Raniag December 2023-2024 issue

Raniag THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF NARVACAN DECEMBER

2023 EDITION, ROTARY YEAR 2023-2024

RI President RY 2023-2024 R. Gordon R. McInally President 2023-24

Gordon R. McInally, a member of the Rotary Club of South Queensferry, Lothian, Scotland, is the selection of the Nominating Committee for President of Rotary International for 2023-24.

McInally lauded Rotary’s ability to adapt technologically during the COVID-19 pandemic, saying the approach should continue and be combined with the best of our past practices as Rotary seeks to grow and increase engagement.

“We have learned there is a willingness within communities to care for one another,” he says, “and we must ensure that we encourage people who have recently embraced the concept of volunteering to join us to allow them to continue giving service.”

McInally says that senior leaders’ ability to communicate directly with club members online will be one positive legacy of the changes Rotary has had to make. But, he adds, “face-to-face meetings remain important, as they encourage greater interaction.”

According to McInally, the best way to increase membership is engagement. He says Rotary International, regional leaders, and district teams need to engage with them to better support clubs.

Engagement through social media will reinforce Rotary’s brand and showcase the opportunities that come with it. He says engagement with governments, corporations, and other organizations will lead to meaningful partnerships.

With better engagement, McInally says, “We will grow Rotary both by way of membership and in our ability to provide meaningful service.”

He adds, “Membership is the lifeblood of our organization. I would encourage the use of the flexibility now available to establish new-style clubs that would appeal to a different demographic.”

McInally, a graduate of dental surgery at the University of Dundee, owned and operated his own dental practice in Edinburgh. He was the chair of the East of Scotland branch of the British Paedodontic Society and has held various academic positions. He has also served as a Presbytery elder, chair of Queensferry Parish Congregational Board, and commissioner to the church’s general assembly.

Since 1984, McInally has been a Rotary member and vice president of Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland. He has also served Rotary International as a director and as a member or chair of several committees. He is currently an adviser to the 2022 Houston Convention Committee and chair of the Operations Review Committee.

McInally and his wife, Heather, are Major Donors and Benefactors of The Rotary Foundation. They are also members of the Bequest Society.

Christmas Gift Giving

On December 23, 2023, the Rotary Club of Narvacan and the Rotary Club of Makati came together to organize a heartwarming gift-giving event at Jolibee Narvacan, Ilocos Sur. The event was a beautiful display of compassion and community spirit, as the clubs generously distributed a variety of toys, delightful gift packs, and essential food items to children from different barangays of Narvacan. The atmosphere was filled with excitement and joy as the children and their families gathered to partake in the festivities. The clubs also arranged a vibrant children's Christmas party featuring an array of lively parlor games that echoed with the sounds of laughter and pure delight. The presence of the beloved Jollibee mascot added an extra sprinkle of magic and wonder to the occasion. This heartwarming event stood as a powerful testament to the unwavering commitment of the clubs to bring hope and happiness to the children and their families, making the yuletide season truly special for all involved.

Peace and Conflict Resolution Last November 29, 2023, the Rotary Club of Narvacan participated in the launch of the Annakko Project alongside various non-government organizations. The Annakko Project is a comprehensive initiative with the goal of promoting, educating, and empowering youth groups, schools, local communities, and civil society organizations to strengthen child labor protection. This impactful project took place at Max’s Restaurant Vigan City, Ilocos Sur, and was initiated by ASSIST Asia, a panAsian NGO dedicated to addressing sustainability challenges in the region, with PMFTC Inc. serving as one of its implementing partners. By actively participating in this initiative, RC Narvacan has reaffirmed its dedication to the welfare of children and has expressed its support for programs aimed at improving their overall well-being.

2023 Rotary Institute

In 2023, the Rotary Institute held in Kaohsiung City, Taiwan, was a significant gathering that drew in members from the Rotary Club of Narvacan, with Gigi Tesoro-Ramos representing the club as the Executive Secretary.

This event served as a valuable platform for district and senior leaders of the Rotary Club, bringing together a wealth of knowledge, networking opportunities, and innovative ideas related to Rotary International and The Rotary Foundation.

Participants benefited from updates on The Rotary Foundation and its diverse programs and were actively engaged in open discussions where they could offer recommendations and gain insights from esteemed local and international speakers on pertinent topics. Additionally, the pre-institute sessions provided in-depth courses and training designed to equip future district leaders with the specific knowledge necessary for their roles, with participants receiving a certificate upon successful completion.

The Rotary Club of Narvacan's active participation at the institute truly reflected their unwavering dedication to community service and leadership.

Let's illuminate the season by being there for others.

Let's be grateful for our blessings and show love for our neighbors.

May Christmas motivate us to do service to humanity by helping those in need, forgiving our enemies, caring for the sick, and nurturing positive relationships.

May hope, peace, love, and joy fill our families' hearts this Christmas!

RC NARVACAN FAMILY