The Bridge | Official Newsletter for Rotarians of District 6330 | February Edition

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Official Newsletter for Rotarians of District 6330

bridge@rotary6330 org

Katherine’s Korner

Welcome to 2025, District 6330!

As we embrace the new year, many of us reflect on the past and set resolutions for the future One of my own resolutions is to get outside for regular fresh air and exercise not only great for physical fitness, but nothing clears the mind quite like fresh air! Spending time outdoors has significant mental health benefits, including reduced stress, improved mood, and enhanced focus This is especially important in today’s turbulent times when the world’s challenges can feel overwhelming

In Rotary, we think of this time as an opportunity for goal setting It’s a perfect moment for your club to revisit its vision for the year ahead. With Great Lakes Rotary President Learning Seminar coming in March, your President-Elects will benefit from entering with a solid framework of your club’s goals. Here are some key reasons to make goal setting a priority:

See the Impact, Stay Engaged!

Goals allow members to witness the real difference their efforts make, keeping excitement and involvement high.

Dream Big, Plan Bigger!

Goals help your club imagine its future and guide the steps needed to bring that vision to life.

Track Progress, Achieve Results!

What gets measured gets done. Monitoring progress inspires action and success.

Plan Ahead, Roll with the Punches!

Good planning anticipates obstacles and prepares strategies to overcome them

Together for Goals, Together for Success!

Shared goals build camaraderie and teamwork, uniting members in pursuit of common objectives

Goals bring clarity, focus, and motivation. Make 2025 a year of inspired vision and action for your club!

Upcoming District Events

What’s in it for me (WIFM) 3 Feb 2025

Wine Survivor (Festival City) 3 Feb 2025

Rotary Club of Mitchell’s Hearts for Hospice 14 Feb 2025

Rotary Club of Goderich Chili Cook-off 14 Feb 2025

Family Day - Ontario Presidents’s Day - US 17 Feb 2025

Coldest Night of the Year Meaford 22 Feb 2025

Coldest Night of the Year London Hyde Park 22 Feb 2025

Founding of Rotary International 23 Feb 2025

International Women’s Day 8 March 2025

Be sure to add your upcoming club event on the district calendar so we can share it here.

You will be inspired by Rotary International President-Elect Mário César Martins de Camargo’s vision for Rotary His message will empower you to take action and make a difference in our communities.

Jenny Stotts is an Assistant Rotary Coordinator for Zone 30. Her powerful message will inspire you to share your Rotary Happy to create a memorable club experience and expand community connections.

Chris Singleton is a former minor league baseball player drafted by the Chicago Cubs. He inspire audiences with his story of resilience as he unites millions of people with his belief that, "Love is Stronger Than Hate."

JANUARY IS...

VOCATIONAL SERVICE MONTH

Promotes Service Through Expertise: Encourages Rotarians to use their professional skills to address community needs and improve lives.

Celebrates High Ethical Standards: Highlights the importance of integrity and accountability in all vocations, fostering trust and excellence.

Inspires Mentorship: Provides opportunities for members to mentor young professionals and foster career development.

Focuses on Vocational Training: Supports initiatives that deliver education and skill-building for sustainable employment and economic growth.

Connects Professions with Service: Bridges professional expertise with community service to create lasting, impactful change.

February is Rotary Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention Month. It highlights efforts to promote peace through education and dialogue, addressing the root causes of conflict. This month encourages Rotarians to participate in initiatives that foster understanding, such as workshops and interfaith dialogues, and to support scholarships for peace studies. Success stories, such as Rotary Peace Fellows, serve as inspiration for action

FEBRUARY IS...

Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention Month

Rotary Peace Centers Rotary offers scholarships for master’s and certificate programs to train leaders in peace and conflict resolution, fostering sustainable solutions globally.

Tackling Conflict Causes Rotary addresses poverty, inequality, education gaps, and poor healthcare to remove the root causes of conflict and promote stability.

Collaboration for Impact Clubs partner with organizations like the UN and local NGOs to combine resources and find innovative solutions to complex challenges

Youth Peace Ambassadors Rotary empowers youth with leadership training, workshops, and service projects that build unity and understanding

Inspiring Success Stories Rotary showcases impactful peace initiatives, from reconciliation programs to Rotary Peace Fellow achievements, inspiring Rotarians to act.

MEMBERSHIP MINUTE

HAPPY FEBRUARY everyone! I hope 2025 is off to a fantastic start for you and your clubs! Let’s focus this month on making our meetings IRRESISTIBLE meetings that members can’t wait to attend! It’s all about blending Fun, Strong Friendships, and Meaningful Service Projects. When we do this, Rotary’s impact is felt in our communities and beyond.

February is Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention Month, a chance to inspire your club. RI Director Chris Etienne emphasizes Rotary’s commitment to peace through programs like the Rotary Peace Centers, which address the root causes of conflict. Consider adding peace-focused initiatives to your activities, such as hosting a speaker on conflict resolution, supporting peace scholarships, or organizing dialogues to foster understanding

An IRRESISTIBLE meeting might feature guest speakers involved in peacebuilding local mediators or international experts who inspire action You could also organize a Peace Workshop to equip members and community leaders with tools to address conflict in workplaces, government, or personal relationships.

Support local organizations aligned with Rotary’s peace goals, such as non-profits working with at-risk youth or mediation services. Partnerships amplify Rotary’s message of peace and expand your club’s influence. Highlight cultural exchange, like Youth Exchange programs, which foster mutual respect and empathy.

Engage members with breakout discussions about peacebuilding ideas and experiences. These conversations often spark new initiatives and strengthen bonds. Celebrate Rotary’s peacebuilding legacy by sharing stories of past projects, successes, and lessons learned Use these examples to inspire ongoing efforts

Ask members how they’d like to connect with this theme you might discover exciting ideas Linking Rotary’s Monthly Theme to club activities boosts engagement and deepens community connections Let’s make February a month of action, promoting peace and understanding because ROTARIANS ARE PEOPLE OF ACTION!

Lorna Gunning-Fratschko District Membership Chair District Governor Nominate

PEACEBUILDING AND CONFLICT PREVENTION MONTH

Each February, Rotary International highlights Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention, one of its six key areas of focus. With over 1.4 million members worldwide, Rotary is uniquely positioned to address the root causes of conflict through education, advocacy, and community-driven projects. This month celebrates Rotary’s work while inspiring others to join the mission for lasting peace.

Why Peacebuilding Matters

Conflict disrupts lives and fractures communities, with causes ranging from political to economic factors. Rotary understands that sustainable peace comes from addressing the conditions that lead to conflict poverty, lack of education, limited healthcare, and inequitable systems By empowering local leaders and fostering understanding, Rotary builds foundations for thriving, peaceful communities

Rotary's Peacebuilding Tools

Rotary Peace Centers

Rotary Peace Centers offer programs at leading universities like Duke University (USA) and Uppsala University (Sweden), training leaders in peace and conflict resolution. Since 2002, more than 1,600 graduates have driven change in over 140 countries

Local Club Projects

Rotary clubs implement thousands of peace projects annually, including: Youth Empowerment: Teaching young leaders conflict resolution skills Community Dialogue: Facilitating forums for communication and understanding Basic Needs: Addressing conflict drivers like food insecurity and poor healthcare. For example, Rotary clubs in Colombia provided vocational training for former combatants, promoting reintegration and stability.

Global Partnerships

Collaborating with organizations like the United Nations and the Institute for Economics and Peace, Rotary tackles largescale challenges These partnerships use data and resources to address the root causes of conflict strategically

Stories of Impact

Rotary’s peacebuilding comes to life through inspiring stories: Rwanda’s Reconciliation: Supporting programs that rebuild trust after the 1994 genocide Peace Education in the Philippines: Establishing school peace gardens to teach conflict resolution. Youth Initiatives in Kenya: Hosting sports events to reduce tribal tensions and foster dialogue.

HERE’S WHAT YOUR DISTRICT TEAM IS WORKING ON...

Vision Facilitation Rollout – District 6330

In the fall of 2024, District 6330 launched a Vision Facilitation initiative to assist clubs in strategic planning and goal setting The District Visioning Team has been working with various clubs to define their future direction, enhance member engagement, and strengthen leadership. The positive response underscores the importance of visioning in fostering vibrant and effective clubs. Read more about Vision Facilitation

Environmental Initiatives – District 6330 Environment Committee

The District 6330 Environment Committee has been encouraging clubs t undertake projects that promote a healthy and sustainable environment. B providing education, resources, and support, the committee assists clubs integrating environmental considerations into their service projects, alignin with Rotary's new area of focus on environmental sustainability. Learn about Environmental Initiatives

District Grant Management Training – District 6330

District 6330 has been offering training sessions on District Grant Management for the 2024-2025 Rotary year These sessions aim to educate clubs on how to qualify for and manage district grants effectively, ensuring that clubs can access necessary funding for their projects The training covers the steps in the district grant process, application procedures, and reporting requirements. Details about Grant Management Training

District Conference 2025 Planning – Rotary Club of Stratford

The Rotary Club of Stratford is actively preparing to host the District 6330 Conference in 2025. The conference promises to be packed with inspiration, celebrating Rotary's impact across the district through engaging plenary sessions and breakouts. Youth programs will be showcased, and special gatherings focused on peace are planned, providing opportunities for members to connect and share ideas. Learn more about the 2025 District

THERE’S MAGIC ALL AROUND STRATFORD

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Full Conference Package $325

Friday Only $75

Saturday Only $250

Why not maximize your conference experience? Arrive early Friday to enjoy local restaurants, participate in a preconference service project, or explore the Stratford Festival

The magic officially launches at 4pm at the Best Western Arden Park Hotel. Stewart Reynolds (you might know him as Brittlestar!) will emcee our dinner. We'll hear special greetings from our Rotary International Presidential Representative on behalf of RI President Stephanie Urchick, followed by an evening of musical entertainment.

Saturday features inspiring plenary sessions celebrating District 6330's impact, with youth programs highlighting emerging Rotary leaders. We've planned a special peace-focused gathering off-site, plus we've built in free time for you to explore our charming city.

Saturday evening brings a wine and cheese reception, followed by our gala dinner featuring Stratford’s own internationally renowned musician Loreena McKennitt After celebrating our District's outstanding achievers, prepare for some truly magical entertainment!

Sunday morning concludes with final sessions, the District Governor's changeover, and inspiring closing remarks to carry us forward into another great Rotary year

Join us for what promises to be an unforgettable celebration of Rotary spirit!

All mainstage, breakout sessions, meals and entertainment will be held at the Best Western Arden Park Hotel. To book accommodations we recommend you call the hotel directly. (519) 275-2936 and use reservation code DISCON2025.

Additional discounts are available for CAA and Best Western Rewards members (free enrollment).

Got a Success Story to Share?

When we share our successes, we’re not just celebrating what we’ve accomplished — we’re also lighting the way for other clubs seeking fresh project and fundraising ideas. There’s no need to reinvent the wheel when we can collaborate and build on each other’s great work! Every project, no matter how big or small, can spark inspiration and creativity. Your club’s experience could be the solution another club is looking for, so let’s put your success story in the spotlight!

There are several exciting ways to showcase your work at the upcoming District Conference: Create a 1-2 minute celebration video to highlight your project’s impact. Present a 5-minute live spotlight moment on the main stage to engage and motivate fellow attendees. Host a display in the Connect Zone (formerly the House of Friendship) to visually share your project’s journey. Showcase Lead a deeper dive breakout session for clubs looking to replicate your success. Your story has the power to inspire action across the district, showing what’s possible when Rotarians come together with purpose. Let’s collaborate and celebrate! Send your project details to katherine.hahn@rotarystratford.com and help us share your club’s incredible work!

WANTED: Auction Items

We invite you to support The Rotary Foundation by donating items for our upcoming live and silent auctions. Your generous contributions whether unique experiences, valuable collectibles, or special services will help us raise critical funds to advance Rotary's global humanitarian mission. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in communities around the world. Please contact Janice Rauser for more details.

Thank you to our Magic of Leadership Sponsor

WHAT’S GOING ON WITH THE ROTARY CLUB OF ST. MARY’S

Christmas

Hampers

Rotarians, along with many volunteers from other groups, helped pack Christmas hampers for distribution by the Salvation Army A big shout out to the Salvation Army for organizing this project The hampers will make Christmas brighter for over 100 families this Christmas! The Rotary Club of St. Marys would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a bright and prosperous New Year!

Micro Project - Soup for Foodbanks

Rotarians Diane and Andrew are leading a Micro Service Project! On January 20th, we’ll prepare and package delicious vegetable soup for the Salvation Army Food Bank, using donated and fresh ingredients

Details:

Objective: Prepare and package vegetable soup to support the food bank's mandate.

Plan:1.

Rotarians will prepare soup. Soup will be cooked and cooled. Two Rotarians will package the soup into 1-liter plastic containers and assist with cleanup.

January 21st (Tuesday): Diane and Andrew will deliver the packaged soup to the food bank.

The soup will be stored in the food bank's freezer for distribution Ingredients: 2

A mix of fresh vegetables (sourced from Nourish Market) and donated dehydrated soup mix

Logistics: 3

The United Church kitchen will be used for soup preparation

Mark will create labels for the soup containers

Future Potential: 4

If successful, this project may become a recurring activity every few months

Call to Action:

Volunteers Needed: 5 Rotarians to participate in the various stages of soup preparation and packaging.

LOCAL ROTARY

EXCHANGE STUDENTS EXCEL IN INTERNATIONAL ESSAY COMPETITION

Two remarkable Rotary Youth Exchange students from the South Bruce Peninsula have made their mark on the global stage, excelling in the International Essay Competition on International Peace. Out of 470 submissions from around the world, M.J. Klunder and Sophia Hepburn achieved exceptional results, showcasing their dedication to peacebuilding and their talent for powerful storytelling.

M.J. Klunder, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Southampton, emerged as the overall winner of the competition. Currently on exchange in Thailand, M.J.’s essay reflects profound insights into the challenges and opportunities for fostering global peace.

Meanwhile, Sophia Hepburn, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Wiarton, earned an impressive 8th place in the competition. Hosted by the Rotary Club of Huy-Rondia in Belgium during her exchange from August 2023 to July 2024, Sophia’s essay drew inspiration from her family history and her great-uncle’s service in Ypres during World War II. Her experience in Belgium allowed her to immerse herself in a new culture, strengthen her French language skills, and form lasting friendships. Sophia credits the Belgian Rotarians for their warm hospitality and describes the exchange as a life-changing opportunity.

Both M.J. and Sophia’s achievements are a testament to the transformative power of the Rotary Youth Exchange program and the students’ commitment to fostering peace and understanding.

The Rotary District 6330 community celebrates these accomplishments, with plans to highlight M.J. and Sophia’s successes at the upcoming District Conference in May 2025. Their stories serve as a shining example of how Rotary’s programs continue to inspire young leaders and drive meaningful change across the globe.

Congratulations to M.J., Sophia, and their sponsoring Rotary Clubs for this remarkable achievement!

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