice-President E.R.I.C. 2004/06 Masters in Business Economics; working in energy sector; Hobbies: sports & friends tobias.gillen@rotaract.de Social Officer: Piotr Milewski (30 years) Trojmiasto (Gdansk, Gdynya, Sopot) D 2230 since 1998 RE Representative for Poland 2006/07 Past-DRR Masters at International Economics Hobbies: traveling, literature, fantasy games cumulus@koti.pl Belgium: Benoît Klinkers (28 years) Maasland (Maasland, D 1630) since 2001 District 1630 Interclub-International 2006-2007; Lic. In Chemistri; working as independent – painting works industry and houses; hobbies – Skiing, swimming info@nvklinkers.be Greece: Anatoliotaki Anna-Maria (26 years) BESP Sub-commitee member, Preveza RTC D2480 since 2005, Charter vice-president President 2006/07, BA French Language and Litterature Administration manager anatolm@hol.gr Sweden: Katarina Lugner (29 years) Gothenburg Poseidon Rotaract, D 2360 since 2001, President for Rotaract in Sweden MDIO 2004/05 Masters in law. Hobbies: sailing and dancing klugner@hotmail.com
Vice-President: Kristine Binzer (26 years) Roskilde, District 1480 (since 1997) President of Rotaract Denmark 2005/06 Past-President 2002/03 Medical student, currently working in Malaria research, vaccine development. Hobbies: mountain climbing, sailing, skiing, music etc. ir@rotaract.dk Treasurer: Max Mailliet (27 years) Luxembourg, (D1630), since 1997 ERIC Representative for Luxembourg, Past-President RTC Luxembourg Master of Laws (LSE), working as a lawyer. Hobbies: Reading, Movies, Golf, Sailing; max@mailliet.lu
Marketing&Communications and Webmaster Officer: Julia Kurbaka (23 years old) Kyiv-Centre (Kyiv, D 2230) since 2003 Charter President 2003/ 04, DRR-elect 2007/8 ERIC Representative for Ukraine 2006/07 MA in Linguistics. Working in politics
Denmark: Timothy Ahrensbach (20 years) International Rotaract Club of Copenhagen since 2001, DRR 2003/04, VP in IRCC 2004/05, Secretary in Rotaract Denmark MDIO 2004/05, President in IRCC 2005/07, HOC for PreConvention 2006, Stud. BA in Geography and Geoinformatics, ta@ircc.dk Italy: Lilia Franchi, (26 years) RTC Trieste, D 2060 since 1998, District Secretary 2005/06, President of RTC Trieste 2003/04, International business. Working in a marketing consulting firm. Hobbies: dancing salsa, gym, tennis, travelling. Lilia.franchi@fastwebnet.it Switzerland and Liechtenstein: Logha L. Mantoe (30 years) President CRSL, DRR RID 2000 2006/07, Meilen since 2003, President RAC Meilen 2004/05, Relationship Management & Instructor Hobbies: developing new business Logha@mantoepa.com
Germany: Stephan Bernhardt (29 years) Ravensburg (Ravensburg, D 1930) since 1996, ADRR 2005/06, Master of Business Administration; work: Controller Business Development, hobbies – Rotaract, dancing, partying, traveling, Stephan. Bernhardt@rotaract.de Spain: Oskar Imler (31 years) Barcelona / 2210 since 1998 Community Committee, Treasure, President District Committee, Webmaster RotaractSpain.org eric / webmaster /oskar @ rotarctspain.org oskar@lanrave.net +34 630 413 134 Turkey: Duygu Güceyü (25 years) Bursa RTC D2440 since 2004, Treasurer 2006/07, Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, working in Bosch Diesel Systems, Hobbies: Snowboarding, windsurfing, skiing, scuba diving Dguceyu@yahoo.com
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Julia_kurbaka@yahoo.com Austria, Hungary, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia/ Herzegovina: Maximilian W. Schubert (26 years) Celje (D 1910) since 2005, RCO Austria 2003 - 2005, DRR D1910 2005/06, Law; IT/IP Hobbies: rowing,uni, Schubert_ Maximilian@gmx.at
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Newsletter
Issue #1 (4)
European Rotaract Informational Centre
January 2007
E.R.I.C. Winter Meeting
EUCO 2007
Bursa, Turkey January 2007 April 27 - May 1, Milan, Italy
Dear Rotaractors in Europe: Are you up for a fun weekend full of Turkish hospitality and fellowship? Then reserve your flight now and book your accommodations with us, because D2440 is getting ready to welcome you along with 250 Turkish Rotaractors in the Rotaract Europe Winter meeting in Bursa, Turkey!!! The theme of the R.E. Winter Meeting will be “Meeting of Cultures” and the conference location is truly a skier’s paradise. We will be at the skirts of of Ulu Mountain (known shortly as “Uludag” in Turkey), the largest and the most popular wintersports center in Turkey, located at the heart of your host city Bursa. Uludag area is also a national park and worth a visit any time of the year. Our accommodations will be highly qualified and relatively cheap and offering many opportunities for entertaining activities. Your Host City, Bursa, is located towards the south of Istanbul and is the 4th largest city in the country. An Ottoman capital before Istanbul,
Bursa is a historic city that witnessed long years of intellectual, architectural and artistic development. Furthermore, it is blessed with natural beauty of green plains and high mountains. Bursa embodies Uludag, the most favourite ski resort of the country. The city, along with its natural beauty, is also an industrial center that currently houses many automotive, machinery, textile and food companies. The Annual National Meet for Rotaract Turkey will also take place at the same time. So, the conference will be a great chance for many European and Turkish Rotaractors to meet each other, exchange ideas about new possible projects, make new friends, ski, enjoy Turkish food, parties, spas, culture, and much more… The program will start from Thursday and run until Sunday in 11-14.01.2007 with special trips, different activities, barbeque parties and of course, dancing - beware of the crazy belly-dancing crowds and get ready to learn some yourself!!! The opening ceremony will be somewhat of a surprise and the gala dinner will be memorable. If you need help or have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask Ms. Duygu Guceyu, the Rotaract Europe Representative for Turkey at dguceyu@yahoo.com or info@rem2007bursa.com Phone number :+90 532 617 4025. Visit us and register online: www.rem2007bursa.com/ By Organization Committee, D.2440
Friday 27 April 2007 – Music 14.00 Opening of the European Convention 18.30 Attendance of city authorities 19.30 Dinner 21.00 Concert held at Milan’s Conservatorio 23.00 Mad’n’Milan Party in fashion Milan disco till.. Saturday 28 April 2007 – Food-and-wine products 08.00 Breakfast 09.30 Guided visit of Milan 13.00 Lunch on your own 15.00 Tour of Bergamo and guided visit of “città alta” (high town) 20.00 Lombardy’s treasures: Party Di’vino held at Villa Solari in Trescore Balneario Buffet Dinner – Taste and charity sale of typical Lombard products 03.00 Back to Milan Sunday 29 April 2007 – Sports and Fashion 10.30 Rotaract games 10.30 (Optional - extra payment required) Group visit of any of Brescia, Como, Pavia, Monza, Piacenza, Parma or Serravalle Fashion Outlet at participants’ choice 18.00 Return to the hotel 20.00 Dinner and Drink 23.00 Fashion show and election of Miss Rotaract Europe (propose as candidate welcome) Monday 30 April 2007 – Arts, culture and shopping 09.00 Breakfast 09.30 European Rotaract Convetion 16.00 End of Convention, free time and relax 20.00 Gala dinner and ball “Made In Italy” Tuesday 1 May 2007 10.00 See you in Euco 2008 * the program would be changed without any advance notice to partecipants.
www.euco2007.it
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Newsletter
Issue #1 (4)
European Rotaract Informational Centre
January 2007
Slovenia
My Rotaract Country
Rotaract in Multi-District 1910/1920 and in Slovenia… Multidistrict 1910/1920 is a huge district with more than 7,000 Rotarians and Rotaractors, joining Austria, Hungary, Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Slovenia. Thirty eight active Rotaract clubs and five clubs being established are preparing numerous projects and all are well known in their everyday environment, and as Rotaract and Rotary, are important parts of local, national and international communities. During the last decade the Rotary and Rotaract ideas and values they represent spread and also became better known in former socialistic countries. After 1991 the Rotarian idea again spread in Hungary, Slovenia and Croatia and bit later also in Bosnia and Herzegovina – countries which were once already a part of the Rotarian family. Nowadays these countries are becoming an important part of Rotary International and on their way to forming independent districts. One of the oldest clubs in the district was formed in Slovenia, in the city of Maribor in
1930. Nowadays 5 Rotaract Clubs with more than 90 members form the regional association
Rotaract Slovenia as a part of Multi-District 1910/1920. The first Rotaract Club in Slovenia was established in Ljubljana in 1994. Every year RAC Ljubljana initiates few regional and district projects like RYLA and Slovene Summer Camp. In 2000 Rotaract Club Maribor was chartered. They are well known for their annual humanitarian concert which attracts more than 800 people in the audience of the National Slovene Theatre in their home town. Rotaract Club Celje was chartered four years later, in 2004. Since than they have started many projects which already became traditional, like Ski Weekend and Valentines Concert in February, Cocktail Party in June, Slow Food in November and Christmas Charity Concert in December. At present Rotaract Club Grosuplje and Rotaract Club Portorož are being established, and they should charter in this Rotarian year. International projects in Rotaract Slovenia … In recent past Rotaract clubs from Slovenia started to engage in many international projects. One of those also continued its path through other districts. In 2005/2006 there were three major events in Rotaract Slovenia. Starting chronologically the first took place at Golte skiing resort on the second weekend in February. Rotaract club Celje organized an interna-
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tional gathering of Rotaractors from the region. The event had it’s participants from Rotaract Club Zagreb (Croatia) and all Slovenian Rotaract clubs. The first evening started with the welcoming dinner and ended with long discussions concerning current issues. On Saturday skiers enjoyed a sunny day on the slopes of Golte. Skiing, snowboarding and even sunbathing were some of more popular choices. Later in the evening the traditional dinner was held and afterwards a party for all still bursting with energy. The idea for honoring the world Rotaract week with blood donation stem was born from personal experience of Nina Kolenc, Rotaractor from Maribor. Explaining in her own words: “with
donating blood which is also a symbol of life taking part in this project is helping the community by giving life to somebody”. From 13th March till 26th March 2006 Rotaractors, Rotarians and members of Inner Wheel from MultiDistrict 1910/1920, donated blood. From there on, the project took off globally with Rotaractors from all over Europe, South America and Africa joining with their own local blood donation projects. Matjaz Brezigar, RCO Slovenia President of Rotaract Club Celje & Gregor Deleja, PRER, DRR 1910Rotaract Club Celje (http://www.rotaract-md.org)
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Newsletter
Issue #1 (4)
European Rotaract Informational Centre
January 2007
IRCC
NORDACT
International Rotaract Club of Copenhagen
13th-15th October Copenhagen-Denmark The NORDACT conference in Copenhagen, Denmark was held from 13th-15th October. For those who don’t know this conference, it’s a seminar weekend for the Rotaract clubs of the Nordic countries: Denmark, Sweden and Norway. It takes place every year and is organized each time by a different Rotaract club.
This year’s host was the IRCC (International Rotaract Club of Copenhagen) and the location was Tisveldje, north of Copenhagen. There were around 80 participants and remarkably enough, among the Danish, Swedish and Norwegian participants, there were also international representatives of different countries like Italy, Germany, Luxemburg and Belgium. Unfortunately the Turkish participants couldn’t join us because of a visa problem. Too bad!!! We started on Friday evening with a snack and afterwards there was “le tour des chambres”, a Danish tradition: each room had to prepare something following a theme they could choose. Later on we visited the different rooms to drink and we had party. WHAT A NIGHT!!!
Taking international network to another level
Saturday morning, started with breakfast and was followed by a seminar about “networking”. The speaker was really professional and it was very interesting to listen to him. After lunch we were divided into two groups: one for communication and the other for coaching. All this was followed by the
big anniversary party because the hosts, Rotaract club IRCC Copenhagen, were celebrating their fifth anniversary. The delicious dinner was followed by speeches from the different national and international clubs present, games and last but not least: a fantastic disco night! On Sunday we had a nice brunch and said farewell. I’d like to thank all the member of International Rotaract Club of Copenhagen for the great organization and their warm hospitality. We will be back next year; that’s for sure! Yours in Rotaract, Benoît Klinkers Belgium ERIC Representative
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After having recently celebrated its 5th anniversary at the Nordic Rotaract Conference, IRCC (the International Rotaract Club of Copenhagen) seems to be successful evidence of the
over the world. Currently IRCC is joining the Twin Club Programme with the Turkish Istanbul-Fenerbahce club. International Relations Officer Malene Raun elaborates: “I get emails from Rotaractors every
need for yet another international dimension within Rotaract. IRCC is the only English-speaking club in Denmark and currently 40% of its members and two thirds of the guests are non-Danish speaking. On top of this, IRCC has recently managed to become the largest club in Denmark. Besides English, around 12 languages are spoken in the club and at every meeting new languages are heard as expatriates, exchange-students and Rotaractors from abroad come to visit the club. The club seems to have a special appeal to exchange students who are in need of an immediate network as well as some local insight as they try to settle in the country. Charter member Christina Urbach proclaims: “Being a member of Rotaract seems to me as a way of never being alone, all over the world”! Besides a locally based network, IRCC is continuously trying to expand its network world-wide. Within the last 2 years members have attended more than 10 international Rotaract conferences resulting in friendship clubs all
day who want to get in contact. Currently we’re doing a movie-exchange with a club in Saõ Paulo, Brazil. I just sent them a couple of Danish films last week. It’s really cool”! The diversity that the club displays is definitely one of its core strengths. With the meeting of so many different cultures in one place knowledge-sharing as well as cultural debates are bound to happen. As Vice President Helena Mach puts it: “As a medical student I get to see the same kind of people all the time. IRCC is my break from this, and I couldn’t live without that regular input from the outside world”. With these experiences we greatly encourage other European countries to start their own International Rotaract Club. The members of IRCC definitely promise to come and visit! And remember, in Rotaract there are no strangers, just friends you haven’t met yet! If you want to know more about IRCC, just visit the website www.ircc.dk Timothy Ahrensbach, Denmark ERIC Representative
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Newsletter
Issue #1 (4)
European Rotaract Informational Centre
January 2007
ROTARACT GREECE
ROTARACT SERBIA
Rotaract in Greece is starting to rise again!
History through Architecture
After a long period of absence, Greek Rotaract is once again present in Europe. Rotaract in Greece has quite a long history. The first club was chartered at Athens in the mid 1970s. Since then another 17 clubs have been chartered, reaching the total of 18 clubs all over the country and 430 members at this moment and still augmenting. Greece, which was one district on its own, was divided in 2 districts in 1991 to help neighbouring countries build Rotary and Rotaract. District 2470 is purely Greek whereas District 2480 consists of Nothern Greece, Bulgaria, Serbia-Montenegro, FYROM and Kosovo (Under UNMIK).
Greek Rotaract Clubs have been rather active over the past years organising fundraising events and projects in cooperation with Rotary and other Rotaract Clubs from around the world with big success, such as: «Carols from Greece» Fundraising Concert for the orphans of Melissa foundation in Thessaloniki (Thessaloniki Center RTC and Thessaloniki West RTC) «Love Concert» Fundraising concert to help build the first Oncology Pediatric Clinic in Greece by the ELPIDA Foundation, President Mrs. Vardinogiannis, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador (Corfu RTC) Christmas and Carnival fundraising galas to buy and send pens to pupils in Sudan and help send a friend of the club for serious and urgent operation to the USA (RTC
Thessaloniki West- RTC Thessaloniki Center and RTC Panorama) «Love Lunch for the elderly» (Syros RTC) Participation in the 4th Pan-Hellenic Torchrace of volunteering Blood donors (Syros RTC) «Christmas Cards Project» for the Rehabilitation Center for the Disabled (Athens North RTC) «Love Lunch» for the children of the Social Foundation PIKPA of Athens (Vouliagmeni RTC) Seashore Cleaning Project in cooperation with Rotary (Preveza RTC) Fundraising Fashion Show and Dinner (Vouliagmeni RTC) On a regular basis, clubs also organise seminars with distinguished guest speakers from several professional fields. Our members are blood donors, volunteers and of course active citizens with social and ecological conscience and awareness, involved in community projects. Each year numerous RYLAs are organised in Greece with the enthusiastic participation of Rotaractors and young people who share the ideals of Rotary. This year we upgraded the level of RYLA by including bioeducation as a way of making it more interesting and fun. Instructors teach participants how to work and react in a team through outdoor activities, games and role-playing. We try to make Rotaract in Greece as much fun as possible and at the same time help those less fortunate than us and those in need of everything that we have. Visiting an orphanage or a home for the elderly, spending time with them and smiling can make a big change in their lives and ours. Anatoliotaki Anna-Maria Greece ERIC Representative
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Most of you obviously heard about the international Rotary youth summer camp organised jointly by Rotary and Rotaract clubs. The aim of these camps is to discover a country and its culture. Since 2000 the Rotaract club of Novi Sad (www.rotaractns.org. yu) and its sponsor club Rotary Novi Sad have prepared a completely new program each year and welcome about 10 Rotaractors to enjoy it. The theme of this year was “History through Architecture” and the participants were coming
– one of oldest cities in Europe and the capital of Serbia; Bač, a little city with a long history and inhabited by various nationalities and different religions, thanks to history which makes the cultural life rich; Fruška gora – a national park with its beautiful nature and monasteries and finally Sremski Karlovci – an important historical place. Beside this ride through history we took part in a humanitarian action and the official opening of an access ramp for disabled people at the University of Novi Sad.
from France (RAC Paris Chatillon Monrtouge, Paris Bercy), Poland (RAC Torun, Warszawa), Croatia (RAC Osijek), Germany (RAC Munchen), Slovenia (Ljubljana) and finally, Albanija. This seven-day (21st – 28th August) adventure started with the visit of the symbols of Novi Sad, among which were: the Petrovaradin fortress, an ancient fortress site originally occupied by the Romans and rebuilt by the Austro Hungarian Empire to defend from the Turks in the 17th century. Then we visited the finest places around Novi Sad region: Belgrade
The description would not be complete if I didn’t mention the great parties that were planned each day and especially one where Rotaractors from every club of Serbia were present (Belgrade, Nis, Subotica). I would like to thank RAC Novi Sad and it’s President Milan Stegic for this great experience and the best for next year. Doing better every year is a real challenge when you reach this level. Arnaud VILAIN France ERIC Representative RTC Paris Châtillon Montrouge
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Newsletter
Issue #1 (4)
European Rotaract Informational Centre
January 2007
ROTARACT IN THE NEW CENTURY
SNOWBOARDING VERSUS CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING
OF ROTARY INTERNATIONAL
Can the gap between generations in the Rotary family be bridged?
June 2006 – a sunny Scandinavia welcomed Rotaractors from around the world for the annual Rotaract Preconvention meeting. The first Preconvention in the new century of Rotary International, the first Preconvention to be hosted by two countries and the first Preconvention where all key aspects of what Rotaract is and should be were addressed. Two hundred Rotaractors from about 40 different countries in North and South America, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australasia came together to exchange ideas on how to strengthen the organization and to extend their personal network. The day programme consisted of a day of “professional development” in Rotaract related topics such as Intercultural communication (incl. A very interesting exercise on the difference in personal space and physical contact when meeting new people of different cultures) and the creation of networks. Furthermore the Red Cross role play “Youth on the Run” became an eye opening experience to the participants.
The second day was on organizational matters such as organizing service projects, communication in Rotaract, membership retention, the cooperation with Rotary etc. – the sessions being well attended and offering a good forum for discussing ideas and learning from the experiences of others. A dedicated findings committee was appointed. The minutes can be obtained from Haris Sofradzija who is our Rotaract responsible in Evanston. Besides Professional development and organizational matters, the matters of international understand-
ing, service above self and creation of friendships were also addressed! The Rotaract Host Organization Committee (HOC) of Danish and Swedish Rotaractors had organized an intensive programme lasting 6 days combining the Preconvention and the RI Convention. The opening night offered a “haute couture” flag ceremony like never seen before, and the song “After all” written especially for the event was performed by a Danish singer followed by a Pubcrawl (Danish style!). Friday night was the international night offering cuisine from different parts of the world followed by several live-bands and Dj´s taking us through the musical traditions of the different continents. Saturday was time for the grand gala – and just like Friday night the activity on the dance floor was intense and persistent….inter-cultural interaction was definitely happening!! The Sunday brunch in the royal garden of Copenhagen was the official end of the Rotaract Preconvention but the RI Convention of 3 days followed. During the RI convention the Rotaractors were involved in different activities including a convention newspaper and several of the sessions. The Rotaract HOC was hosting a Scandinavian Christmas Lounge in which they raised approx. 5000 euros for a joint service project on integration to be conducted in cooperation with Red Cross youth. Evenings were spent on BBQs and Lounge nights – by Wednesday after 6 days of intensive activity everybody was exhausted. Now 6 months later, I think most of us have recovered and began to look forward to next years event in Salt Lake city. The Rotaract Preconvention is definitely an opportunity to add a truly international perspective on being a member of a global network. Lisbeth Vestergaard Denmark
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During the opening speech of the 2006 RI convention in beautiful Malmø and Wonderful Copenhagen, world president Mr. Stenhammer described the youth as being interested in snow boarding whilst the Rotary organization were still focusing on cross-country skiing! The difference in disciplines causing a gap between the generations. A gap difficult to bridge and a potential hazard to the future of the organization. Fortunately, the world president was not ready to leave it at that. Two Rotaractors were invited as key-note speakers delivering the address on “bridging the world”. Rotaract was put on centre stage and had the full attention of the Rotary community for the first time ever. According to Dr. Grant, who is the RI Rotaract Committee Chairman of 2005/2006, this was his “Rotaract dream come true”. After some consideration Markus Grandlund and myself had chosen to focus on the opportunities given by the Rotary network to young people in order to promote international understanding. As a consequence of Mr.Stenhammer´s reference to winter sports the speech was changed last minute and we walked on stage carrying a snowboard. The speech became a tribute to Rotary for their efforts in developing young individuals such as ourselves to become professionals with a broader perspective on the world around us, but also an invitation to bridge the gap between the generations. But what should we focus on? Every year 8000 students from around 82 countries take part in the
long-term exchange programme – a 12 months crash course in international understanding, which is bound to affect future decision making and perspective on opportunities. What happens when they return? Most of them loose touch with the organization instead of using their acquired skills and knowledge as an active part of the organization. Why not get them into Rotaract? And what about the ambassadorial scholars? A similar situation is seen when Rotaractors reach 30 years of age – “the retirement age”! Rotaractors naturally become Rotarians – or do they? How many Rotaractors in your area are actually invited to join Rotary? Why not? Through our speech we tried to convince the Rotary community that youth, including Rotaractors, represents an investment in the future. Knowledge, skills and initiative developed through the youth activities are a good foundation for a strong Rotary just like the youth alumnis are a solid foundation for Rotaract. So how do we bridge the gap in real life? We believe it is time to perceive the Rotaract-Rotary relationship as professional partnership where we learn from each other. Let the Rotarians teach us how to cross-country ski and we can teach them to snowboard! However, the attention of the Rotary community has been awakened – now it is time for us as representatives of the youth to act upon it! Kristine Binzer, President of Rotaract Denmark
“After so many decades of trying to become Western, Istanbul glories in the rediscovery of a very modern identity. European or not, it is one of the coolest cities in the world.” Aug. 29, 2005 issue – Newsweek
Since District 2420 repeats its successful program for the second time, you have the chance of living history, tasting unique night life of Istanbul and have some unforgettable memories with Route Istanbul. Furthermore all guests be hosted ROUTE ISTANBUL 2007 will Istanbul is by Turkish RoMAY 16th – 20th 2007 taractors . Date the only metropolis in the world of the program which is situated on two continents and is important for a youth meeting as well. It is the week of youth day of the the only city which served as the capital of the 3 Empires (Eastern Rome ( Byz- Nation. Despite not declaring the offiantine), Latin and Ottoman Empires ). cial price yet, it had been declared that Population of some 11,322,000 makes it the price won’t be more than € 150. the largest city in Europe. Also it’s chowww.rotaract2420.com/routeissen as the European Capital of Culture for 2010… tanbul/ or routeistanbul@gmail.com.
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Newsletter
Issue #1 (4)
European Rotaract Informational Centre
January 2007
E.R.I.C. TWIN CLUB AWARDS One of the most essential and meaningful aspects of Rotaract is the pursuance of international understanding and tolerance. Rotaract Europe‘s youngest program “Twin Club Awards” launched just last year, presents a great chance for Rotaractors to get involved in cultural and project exchanges and truly enjoy the international aspect of Rotaract. The most three basic goals of this program may be summarized as: – Facilitates to strengthen bonds between clubs and districts within Rotaract Europe; – The best way to enhance iinternational understanding and tolerance amongst each other; – A way to recognize success and encourage hard-working European Rotaract clubs’ members to keep their motivation high...for Rotaract! In its first year, the Twin Club Program Awards received eight applications from these countries: Turkey, Bulgaria, Italy, Croatia, Poland, Germany, Bulgaria and Greece. During the Conference at Antwerp-EUCO in April 2006, attending Rotaractors got a chance to hear and see some of the great twinning work established by fellow countries, clubs and members. It was impressive to learn what strong international ties clubs built amongst each other and the great results of that Rotaract fellowship could accomplish. For instance, let’s quickly hear what the top runner did…. – 1st Place: Istanbul RAC, Turkey (twinning with Panorama RAC of Greece) In their twinning project named “TURCOGREKORACT” 25 Rotaract members from Istanbul RAC and various other district clubs took the fellowship train (Filia Express) to Salonica from Istanbul in December 2005. Their goal was to overcome all political barriers and make friends with whom they shared ERIC Newsletter Issue #1 (4), January 2007 MDIO European Rotaract Informational Centre www.rotaracteurope.org
the same land, culture and food for thousands of years. A multilangual song, “Believe”, written and composed by a Greek Rotaractor was recorded along with Turkish Rotaractors during the visit. This song have since played in national Greek radio stations and will also be aired also in Turkish national radio stations. “Believe” is dedicated to the ideals of and celebrates the identity of Rotaract. The CD recording may still be obtained from Istanbul and Panorama RAC Presidents. The other award-winning clubs were: – 2nd Place – Wroclaw Panoroma RAC, Poland (twinning with Osijek RAC of Croatia) – 3rd Place - Milano Navilio Grande RAC, Italy (twinning with Stuttgart RAC of Germany) The remainder of the participants received each a “Certificate of Appreciation” from Rotaract Europe. Congratulations to all participants and winners for their hard work! Interested? Here are some tips about Twin Clubs and how you can become a potential award winner J – Who Can Be Twin Clubs?: Twin clubs have to be two clubs from different districts and countries. – How Can We Find a Twin Club? Try these!: • Contact your RE country representative, district representative and district international services director • Attend international Rotaract meetings such as INTEROTA, EUCO, International RYLA • Benefit from the World Rotaract Directory • Seek assistance from RI • Subscribe Rotaract commu-
Editor-in-chief Julia Kurbaka Marketing&Communication Officer, Rotaract Club Kyiv-Centre, D 2230, Ukraine Julia_kurbaka@yahoo.com
Bringing people together!
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nication groups on the internet such as rotaractnet@yahoogroups.com, europe@rotaract.de • Join the discussion forums on the worldwide rotaract webpage • Use search engines on the internet by submitting key clauses including or related to Rotaract – Let’s Say We Found an Interested Club, What Can You Do With Them? Many things, some of which are…: • Undertake an international service project • Participate in a friendship or cultural exchange • Plan and hold an international projects fair • Exchange project ideas or club program ideas • Hold a video conference club meeting • Exchange handicrafts and local products • Organize an international event • Hosting an exchange Rotaract – So How Can We Apply? Clubs must complete and sign the Twin Clubs Agreement Certificate and must report their Twin club relationship by completing the RE Rotaract Twin Club Program Awards Form which will all be provided by RE… ask your Country Representative! Happy Twinnings!!!! Sebnem Demirel Past TCP Awards Coordinator, 05-06 Past R.E. Rep for Turkey (D2420-2440)
Technical editor Andrij Eremenko Rotaract Club Kyiv-Centre, D 2230, Ukraine obshaga@ukr.net
Literal correction Rosemary Good Northampton Rotary Club, D 1070, RGBI
http://www.rotaracteurope.org