A periodic electronic news update and information letter to leaders across Zones 25 and 26 and beyond
February 11, 2010
Volume 2 Issue 4
Turn up your speakers and listen to a message from the Director
"Building Communities - Bridging Continents"
2010-11 Rotary Leaders First to Hear Theme at International Assembly
Rotary Governors Elect in Zones 25 and 26 had their Rotary emotions heightened by this year's International Assembly in San Diego, California. From the opening extravaganza on Monday, January 18 through the plenary sessions, the facilitated breakouts, the International Festival Dinner and Dance, the world affairs seminars, the International Festival Talent Night and finally to the tearful closing program DGEs from all over the world were entertained, informed, motivated, and inspired.
 
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This year's assembly exhibited many changes- a shortened duration with two days dedicated to future vision pilot district training; a Monday-night opening session, as opposed to the normal morning opening; the new "World Affairs Seminar" that was open to spouses and others on site; and many new assembly presenters on stage.
Every assembly has that fever anticipation of the theme, emphasis, and graphics for the coming year. After taking the stage to the tune of "California, Here I Come," RI President-elect Ray Klinginsmith announced the 2010-11 RI theme, Building Communities -- Bridging Continents.
President Elect Ray challenged his team of Rotary leaders to concentrate on building "Bigger-Better-Bolder Clubs". Outreach to youth, one of Klinginsmith's emphases, received special attention during plenary sessions on the Rotary Centers for International Studies in peace and conflict resolution and Rotary youth programs.
Click here to read a wrap-up of the Assembly.
Click here for assembly resources, including theme graphics, speeches, and videos of the assembly.
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"Generators" hard at work at the International Assembly! |
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One Hundred Pilot Districts Train for Special Assignement
Governors Elect, District Foundation Chairs, Regional Leaders Meet Prior to International Assembly
For two days prior to this year's International Assembly in San Diego, California incoming district governors and Rotary Foundation chairs from the 100 Future Vision pilot districts as well as all the regional Rotary Foundation coordinators convened for special training for their part in the new TRF Future Vision pilot. The launch for this pilot is July 1.
There was plenty to talk about. Throughout the two days, participants attended plenary and breakout sessions to discuss the new Foundation grants structure, their responsibilities as district leaders, and district qualification and stewardship. The sessions featured question-and-answer opportunities with current and former Foundation leaders, Foundation staff, and other Rotary experts.
After a long day of Future Vision Pilot Training, district leaders were ready to put their knowledge to work by swapping humanitarian project ideas with their peers.
"This is a unique opportunity to look each other in the eye, shake each other's hand, and make a human connection," said moderator Carolyn E. Jones, a past Rotary Foundation trustee.
To fully understand the goals of the Future Vision pilot and more information about TRF's Future Vision click here: Future Vision pilot.
Past and Present Rotary Officers Reunite in San Diego
One hundred and sixty-eight Rotary leaders and guests heard from many current board members, TRF trustees, and the President, President Elect, and President Nominee at this year's Past Officers Reunion a few doors down from the International Assembly in San Diego.
Click here for the daily review of the POR.
Esperience Bridging Continents!
Join Rotary Leaders from Communities "Around Our World"
Click here to register for the 2010 Rotary Institute in Bellevue, Washington and experience Rotary "Around Our World". In Bellevue next fall we will build a bridge between all the continents of the world - through Rotary.
Click here to view the newly remodeled, beautiful Bellevue Hyatt Regency hotel and register at our very special $149 rate. This rate is applicable from September 23 to October 6 so you can enjoy this vibrant city.
Vive l'Amitié Let's Celebrate "Long Live Friendship" in Montreal
Far West Reception in Montreal on June 21, 2010 at the International Convention.
Building Communities & Bridging Continents requires fellowship & friendship so at 5:00 PM on June 21 we'll gather at the Perspective 235° Room of the Montreal Science Center in the Old Port. We'll experience sunset with our friends from our zones 25 and 26 & see bedazzling Montreal at night from a room with a 235° view. Click here for more information and to register online.
The Latest Rotary News from Haiti
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Rotary clubs and districts worldwide are mobilizing resources to deliver urgently needed relief to the millions affected by Haiti's devastating earthquake.
District 7020, which includes Haiti, has flown in 70 planes filled with more than 60,000 pounds of medical equipment and supplies into the cities of Pignon and Port-de-Paix to bypass logistical problems in the hard-hit capital of Port-au-Prince.
The United Nations estimates that more than half of the buildings in the capital have collapsed. About 200,000 people are dead and millions more homeless.
"Rotary had an incredible infrastructure established before the quake, which has made our relief efforts very effective," says Dick McCombe, Haiti liaison chair. "We're flying in supplies through backdoor channels and doing things a lot of agencies can't do."
The acute relief efforts are coming to an end over the next couple days. The next phase will be on fixed clinics and then hospitals as the medical care becomes much more focused.
Rotary Clubs and Rotary Districts are asked work with District 7020 Rotarians and please keep in mind that this is a long term relief effort and Rotary will be part of the rebuilding and will need significant cash to participate in meaningful projects as time goes by and we have a plan in place for us to help implement.
District 7020 Governor Errol C. Alberga requests Rotary donations to the Rotary Foundation Haiti Donor Advised Fund or the District 7020 Disaster Account.
Click here for information on how you can help.
Click here for information on TRF donor advised fund for Haiti.
Click here to follow the work of Rotarians in Haiti via a regularly updated blog.
Click here to read more about District 7020 and its work in Haiti click here.
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Interact Students Part of High School Team in Haiti Before the Earthquake A group of 17 teenagers and 8 chaperones from Mount Sentinel Secondary School near Nelson, British Columbia landed in Haiti for service project just 45 minutes prior to the devastating 7.0 earthquake hit. Several of the students were members of the school's interact club. They spent a harrowing week in Grand Goave, 20 minutes up the road from a destroyed church compound they had intended to help by building a goat farm. When apprised of the situation, Governor Arlan Gadeken of District 5080 that includes Rotary clubs in Nelson, BC enlisted the help of a Rotary network immediately established in Haiti, led by PRID Barry Rassin, District 7020. While Barry and his Rotary contacts were exploring ways to help move the Canadians from their location to an airport the Canadian government was also sending help to retrieve them from Haiti. When it appeared that the students were heading home Governor Gadeken summarized the situation, saying, "Although the Rotary Connections were not used, the comfort and support that it showed was immense in this situation". |
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Upcoming Events |
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You can find more information on Zone events on the Zone Website Calendar.
Rotary Zones 25-26 - www.RotaryZones2526.org