The Bridge April 2024

THE BRIDGE

By the Glass

I admit it – I’m a bit obsessed about litter. It’s unsightly, it’s a contaminant, can increase fire risk and make roadways dangerous It can clog up our wastewater systems, trap or injure our wildlife and it is just gross

The Rotary Club of Meaford holds a municipality wide clean-up every spring. Local community groups and individuals all join in and each year, we pick up about 1.5 tonnes of litter. It’s one of my favourite Rotary projects

And litter is only one of our environmental concerns

On Fri May 24th from 1000 - 1200 noon professors from the University of Western Ontario, will be partnering with Rotarians to talk about climate change and the importance of capacity building. We will be sending out an invitation to everyone to join us via ZOOM to hear about these important issues

Upcoming District Events

RC Sarnia Lambton After Hours

Trivia Night

April 27th

RC of St Marys Community Shredding Event

May 4th

RLI II

May 6th

RC of Goderich Shred-It Event

May 11th

Paisley RC

Rotary Breakfast

May 19th

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN DISTRICT 6330

RC of St Marys 27th Annual Scramble Golf Day

June 6th

Brown City RC Chicken BBQ

June 6th

RC of Stratford Aqua Box Build

June 8th

RC of London South Area 4 Paul Harris BBQ

June 13th

District Treasurer- What’s Involved?

The District Finance Committee supervises district funds by reviewing and studying the amount of per capita levy and district administration expenses. It also prepares annual reports on the status of the district’s finances. The district treasurer serves on this committee RESPONSIBILITIES

•In cooperation with the Governor Elect, create a district budget for consideration by clubs and approval by PE’s at the ABM

•Review and recommend the amount of per capita levy •Ensures accounts are promptly paid •Ensure proper records are kept by district for all District committees

•Prepare annual financial reports for the District QUALIFICATIONS You are a Rotarian in good standing, and must be a member in a club of District 6330. You are experienced in finance or business accounting procedures and the handling of funds. Ideally, you have an accounting designation of some type. You have a keen eye for detail and like ensuring things are in order.

TERM OF OFFICE:

One year minimum, preferably three years.

NewsletterEditor-What’sInvolved?

The Newsletter editor compiles and prepares the stories and articles for the monthly district newsletter.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Solicit newsworthy items and information from the District Governor, RI, the District Leadership Team, and the District clubs.

Create layout and design in a professional format, consistent with Rotary International branding.

Submit draft in advance of publication to the District Governor for approval.

Distribute Newsletter electronically once a month on a date determined by the District Governor.

Provide the Newsletter to the District Webmaster to upload to the website.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Working knowledge of graphics software, ie Canva, or other Experience in writing or preparing documents and editing written documents.

Experience in formatting and editing photos and graphics.

TERMOFOFFICE:

One year minimum, preferably three years.

ThePublicImage/Relationscommittee

It’s purpose is to be a resource to the district and its clubs to promote the image and ideals of Rotary

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Develop and implement a district public image program that will promote Rotary to the media, community leaders and beneficiaries of Rotary’s programs

·Help to ensure the district website portrays a good public image and attractive source of Rotary information

Assist clubs to learn ways that they can be most effective in their publicity, public relations and communications

Encourage and role model the use of the RI Brand Center and the RI guidelines for voice and visual identity

·Communicate with the governor and chairs of key committees to stay informed about district projects and activities

Unabashedly celebrate Rotary achievements in our district Qualifications

Active club members in the district who have experience and/or interest in advertising, marketing, public relations, media relations, public speaking, social media, website development or event planning

District Treasurer

Public/ Image/ Relations Committee Chair

Membership Committee Members

Social Media Committee Members

New Generations Service Exchange Committee Chair

Please reach out to Katherine Hahn for more information

katherine hahn@rotarystratford com

Protecting the Environment Month

“Rotary shares an interest in protecting our common legacy: the environment.”

watch Rotary International's video here

Rotarians are committed to supporting activities that strengthen the conservation and protection of natural resources, advance ecological sustainability, and foster harmony between communities and the environment. We empower communities to access grants and other resources, embrace local solutions, and spur innovation in an effort to address the causes and reduce the effects of climate change and environmental degradation

“Rotary Club of London and Satellite Club members along with family and friends donated $4000 and planted 200 trees with ReForest London in a section of Greenway Park in London for their environmental project.

11 members of the Genesee Valley helped keep Michigan beautiful by cleaning up a 2 mile stretch of M21

RTHE YEAR...

Although insect pollinators are responsible for the reproductive success of more than 85% of plants on the planet, scientific studies show that in just the past 50 years, pollinators have declined by more than 40% worldwide. If this trend continues, what will be our grandchildren's inheritance? Turns out, we can do something about this

A few years ago, Rotary leaders from around the world started to sign a simple Pollinator Resolution and Pollinator Pledge to show their concern and support for "the little things that run the world" – our precious pollinators. Operation Pollination offers an easy way to engage in pollinator habitat restoration and education activities.

Fast forward to today The Environmental Sustainability Rotary Action Group (ESRAG) has adopted this initiative, and more than 70 Rotary districts across six continents are part of the Operation Pollination environmental framework, including District 6330!.

The theme for next month will focus on the Youth Services

May - Youth Services

June - Rotary Fellowships

July - Maternal & Child Health

August - Membership & New Club Development

September - Basic Education and Literacy Month

October - Community Economic & Development

November - Rotary Foundation

Next Month

December - Disease Prevention & Treatment

Water, Sanitat and Hygiene

January - Vocational Service

February - Peacebuilding & Conflict Prevention

March - Water, Sanitation, & Hygiene

April -The Environment

https://my.rotary.org/en/newsmedia/calendar

District Learning Assembly

Sat. May 4th, 1:00 -5:00pm via Zoom

The District Learning Assembly is focused on Learning, Leadership, and Fun and is designed to help current and "-elect" officers accelerate from now through the start of the new program year on July 1.

AND

For new Rotarians, the District Learning Assembly is a unique opportunity to meet experienced Rotarians, learn more about how your club functions, and demystify all of those Rotary acronyms.

MEMBERSHIP MINUTE

Lorna Gunning-Fratschko

Being INTENTIONAL about providing your members with a great club experience will help you grow a great club…GREAT CLUBS DON’T HAPPEN BY ACCIDENT! The strategy for growing your club’s membership is multifaceted. There is a lot to do! So – by being intentional about your membership activities, having goals and a plan will go a long way to helping your club grow. Rotary International provides many, many learning resources, reference materials and membership materials to help and support membership initiatives These references can be found at: https://my rotary org/en/learning-reference/learn-topic/membership A great way to get started with an intentional approach to membership are the Membership Assessment Tools

Get to know new and prospective members with the Member Interest Survey

Identify groups in your community that are underrepresented in your club using the Diversity Assessment

Create a plan to invite more people to visit or join your club with the Prospective Member Exercise

Meet members where they’re at in their membership journey using the Retention Assessment and Analysis

Learn what your members want and keep your club relevant with the Member Satisfaction Survey

Understand why members are leaving your club with the Exit Survey Join the lively & engaging presentation by Louisa Horne on May 6th, 7:30 – 8:15 pm EST , this presentation is full of concrete strategies you can use to grow your club

AND – if there is a topic which you would like your Membership Chair to address specifically – just ask I am so enjoying travelling around the great District 6330, meeting clubs and their membership chairs and working towards continuing to grow our membership. Thank you to everyone for all that you do!

WE ARE ROTARIANS! WE ARE PEOPLE OF ACTION!

Being a Rotarian is more than the time you take out of your busy schedule to attend meetings. It's the compassion you bring to the conversations, the enthusiasm you have for supporting your community (local and international) and the dedication you maintain to Rotary's purpose.

Thank you for your ongoing dedication to your role as a Rotarian. It is a privilege for us, as District leaders, to be part of your team.

Sonja, Katherine & Lorna

National Volunteer Week is this week! We would like to take the opportunity to thank Rotarians across our District for your ongoing commitment.

MURDER MYSTERY NIGHT

Rotary Club of Sarnia

“Murder Mystery” event raises $40,000 for affordable and supportive housing.

The Rotary Club of Sarnia’s first annual murder mystery event, held at DeGroot’s Nursery on February 9th, helped bring new affordable and supportive housing in Sarnia closer to reality $40,000 closer More than 250 dinner guests packed the greenhouse-turned-event centre, and were entertained by actors from Theatre Sarnia who staged a thrilling whodunit

“We’re delighted!” said co-organizer Heather Martin, who with fellow organizer Marie Marcy-Smids led a team of 15 community volunteers to put on the sold-out event. “This shows how much this community cares about getting housing for people who need it.”

Rotary Club of Sarnia President Mark Taylor said, “Housing is a complicated issue and there are many ideas out there We know one thing for sure – we need to help those in need ”

The money is being added to other funds raised in the community, and will help offset the costs of new non-profit housing.

Photo caption: John DeGroot joins in the fun with Theatre Sarnia actors Andrea Coleman, Trevor Moores, Elizabeth Walton and Michael Hillier at Rotary’s 2024 Mystery Dinner

Photo credit: Michael John Kooy t

TRIVIA NIGHT Rotary Club of Mildmay

On March 20, 2024 the Mildmay Rotary Club participated in a community Trivia Night Fundraiser for a new Hospice The Saugeen Hospice Inc (SHI) is planning a 6-bed residential hospice near Walkerton and are now focussed on organizing fundraising events and donations while creating awareness about future plans to have a Hospice in the southern Bruce Grey area. Capital money was secured from the Ministry to Health for the build, but there needs to be ongoing funds to meet the shortfall. The Trivia night included three sections of questions including music, sports and a Family Feud round The Mildmay Rotary Club entered two teams of four One of the Rotary teams ended in second place – a half point behind the winners. Lots of fun, laughs and a profit of $605. which was then matched by the Mildmay Rotary club to have $1210. go to the new Hospice.