Newsletter for May 2023 - Rotary Club of D6330 Passport

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Rotary International President, Jennifer Jones, Canada District 6330 Governor, Mike Chaffee (Flint, Michigan) Club President, Sue Storie (2022-23)

District website: https://rotary6330.org/

The Calendar below shows Rotary’s monthly themes.

ROTARY CALENDAR and THEMES

Month Theme

July Transition month/New beginnings

August Membership and New Club Development

September Basic Education and Literacy

October Economic and Community Development

November Rotary Foundation

December Disease Prevention and Treatment

January Vocational Service

February Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution

March Water and Sanitation

April Maternal and Child Health

May Youth Service

June Rotary Fellowships

Click the flags below to listen to the respective national anthems.

FOCUS ON YOUTH SERVICES

Month of May

REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING ONLINE

Wednesday, May 3 at 7:00 p.m.

HAPPY CHATS ONLINE – JOIN US!

Every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.

NOON ZOOM

May 10

ROTARY CONVENTION 2023 – MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA

May 27 to 31

RACE TO ERASE

Saturday, May 27

Looking for interested participants from Passport Club

WORLD OCEAN DAY

June 8

DISTRICT 6330 CONFERENCE

June 23-25 – Flint, Michigan

Rotary Anthem

Right click here to open the link and listen to the Rotary Anthem!

IMPORTANT ROTARY INFORMATION

2022-23 RI PRESIDENTIAL THEME

INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT, 2022-23

Jennifer Jones

Canada

Rotary International President, 2022-23

People of Action – and Empathy

I believe it is time in our world for brave, courageous, intentional leadership.

Last month, in this column, you heard from my dear friend Aniela Carracedo. She is an amazing member of our rotary family, and as a past Interactor and now Rotarian, she is this kind of leader. Anni shared a very personal story about coping with a panic attack, something that I have also experienced. The outpouring and response to this story have been tremendous and punctuate how critical it is that we acknowledge not only our strengths but our vulnerabilities too.

When we talk about finding space for one another – creating comfort and care within Rotary – we’re describing a club experience where we can all feel comfortable sharing like Anni did, and we can all empathize with and support one another. Whatever we are facing in life, Rotary is a place where we know we’re not alone.

We spend so much time helping our world, whether it’s working to end polio, cleaning up the environment, or bringing hope to communities that need it most. Sometimes we can lose track of the need to apply some of our energy and care to our fellow members and partners in service.

The comfort and care of our members is the single greatest driver of member satisfaction and retention. We need to ensure that it remains a priority – and that we further strengthen these bones by performing service that helps reduce the stigma of seeking out mental health treatment and expands access to care.

That is why I’m so heartened by President-elect Gordon McInally’s wonderful vision to help improve the global mental health system, not only for Rotary members, but for the communities we serve.

When Gordon announced our focus on mental health at this year’s International Assembly in Orlando, Florida, he reminded us that helping others benefits our mental health by reducing stress and improving our mood. Studies show that performing acts of kindness is an effective way to improve your own mental and physical health. Rotary service brings hope to the world and joy to our lives.

Our new focus o mental health will take some time to do right, and yet it builds on something that has been part of who we are for 118 years. We are People of Action, and behind that action is care, compassion, empathy, and inclusion.

Becoming champions of mental health is not only the right and kind thing to do, it is a tool that can Create Hope in the World, Gordon’s inspiring theme for his upcoming year as president.

If we serve our members, we serve our communities, and if we can meet people where they are and lift them up. They will imagine Rotary in a new light and come to fully understand our value and our infinite potential.

JENNIFER JONES President, Rotary International

“Imagine, a world that deserves our best where we get up each day knowing that we can make a difference.”

Plan to donate today to The Rotary Foundation – the engine that runs Rotary!

A SUCCESSFUL ROTARY CLUB

A successful Rotary Club typically has several key characteristics, including:

1. Engaged Members: A successful Rotary Club has active and engaged members who are committed to serving their community and participating in club activities. This includes attending meetings regularly, volunteering for service projects, and contributing to fundraising efforts.

2. Strong Leadership: A successful Rotary Club is led by dedicated and capable leaders who are committed to the club's mission and goals. They provide direction and guidance to the members and ensure that the club operates effectively and efficiently.

3. Meaningful Service Projects: A successful Rotary Club engages in meaningful service projects that make a positive impact on the community. These projects should align with the club's mission and goals and be well-planned and executed.

4. Active Partnerships: A successful Rotary Club partners with other organizations and community groups to expand its reach and impact. This includes collaborating with local businesses, schools, and government agencies to identify and address community needs.

5. Effective Communication: A successful Rotary Club communicates effectively with its members, partners, and the broader community. This includes regular meetings, newsletters, social media updates, and other forms of outreach.

6. Strong Financial Management: A successful Rotary Club has strong financial management practices, including careful budgeting, fundraising, and financial reporting. This ensures that the club is financially stable and able to support its service projects and other activities.

7. Regular support of The Rotary Foundation

Overall, a successful Rotary Club is one that is committed to its mission, engages its members and partners, and makes a positive impact on the community it serves.

MAY FOCUS YOUTH SERVICE

Rotary believes in developing the next generation of leaders.

Our programs help younger leaders build leadership skills, expand education, and learn the value of service.

Take action, build international understanding, and make new friends around the world.

INTERACT CLUBS

Interact clubs bring together young people ages 12-18 to develop leadership skills while discovering the power of Service Above Self. Find out how serious leadership can be seriously fun.

What are the benefits?

Connect with leaders in your community and around the world to:

• Take action to make a difference in your school and community.

• Discover new cultures and promote international understanding.

• Become a leader in your school and community.

• Have fun and make new friends from around the world.

What’s involved?

Interact clubs organize at least two projects every year, one that helps their school or community and one that promotes international understanding. Rotary club sponsors mentor and guide Interactors as they carry out projects and develop leadership skills.

Celebrate the global impact of Interact by getting involved in:

• World Interact Week (World Interact Week is celebrated every year during the week of 5 November to commemorate the founding of the first Interact club in 1962.)

• Interact Video Awards

• Rotary Youth Day at the United Nations

• Global Youth Service Day (It is an annual event observed on the second last weekend of April. The day usually starts on Friday and ends on Sunday. April 28 – 30, 2023 · April 26 – 28, 2024)

Do you have what it takes to become a dynamic leader and change yourself and the world?

Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is an intensive leadership experience organized by Rotary clubs and districts where you develop your skills as a leader while having fun and making connections.

What are the benefits?

RYLA – ROTARY YOUTH LEADERSHIP AWARDS

Connect with leaders in your community and around the world to:

• Build communication and problem-solving skills.

• Discover strategies for becoming a dynamic leader in your school or community.

• Learn from community leaders, inspirational speakers, and peer mentors.

• Unlock your potential to turn motivation into action.

• Have fun and form lasting friendships.

What’s involved?

RYLA events are organized locally by Rotary clubs and districts for participants ages 14-30. Depending on community needs, RYLA may take the form of a one-day seminar, a three-day retreat, or a weeklong camp. Typically, events last 3-10 days and include presentations, activities, and workshops covering a variety of topics.

Your community might host a RYLA event for secondary school students to hone their leadership potential, for university students to develop creative problem-solving strategies, or for young professionals to learn ethical business practices.

How can I participate?

RYLA participants are nominated by local Rotary clubs. Contact your local Rotary club to find out more about RYLA events in your area, how to apply, and any costs of getting involved.

ROTARY YOUTH EXCHANGE

Rotary Youth Exchange builds peace one young person at a time. Students learn a new language, discover another culture, and truly become global citizens. Exchanges for students ages 15-19 are sponsored by Rotary clubs in more than 100 countries.

What are the benefits?

Exchange students unlock their true potential to:

• Develop lifelong leadership skills.

• Learn a new language and culture.

• Build lasting friendships with young people from around the world.

• Become a global citizen.

How long do exchanges last?

Long-term exchanges last a full academic year, and students attend local schools and live with multiple host families.

Short-term exchanges last from several days to three months and are often structured as camps, tours, or homestays that take place when school is not in session.

What are the costs?

Room and board are provided, as well as any school fees. Each program varies, but students are usually responsible for:

• Round-trip airfare

• Travel insurance

• Travel documents (such as passports and visas)

• Spending money and any additional travel or tours

How can I apply?

Candidates are ages 15-19 and are leaders in their schools and communities. Contact your local Rotary club to see what exchange opportunities are available and what the application process involves.

Rotary Youth Exchange Annual Report

Rotary Youth Exchange inspires young leaders to serve as catalysts for peace and social justice in their local communities and throughout the world, long after their exchanges end. This program is possible because of the dedication, leadership, and passion of the tens of thousands of volunteers Rotary members and non-members alike who make this unique program so successful.

Read the latest about how Rotary Youth Exchange is a catalyst for service, cultural understanding, and lifelong connections to Rotary.

NEW GENERATIONS SERVICE EXCHANGE

New Generations Service Exchange is a short-term, customizable program for university students and professionals up to age 30.

Participants can design exchanges that combine their professional goals with a humanitarian project.

What are the benefits?

• Make connections with service-minded community leaders in another country.

• Learn another language.

• Build your professional skills and gain international experience.

• Travel and explore a new culture while giving back through service.

What is an exchange like?

With your host Rotary district, you’ll plan activities that can include networking, relationship building, humanitarian service, professional development, and leadership training. Exchanges:

• Last from a few weeks to six months

• Can be arranged for individuals or groups

• Need not be reciprocal

How much does it cost?

Costs vary by Rotary club or district. To reduce expenses, Rotary members often provide homestay options, arrange no-cost internship or job-shadowing programs, and offer other financial assistance.

Find a Rotary club near you that works with New Generations Service Exchange to find out what it would cost.

How do I apply?

University students and professionals up to age 30 including current and former Rotaractors and former Interactors, Rotary Youth Leadership Awards participants, and Youth Exchange students are encouraged to apply. You don’t have to be a member of Rotary to participate in an exchange.

Although each Rotary club determines its own eligibility criteria, all participants should demonstrate a strong commitment to service and the ideals of Rotary. Contact your local Rotary club to see what exchange opportunities are available and what the application process involves.

Since it was founded more than 100 years ago, the Foundation has spent more than $4 billion on life-changing, sustainable projects.

With your help, we can make lives better in your community and around the world. Our mission

The Rotary Foundation helps Rotary members to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace by improving health, providing quality education, improving the environment, and alleviating poverty.

What impact can one donation have?

• For as little as 60 cents, a child can be protected from polio.

• $50 can provide clean water to help fight waterborne illness.

• $500 can launch an antibullying campaign and create a safe environment for children.

DONATE NOW

How do you want to get involved in the causes you’re most passionate about?

The Rotary Foundation transforms your gifts into service projects that change lives both close to home and around the world.

FROM THE DISTRICT

District Grants Information from Myrna Inglis, Chair

Dear Qualified Members for 2022-2023 and 2023-2024

This notice is being sent to all qualified members for 22-23 and those who have already done so for 23-24.

Timeline is important! There are roughly 4 weeks until the deadline for both the Final Reports for 22-23 projects and the proposals for 2023-2024 projects on May 31, 2023.

To put this into a workload perspective,

• 18 Final Reports will be due in this time-period, some of which are currently overdue as the projects were completed more than 2 months ago.

• Added to this are the anticipated 35 District Grant proposals.

• These reports and proposals are much more than "workload" to me. They represent the fantastic work of our Clubs and their members both locally and internationally.

This process will go smoothly as we get more Clubs Qualified for District Grants (currently only 4 Clubs are FULLY QUALIFIED). Everyone must use the attached Check List (next page) when submitting both their proposals and their final reports.

In preparing this email, I discovered that some Clubs have lost one of their qualified members. When a member changes Clubs during the year, their qualification does not get moved in the grants module unless you let me know. Your Club will need to have another member complete the qualification course to maintain having 2 qualified members.

• Has your Club sent in the MOU?

• Does your Club have 2 qualified members for 23-24?

• Has your Club's Final Report for the 22-23 project been submitted?

• Has your Club chosen a project for 23-24?

Thanks for all the work you do for Rotary and for District Grants.

Myrna Inglis Chair, District Grants Minglis65@hotmail.com or 519-881-0586

SEMINAR FOR TOMORROW’S LEADERS – 2023 An in-person event!

The seminar is Friday, May 12 to Sunday, May 14 at Western University in London, Ontario.

For more information, click here to visit the Rotary Seminar for Tomorrow's Leaders page of the D6330 website.

What is the Rotary Seminar for Tomorrow's Leaders?

The Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is a leadership program organized and facilitated by Rotary Clubs around the globe. Each year, thousands of youths, who are invited to participate based on their leadership potential and are sponsored by Rotary Clubs, participate in this amazing program. Rotary Clubs and the Rotary District cover all expenses for the participants. The format of the event varies from district to district, but commonly takes the form of a seminar, workshop, or camp where the participants learn, discuss, and practice leadership skills.

In District 6330, our RYLA program is known as the Rotary Seminar for Tomorrow's Leaders It is a weekend seminar usually held at Western University in London, Ontario. Our seminar is devoted to enhancing and expanding the leadership skills and abilities of grade 10 and 11 students the next generation of leaders in communities throughout the District! Students are provided with a range of new experiences, tools, and perspectives through icebreakers, group discussions, amazing guest speakers, and other interactive activities that engage and nurture their inner leader!

RYLA aims to:

• Demonstrate Rotary's respect and concern for youth.

• Provide an effective training experience for selected youth and potential leaders.

• Encourage leadership of youth by youth.

• Recognize young people who are rendering service to their communities.

• Most RYLA programs cover the following topics:

o Fundamentals of leadership

o Ethics of positive leadership

o Importance of communication skills in effective leadership

o Problem-solving and conflict management

o Rotary's purpose and service to the community

o Building self-confidence and self-esteem

o Elements of community and global citizenship

Each year, students create lifelong friends from across District 6330. They are introduced to other Rotary youth programs, including Interact, Rotaract, and Rotary Youth Exchange, and learn how they can stay involved with

Rotary in their community after the seminar they expand their horizons both inside and outside the organization!

2023 Seminar

Here's our first speaker sneak peek: Dillon Mendes!

Dillon Mendes is an alumnus of the Top 35 under 35 global changemaker awards, the co-founder of the social enterprise, PickWaste (featured on CBC, CTV, and CityNews), and a TEDx & youth speaker.

Over the past five years, Dillon has travelled across North America, speaking to thousands of students about community impact and student leadership.

Dillon is also a strategy consultant at Deloitte Canada and has previously worked in growth at DarwinAI, and management consulting at KPMG.

Professional life aside, Dillon enjoys playing spikeball, strength training, and eating sushi. Check him out on Facebook. (https://www.facebook.com/Dillonmendes21)

Our next speaker sneak peek: Alyssa “Twist” Light!

Alyssa "Twist" Light s a keynote speaker who teaches people how to cultivate connections and build the relationships that move relationships forward! Check her out on Facebook. (https://www.facebook.com/alyssa.t.light)

If you have questions about Rotary Seminar for Tomorrow's Leaders, please email d6330ryla@gmail.com.

Kirk Langford, on behalf of The D6330 Rotary Seminar for Tomorrow's Leaders Committee

Kirk Langford

POLIOPLUS SOCIETY

Our District 6330 proudly joins The Rotary Foundation and fellow districts across the world to announce the new Polio Plus Society and invite all of our members to join.

This simple act of generosity by our fellow Rotarians around the world will bring the life saving polio immunization to countless children until the day that the world has been rid of the virus. We are truly This Close, and we need your help to complete the job.

The Polio Plus Society is an organization of like-minded individuals who have committed to contribute $100 US or more each and every year to Polio Plus until the world has been declared free of the Wild Polio Virus. This is our commitment to fulfill the promise Rotary made in 1985 to immunize all the children of the world.

It’s easy and rewarding to become a member. Download, complete and submit the Polio Plus Society Pledge Form and email to the Polio Chair at katherine.hahn@rotarystratford.com Complete your contribution commitment in one of three ways:

Contribute with your credit card online at: https://www.endpolio.org/donate

- OR -

Write a for cheque for $100 or cheque for the US $100 equivalent (or more!) to The Rotary Foundation with "Polio Plus" in the memo line and give it to your club's Rotary Foundation Chair for submission.

- OR -

Enroll in Rotary’s recurring giving program, Rotary Direct, which makes giving easy, fast, and secure. You can schedule a monthly, quarterly, or annual donation that empowers Rotarians to change lives in communities around the world. https://my.rotary.org/en/rotary-direct

YES, all donations will be matched 2 to 1 by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Anyone can join the society, not only Rotarians. Everyone will be recognized with a special pin, an End Polio Now bracelet, a Society Certificate and a great feeling in their heart.

With your help, we will reach every last child and achieve a polio free world. Please reach out to Katherine and sign up today!

FROM ZONES 28-32

Check out the Zones 28 & 32 group on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/rotaryinthezone)

Rotary’s theme for May is Youth programs. Here is RI Director Drew Kessler for Rotary Zones 28 & 32 speaking about the youth programs offered by Rotary International. Have a listen by clicking this link

CHRIS ETIENNE, 2024-26 RI DIRECTOR – ZONE 28

Chris Etienne, Past District Governor from District 6290, was selected as the 2024-2026 Rotary International Director for Zone 28!

The Zone 28 Nominating Committee met at the end of September and selected 2007-2008 District 6290 Governor Chris Etienne to serve as 2024-2026 Rotary International Director, representing our paired Zones (28 & 32).

Chris will follow current Director Drew Kessler from Zone 32 and serve on the Board of Directors beginning July 1, 2024.

Chris is an Associate Broker for Harbor Sotheby’s International Realty and Director of Leasing for Bay Harbor Company in Bay Harbor, Michigan. She has had a career in real estate since 2001 and has been in sales for more than 30 years, previously as Vice President of Treasury Management Sales for National City Bank. Chris is currently serving as Vice President of the Emmet Association of Realtors. She obtained her bachelor's degree from the University of Maryland European Division in Heidelberg, Germany, and her MBA from Lake Superior State University.

Chris serves on the board of trustees of North Central Michigan College and as chair of the North Central Michigan College Foundation board. Chris was appointed by former Michigan Governor Rick Snyder in 2011 to serve on the Michigan Women’s Commission and served as chair from 2016 to 2020. Chris received the Athena Award in 2007 and the Emmet Association of Realtors Realtor of the Year award in 2014.

Chris joined Rotary in 1990 and is honored to be a member of the Rotary Club of Petoskey, Michigan in District 6290 since 1991. She has served as club president, district governor, district membership chair and district Rotary Foundation chair.

Chris is currently serving as district Peace Fellowships chair. Chris has served at the zone level as facilitator, learning leader, lead training coordinator, Institute chair, Rotary Coordinator and Regional Rotary Foundation Coordinator. She has served Rotary International as training leader at the International Assembly, President’s Representative, Regional Leaders Global Institute lead trainer and assistant moderator, and on the convention promotions committee for Sao Paulo, Hamburg, and Houston.

She is currently serving as moderator for the RI Global Support Seminar and RI Global Philanthropy Seminar, on the WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) Rotary Action Group Board of Directors, and is chair of the HANWASH (Haiti National Clean Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Strategy) Champion Partnerships subcommittee.

Chris is passionate about the work of The Rotary Foundation and has participated in National Immunization Days (NID) for polio eradication in India and Nigeria. She is a recipient of The Rotary Foundation Citation for Meritorious Service and most recently The Rotary Foundation Distinguished Service Award. Chris and her husband, Dennis Lindeman, are Major Donors and members of the Bequest Society. She and Dennis reside in Petoskey, Michigan.

INVESTING IN ACTION

The Rotary Foundation plans for the future, not just for today, and helps members put ideas into action. In the words of Arch Klumph:

“Rotary has assumed a great obligation to the world… Its opportunities are limitless, but its income today and of tomorrow will never permit it to do the many things which it could and should do. Let e remind you of these three facts: (1) Money alone does little good, (2) Individual service is helpless without money, (3) The two together can be a godsend to civilization.”

Thank you for the time, energy, and financial support you give to Rotary’s mission.

Click the Rotary Flag above (and follow the link) to listen to the Rotary Hymn composed by George Canseco. (Rotary Club of Urdaneta East)

Consider applying for a disaster response grant.

Find out how Rotary districts can apply for a grant from the Disaster Response Fund.

Ukraine has 62 Rotary clubs and six satellite clubs with about 1,100 members, and 24 Rotaract clubs with more than 300 members. District 2232 (Ukraine and Belarus) formed a committee to help people affected by the crisis.

Why Rotary Is Growing in Ukraine During A WAR

We conclude that no one joins a club, Rotary or otherwise, to sit around and do nothing.

By Tom Gump, member of the RI Membership Growth committee and Past Governor of District 5950 (Minnesota, USA), and Mykola Stebljank, public image coordinator in Zone 21A and Past Governor of District 2232 (Ukraine)

Membership has grown 23.5% in Ukraine since Russian forces invaded the country on 24 February 2022. The region, which comprises Rotary District 2232, has added four Rotary clubs and five satellite clubs. The reasons behind this growth hold important insights for any Rotary club interested in increasing its membership or any district looking to add clubs.

The clubs in Ukraine became more visible in their communities in the days and months after the war began.

• People are witnessing the positive impact members are having and want to join in on making a difference.

• One club, for example, had their members learn to become volunteer firefighters so they could help put out fires, literally, when local buildings are hit by shelling.

People are drawn to the opportunity to find meaning and purpose when they see real positive change taking place.

Survey results

The example in Ukraine essentially confirms the results of the three most recent Rotary International annual surveys – the all-member, programs and offerings, and leadership surveys.

Member satisfaction. These found that club experience is the single most important indicator of member satisfaction. A Rotary member who does not have a positive club experience won’t find enough value in the club to stay. New members who join a club but find it doesn’t meet their expectation frequently leave. And new members who are never integrated into club activities are most likely to leave no matter what else Rotary has to offer beyond their club.

In the surveys, Rotary International membership staff used attitudinal questions and resulting answers to cluster members into four distinct types.

• Inclusive-friendship engagement

• Disengagement

• Exclusive-professional engagement

• Hyper-engagement

Tom Gump

Each type had implications for satisfaction and retention. The scariest part was that 24.9% of members worldwide, the second highest, fell into the disengagement type. These members are the most likely to terminate their membership from dissatisfaction.

Impact clubs

We believe the growth the Ukraine clubs have experienced is not a fluke and has important lessons for all clubs. The “impact clubs” that are forming in North Carolina, USA, do more service projects and have less meetings and are growing in their membership.

We conclude that no one joins a club, Rotary or otherwise, to sit around and do nothing. People join because they want to become engaged with a cause and do something real. Rotary matters and engaging our members in service opportunities that create lasting change matters.

If you want to grow your membership, create a club experience that allows your members to be people of action. Let’s learn from the example in Ukraine and grow Rotary by engaging our members.

For more information and to hear Tom Gump’s view on Rotary membership, click here.

What motivates you to join Rotary?

Rotarians provide community service to both local and international communities.

This is perhaps the best reason perhaps for becoming a Rotarian: the chance to do something for somebody else and to sense the self-fulfillment that comes in the process and the return of that satisfaction to one's own life.

Give your potential members a meaningful Rotary experience by offering the opportunities to make a positive difference and connect with others in our communities and throughout the world. They’ll make valuable friendships and feel good about Rotary and the work we’re doing to make the world a better place.

Remember, you have to “ASK”! and Follow-Up.

1. Make recruiting the top priority of your club. You can’t do everything as a club president, and knowing that will give you some freedom to focus on the most important thing. Having new members – with new energy – will help you have more people to raise money for The Rotary Foundation, serve on your committees, and invite additional members/more smiling faces to your

meetings and fun events. Let your members know this is the TOP priority so they can all help. Remember to appoint a Membership Chairperson for your club to help you be successful.

2. Know your club’s strengths Friendship, Service Above Self, projects, Club Strategic Plan, inclusion, volunteerism, Personal Growth, Leadership Development, “fun”, Family Programs, Development of Ethics, Cultural Awareness, the opportunities to serve.

3. Use a Recruiting Strategy and keep a list of potential future Rotarians. Hold a club assembly meeting for membership recruiting and planning. Provide an opportunity for club members to brainstorm and make a list of potential people that they would like to recruit and sign as members. It doesn’t matter if it’s a paper list or if it’s kept on a computer – it just makes you think about those people and others that may be a fit for your club. Post the list where it can be referred to by members to keep updated on who has been recruited for the club. Refer to it continuously as membership recruitment should be the Club’s top priority. You have to continue to “ASK” and follow-up.

4. Create a Recruiting Folder that lists all the great things about your club. List your major projects, the advantages of the time and place where your club meets, how many members presently in the club, etc. Make sure to include an email/letter that is welcoming and will meet the wants of any potential new member.

5. List potential areas of responsibilities. Potential members will want to know how they can fit in and what opportunities there are for serving.

6. Be persistent. There will be times that it takes literally a dozen requests to get someone to a meeting. Keep “ASKING”. They may come to a meeting or tell you they can’t join now because they are too busy, or they aren’t interested in joining at the moment. These are all fine answers as long as you keep track of them and keep in touch. How many times did you have to be asked? (It was over a course of eight years for me)

7. Talk about Rotary wherever you go. At church, temple, work, neighborhood gatherings, family gatherings, parties, etc. You’ll be amazed how easy it is after you practice for a while. Getting a lot of “no” answers built my confidence because it didn’t hurt as bad as I thought, and most people were actually happy I asked, even if they responded negatively. It’s always a good time to recruit. Make sure you have a Positive Public Relations Plan.

8. Celebrate when you get a new member. This gets the club excited about getting more members. Our induction process is very professional and special. Some clubs make a welcome poster after the new member has been voted in and they put it in the front of the room at next their meeting. Make the new member feel welcome!

9. Realize there is no finish-line. Even if you are at the size that your club wants to be, there are always reasons people leave. And new insights always benefit a club. You’re either growing or you’re dying. Recruiting new members is a continuous process.

10. Be vibrant. Wear your Rotary pins (it gets people talking to you), make outrageous centerpieces for your meeting tables (it gets people talking to each other), greet people as they arrive for the meetings and special events. (It lets people know you care).

Submitted by: Donald R. Cavalier, PDG, District 5580 Membership Chair

U.N. INTERNATIONAL DATES TO NOTE (plus links)

Saturday, May 13

World Migratory Bird Day

Monday, May 15

International Day of Families

Tuesday, May 16

International Day of Living Together in Peace

Saturday, May 20 World Bee Day

Sunday, May 21

World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development

Monday, May 22

International Day for Biological Diversity

Monday, May 29

International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers

Wednesday, May 31

World No Tobacco Day

Click here to view a short video – raising bees on rooftops.

We are THIS close –

• In 2023, Afghanistan has had NO cases of Wild virus Type 1.

• In 2023, Pakistan has had only one case of Wild Virus Type 1.

Only Afghanistan and Pakistan are polio endemic.

Polio-endemic refers to a region or country where poliomyelitis, also known as polio, is regularly present and spreading. In other words, it is an area where there is a continuous transmission of the poliovirus, possibly leading to a significant number of cases of the disease.

There is currently no cure for the disease, but it can be prevented through vaccination.

Countries or regions that are polio-endemic have significant challenges in controlling and eradicating the disease due to various factors, including limited healthcare infrastructure, poor sanitation, and vaccine hesitancy. As we get close to eradicating the virus, there are still challenges.

In the table at left, note that there are incidents of Wild polio virus type 1 from other sources. That means that the virus has been detected in environmental samples, selected contacts, healthy children, vaccine-derived occurrences, and other sources.

Various other countries have reported polio cases in recent years, indicating the ongoing threat of the disease.

WASH Rotary Action Group supports and ensures sustainable long-lasting clean water, sanitation, and hygiene programs to communities in need. Click here

OUR ENVIRONMENT

Our Future, and We’re Doing Something About It

Since the 1950s, plastic has exploded into our life, changing it in ways that are big and small. From entire beaches and rivers covered with plastic, to the tiniest airborne microfibers, plastics are filling our lives outside and in.

Dealing with the discarded plastic we already have is a daunting project, but the amount we create each year is rising. We created half of the plastic in the world in the last 15 years and will continue to increase the world’s plastic output for years to come. There is a mountain of plastic coming our way, disguised as fabric, hiding in food, holding our stuff, being our stuff…

Plastic Solutions wants to reduce the threat caused by plastic waste by understanding its root causes and promoting the best solutions. From emerging technologies to simple reduction, from individual behavior change to systemic global change, some solutions are out there, and some are being invented. Rotarians can use their enormous networking power to influence how we create, use, and dispose of plastic.

Let’s get to work.

ROTARY’S COUNCIL ON LEGISLATION – What is it?

The Rotary Council on Legislation is a gathering of Rotary club representatives from around the world who meet every three years to review and discuss proposed changes to the organization's governing documents. The Council on Legislation plays a crucial role in shaping Rotary's policies and procedures and provides an opportunity for Rotarians to have a direct impact on the future of the organization.

The Council on Legislation was established in 1910, and its first meeting was held in 1913. Since then, the Council has convened every three years to consider proposed changes to Rotary's constitution, bylaws, and other governing documents. Each Rotary club has the opportunity to send a delegate to the Council, who can vote on the proposed changes.

The Council on Legislation is responsible for reviewing proposed changes to Rotary's governing documents and making recommendations for their adoption or rejection. The Council also has the power to propose changes to Rotary's governing documents, which must be approved by a two-thirds vote of the delegates.

The Council on Legislation has been instrumental in shaping many of Rotary's policies and programs over the years. For example, in 1922, the Council passed a resolution establishing Rotary International's official motto, "Service Above Self." In 1987, the Council passed a resolution encouraging Rotary clubs to admit women as members, which paved the way for the admission of women into Rotary clubs around the world.

In recent years, the Council on Legislation has tackled a range of issues, from clarifying the requirements for club membership to updating the procedures for selecting Rotary's president. At the 2019 Council on Legislation, the delegates passed several important resolutions, including a proposal to allow clubs to meet online, which became particularly relevant during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In conclusion, the Rotary Council on Legislation is an essential part of Rotary's governance structure. It provides an opportunity for Rotarians from around the world to come together and shape the future of the organization. By reviewing proposed changes to Rotary's governing documents and making recommendations for their adoption, the Council helps ensure that Rotary remains a vibrant and relevant organization that is committed to serving others.

2022 Council on Legislation elevates equity and inclusion, approves dues increase

By Wen Huang/The Rotary magazine

Representatives to the 2022 Council on Legislation voted overwhelmingly on their first day of sessions to add “equity and inclusion” to Rotary International bylaws, affirming the organization’s continued effort to be inclusive of all cultures, experiences, and identities, and to reflect the communities it serves.

The four-day conference, held in Chicago, Illinois, USA on 10-14 April, marked Rotary’s first successful attempt to host a hybrid international event since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. About 520 representatives represented Rotary districts around the world; about 60% attended in-person, and the rest participated via Zoom.

This year’s Council reviewed and voted on more than 90 enactments that would change RI’s constitutional documents. Among the highlights is the legislation that promotes diversity and builds a well-balanced Rotary membership.

Proposed by the Rotary Club of Annanagar Aadithya, India, (District 3232) the enactment passed by a vote of 420 to 56. Amended Rotary bylaws now state that “each club or Rotaract club shall endeavor to build a wellbalanced membership that celebrates diversity, equity, and inclusion.” Rotary prohibits clubs from denying an individual membership due to gender, race, color, creed, national origin, or sexual orientation.

“We have now made growing and diversifying our membership a top internal organizational priority,” said Valarie Wafer, who chairs RI’s Global Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion task force.

“Feeling welcome and comfortable with fellow club members is the single greatest driver of member satisfaction, and retention,” Wafer maintained. “By adding equity, we are thoughtfully considering how to provide differing levels of support, opportunities, and resources so everyone can have a welcoming and valuable experience. Adding inclusion ensures that we focus on creating experiences in which all people are welcomed, respected, and valued.”

Club Administration Pilot

Duane Benton, a member of the Rotary Club of Kansas City and a federal judge, who co-chaired this year’s Council, characterized multiple items at this Council as part of Rotary’s continued commitment to improving club and organizational flexibility.

An enactment that generated vigorous discussion before passing by a vote of 324 to 150 would allow the RI Board to pilot a new regional governance structure for clubs and Rotarians.

The pilot will be limited to Rotary Great Britain and Ireland (RIBI) as well as clubs and districts in Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific for a duration of six years.

Cosponsors of the legislation - the RI Board and the Rotary Club of Merimbula (District 9705) in Australia, stated that the current regional governance structure, put in place over 70 years ago, has grown into a “significant hierarchy” with too many layers and roles.

“It is appropriate to modernize and consider new models that can enhance our efficiency, increase the ability of members to access support, and look at new ways to make volunteer positions more manageable and doable,” said Wafer, who spoke on behalf of the RI board.

Representatives approved a dues increase for each of the next three years. Dues that clubs pay to RI per member are set at $35.50 per half year in 2022-23. Dues will increase to $37.50 per half year in 2023-24, $39.25 per half year in 2024-25, and US$41.00 per half year in 2025-26.

Click here to read more.

ROTARY’S CORE VALUES

WHAT IS ROTARY?

Rotary is a global network of 1.4 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.

Solving real problems takes real commitment and vision. For more than 118 years, Rotary's people of action have used their passion, energy, and intelligence to take action on sustainable projects. From literacy and peace to water and health, we are always working to better our world, and we stay committed to the end.

Learn more about our structure and our foundation and our strategic vision

Do you need a make-up? missed meetings? To learn about other Rotary clubs?

The Passport Club members are encouraged to join local (and other) clubs to learn more about Rotary, get to know other Rotarians, gain a new perspective and appreciation for Rotary and Rotarians. Here is a list of online clubs where you can earn a make-up along with learning a whole lot more about Rotary! Why not visit them all?

• Rotary E-Club of Canada One – Rotary On Demand, Where you want, When you want!

• Rotary Club of One World

• Rotary E-Club of World Peace

Click here to attend this week’s posted meeting of E-Club of Canada One. These meetings are posted online and available 24/7!

Club President for 2022-23 – Sue Storie Stay

WORKING HARD AT OUR CLUB’S ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECT

In upcoming months, members will be available to speak with your club about this project.

The Passport club members will collect these items and we will use our community contacts to repurpose them. One of our community contacts is London, Ontario - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. As we gain more contacts, we will expand our project. Would your club like to partner with us?

Contact Lynn Coates lynn.coates.1@outlook.com

or Sue Storie sastorie.rotary@gmail.com for more information.

UPCOMING CONVENTIONS

Click the Melbourne link for the website.

Rotary’s Per capita dues

Per half year for 2023-2024: $37.50

All clubs are billed $1 per member on their July invoice to help defray the costs of the Council on Legislation. Some invoices may include variable charges for Rotary magazine (other Rotary regional magazine subscriptions are billed separately) and variable fees for insurance (U.S. clubs only).

See the Manual of Procedure for more information.

SLATE OF OFFICERS FOR 2023-23

President - Sue Storie

President Elect – Mariann Timmers

Secretary - Mariann Timmers

Treasurer - Lynn Coates

Foundation Chair - Rick Storie

Communications Chair - Kitty Bucsko

Service Committee Chair - Bev Andersen

Membership Chair - Sue Storie (hoping to find someone else)

SPEAKERS’ PASSPORT

Meeting summary, April 2023

If you missed last month’s meeting (April), you missed an excellent speaker and an emotional presentation. Deb Beaupre spoke passionately about Organ Donation and how it has affected her life!

A word about Organ donation. Organ donation is a critical issue that can make a significant impact on the lives of those who need a transplant. It is the process of donating an organ or tissue from a living or deceased person to another person who needs it. The importance of organ donation lies in the fact that it saves lives and helps people lead a healthier and longer life. Organ donation is prevalent in Ontario and has seen considerable success in recent years.

In Ontario, more than 2,000 people are on the waiting list for a life-saving organ transplant. Every year, hundreds of people die while waiting for a transplant. However, organ donation is giving these patients a new hope.

Through the selfless act of organ donation, one person can save up to eight lives and enhance the lives of up to 75 others through tissue donation. This means that organ donation can make a significant difference in someone's life, and it is essential to raise awareness and encourage people to register as organ donors.

In Ontario, the Trillium Gift of Life Network (TGLN) is responsible for coordinating organ and tissue donation and transplantation across the province. It is a non-profit organization that is funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. TGLN works closely with hospitals and transplant centers to ensure that organ and tissue donation opportunities are not missed. The organization also provides support to donor families and recipients.

In recent years, Ontario has seen an increase in organ donation rates. In 2019, the organ donation rate in Ontario reached a record high of 32.5 donors per million population, which is higher than the national average of 22.6 donors per million. This increase in donation rates is due to various factors, such as public education, healthcare professional training, and improving the infrastructure for organ donation and transplantation.

Deb Beaupre

Moreover, organ donation has a high success rate in Ontario. According to TGLN, the one-year survival rate for liver transplant recipients in Ontario is 90.7%, and for kidney transplant recipients, it is 97.3%. These statistics demonstrate the effectiveness of organ transplantation and the need for more people to register as organ donors.

In conclusion, organ donation is a critical issue that saves lives and improves the health and well-being of others. Ontario has seen an increase in organ donation rates in recent years, thanks to public education and improvements in healthcare infrastructure. However, there is still a need for more people to register as organ donors to help reduce the waiting list and provide hope to those in need.

Thank you, Deb, for sharing your story!

The Race to Erase is not a running race! The challenges are a combination of savvy and smarts – no goofy shorts required. On Race Day, teams compete to complete the challenges in the fastest time. Everyone gathers together at the start to register before heading out to different locations, and only after they have completed the first challenge, are they give the location of the next one. Watch the video below to learn more.

Click here to view the video that tells us all about this excellent community fund-raiser, co-ordinated by our own Rotary member, Rich Bouchard!

Watch and listen for more to come!

Click here to learn more about the Race to Erase!

Passport Club member, Rich Bouchard

The Race to Erase was founded by Scott McKay and Rich Bouchard. They had two connected goals in mind: they wanted to create a fun and creative event for people to take part in, and they wanted it to positively enhance the community. First discussed over a game of golf, both agreed that it would be fun to send teams of four on a road rally fundraiser throughout the community, competing in timed challenges along the way. Due to safety concerns (and a high Insurance price tag), the driving would not be timed, only the actual challenges.

The first Race to Erase was held in October 2006. The Race committee partnered with Sarnia’s Inn of the Good Shepherd for the Race to Erase Hunger. The event was an immediate success with 30 teams participating and more than $38,000 raised. In the second year, the Race to Erase again raised funds for the Inn of the Good Shepherd, but this time the Race was called the Race to Erase Homelessness as the funds went to building the Good Shepherd’s Lodge, a homeless shelter in Sarnia. More recently, the Race has evolved to allow more charities to participate and receive a portion of the funds raised. The Race has also expanded its scope. While the first Race Days were held in Sarnia and London, the Race has recently expanded to include Cambridge, and may soon appear in a number of other communities across Ontario.

The Race remains committed to three core principles: having fun, fundraising and community spotlight. The event is first and foremost intended to be a fun way to spend Race Day with friends. Like a Corporate Challenge on wheels, teams get to drive to different challenges and do things together they wouldn’t normally do, whether that is feeding someone a sundae blindfolded, running through a corn maze or learning a Celtic dance routine. Teams are always laughing as they experience the Race.

It was also always important that this event be tied to fundraising as a way to help positively enhance the community. Each team is asked to raise a minimum of $500, which the committee always believed was reasonable for any team to achieve. All teams are encouraged to raise more than the minimum.

Finally, the Race also works to shine a light on the many great businesses and not-for-profits that our community has to offer. Our goal is to ensure that everyone finishes the race knowing a little more about our community than they did at the start of the day. Each participating challenge works with the organizing committee to create a memorable event that ties into their core message, thus exposing their goals in a fun and unique way.

Why should someone join Rotary? Click here for a short, important video.

Remember

Chat about “stuff”

and what’s important to you. Let’s get to know our members!

Plan to join our Zoom Meetings! Click here.

Right click the 4-way test above to open and listen to the Four-Way Test by RC of Saskatoon Nutana.

2022-23 Rotary Theme

Our Every Rotarian, Every Year (EREY) initiative encourages all Rotary club members to contribute at least what they can afford every year to help us reach our goal to support the Rotary Foundation financially each year

One who contributes $100 USD every year is a Sustaining Member. With EREY, we encourage you to contribute an amount you can afford every year.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS!

REFERENCES

Adams, Randal Speaking of Rotary. USA: E J Press

Dochterman, Cliff. The ABCs of Rotary Evanston, Illinois: Rotary International. (363-EN)

Forward, David C. A Century of Service. The Story of Rotary International. (912-EN)

Rotary Club of Hobart. The Rotary Book of Readings. Inspiration to Change the World.

Rotary International. Honoring Our Past: The Words and Wisdom of Paul Harris. Evanston, Illinois: 1996. (925-EN)

Rotary International. Rotary Basics Evanston, Illinois. (595-EN)

Rotary International News. Online.

Rotary Global History Fellowship <https://www.facebook.com/RotaryGlobalHistoryFellowship/ >

Submissions from Club members and social media

Please send Club News and photos (with appropriate IDs) to Editor Kitty at ladykitt@gmail.com