Rotary aportará US$75 millones para poner fin a la polio.

El anuncio se efectuó en una sesión especial de la Asamblea General de la ONU en apoyo a la erradicación mundial de la devastadora enfermedad.

EVANSTON, Ill. (Sept. 27, 2012) — Rotary International planea contribuir US$75 millones durante tres años a la Iniciativa Mundial para la Erradicación de la Polio, como parte de la campaña internacional para subsanar el déficit de US$945 millones que amenaza el éxito de la campaña mundial emprendida hace 24 años, aunque el número de nuevos casos de polio es hoy más bajo que nunca.

Rotary, entidad que ya ha donado más de US$1.200 millones para frenar esta enfermedad infantil incapacitante, anunciará su nuevo compromiso financiero el 27 de septiembre en Nueva York, durante un evento especial sobre la erradicación de la polio convocado por el secretario general de las Naciones Unidas Ban Ki-moon durante la 67^a ronda de sesiones de la Asamblea General de la ONU.

El secretario general Ban, ha otorgado máxima prioridad a la erradicación de la poliomielitis en su segundo mandato y se espera que efectúe una decidida convocatoria, urgiendo a los estados miembros de la ONU a redoblar su apoyo a la Iniciativa Mundial para la Erradicación de la Polio, emprendida en 1988 por Rotary, la Organización Mundial de la Salud y los Centros de EE.UU. para el Control y Prevención de Enfermedades. Esta alianza incluye ahora a la Fundación Bill y Melinda Gates y la Fundación para las Naciones Unidas.

El evento de Nueva York incluirá dos paneles, con participación de Wilf Wilkinson, presidente del Consejo de Fiduciarios de La Fundación Rotaria, Bill Gates, copresidente de la Fundación Gates y prominentes líderes y jefes de Estado de los tres últimos países polioendémicos y las principales naciones donantes. En la actualidad, el poliovirus salvaje es endémico solamente en Afganistán, Pakistán y Nigeria, aunque otros países corren el riesgo de brotes debido a los casos importados de los países endémicos.

“Para lograr nuestro objetivo de un mundo sin polio, es imprescindible que los gobiernos intervengan y cumplan su compromiso de contribuir a la erradicación de la enfermedad”, afirmó Wilkinson. “Hemos llegado a un momento decisivo y estamos más cerca que nunca de lograr el éxito. Tenemos que aprovechar esta ventaja y actuar de inmediato; de lo contrario correremos el riesgo de incumplir nuestra promesa a todos los niños del mundo”.

La urgencia en la ONU responde a las medidas tomadas en mayo por la Organización Mundial de la Salud, cuando declaró a la erradicación de la polio “emergencia programática para la salud pública mundial”. Aunque la cantidad de casos nuevos de polio en el mundo ha descendido a niveles sin precedentes –menos de 140 en lo que va del año– la brecha financiera de US$945 millones ha sido un obstáculo para varias actividades de vacunación programadas en países afectados por la enfermedad y podría desviar el rumbo del programa si no se obtienen los fondos necesarios. Si fracasa la erradicación y resurge la polio, 200.000 niños podrían quedar paralizados cada año.

Desde 1988, cuando la poliomielitis afectaba a 350.000 niños al año, los casos de polio han disminuido en más de 99%. En 2011 se reportaron menos de 700 nuevos casos. Rotary y sus socios han administrado la vacuna oral antipolio a más de 2.500 millones de niños, lo cual ha prevenido más de cinco millones de casos de parálisis y cientos de miles de muertes infantiles.

A medida que nos acercamos a la meta final, Rotary ha tenido una destacada actuación en las áreas de recaudación de fondos e incidencia política. A comienzos de septiembre, Rotary lanzó un nuevo sitio web interactivo –endpolionow.org– para informar y motivar a los visitantes a brindar apoyo activo a la campaña de erradicación de la polio. Se exhorta a los visitantes a firmar una petición para que los líderes mundiales aporten recursos adicionales para subsanar el citado déficit y las firmas obtenidas se transmitirán al secretario general Ban en Nueva York. Asimismo, los visitantes pueden calcular el valor potencial en dólares que generan, difundiendo su mensaje de erradicación a través de redes sociales como Facebook y Twitter.

Este mismo año, Rotary recaudó US $228 millones adicionales para la erradicación de la poliomielitis, como contrapartida a la subvención-desafío de US$355 millones de la Fundación Gates, la cual otorgó a Rotary posteriormente US$50 millones adicionales, en reconocimiento del compromiso de la organización con la causa de la erradicación.

Rotary es una organización humanitaria mundial con más de 1,2 millones de socios en 34.000 clubes rotarios en más de 200 países y regiones. Los rotarios son hombres y mujeres líderes en sus actividades profesionales, empresariales y comunitarias, consagrados a mejorar el mundo a través del servicio humanitario. Para acceder a fotografías y videos de alta calidad de las actividades de vacunación contra la polio en las que participan los rotarios, ingrese a: Media Center.

Nota del redactor

Vea el evento haciendo clic en UNTV, el jueves 27 de septiembre, a partir de las 11:30 (hora de Chicago).

 Yolanda Andreoli, End Polio now. Pongamos fin a la Polio.

Hemos pedido a la adorable Yolanda, del Rotary Club de Ibiza, que nos explique su experiencia como voluntaria en la campaña de vacunación que lleva a cabo Rotary International en Delhi. Este es  su interesante escrito:

 

  Nos comprometimos a transformar una promesa en realidad.   La acción es mas fuerte que todas las palabras. 

 

    Rotary Internacional uno de los mayores donantes para un logro excepcional. Es nuestra meta. La meta de cada rotario en todo  nuestro universo que cuida y protege a la sociedad desde la infancia. Nuestra meta no decrece, se suma y se alimenta mientra haya un nuevo caso de Polio en el mundo. Donamos con ilusión y participar en forma activa es un privilegio.
Desde mi Ibiza nació la fuerza para ser parte de los voluntarios que con su participación en jornadas de apoyo colaboran en acciones  sanitarias.  

Ha sido en  Delhi mi participación como rotaria junto a rotarios de USA, Canadá, Reino Unido, Hong Kong, Macau, Mongolia junto a los  rotarios de  India organizados en  lugares de vacunación dentro de los “ Slum “ .donde se vacuna a todo niño menor de 5 años.

El recorrer el slum, zona densamente poblada sin higiene y sin condiciones básicas de convivencia y lograr una vacunación  puerta a puerta y cuarto a cuarto es una tarea de organización, coordinación y control digna de héroes por lo difícil de la zona propia de los slums donde viven los mas pobres de los pobres de una sociedad con 1.241.500 millones  de habitantes donde nacen millones de niños cada año.

 En los años 90 India tenía el más alto nivel de Polio del mundo. Labor intensiva y sin descanso dentro del país y en sus fronteras  han  logrado por primera vez que en  2011 que no haya detectado un solo caso de polio….!!!

Y se debe continuar durante dos años más sin caso alguno para ser  erradicada.
No debe desmayar el control y vacunación año a año para asegurar una sanidad total.
La Organización Mundial de la Salud, con la preparación de las vacunas,  Unicef que controla el monitoreo de la vacunación y el Centro de Control y Prevención de Enfermedades de USA permiten que las vacunas lleguen a cada lugar en las condiciones óptimas.
Fundación Melinda y Bill Gates junto con Rotary Internacional  son los mayores donantes que aportan todos los fondos necesarios para llegar a cada lugar del mundo donde es necesaria la vacunación masiva.
La imágenes que nos acompañan nos hablan de una labor desarrollada dentro de las Jornadas Nacionales de Vacunación en India  Este año 2012 se desarrollaron desde el 17 al 20 de Febrero. He participado en Delhi bajo la organización local de los rotarios indios que asumen jornadas adicionales varias veces a lo largo del año.

La Organización Mundial de la Salud ( OMS ) y Unicef son quienes determinan cada año las Jornadas  Nacionales de Vacunación y los rotarios indios son los líderes que aportan su experiencia y sus conocimientos locales para determinar los lugares donde se emplaza cada centro de atención sanitaria.

 Son además los guías para enseñar a todos los voluntarios visitantes la  acción a seguir. Otra fase importante en la vacunación es el “puerta a puerta “ para recorrer cada calle, cada construcción habitada y buscar a todos los niños que viven en el sector .

 Los voluntarios visitantes son quienes administran las “ dos gotitas “  pintan con marcador indeleble  el dedo meñique de cada niño y como cariño especial se le entrega un juguete.

Los voluntarios indios llevan el control de vacunas y de cada box  herméticamente cerrado para conservar el frío necesario.  Asimismo  son los voluntarios indios quienes entran en los cuartos y en los patios para hablar con los adultos y padres en su mismo idioma. Dado el entorno y la insalubridad del slum es imposible que lo haga otra persona. La organización marca cada zona a vacunar, la cantidad de guias y voluntarios que deben recorrer cada una de las calles.

Complementan el programa con visitas a hospitales, conferencias en el edificio de la OMS y Unicef, visitas a escuelitas para niños, adolescentes y mujeres ubicadas en pleno slum financiadas por diferentes clubes rotarios como obra social a la comunidad.

La integración de las Inner Wheel (esposas e hijas de rotarios) cuya colaboración para la recaudación de fondos y sus programas de apoyo son muy valiosos.

 Esta es una experiencia de vida única que nos hace sentir como voluntarios seres privilegiados dentro de la sociedad. Ser héroes anónimos que hacen suyo el lema

“ Dar de Sí antes de pensar en Si “. Como perteneciente a la vida  rotaria en España dentro de Rotary Club Ibiza  quiero motivar a  la sociedad  a que brinde todo su apoyo a la sanidad en todo lugar del mundo

Yolanda Andreoli.

RC Ibiza.

Past Presidenta 2010-2011

Secretaria         2012-2013

¡Descubre un Club Rotario con una de la mejores webs hoy!

El Rotary Club de Palma de Mallorca Junípero Serra, ha lanzado recientemente su web de última generación.

Entrevistas, videos, fotografias, historia y un sin fin de información de actividades de Rotary International y del club que fomentan el altruismo, la fraternidad yla amistad.

¡Una web al servicio de todos y que recomendamos!

Entra aqui: http://www.rotarypalmajuniperoserra.org/

Disfruta de excelentes webinars gratuitos de Rotary International en Español!

http://www.rotary.org/es/Members/Training/Webinars/Pages/Archives.aspx

Aproveite webinars excelentes Rotary International em Português!

http://www.rotary.org/pt/members/training/webinars/pages/archives.aspx

          

Acto de entrega de la Carta Constitutiva del Club Rotario de Toledo

El día 29 de septiembre 2012 a las 20:15 horas tendrá lugar el acto de entrega de la Carta Constitutiva del Club Rotario de Toledo. Asistirán autoridades y representantes de las instituciones de la ciudad. Al finalizar el acto, tendrá lugar una cena y baile.

Lugar de celebración: Hotel Hilton Buenavista Toledo. C/ de los Concilios de Toledo, 1.

Precio de la cena: 50,00 €. Ingresar en N.º CC 2013 1566 23 0200253846 (Antes del día 21 de septiembre de 2012).

Etiqueta, se ruega: Caballeros: smoking. Señoras: traje largo.

S.R.C.: Antes del viernes día 21 de septiembre Teléfs.: 925 25 14 02 y 699 17 76 39. E-mail: turevent@telefonica.net

Thoughts of Rotary Leaders: Julio Sorjus

Trustee, The Rotary Foundation, 2012–2016

 It was our founder, Paul Harris, who stated that "The promise of Rotary lays in its future, not in its past."

He added: "This is a changing world; we must be prepared to change with it. The story of Rotary will have to be written again and again."

When we gaze into the future, across the horizon, and explore the possibilities open right in front of us in two, five, or ten years, we are forced to admit that there is a mixed picture ahead.

My friends, the average age of Rotarians, 30 years ago, was 47. It has now become 61 years of age, and it unfortunately continues to climb. Evidently, our presence among the young is very limited. If we go on like this, our organisation will experience a serious contraction in a few years. To put it simply: unless we act and change today, we risk becoming a relic of the past.

As President Kalyan Banerjee has wisely stated, we need to curb the greying of Rotary, and then encourage its greening. We cannot afford to ignore that only 11 percent of today’s Rotarians are younger than 40, while 68 percent are over 50 and 39 percent are over 60.

How, then, can we make Rotary more attractive for the young?

How can we motivate and attract young people to join us – and then stay with us?

How will we make sure that Rotary retains its magic and charm in the eyes of the future generations? Specifically: How can we make sure that the young people of Brazil, India, Egypt, Taiwan, Japan, Australia and Spain continue to heed the call to service?

How will Rotary develop and send an inspiring, loud and clear message, a long term vision about where it needs to be heading?

If somehow we came to be in possession of many books, or medicines, or wheelchairs, or simply much cash: what would we do with those resources, if we didn’t have a plan, a vision, or a direction?

There is only one answer to the plight of modern organisations. Without a doubt, the only tool available to us to fully bring the organisation to a position where it can match its current challenges is Leadership.

We need modern, nimble leadership. Innovative and visionary conductors, open to the new realities. We are not talking here about the leadership of yesterday, which was based upon personal whims and superficial fashions.

Rotary needs committed leaders of high ethical standards, with the capacity to clearly articulate a passionately shared vision. We are seeking men and women who are able to communicate our ideas in simple, yet compelling ways. We need to identify the young men and women, with a fierce passion for excellence, who can move others to join in the struggle of shared aspirations of service to human beings in dire need.

More than ever, leadership in Rotary is everybody’s business, since, as leaders, we have a moral commitment to make sure the changes taking place are effected in a manner consistent with our core values, aspirations, priorities and dreams.

This is leadership requiring that every one of us should embrace truthfully and courageously, the vision of our dear organisation. We are here to serve, to help others and to give ourselves to others, day in and day out, thus empowering every man and woman in the organisation to implement and execute our goals. Hands-on service is the very essence of Rotary, and it amounts to being the required path of leadership in Rotary, so let us begin.

It is time for us to lead.

It is time to turn the page.

Thoughts of Rotary Leaders: Mark Daniel Maloney

 Trustee, The Rotary Foundation 2004–2008

In 1985–86, I had the honour and privilege to serve as the President of the Rotary Club of Decatur, Alabama. During that Rotary year, the President of Rotary International, Dr. Ed Cadman, reminded all Rotarians, but particularly club Presidents, that their individual service was the key to successful Rotary service. His presidential theme was "You Are the Key!"

President Cadman emphasised that the role of the club President was key to the success of our organisation’s efforts. Although the typical organisational chart of Rotary leadership places the club President at the bottom of the leadership pyramid, the club Presidents’ significance to Rotary service means that they occupy the most important positions in the Rotary hierarchy.

As with all other aspects of Rotary service, the role of the club President is vital to successful membership development and retention efforts. How the club President addresses membership issues in the club will determine the outcome of the club’s membership efforts. I have seen time and time again, that mere exhortations from the club President asking Rotarians to invite prospective members fall mainly on deaf ears.

District membership efforts must be focused on motivating club Presidents to develop organised plans for membership development and retention. These plans must include the appointment of inspired Rotarians to organise and lead membership development activities. Whether these activities are team contests, incentives for proposers, committee-run recruitment campaigns, or other activities depend upon the culture of the club. The important point is that the club President must have a specific ‘plan of action’ with identified leaders for his or her year of service.

For successful membership development and retention, we must inspire our club Presidents and remind them, "You Are the Key!"

Thoughts of Rotary Leaders: Ian H.S. Riseley

 Trustee, The Rotary Foundation, 2011–2015

All of us love our involvement in Rotary, so why wouldn’t every person leap at the opportunity to join a Rotary club? We know that there are a huge number of quality people who have never been asked to join, and it is the responsibility of us all to rectify that situation.

But when we do ask, what causes people who would make excellent Rotarians to decline the invitation to join? Could it be that most of us are reticent to emphasise the benefits of Rotary club membership to potential Rotarians?

I believe these benefits can be summarised under four principal headings:

1. Friendships: Very few people have all the friends they can handle, and Rotary is a great way to meet lots of outstanding people

2. Personal development: Rotary encourages, even requires, members to speak in public and become involved in management, administration and harmoniouslyworking with others.

3. Business development: Regularly meeting with business and community leaders can be of significant benefit to our vocation.

4. The opportunity to make a real difference: The greatest benefit! The combined efforts of over 1.2 million Rotarians results in huge positive outcomes that are outside the capacity of any individual to deliver.

So why do so many people leave Rotary after a relatively short period of membership? Probably because their actual Rotary experience didn’t meet their expectations. These expectations may have been unrealistic, but in many cases their Rotary club didn’t provide at least one of the four benefits outlined above. All clubs should be continuously alert to the needs of their members.

Thoughts of Rotary Leaders: Kenneth R. Boyd

Director, Rotary International 2011–2013.

Everyone states: "We need more members," but for some reason, it seems to stop at that point Why?

A quick analysis is that we fail to train our leaders on "How to do this job?" We fail to recognise that everyone’s role is different and we like to put everyone in the same box. We also make it too complex.

Simply put, there are only three (3) things that must be done to have success:

1. We must focus.

2. Everyone has a role.

3. There must be a commitment.

How we go about achieving these three (3) ideas will vary from area to area to have success; however, the roles of "How to do this job" in the three (3) categories and sub-categories below them must be defined to the point that Rotarians, no matter which position they hold (DG, Club President, Membership Chair Member, etc.) will have direction that they can expand on to lead the way and succeed.

Zone 25–26 have been working on such a plan with job descriptions and directives for all three (3) of the above and their many sub-points for over a year. They have developed a plan named "IGNITE" that is available on their website at rotaryzones2526.org.

Thoughts of Rotary Leaders: John F. Germ

 Trustee, The Rotary Foundation, 2008–2012

Membership is the Life Blood of Rotary. Rotary has unique membership criteria in that the proposed individual must be sponsored by a current Rotarian and meet the classification requirements. While these are unique to Rotary, they do not impose any concerns about recruitment. Each member certainly knows other business and communities leaders who should be members of a Rotary club, but due to a fear of rejection may not propose that individual. Someone gave us the opportunity to become a Rotarian. I think we have an obligation to extend that favour to others. Take the opportunity to ask a colleague, associate or a friend to a meeting. Service is our calling and we need others to strengthen our ability to serve our community and our world. Reach out and touch someone and they will never forget you for giving them the gift of Rotary. We must Ask, Ask, Ask.

While recruitment has not been the major concern, retention has been. We tend to lose too many members within the first two–three years of their joining a Rotary Club. This is due to a lack of an adequate orientation, mentoring and involvement. As the sponsor of a new member, we should insure that we encourage participation in club activities by our participation and inviting the new member to join with us in the activity. If we have relevant club meetings, individual involvement and great fellowship, we will retain those members and build a stronger club, a better community and a more peaceful world.

Thoughts of Rotary Leaders:John Hewko

 General Secretary, Rotary International.

In the early years of Rotary, the growth of our organisation was phenomenal. From one club with just four members, we grew in a matter of decades to an organisation of 1.2 million members in over 34,000 clubs. From the very beginning, Rotary has never had a problem with attracting new members. The problem, right from the start, often has been with keeping them. Of the first four members of the first Rotary club, two left. And even today, Rotary attracts about 1,20,000 new members each year—the same number it loses. If we could find a way to keep all of those new members in Rotary, our growth today would rival our growth in the days of Paul Harris—and our organisation would be capable of so much more.

Identifying the barriers to membership growth is the first step; overcoming them is the second. In order to proceed effectively, we must have information on which to act, and this means talking openly and honestly with our members. Why did each of them come to Rotary, and what were they seeking? Have they found what they came for?

Rotarians decide whether or not to remain in Rotary based on their own equation of value versus cost. What do they get out of Rotary membership, and what does it cost them, in terms of resources, time away from work and family and other responsibilities? Our goal must be ensuring that Rotary always gives its members more than it demands — that the satisfactions of Rotary service always outweigh its costs. If we can achieve this, then our future will be bright indeed.

Thoughts of Rotary Leaders: Shekhar Mehta

 Director, Rotary International 2011–2013

When Paul Harris started Rotary in 1905 little did he realise that one day the membership would grow upto 1.2 million across the world. Looking back he would be an extremely happy man. So are all the Rotarians about the tremendous growth that we achieved in our organisation.

But this euphoria of growth was until 1996 when we touched 1.2 million mark. It has now been more than 16 years that we are hovering at 1.2 million Rotarians. So why are we not growing? What are the challenges faced by the Rotary world in its stagnated membership base?

The reasons are manifold and action needs to be taken for each of them today rather than later.

• The membership growth seems to have come to a saturation in many countries where the people in general no longer find Rotary very attractive. We need to revitalise our brand to attract more people and in fact more younger people.

The story of Rotary needs to be told in a better way. No other organsiations in the world can boast of the success that we are about to achieve by eradicating polio from the face of earth. In the history of mankind this will be done for the second time only. This one single story is good enough for membership to grow. But we have not been able to take benefit of this achievement. Our public relation needs to be far more aggressive.

• We are unable to tell the story of Rotary to the world also because we do not ourselves know the whole story. The Board of Directors has no clue of the total value of the work of Rotary’s projects around the globe. If we do not know our story well how do we expect the world to tell our story? And unless the story is told well how will people get attracted to Rotary?

• The emulation of success story — India has been an amazing story of membership growth. Agreed their retention has not been a story to write him about but had it not been for India and other such fast growth countries our membership would have gone down even below one million mark. The success story of such countries should be understood and used suitably in other countries where membership is falling.

14 Membership Matters

• With so many new entertainment avenues available to people at their finger tips through computers, smart phones, social media and the like, people quench their appetite for social interaction on the internet itself. They hardly miss the pleasure of meeting face to face at a place like Rotary meetings. Rotary probably needs to be more on the internet, more e-clubs and very soon e-districts too.

• While year after year there has been a focus on membership, I would say it has been more of lip service than an aggressive approach. We need to stretch targets for membership, ones that will whet the appetite for challenge in every Rotarian. The Calgary challenge or the Global Quest are events that should not be looked down upon. Failure of retention cannot be an excuse for not increasing rapidly. We should focus equally on retention.

• Aggressive focus on membership growth, recognitions and citations etc all should be geared towards membership growth. It is strange that while we have recognition pins for anyone who contributes to the Foundation, we have no recognition pins for the person who proposes a member. I am happy that the Board of Directors have recently corrected that. Let each Rotarian feel pride in bringing new person as Rotarian and let this pride be recognised and rewarded.

Lastly it is important that membership growth becomes everyone’s business. All of us who are members of Rotary are very happy that someone proposed us as a member of Rotary. Have we in turn made somebody happy by proposing him or her to the amazing world of Service Above Self? If not, today is the day. Membership growth is possible. All that it needs is our aggressive focus.

Thoughts of Rotary Leaders:Y.P. Das

Director, Rotary International 2011–2013

Membership development and retention has been the focus of the leadership of Rotary International for the past several years. It is essential since numbers translate into increased revenues from per capita contributions and more hands to carry on doing the good in this world.

Unfortunately our global figures for growth have remained stagnant over the past decade. But regional figures tell a different story. There are several regions that have been growing and others that have been declining in numbers. Statistic data shows that most of the growth is coming from Asia while North America is declining.

The earlier policy of one size fits all was obviously not able to address the declining or stagnant global membership issue. The most recent policy of the board to develop regional membership plans for development and growth will definitely yield results. Regions will need to develop plans within sub regions to address regional and sub-regional issues.

India leads in membership growth. Over the past five years membership has grown by leaps and bounds. In India we need to stress on the quality of members that are being inducted and lay greater emphasis on the orientation and induction process. Most of the membership decline is a result of the poor or nil orientation and lack of involvement for the newly inducted member.

Out of the 3,000 or more clubs in India, over 600 have a membership of below 20 and the percentage of female members is only 6 percent as compared to the global figure of 15 percent.

In summarising I would say regionalisation is the answer in addressing the issue of membership development as well as ensuring strong and healthy clubs.

Thoughts of Rotary Leaders: Kalyan Banerjee

President, Rotary International 2011–12

   Rotary is like a classroom. Only those who are willing learners will move up. Membership in Rotary helps you to accept yourself, boost your confidence and change your life in a short time.

  We can promote membership by telling people that they can see a few things, or many things, that can change their life. They might have tried various other methods to find a meaning to life. Rotary gives a readymade formula.

When no other way of reaching within worked, Rotary helps a person to effortlessly connect within themselves and find a new dimension of life. This is our unique selling point.

Membership in Rotary has worked wonders for thousands. It’s methods for a successful life are proven for the past one hundred years. It will work now for any adult willing to be an useful volunteer for uplifting the people who need help the most.

Rotary has helped people to accept the truth about themselves. Membership in Rotary changes life by helping the individual to concentrate on becoming who he or she really wants to be.

Thoughts of Rotary Leaders: Wilfrid J. Wilkinson

President, Rotary International, 2007–2008

When a man or woman joins a Rotary Club they are given many privileges and opportunities to serve both within their own club, their community, their country or worldwide. However none of these opportunities, in my opinion, is as great as the opportunities to propose another person for membership in Rotary. Perhaps it is a business colleague, a business competitor, a person that provides you with a service like your doctor, dentist, lawyer, banker and the list can go on for many paragraphs but the important thing is that they are qualified and will make good members.

However, I think we often look at our opportunities to share Rotary Membership too locally. Perhaps those new younger members, that Rotary needs right now, can be found away from our own community. Perhaps they are brothers, sister, sons or daughters living in another community or state. Perhaps they work in another branch of our company or are persons who graduated from school or university with us and now deserve the gift that we can give them. "Membership in the world’s most prestigious Service Club"

However proposing someone for membership is only half of the gift that we have to give away. We know from our records that Rotary inducts a lot of new members each year but also looses a lot for many reasons. Some of those reasons are easy to understand. An organisation can’t be over a hundred years old without losing a substantial number of members from sickness, old age, or other very understandable reasons. These are things that a Rotary Club can do little about except to insure that it has a vigorous and effective membership development plan in place.

Rotary’s, research finds that we lose members for other reasons and that is why every successful club must have a good system in place to ensure that every new member is properly inducted and made feel welcome. Every club needs to have a programme to mentor and inform its new members. They must be given special attention when they are inducted, informed about the club and Rotary International. Given a committee assignment, introduced to each and every member and asked frequently if they are enjoying the hours that they are now devoting to "Service Above Self." clubs with such plans, grow and flourish, those that don’t, wither away. I hope that your club grows, the world needs it.

Thoughts of Rotary Leaders: Sushil Gupta

Director, Rotary International 2003–2005

I am proud to say that I have now been a Rotarian for over 35 years. During this very fascinating journey, I have made many new friends who have enriched my own life. That would not have been possible without me being a member of this vast fraternity – Rotary. An increase in Membership in clubs gives us greater opportunity for fellowship, networking, mutual assistance and thus all round development in our own personalities by having inducted new members from diverse fields. We meet newer people every day and learn from them.

The world is vast and has diverse people and Rotary helps bring them come together on one platform. Rotarians should be proud of their membership – proud to belong to the world’s largest membership based non-profit organisation.

Over the years Rotarians have developed a passion for generosity. Generosity not just in contributing funds but generosity in contributing ‘hands’ that are needed to complete projects. Added Membership provides added hands. When we join Rotary we do so with the spirit of service. I have experienced the delight of service – of being useful to the society. The core values of service, including the values of ethics that I have imbibed during my membership of Rotary, has stood me in good stead in life and in my business. I cannot think of any other organisation that offers me such a wonderful opportunity to serve my fellow beings. Membership of Rotary to me means an opportunity for fellowship and to serve the society.

Thoughts of Rotary Leaders: Ron D. Burton

President elect, Rotary International 2013–2014

Membership growth, membership development, membership retention, membership plans — membership is like the weather. We spend a lot of time talking about it. But, unlike the weather we can do something about membership. Like almost everything in Rotary, the key is not what committees say or what boards decide, but rather what Rotarians and Rotary clubs ‘Do’.

Every Rotarian in every club is there because at some time in the past a Rotarian invited him or her into membership. The Rotarians who have remained in their clubs for a number of years have done so because they have found membership to be meaningful and to provide opportunities for fellowship and service that they value. So why doesn’t every Rotarian invite a friend or colleague to become a Rotarian?

We are working to develop regional membership plans to help this happen. These plans are to be culturally appropriate to local situations and provide ideas and support to bring this goal to reality. These are important tools with which to build and strengthen membership. We are looking for ways to help clubs remain vibrant and engaging. This is important in retaining members long term. But all of this is aimed at one thing: encouraging Rotarians to invite others to join Rotary.

In August, I wrote to the class of 2013–14 Governors asking each of them to bring in a new member before the 2013 International Assembly. If the ‘Class of 2013–14’ meets this challenge we will do something extraordinary in the annals of Rotary history. I told them, "We can distinguish ourselves as the first class ever to have every District Governor-elect sponsor a member. And, while we may not always be the only class to do it, we will always be the first class."

Membership will be a major focus in all the training these incoming governors will receive. It is a topic that will receive significant attention at the International Assembly and beyond. I believe we are on the right path. But it requires the commitment and follow-through of every Rotarian in every club in every community around the world to really make a lasting impact on our membership numbers.

What would happen if just 3 people in each club invited one new member each month for a year? We would have over 1.2 million new members in just one year!

Rotary is an important part of the lives of the 1.2 million Rotarians of today. It is up to us to share the benefits and rewards of Rotary membership with another 1.2 million people. The world needs Rotary and Rotary needs committed and energetic Rotarians. Don’t hide or hoard the gift of Rotary. If every Rotary were to share that gift with just one other person, the results would be amazing

Thoughts of Rotary Leaders: Sakuji Tanaka

President, Rotary International 2012–2013.

 Membership is something that, we are always talking about in Rotary. The bigger Rotary is, the stronger we are. But a larger membership is not the only goal. Just bringing new people into Rotary only for the purpose of having more members will not make Rotary stronger We will make Rotary stronger when we bring in people who do not just join a Rotary club, but who become Rotarians. We have to show prospective members that, Rotary is a wonderful organisation to join and that they will be happier because of Rotary. All of us have benefited from Rotary. All of us love Rotary. We want others to join Rotary because we want them to experience, the same happiness that we have found.

It is clear to me that, the day I joined the Rotary Club of Yashio, was a day that I put my first step, on a different path in life: one of greater connection, greater satisfaction, and a deeper sense of fulfillment and peace. This is a feeling that I want to share with others. And I know that one way to do it is to invite them into Rotary membership.

An approach that I suggest is to write down the five greatest strengths of Rotary — these will be the reasons you joined Rotary — the things that enriched your life. Share these with friends and colleagues and ask them to consider becoming Rotarians.

It is every Rotarian’s privilege to share the benefits of being a Rotarian with others. It is every Rotarian’s responsibility to see that his or her Rotary club grows and that members remain active and engaged in the work of Rotary.

Manuel Cordeiro nomeado novo assistente de Relações Públicas do RotaryInternational 2012-2013 Zona 13B - Portugal.

Manuel Cordeiro nomeado novo assistente de Relações Públicas do Rotary International 2012-2013 Zona 13B -  Portugal.

Pertence ao Rotary Club de Vila Real desde Outubro de 2001

Governador do D 1970, 2009-2010

É Sócio Honorário do Rotary Club de Jarnac, França.

É Companheiro Paul Harris Major Donnors com 3 Cristais

É Benfeitor da Rotary Foundation

Manuel parabéns!

http://www.manuelcordeiro.net/

Manuel Cordeiro nombrado nuevo asistente de Relaciones Publicas de Rotary International 2012-2013 Zona 13B - Portugal.

Pertenece al Club Rotario de Vila Real desde octubre de 2001

Fue Gobernador D 1970, 2009-2010

Es miembro honorario del Club Rotario de Jarnac, Francia.

Es Paul Harris Fellow Donnors con 3 Cristales

Es Benefactor de la Fundación Rotaria

¡Muchas Felicidades Manuel!

Manuel Cordeiro nomeado novo assistente de Relações Públicas do Rotary International 2012-2013 Zona 13B - Portugal.

Manuel Cordeiro nomeado novo assistente de Relações Públicas do Rotary International 2012-2013 Zona 13B -  Portugal.

Pertence ao Rotary Club de Vila Real desde Outubro de 2001

Governador do D 1970, 2009-2010

É Sócio Honorário do Rotary Club de Jarnac, França.

É Companheiro Paul Harris Major Donnors com 3 Cristais

É Benfeitor da Rotary Foundation

Manuel parabéns!

http://www.manuelcordeiro.net/

Manuel Cordeiro nombrado nuevo asistente de Relaciones Publicas de Rotary International 2012-2013 Zona 13B - Portugal.

Pertenece al Club Rotario de Vila Real desde octubre de 2001

Fue Gobernador D 1970, 2009-2010

Es miembro honorario del Club Rotario de Jarnac, Francia.

Es Paul Harris Fellow Donnors con 3 Cristales

Es Benefactor de la Fundación Rotaria

¡Muchas Felicidades Manuel!

Tu firma en apoyo a Rotary International en las Naciones Unidas

  

   Recogemos firmas en forma de correos electrónicos para que Rotary International Presente a Ban Ki-moon de las Naciones Unidas la importancia de erradicar la Polio el próximo 27 de septiembre en Nueva York! Pincha aquí y conviértete en la solución!
http://www.endpolio.org/advocacy

Nuevos libros a la venta: "Qué es ser Rotario" y "What does it mean being a Rotarian?"

Con cada libro de vendamos salvaremos 3 vidas.

Todos los ingresos serán destinados a la fundación rotaria. ¿A qué esperas para comprarlo?

http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/pabloruizamo

Now available for everyone to enjoy, with each purchase we shall save 3 lives. All proceeds will go to the Rotary Foundation.

What are you waiting for?

Free Webinars: Subsidios de RR.PP

  

Subsidios de RR.PP – Cómo diseñar un plan integral de RR.PP. - Wednesday, Sep 12, 3pm hora portuguesa / 4pm hora española (1h)

 

https://www1.gotomeeting.com/join/360043888/106743051

Free Webinars : EndPolio.

  

EndPolioNow Hub and Polio Communications Plan - Friday, September 7, 3pm hora portuguesa. /4pm hora española (1h)

https://www1.gotomeeting.com/join/515859705/106241905

List of Districts that submitted for a PR Grant for 2012-13 and the amount they were approved.

Portugal é a primeira vez em 107 anos de história do Rotary Internacional, que visa subvenção. Ele vai gastar nada menos do que a publicidade da rede social. Surpreendente e inovadora na história do Rotary do país!

Portugal es la primera vez en 107 años de la historia de Rotary International que pide una subvención. Se lo va a gastar nada menos que en publicidad en redes sociales. Increíble e innovador en la historia rotaria del país!

ZONE 13B

District	Local Currency	Approved Amount	District Contribution	Total Grant/Match	Approved Grant Description
1960-multi w/1970	EUR	12,320.00	3,850.00	16,170.00	Radio, TV, print, facebook
1970-multi w/1960	EUR	12,320.00	3,850.00	16,170.00	Radio, TV, print, facebook
2201-multi w/2202,2203	EUR	11,165.00	3,465.00	14,630.00
2202-multi w/2201,2203	EUR	11,165.00	3,465.00	14,630.00
2203-multi w/2201,2202	EUR	11,165.00	3,465.00	14,630.00

Global Polio Eradication Initiative´s Emergency Action Plan.

Friends & Colleagues,

As we start a new Rotary year, and the final year of our Future Vision pilot phase, we do so with an unprecedented cushion of support in the mainstream media as well as social media.   I thought it important to bring some of these placements to your personal attention, whether you’re a Rotary leader, involved in New Generations, or fund development.  Each of these placements was developed by our superb Media Relations team at world headquarters with support from the General Secretary and senior Rotarians.  And don’t forget to check out the new Facebook page for the President of Rotary International, Sakuji Tanaka: www.facebook.com/RotaryPresident.  I think you’ll agree it will be a great meeting place to get to know President Tanaka and follow his travels and conversations during his year as president.

Meanwhile, here are some of the important articles you should have on file for conversations with staff, prospective Rotarians and donors:

Washington Post – June 15, 2012 (attached)

This editorial, which ran prominently at the top of the Post’s editorial section, identifies Rotary as a GPEI spearheading partner and says Rotary "has exceeded its goal to raise more than $200 million to match a $355 million challenge grant" from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Read the entire editorial or download PDF, attached.

Bloomberg Radio- June 28 2012 (attached)

(Locally in NYC on WBBR AM 1130, Elsewhere via Sirius XM, Channel 113, Live webcast:  bloomberg.com)

John Hewko describes how Rotary clubs occupy the intersection of “commerce and cause” by providing members with opportunities to both network with local business leaders and participate in rewarding community and international service activities, such as the global eradication of polio.

Yomiuri Shimbun- June 22, 2012 Japanese daily with the largest circulation, ran a profile story on President-elect Sakuji Tanaka. He is depicted as a real self-made man in an inspiring way.  Polio eradication is mentioned in his comment, “I’m committed to eradicate polio campaign. Eradication of polio is Rotary’s top priority.”  He also mentioned about the two schools he and his district built in Bangladesh. The story is mainly about his life (including Rotary).  The last paragraph reads ‘Rotary clubs are organizations which implement service activities in the communities both locally and internationally.  There are about 90,000 members in 2,300 clubs in Japan.”  Read the story: http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/e-japan/saitama/news/20120621-OYT8T01550.htm

  Real Simple- June 2012 (attached)

The June 2012 issue contains a feature profile of Rotarian Ann Lee Hussey, a polio survivor who has traveled the world to immunize children against the disease. The story carries strong Rotary messaging. Real Simple has more than 2 million subscribers and its website gets 2.6 million unique visitors per month.  Read the story: http://www.realsimple.com/health/preventative-health/polio-vaccine-00100000079690/index.html

  Canadian Originals, CTV- May 2012

This is a national profile story on Rotarian Ramesh Ferris, a polio survivor and advocate. CTV has been the most-watched and #1 television network in Canada for the past nine years and its newscasts reach more than 25 million viewers each week. See the story: http://watch.ctv.ca/news/top-picks/canadian-original/#clip671301

  Canadian-Asian News- June 15, 2012 (attached)

An op-ed on polio eradication by Pakistan Rotary National PolioPlus Chair Aziz Memon was published in The Canadian Asian News, an English-language newspaper in Pakistan.

  The Asian Age- May 21, 2012 (attached)

Reporter Patralehka Chaterjee attended the 2012 Bangkok Convention and wrote a follow-up story, “Polio-endemic nations look to up to India for key lessons.”

  World Health Assembly Media Coverage-  May 2012

To publicize the World Health Resolution and the launch of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative’s emergency action plan, Rotary and its partners conducted a coordinated traditional and social media outreach effort.  An infographicwas shared by Rotary polio ambassadors including Jack Nicklaus, Angelique Kidjo, A.R. Rahman and others. The infographic had more than 30,000 views online. In addition, Rotary Polio Ambassadors and “This Close” participants Angelique Kidjo, Jack Nicklaus, Tanvi Shah, Pau Gasol and A.R. Rahman shared the infographic through their social networks, for a combined potential reach of 2,274,000 on Twitter and 3,105,000 on Facebook.Reuters AlertNet (Megan Rowling) - May 24, 2012 BBC News - May 24, 2012 ‘Emergency plan’ to eradicate polio launched Forbes - May 26, 2012 How Polio Can Be A Global Emergency When Cases Are At An All-Time LowVatican Radio - May 24, 2012 World begins final push to eradicate polio The Atlantic - May 29, 2012 Why Polio Just Became a Global Health Crisis—and a Global Governance Crisis Agence France Presse - May 24, 2012 Emergency plan launched for endgame of polio eradication International Business Times - May 24, 2012 Polio Remains Endemic in Nigeria, Pakistan And Afghanistan: Health Officials CTV National News (The Canadian Press) - May 24, 2012 Effort to rid world of polio takes another step forward UN Dispatch - May 24, 2012 There’s a global polio emergency: Now what? Bloomberg (Editorial) - May 24, 2012 Don’t Let Polio, Nearly Dead and Gone, Come Back to Life

Maratón Rotario sobre la Paz. Paul Beaulieu PDG. Coordinador Rotary Zona 24 este.

Queridos amigos Rotary:

El nuevo tema Rotary es LA PAZ POR EL SERVICIO. El presidente Tanaka ha escogido este tema que a mi parecer es  muy significativo y actual. Eso me ha dado una idea.  Solicito vuestra ayuda para el proyecto que he preparado para el 21 de Septiembre que es el día Internacional de la Paz.

La idea es disponer de ponentes que durante veinticuatro horas discutan sobre la Paz. Necesitamos clubes en cada uno de los veinticuatro husos horarios que  organicen un encuentro de entre 5  y 7 horas  ( 17 a 19 horas)  para discutir sobre la Paz. El  resultado: un maratón sobre la Paz por los Rotarios.

-  Espeo que puedan encontrar un club en cada uno de los husos horarios que puedan organizar  un evento de 5 a 7 (la hora del cóctel). Pueden tener muchos eventos en la misma zona.

-  Me gustaría que mandaran esta información a todos sus amigos Rotarios pidiéndoles que difundan la información a los clubes. -  Uds. Pueden también establecer un lazo en su página Facebook,  Linkedin,  Twitter o toda media social para difundir lo más posible la información.

Algunos entre ustedes conocen socios Rotario en diferentes husos horarios. . No olviden: Que podemos tener varios eventos en la misma zona o el mismo Distrito. Es necesario hacer conocer el evento a todos los Rotarios. Más eventos mejor será el impacto que tendremos para nuestra imagen pública.

Visiten nuestra página web a www.maratonrotaryporlapaz.org  donde encontrarán toda la información así como el formulario para inscribir los eventos a nuestro maratón. Podrán así seguir la lista de los eventos que tendrán lugar en cada huso horario a lo largo de ese día.

El costo es solamente de $ 75 dólares americanos para registrar su evento. Eso cubrirá los costos de la página web y de promoción. Todo lo sobrante será entregado al programa de los Becarios para la Paz.

Un agradecimiento anticipado por su ayuda en esta bella aventura!  Sin su ayuda eso seria muy difícil.

Cordialmente. Paul Beaulieu PDG. Coordinador Rotary Zona 24 este.

Alumni Relations. Rotary Program Participation Survey

Former Rotary program participants can provide their information to Rotary International through a new survey. This survey is intended for all Rotary Foundation alumni – former Ambassadorial Scholars, GSE participants, Rotary Peace Fellows, and Global Grant recipients – as well as former Rotaractors, Interactors, Youth Exchange, and RYLA participants to update their contact details and stay in touch with Rotary. Encourage past programs participants to visit http://www.rotary.org/en/StudentsAndYouth/Alumni/contactinfo/Pages/ridefault.aspx to share their story and discover new opportunities with Rotary.

Alumni Updates

Claudia Kolker, 1987-88 Ambassadorial Scholar sponsored by the Rotary Club of Bethesda-Chevy Chase, Maryland, USA (District 7620) to attend El Colegio de Mexico in Mexico City, Mexico.



Claudia Kolker is an award-winning journalist who has reported from Mexico, El Salvador, the Caribbean, Japan, and India. A native of Washington, D.C., USA, she worked as a freelance writer covering the end of El Salvador's civil war and the U.S. invasion of Haiti. She first joined the Houston Chronicle staff in 1996 as a city desk reporter specializing in immigrant affairs, then served as the Houston bureau chief for the Los Angeles Times. She returned to the Houston Chronicle as a member of the editorial board in 2005 and now lives in Houston, Texas, USA with her husband and two children.

In October 2011, she published her first book, The Immigrant Advantage: What We Can Learn from Newcomers to America about Health, Happiness, and Hope. For details, please visit http://www.theimmigrantadvantage.com. More recently, her article, Born to serve, was published in the May 2012 issue of The Rotarian magazine and can be accessed here: http://www.rotary.org/en/MediaAndNews/TheRotarian/Pages/Culture1205.aspx

 OPERATIONS AND ADMINISTRATION

   SHARE Tip of the Month

As part of our annual mailing, a 2012-13 SHARE System Report and 2012-13 DDF donation form are being sent to all districts (nonpilot and pilot) to inform them of their 2011-12 carry forward amount.

Additionally, some districts will see increased DDF from Permanent Fund spendable earnings. Districts with endowed funds whose earnings are directed to SHARE are receiving an Endowed Fund Update.

Copies of the SHARE reports and endowed fund updates for your districts will be sent to you via email.

Questions about SHARE? Contact Steve Lyons, 847-866-3362; steve.lyons@rotary.org.

TRF Programs. Rotary Peace Centers.

   Rotary Peace Fellows Complete Short-term Professional Development Program

Twenty-one Rotary Peace Fellows completed the professional development program at the Rotary Peace Center at Chulalongkorn University and are being awarded a certificate of completion on 31 August 2012. The fellows started the three-month intensive program in June and conducted field study tours to Northern Thailand and Cambodia in conjunction with their classroom learning. The next three-month session of the professional development program will begin in January 2013.

Class XI Peace Fellows start classes

Rotary Peace Fellows at Duke University, University of North Carolina, Uppsala University, University of Bradford, and International Christian University will be starting classes at their respective universities this fall. Each program begins with a week-long orientation on the campus, during which the peace fellows will meet each other and their host area counselors. To meet this exciting new class of fellows, please visit our student profile page at: http://www.rotary.org/en/StudentsAndYouth/Alumni/Currentandpaststudents/Pages/ridefault.aspx

Uppsala University

Uppsala University will hold a formal ceremony to inaugurate the Rotary Peace Center at Uppsala University. It is expected to be well attended by local Rotarians, academics, and Rotary Foundation General Manager, John Osterlund.

Rotary Peace Centers Application Deadline and Committee Meeting

Rotary Peace Fellowship applications were due 1 July 2012. Nearly 250 applications were received from around the globe. The Rotary Peace Centers Committee will hold its annual meeting 15-18 October 2012 at One Rotary Center to select the 12th class of Rotary Peace Fellows, as well as discuss important program improvements and recommendations.

Sign up to receive more Rotary Peace Centers news at:

http://www.rotary.org/en/StudentsAndYouth/EducationalPrograms/RotaryCentersForInternationalStudies/Pages/PeaceNetNewsletter.aspx

Donor Recognition Events at the 2012 RI Convention

   The annual Arch C. Klumph Society dinner hosted by Rotary Foundation Chair William Boyd was held at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Bangkok. Guests enjoyed a cocktail reception and dinner before spending the night mingling with fellow society members. RI President Kalyan Banerjee offered a toast to everyone in attendance and RI General Secretary John Hewko introduced the newly qualified members from the 2011-12 Rotary year. A highlight of the evening was an announcement by society member, Mrs. Rajashree Birla, who pledged an additional US$1 million donation for polio eradication efforts.

The 19th annual Major Donor Dinner hosted by the Trustees of The Rotary Foundation was held at the Shangri-La Hotel in Bangkok. Approximately 700 Major Donors, Rotary Foundation’s Board of Trustees, and other distinguished guests enjoyed a lovely evening of dinner and dancing. Attendees were treated to a special video which featured Rotarians, Peace Fellows, and beneficiaries of the Foundation’s grants thanking everyone for their continued support.

Lastly, the 11th annual Bequest Society Reception was held at the Impact Convention Center. Society members enjoyed light hors d'oeuvres and cocktails while listening to traditional Thai music.

Paul Harris Society Webinar

On 7 August 2012, The Rotary Foundation hosted a Paul Harris Society Webinar, featuring Rotarian panelists who shared best practices and resources for growing PHS membership, tracking participation, providing recognition, holding appreciation events and much more. To view a recording of this webinar (English only), please go to https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/713364824.

The Paul Harris Society is a district-administered recognition for those who elect to personally contribute US$1,000 or more each year to the Annual Fund, PolioPlus, or an approved Rotary Foundation Grant. Paul Harris Societies are active and growing in districts throughout the world, and they continue to be one of the most important strategies for sustaining and increasing financial support for our Foundation.

As of 30 June 2012, 483 districts reported 28,652 individuals contributing at the Paul Harris Society level. Although less than 3% of Rotary Foundation supporters are eligible members of the Paul Harris Society, their contributions represent roughly 35% of all Annual Fund contributions for the year.

Rotary Foundation Contribution Figures for the one month ended 31 July 2012

 Annual Fund: US$5.4 million

PolioPlus: US$1.1 million

Permanent Fund & Related: US$1.5 million

Other Giving: US$827 thousand

Donor Advised Fund: US$124 thousand

Total Contributions: US$9.0 million

1 This report is confidential. Totals differ from audited financial statements. Other Giving includes flow-through contributions, such as the sponsor portion of Matching Grants and Global Grants that are not recognized as contribution revenue on the financial statements. PolioPlus excludes contributions from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Service Awards for a Polio-Free World

  

The Service Awards for a Polio-Free World nominations are open. If you know a Rotarian who has done an

outstanding job in the area of polio eradication, please read the attached criteria, fill out the attached nomination

form and submit it by 1 November 2012. Any Rotarian can nominate any other Rotarian. Please email your

nominations to polioplus@rotary.org or fax them to 847-556-2189. For more information, contact Regina

Rodriguez-Martin at regina.rodriguez-martin@rotary.org or call 1-847-866-3305.

Message from Brenda Cressey, 2013 RRFC Institute Moderator.

  The Global Reach of Rotary continues to be extraordinarily strong. Every day we learn about thousands of passionate Rotarians who continue to “DO GOOD IN THE WORLD”. We hope you encourage leaders in your respective Districts to share those successful projects and programs, supported by The Rotary Foundation, that are truly “MaThe Global Reach of Rotary continues to be extraordinarily strong. Every day we learn about thousands of passionate Rotarians who continue to “DO GOOD IN THE WORLD”. We hope you encourage leaders in your respective Districts to share those successful projects and programs, supported by The Rotary Foundation, that are truly “Making a Difference” by using the new Rotary Showcase.

 Your collaboration and efforts with the RC’s and RPIC’s are working to highlight the many benefits and wonders of Rotary Membership and ongoing important support of our Rotary Foundation. We now enjoy many difference sources of communications from Rotary International as they continue to improve our outreach by way of E-Communications, Linked In, Facebook and Twitter.

However, I think you will all agree that the smiles shown on the faces of our RI President Sukuji Tanaka and Trustee Chair Wilf Wilkinson is infectious as they enthusiastically share their love of Rotary around the world! I’m sure, like me, when reading and looking at the many photos reflecting their high energy you cannot help and be proud of this incredible organization.

Future Vision success continues to be encouraging and the best practices coming out of our Pilot District’s is virtually invaluable. However, as we continue to hear concerns about the loss of our long running and successful GSE and Ambassadorial Scholarships we hope you keep yourselves abreast of the positive effects realized by having these programs designed with more flexibility.