Governor's Message

 

As I write this --

Most of us had a chance to visit or hear the Group Study Exchange Team from India.  Your editor had an opportunity to host one of the team members, and to attend a welcoming event.  I won't embarrass any individual team members, but I'd like to share a few comments because I encourage you to try hosting or participating if you get the opportunity with such programs.

• My family enjoyed the conversations, and talked even more than I did !
• It was a growth experience for us and for the visitor -- different ideas about life and politics, insights into their/our day-to-day living.
• Offered were invitations to visit and recommendations on travel. 
• On a humorous note, when the guest arrived, he was afraid of dogs.  By the time he left he had our Gabi rolling over to have her tummy rubbed !

As has been said, Rotary is diplomacy, one person at a time.  

[ p.s., one piece of advice -- persuade/ask your spouse first.  He/she will probably say "Yes", but "better safe than sorry" ! ]

Try a social event such as "Festivus in The Spring" to build club cohesion and enthusiasm...and also raise awareness and money.  It's the sort of social event many clubs held years ago.  

Details about the celebration can be gleaned from a redacted article on the club's website [names dropped to protect the happy and perhaps not so innocent] : "About 30 Rotarians and guests had a wonderful time celebrating the Club's 'Spring Fling'.  Rotarian and partner generously opened their home to host this event.  The club's President-Elect ran the ubiquitous Rotary Raffle and racked up $120 to be used to help End Polio Now.  In the picture to the left, our Rotarian Jim is holding up one of the three raffle prizes awarded.  Two other Rotarian's were the other proud winners.  There was plenty of food, drink and fellowship.  Be sure to check out Photo Rotarian's album by clicking pictures of the event."

• An Opportunity for our Significant Other --  

  One of the recent changes in the Rotary Constitution is the opportunity for a Rotarian's significant other...to be a Rotarian too.   Governor Mike reflected that this gives a significant opportunity for one's "other" to serve and be recognized, whether it's in the same club or as a member of a different club. 

• Changes in Global Grant and District Grant Rules -- based on numerous requests from clubs and individual Rotarians, the Humanitarian Grants Committee is implementing several changes.   The maximum amount per club eligible for DDF has been increased from $5,000 to $7,500.  Official Rotary programs such as Shelter Box will now be eligible for District Grants, as will RYLA and club scholarships.  The limits per club will remain the same, but there will be far more ways to qualify.   

• List of Vocational Scholarship Winners -- Congratulations and Thank You to both the winners and the club and district selection committee members !  To see the list, click here. 

• Some details about the Global Polio Eradication Initiative -- it includes Rotary International, has kicked off an estimated $5.5 Billion dollar effort designed to interrupt transmission of the wild polio virus by the end of 2014, strengthen routine immunization, lay the groundwork for securing a lasting polio-free world by 2018.   The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation pledged 1/3 of the total cost. Total pledges are already near the $4 Billion mark.  Our Saturday and other events help, each in their perhaps small but important way.   

• Governor-Elect Sarah Oliver will be installed as District Governor on Sunday, June 30, a brunch 11:30-2, at Highland Park Country Club.  If you want to be there for the start of her year, click here. Ask your president if you can represent your club, or   It's a nice ride, a pleasant place, good company, and a good purpose!