AACCELERATOR CCELERATOR
A VERY LONG A VERY LONG CHRISTMAS WISH CHRISTMAS WISH
byMaryse byMaryse
HALFYEARREPORT HALFYEARREPORT DISTRICT
CONFERENCE
The The THEPDTALKS
Photo Credit Photo Credit District Community Service District Community Service "Surprise Santa" "Surprise Santa"
DISTRICT
CONFERENCE PROGRAM PROGRAM
THEPDTALKS
YESTERDAY IS HISTORY. YESTERDAY IS HISTORY. TOMORROW IS A TOMORROW IS A MYSTERY. MYSTERY. TODAY IS A GIFT. TODAY IS A GIFT.
THAT’S WHY WE CALL IT THAT’S WHY WE CALL IT ‘THE PRESENT’ ‘THE PRESENT’
ELEANOR ROOSEVELT _ ELEANOR
*QUOTE CHOICE/ SAGAR BHASIN, ROTARACT CLUB OF DUBAI D 2 4 5 2 N E W S L E T T E R | 0 2 D E C E M B E R E D I T I O N
ROOSEVELT
NOVEMBER 2022 NOVEMBER 2022
District D
Some of you might know me, and others surely don't. And for that, allow me to introduce myself:
I have been in Rotaract since 2016, and ever since, my whole life has changed. I started my journey by joining the Rotaract Club of Aley, where I had the pleasure of jumping from being a guest to a member in less than 6 months. After that, I headed the Club Service Committee, where I managed to revive the Matte Tasting Event (some of you might have heard of it), and it was the cherry on top by gathering more than 80 Rotaractors from Lebanon only. Moving forward to being elected as Vice President in the year 19-20, where it was a major factor in strengthening the bond between me and all the Aley members to an extent that changed the whole perspective of being friends into being a family. The year after that, I had the honor to be elected President of Rotaract Aley for the year 20-21, and that was the best experience any person can ever have. Leading a club of more than 30 people and attempting to keep the bond intact during a never-before-seen pandemic was the most difficult challenge of my life, but we emerged stronger than ever, and Aley was one of the most successful clubs that year. In the year of 21-22 I had the pleasure of being picked by our own Yasmina ElAssi as one of the VDRRs of Lebanon, and that was a totally new experience where I had the chance to be dealing with 27 clubs in parallel and facing all the issues, ups, and downs together, and that really taught me a lot about how to deal with different situations and overcome many problems in the smoothest way possible. Reaching to the year 22–23, where our dearest DRR, Maggie Popposka, put her faith in me to choose me as the DDRR of District 2452, and well, I shouldn’t be saying that out loud, but it was one of the happiest days I’ve had.
G
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This journey started on the right track, and it was a promising year to fulfill and achieve many accomplishments, but then, TUTUUTUUUM; I had a job opportunity in Qatar, and as much as I was excited for this amazing opportunity, it came with a very heavy heart to inform the team that I was leaving the country, and there it was, the most bittersweet feeling you can ever have Looking forward to career advan and team where d hard to achie
So,Ileftthecountry,andwereachedourcurrentsituationtoday.
Havingallthatsaid,youneedtoknowthatthiswillneverbea goodbye;thisisjustaseeyousoon.
IamRaniYehia,andtrustmewhenIsay: "OnceaRotaractor;AlwaysaRotaractor"
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"Thank you for an exceptional year filled with many happy moments, sustainable projects, membership experience and passion for doing good in the community"
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705 cclubs lubs members members 9 ccountries ountries
127 86 112 community community service service projects projects 11 clubservice clubservice events events professional professional development development sessions sessions ttwinnings winnings
HALF YEAR REPORT D 2 4 5 2 N E W S L E T T E R | 0 4 D E C E M B E R E D I T I O N
A very long Christmas Wish!
Dear District 2452,
During this time of the year, as we are getting prepared for a new trip around the sun, I genuinely feel like the world is on pause and that time is moving differently. I take this opportunity to reflect on this “most wonderful time of the year” and what Christmas means to me.
Christmas day occurs around winter solstice (shortest day of the year), and long before Christianity, pagans used to engage in ceremonies centered around the gods of light and fire. For them, it was a reminder that brighter days are coming and that winter and cold don't last forever (a link for the curious minds).
Later on, in an effort to replace pagan religions and traditions, the Church chose this day to commemorate the birth of Jesus, the leader of Christianity. However, the celebrations were raucous and carnival-like; and in America, Christmas was canceled in the 17th century as puritans banned any sort of Christmas celebration and Christmas wasn’t declared a federal holiday until 1870. Towards the end of the 19th century Christmas started to shift towards a family centered holiday that celebrates joy and peace. In World War I, upon the request of Pope Benedict XV, military troops ceased fire for a short period of time during the Christmas period… you see the world does stop on Christmas…
Over the years, Christmas traditions and symbols evolved to fit the needs and expectations of an evolving society (another link for the curious minds). And the birth of Jesus slowly shifted into the birth of Santa (yes, I am quoting the Simpsons ) and consumerism became the dominant pattern: big piles of gifts, food more than anyone can eat, new clothes… Christmas is a time of cheer, but a cheer that cannot be imagined without shopping.
Today, what I absolutely love about Christmas, is its universality and how it has crossed religious and cultural boundaries. Everyone can celebrate it within their own traditions, values, and beliefs; and it embodies different meanings to everyone.
For some people, it is a religious holiday centered around Jesus, while for others it’s a tradition and an opportunity for families to be reunited.
Christmas is also a day to celebrate the joy of giving, as people consider it as a chance to look at underprivileged people and support them in any way (have you checked the awesome D2452 Surprise Santa initiative led by the community service committee?).
Christmas could be absolutely meaningless for the ones who reject all aspects of it, but most importantly, it can also be a painful and a stressful period for the ones who are alone, are grieving, are struggling, or simply cannot afford to celebrate.
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A very long Christmas Wish!
Deor me, Christmas is a time to reconnect to myself, to think about who and what matters to me And while I do enjoy the food, I consider this day a reminder to be grateful for who I am and what I have today I am grateful for being alive and for being surrounded by amazing people I am grateful for being part of the Rotaract family, for all the friends who became family and for all the experiences and the challenges that made me who I am today I am grateful for all of you One thing I am trying to work on is what Charles Dickens wrote in A Christmas Carol and it is to " honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year "
To wrap it all up, my dearest Rotaract family, I wish you all beautiful things: health, love and so much happiness
Merry Christmas to those who are celebrating, Happy Sunday to those who are not, And to those who are stressed out by the holidays, you are not alone.
Maryse Nassif District Professional Development Liaison Officer
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Vocational Service Month!
DECEMBER 2022 DECEMBER 2022
A vocation is an occupation to which a person is especially drawn or for which they are suited, trained or qualified
The Object of Rotary is a philosophical statement of Rotary’s purpose and the responsibilities of Rotarians. The concept of vocational service is rooted in the Second Object, which calls on Rotarians and Rotaractors to “encourage and foster”:
Those objectives are:
To encourage and foster high ethical standards in business and professions, to recognise the worthiness of all useful occupations, to dignify the Rotarian's occupation as an opportunity to serve society.
To apply the ideal of service in personal, business and community life.
To advance international understanding and goodwill, and peace through a world fellowship of businessmen and professional men and women united in the ideal of service.
Vocational Service is the way Rotary fosters and supports the application of the Ideal of Service to the pursuit of all vocations.
It is the shared responsibility of both the Rotary Club and its members.
The role of the Club is to implement and encourage the objectives by its own actions in dealing with the community and by the development of projects that enable members to use their vocational talents in the service of the community. The role of members is to conduct themselves and their businesses in accordance with Rotary principles, and support the Vocational Service projects that the club has developed.
During January, Rotarians and Rotaractors are encouraged to focus on this important avenue of Rotary service. Discussions on vocational service can lead to projects that not only develop the ethical consciousness and vocational skills of our members but also the talents within their communities. Vocational Service Month is an opportunity to begin year-long vocational service activities, ranging from Rotary/Rotaract discussions to awards to community projects.
What is Vocation?
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PaulHarriswrote:"EachRotarianisaconnectinglinkbetweenthe idealismofRotaryandtheirtradeorprofession".
JANUARY 2022
VOCATIONAL SERVICE ROTARY MONTH
What your club can do in this month?
Present a vocational award to someone in the community who has exemplified outstanding professional achievement while maintaining very high ethical standards. Promote the presentation within the community, and consider making it an annual January event.
Introduce a "mini-classifications talk" series in which each member gives a five-minute talk on his or her vocation. Schedule one speaker for the beginning of each meeting until everyone has made a presentation. The purpose of these talks is to promote vocational awareness among Rotarians and help them recognize the worthiness of all useful occupations.
Devote a meeting in January to examine the second Avenue of Service, including The Four-Way Test and The Declaration of Rotarians in Business and Professions. After expanding members' awareness, solicit their input in planning projects for the remainder of the year.
Work with local businesses to create mentorship, internship, or practicum opportunities to help young people achieve their career goals.
Important Rotary and International dates: 8-12 January -International Assembly, Orlando, Florida, USA
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1. 2. 3. 4.
dubai
We are grateful for this opportunity to host you soon in Dubai! The District Conference is not just recognition of the year achievements, but also a booster for what's coming while exploring the wonders of what this country has to offer.
DISTRICT CONFERENCE TEAM
PROGRAM DISTRICT CONFERENCE PACKAGE
UAE 22/23
ACCOMMODATION
RoveCityWalk
3Nights-9thto12thMar
TRANSPORTATION
ACControlledBuses
ToandfromRoveCity Walkeveryday
AirportPick-up
ACTIVITES
CONFERENCE
9th-12thMarch
THE PAST - Day Activities
Al Shindagha Museum Tour
Panel Discussion & Opening
Ceremony at Crossroads of Civilization Museum
Dinner at :Lakeview
THE PRESENT - Day Activities
Hatta Excursion, Activites & Lunch
Drunch at Zero Gravity
THE FUTURE - Day Activities
Museum of the Future Tour
Lunch at Time Out Market
Closing Ceremony at V Hotel "The Amazing Room"
Beach Day / Free Day
POST-CONFERENCE
13th-15thMarch
Day 1 Activities
Banan Beach chill day & Activities
Day 2 Activities
Jebel Jais adventures
Lunch at 1484 Puro
Desert BBQ
Day 3 Activities
Chill & Check out day
DISTRICT CONFERENCE 2452 UAE 22/23
D 2 4 5 2 N E W S L E T T E R | 1 2 DECEMBER 2022 DECEMBER 2022 YoumissedourQ&A LiveSession WATCH IT CONVENIENTLY ON OUR INSTAGRAM REELS: D E C E M B E R E D I T I O N
Thankstoallour SurpriseSantas
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PROJECT OF THE MONTH!
DECEMBER 2022 DECEMBER 2022
Community Service Rotaract Club of Bahrain
The project is a sustainable initiative by Rotaract Bahrain, with the aim of raising public awareness of plastic usage in the country and using this opportunity to involve the local youth and the communities with a similar cause to come together. Build a ‘’Tower of Tomorrow’’ for the public to celebrate the achievement and raise awareness of this sustainable initiative for a better tomorrow to give people a tangible reminder of our accomplishment.
One of the most harmful environmental hazards are single use plastics as they can take over 400 years to decompose Due to this, plastic bottles have a massive negative impact on the environment. We in Rotaract are calling for change!
In the plastic recycling initiative, We are spreading the awareness of single use plastic bottles Join us as we strive for a better world for the future of the planet.
The project also features many Rotaractors and Rotarians showcasing their concern and support for the initiative through the Club's Instagram Page
Location: Bahrain
Date: December 2022
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"TowerofTomorrow" byRotaractClubof Bahrain
PROJECT OF THE MONTH!
DECEMBER 2022 DECEMBER 2022
Community Service
Rotaract Club Zgharta Zawie
For the festive Christmas period Rotaract Club of Zgharta Zawie decided to share joy by visiting Elderly home in Kferyachit Zgharta. Of course there was a Santa Clause and the members took "Buche de Noël" to celebrate christmas together and make them feel the Christmas vibes.
By accessing the needs of the Elderly Home and their shortage of supplies, the club also provided them with diapers for the elderly.
Location: Zgharta, Lebanon
Date: December 2022
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"VisittoElderly Home"byRotaract ClubofZgharta Zawie
PROJECT OF THE MONTH!
DECEMBER 2022 DECEMBER 2022
Community Service Rotaract Club Amman Jordan River
We Rotaract club of Amman Jordan River believe in bringing joy and warmth to the hearts of those who are less fortunate. For that we held our annual community service project (WinterAct). this year we came together to collect clothes in good condition More over, we bought food boxes with all the necessary items that the family needs in addition to warm blankets that could ease the harsh of winter season. this year we were able to cover 16 family each have 2-4 kids.
We hope those families are able to sleep easy and warmly this season. we will continue to do so with the help of our lovely members and donors thank you to each and everyone who participated in making this project happen. And a special thanks to Jordan Kuwait Bank for always sponsoring our projects and being a huge part in the small steps we take to try to make the world a better place
Location: Amman, Jordan Date: December 2022
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"WinterAct"by RotaractClubof JordanRiver
PROJECT OF THE MONTH!
DECEMBER 2022 DECEMBER 2022
Community Service
Rotaract Club Dubai X Rotaract Club of Cosmopolitan Dubai
The members and friends of the clubs spent an afternoon at a stable that has Rescue Horses.
Ride to Rescue is dedicated to rescuing horses and protecting them for life. They provide the horses with a safe and nurturing environment while they heal physically, mentally and emotionally from situations of abandonment, neglect and abuse. When they arrive here, they are home.
With the visit and support that the members provided during the visit, the Clubs raised awareness about the organization’s mission to rescue horses from abandonment, neglect, abuse and protect them for life!
Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE Date: December 2022
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"RidetoRescue"by RotaractClubofDubai andRotaractClubof CosmopolitanDubai
SAY CHEESE!!
DECEMBER 2022 DECEMBER 2022
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Rotaract Club of Nicosia
SAY CHEESE!!
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HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAYYY BIRTHDAYYY TO YOUUU!! TO YOUUU!! D 2 4 5 2 N E W S L E T T E R | 2 3 D E C E M B E R E D I T I O N
Surprise Santa Initiative by District Community Surprise Santa Initiative by District Community Service Liaison Officer Paa Service Liaison Officer Paa
for reading our November edition of the District Newsletter
Let us know how we did and send us your feedback and suggestions on rotaractd2452@gmail.com
Stephanie B. Saad Rotaract District Creative Content Officer
We are Social
