With new cases topping 400,000 a day, a critical oxygen shortage, lack of hospital beds, and a mounting death toll, the situation in India shows no sign of waning, and help is urgently needed. Likewise, Brazil and numerous other countries are facing some of the same issues and there is great need for support.
We are calling on District Governors to provide assistance by sending supplies and equipment, such as oxygen concentrators and ventilators and anything else they require. We encourage you to work with clubs in your district and coordinate with Rotary clubs in the country in need to facilitate an in-kind donation of supplies, and coordinate shipping--either through a private company or paying to have supplies shipped yourself. You can also establish a joint effort by partnering with other clubs, districts, or local organizations."
For years, Susanne and I hosted many Rotary Youth Exchange students in our home. This program was an entry point to Rotary for me, and my heart is truly in it. When Rotary’s exchange programs were suspended because of COVID-19 to keep students and families safe, we felt sorry, especially for the participants, because those years cannot be repeated.
Because of the many uncertainties of the pandemic, the Rotary Board has decided to suspend in-person exchanges through June 2022. As we look ahead with hope, we thank Youth Exchange officers, host families, and volunteers for their contributions in years past, and we encourage districts to offer virtual exchanges as a way of connecting students around the world with each other and with our communities.
District Governor Robert (Bob) McLean and his wife Terri pictured with RI President Elect Holger Knaack and his wife Susanne
Greetings Fellow Rotarians of District 5580 ,
It was just a few weeks ago that we listened, learned, and celebrated at our District 5580 District Conference; our first ever virtual conference! Clubs and Rotarians were recognized for exceptional achievements. There were extraordinary speakers from the highest ranks of Rotary. We heard presentations and panels address each of Rotary’s Seven Areas of Focus along with great insights into Membership development, Learning to tell our own Rotary Story, and how important the strength of our Foundation is to our work in the world of Rotary.
If you were unable to catch all of the amazing sessions offered at our 2021 Rotary Virtual District Conference the week of April 26, you may be excited to know that links to YouTube recordings of all sessions have been added to our Speaker’s Bureau! To access one or more of the recorded sessions, just go to the D5580 website and look under Club Support / Club Resources / Speaker & Program Ideas.
Submitted by: Herb Schmidt, District Foundation Chair
The end of this Rotary year is fast approaching! Now is the time to review your Foundation commitment for this Rotary year and plan how you want to support the worldwide humanitarian work of Rotarians and their Rotary clubs this coming Rotary year. The Rotary Foundation is extremely efficient with your contributions with $.92 of every dollar given to the annual fund going directly for humanitarian projects. Contributions to the annual are invested for three years. After three years, the principal is returned to the districts and the Foundation World Fund for humanitarian projects. These are the funds that support the club projects. The earnings pay for much of the administrative, marketing and fundraising expenses. So, what you contribute this year has a direct impact on available funds for 2023-24 and what you contribute the next Rotary year will make a huge difference for many people around the world in 2024-25. Please have year-end contributions sent in to the Rotary Foundation by mid June so they will be accounted for this Rotary year. Thank you for all the good you do in this world!
ND Concurrent Resolution 4009 passed the 2021 North Dakota Legislature and specifically honors Rotary District 5580 and PDG Jim Ozbun for the Rotary spurred efforts to mark the Great Western Trail from Mexico to Saskatchewan.
The Great Western Trail was a cattle trail initiated in 1876 that was instrumental in the cattle industry from 1876 through the 1890’s when developing rail infrastructure replaced it.
Rotarians from Districts from Texas To Saskatchewan, Canada, were instrumental in marking the historic trail over numerous Rotary districts, 6 states and a Canadian Province.
Jim Ozbun, before during and after his governorship of District 5580, various other Rotary District Governors and historical societies from states and provinces, all collaborated in marking the trail. PDG, Ozbun, a past President of North Dakota State University, and Governor of Rotary District 5580 from 2008-2009, was instrumental in the group that initiated and completed the marking of the trail. With the help of volunteers from the Dickinson, Bowman and other Rotary Clubs in North Dakota, marking the trail in North Dakota began with a marker in Medora in 2009, and has been completed in North Dakota this year.
The completion of marking the trail will occur in Saskatchewan later this summer.
The Concurrent Resolution honoring PDG Ozbun and the participating Rotary Clubs of D5580 was sent to all Rotary Past District Governors in the District. Kudos to PDG Jim!
Submitted by: PDG Don Cavalier, Phoenix District 5580 Champion
Why Project Phoenix 223?
A phoenix is a mythological bird that cyclically regenerates. A phoenix obtains new life by arising from the ashes of its predecessor. Our recent cycle has been one of losing members and clubs. We will all work together to see the rebirth of club and membership growth. That’s what we aim to do, along with all of you!
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is a top priority for Rotary International, one that underscores the core values that are a foundation for how members interact with each other and their communities. Over the last two years, the RI Board of Directors have taken steps to cement Rotary's commitment to being an organization that sets the standard for valuing and living the principals of DEI.
Editor's Note: This section honors the Rotary legacy of District 5580 Rotarians who have passed away during each month. Clubs are encouraged to send information and share reflections for inclusion in "Cross Currents".
Newsletter articles contain a Social Media Share Bar allowing them to be shared on various Social Media platforms.
Articles and photos for the District Newsletter can be sent to District Administrator Gloria Mink at gloriad5580@outlook.comand Newsletter Editor Ashley Hall atashleydhall21@gmail.com. Articles should be sent in Microsoft Word format. Photos should be sent in .jpeg format. Past newsletter issues may be viewed here.
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