Newsletter of the Rotaract Club of Colombo West, a.k.a WestLife is back with another edition. I hope you all got the opportunity to have a look at the first edition and and delighted to announce that we here by release the second edition of an effort of the editorial team to recognize those that have put their time and effort into service with the club as members of Colombo West and Rotaractors in general.
We truly believe that we are fuelling the vision of the Blueprint we are drawing for the next fifty years By showcasing our work in this fashion we are able to educate, empower and equip others to serve, which in turn multiplies the magnitude of the service we as Rotaractors do.
Special thanks to Rtr. Sharan Balasubramaniam and his Editorial Team of the Rotaract Club of Colombo West and for all those who have taken the time to work tirelessly in putting this together and really taking WestLife from a hashtag to the next level.
A humble request I make to all the readers is to read through this if you get a hold of it, learn more about the initiatives we have engaged in, reach out to our team if you have any suggestions to better our projects, as this will add value to the purpose of this publication and finally please do share and support the journey in redefining our legacy
Wishing you a pleasant reading experience,
Viva La Rotaract
Rtr. Santhamurthy Balamurthy
BALASHANMUGAM
The Rotaract Club of Colombo West organized "Santa's Helpers," a fundraiser aimed at reviving the tradition of hand-made Christmas cards while supporting the club's community service project, "West Paws," dedicated to feeding stray animals.
The project involved selling hand-crafted Christmas cards at a stall in Pink Salt and offering personalized cards for online orders. The cards were sourced from a Rotaractor's small business, supporting local entrepreneurs.
Objectives included fostering fellowship, supporting "West Paws," backing small businesses, and offering a nostalgic Christmas experience. Led by Rtr. Santhamurthy, the project committee coordinated tasks efficiently.
The event saw participation from 8 Rotaractors and attendees from other clubs Financially, the project generated income through stall sales and card orders, with expenses covering card production and donations
Planning involved collaborative discussions, task allocation, venue selection, and successful execution Public relations efforts reached a wide audience through social media, contributing to project success
Stakeholders included Rotaractors, the public, small business owners, and "West Paws" beneficiaries. Short-term outcomes included community engagement, diverse participation, and support for smaller businesses. Long-term impacts included awareness for "West Paws" and establishing partnerships.
Areas for improvement include enhancing visitor engagement, sustaining PR efforts, and forging strategic partnerships.
In conclusion, "Santa's Helpers" achieved its fundraising goals while promoting community engagement and supporting local businesses It showcased the club's commitment to service and fellowship
LeadUP, an initiative by the Rotaract clubs of Col Colombo Uptown, aimed to empower individuals w personal branding. Held at RCU Skills Center on D speaker sessions with distinguished guests: PDRR RTN. RTR. PP Akhila Wijetunga, PDRR RTN. RTR. PP Kasun Sigera, and IPDRR RTN. RTR. PP Ahamed Hussain.
The project's objectives encompassed developing a strong leadership foundation, increasing confidence in decision-making, crafting unique personal brands, understanding personal branding's importance in career advancement, and fostering a spirit of service Through collaboration, the project committee meticulously planned the event, outlined agendas, secured speakers, and finalized the venue
Public relations efforts leveraged social media platforms to promote the event, resulting in an impressive reach and engagement across Instagram, LinkedIn, and WhatsApp The project's budget was efficiently managed, with income sourced from the participating Rotaract clubs and expenses allocated for venue, tokens of appreciation, and refreshments
Beneficiaries included Rotaractors, students, young professionals, entrepreneurs, and business owners. The outcomes of the initiative were multifaceted, including the development of leadership skills, increased confidence, crafting of personal brands, understanding the significance of personal branding, and the establishment of meaningful connections.
Areas for improvement were identified, including enhancing PR efforts to increase participation, implementing robust feedback mechanisms, and enhancing technical support plans.
In conclusion, LeadUP successfully empowered tomorrow's leaders by imparting essential leadership skills and fostering personal branding The project demonstrated the Rotaract clubs' commitment to quality education, professional growth, and community service
The Stockverse 101 initiative, led by the Rotaract Club of Colombo West, aimed to educate Rotaractors, Interactors, and the general public about the workings of the stock market and provide guidance for entering the world of investing. Conducted virtually via Google Meet on November 16th, the project partnered with Almas Equities to deliver insightful sessions led by industry experts.
The project's objectives were multi-faceted, focusing on educating participants about stock market basics, understanding investment instruments, providing access to institutions for investment assistance, and offering hands-on industry experience Through comprehensive planning and effective PR campaigns across social media platforms, the project reached a wide audience and garnered substantial engagement
With a dedicated project committee led by Saliha Firzan, the sessions were meticulously organized, covering topics ranging from macroeconomic perspectives to investment strategies
The collaborative effort between Rotaract and Almas Equities ensured a well-rounded learning experience, with participants gaining practical knowledge and insights into the stock market
The outcomes of the project were significant, including enhanced financial literacy, informed investment decisions, and successful execution of virtual sessions. Participants benefited from networking opportunities and understanding the investor mindset, laying the groundwork for future investment endeavors.
Areas for improvement were identified, such as increasing PR efforts, enhancing feedback mechanisms, and bolstering technical support plans for virtual sessions. These improvements aim to further enhance participant engagement and ensure a seamless learning experience.
In conclusion, the Stockverse 101 project successfully empowered participants with essential financial knowledge, paving the way for informed investment decisions and fostering a culture of financial literacy among youth and professionals
The Raaga Acoustic Night, hosted by the Rotaract Club of Colombo West, embodied the essence of fellowship and cultural celebration Held at Hive Colombo on December 30th, 2023, this event aimed to bring together Rotaractors from various clubs to bond over traditional music, attire, and cuisine
The project commenced with a vision to create a space where club members could forge new friendships and connections while embracing the rich cultural heritage of Sri Lanka Through meticulous planning and coordination, the organizing committee led by Rtr Rifaz orchestrated an evening filled with music, camaraderie, and cultural immersion.
Attendees were treated to a diverse array of musical performances, ranging from classic Sri Lankan tunes to contemporary melodies. The vibrant atmosphere, adorned with colorful traditional attire and decorations, transported guests to a realm of cultural splendor. One of the primary objectives of the event was to foster fellowship among club members and establish connections with Rotaractors from other clubs. With over 20 Rotaract clubs represented, including ANC, APIIT, and NSBM, the Raaga Acoustic Night served as a platform for cross-club collaboration and networking.
Financially, the project achieved commendable success, with ticket sales amounting to 59,000 LKR Despite facing expenses for decorations, logistics, and artist fees, prudent budgeting ensured the event's financial viability
Public relations played a pivotal role in promoting the event and maximizing participation A strategic PR plan, encompassing pre-event teasers, promotional videos featuring Rotaractors, and post-event highlights, garnered significant traction on social media platforms Instagram and Facebook posts reached over 8,200 accounts, amplifying the project's visibility and impact. In the short term, the Raaga Acoustic Night facilitated meaningful interactions and strengthened bonds within the Rotaract community. Long-term benefits included valuable lessons in financial management, documentation, and partnership pitching for the organizing team.
Looking ahead, there are opportunities for improvement, such as refining budgeting processes, minimizing last-minute expenses, and initiating PR efforts earlier to boost pre-sales.
In essence, the Raaga Acoustic Night encapsulated the spirit of fellowship, cultural exchange, and musical revelry It exemplified the Rotaract ethos of service, leadership, and friendship, leaving an indelible mark on all who attended
Venturing to Ratnapura to extend our congratulations to the newly appointed Rotaract board was an experience steeped in anticipation and joy As we gathered amongst fellow Rotaractors, the atmosphere crackled with excitement and an undeniable sense of unity
Expressions of heartfelt congratulations filled the room, marking the commencement of a promising new chapter for the club Together, we reveled in the shared achievement, recognizing the dedication and commitment it represented
Throughout our time in Ratnapura, we forged bonds that transcended mere acquaintance, forming connections that resonated on a deeper level. The Rotaract Club of Ratnapura welcomed us with open arms, their hospitality infusing our visit with a sense of belonging and warmth.
Engaging in meaningful dialogue, we exchanged ideas and perspectives, each interaction serving as an opportunity for mutual learning and growth. These conversations underscored the power of diversity, highlighting the richness that emerges when individuals from varied backgrounds come together in pursuit of a common goal.
As we prepared to bid farewell to Ratnapura, we carried with us cherished memories of laughter and friendship These moments served as a testament to the transformative potential of community and service, reinforcing our commitment to making a positive impact wherever we go
Our visit to Ratnapura epitomized the spirit of Rotaract, demonstrating the profound bonds that can form among individuals united by a shared sense of purpose As we departed, we did so with gratitude for the hospitality extended to us and a renewed sense of purpose, inspired by the enduring legacy of fellowship and service that defines the Rotaract community.
As we step into the second quarter of the year, I extend a heartfelt welcome to each of you to our quarterly newsletter. It is with great pleasure that we bring forth a collection of curated content that reflects the vibrant tapestry of our industry and community.
Within these pages, you will discover a diverse range of articles, editorials, and features designed to inform, inspire, and engage. From delving into the latest market trends to showcasing stories of resilience and innovation, our aim is to provide content that enriches your understanding and ignites your curiosity
Thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm. Here's to a quarter filled with exploration, discovery, and shared success.
With gratitude and pride,
Rtr. Sharan Balasubramaniam Editor 2023- 24
