A quarter of the Rotary year is now behind us. I am sure you are helping Rotary to grow more and do more. And I hope you have already done your part for the Each One, Bring One initiative by introducing one person to Rotary.
Do you ever think about your earliest days as a Rotarian? I often do — because those first moments of discovering the power of service shaped who I am today. When I joined my Rotary club, our efforts focused on India’s rural communities, where people were living without toilets, getting their drinking water from the same pond they bathed in, and sending their children to outdoor classrooms set up under a tree. The nearest health care provider often was miles away — and the services were inadequate. But after Rotary clubs carried out some service projects, the villages had toilets, clean drinking water, a classroom for early learning, and a nearby health care center.
October is Economic & Community Development month. Rotary supports investments in people to create measurable and enduring economic improvement in their lives and communities.
The Rotary Foundation enables Rotarians to invest in people by creating sustainable, measurable and long term economic improvements in their communities and livelihoods by :
1. Building the capacity of entrepreneurs, community leaders, local organizations, and community networks to support economic development in impoverished communities;
2. Developing opportunities for productive work;
3. Reducing poverty in under-served communities;
4. Supporting studies for career-minded professionals related to economic and community development.
If the world has ZERO cases of any form of Polio, in any country by 2023 and then, if the entire world remains Polio Free for another three years after that (to 2026). The world can then be certified POLIO FREE!!!
From that point on Rotary would work on maintaining the Polio Free status.
5 tips for effective virtual presentations (From Rotary Training Talk)
With so many training events now being held fully or partially online, you too may be planning some virtual lessons. Try these tips from Past District Governor Chris Offer of the Rotary Club of Ladner, British Columbia, Canada:
Prep your environment. Use a high-quality camera set at eye level. Avoid having light behind you or at your side, because it can create unflattering shadows. Test your microphone to make sure it works with the virtual platform you’re using. Confirm that your Wi-Fi signal is strong or, if you can, plug directly into an Ethernet connection.
Use a second monitor. If you’ll refer to on-screen notes during your presentation, think about using a second monitor. Use the monitor with the camera to pull up your notes, so as you read them it looks like you’re making eye contact with your audience. Use the other monitor to share your slides.
Keep presentation slides to a minimum.Less is more. Limit the number of slides so your audience can focus on the message of your presentation.And keep your graphics and fonts simple.
Engage your audience. Keep your audience involved by polling them, posing discussion questions, and using breakout rooms for small group discussions.
Rehearse. Practice your presentation so you can get comfortable in front of the camera. Rehearsing also helps you get used to the technology you’re using.
In support of your club's membership development and community outreach, the club will receive $100 for each new member who joins through June 30, 2022. The dollars are in place to help lower the cost to the new member and are to be used to directly offset the new member's dues.
The $100 will be sent to the club upon official notice of the new member (a copy of their approved membership application can be forwarded to District Treasurer Elaine Hansen). All clubs are eligible provided they are current on their RI and District Dues and have their club goals posted on Club Central.
The Rotary theme for November is “The Rotary Foundation”. The Rotary Foundation (TRF) is the key to all the humanitarian work that we, as Rotarians, do around the world. By donating to the Rotary Foundation you are participating in the humanitarian work being done to help others in need, both here at home and internationally, even though you may not be there physically. The Rotary Foundation depends on YOU for support. Please review and evaluate your philanthropy objectives during Foundation month. Below are a few of the common questions and answers about the Rotary Foundation. As always, please feel free to call, email or text me with any specific questions.
Rotary Foundation Q&A
WHY The Rotary Foundation?
The Rotary Foundation is one of the best and most efficient foundations in the world (Charity Navigator).
Ninety two cents ($.92) of every dollar you give goes directly to humanitarian service.
Enables Rotarians to leverage resources for maximum effect thru matching grants.
The number one thing most clubs want to know is what is happening around the District, but we can't help spread the word if we don't know what your club is up to.
Please submit a summary of your club events, news and projects to Ashley by the 10th of each month. We can include information in our Monday Minutes and in our newsletter.
September 21, 2021 the Rotary Riverside Park Pavilion was packed with Rotarians and elected officials such as Crow Wing County Commissioner Steve Barrows, Rep. Josh Heintzeman, and Sen. Carrie Ruud to celebrate the Brainerd Rotary Club’s centennial with a dedication ceremony for the pavilion.
District 5580 wants to thank our District Governor, District Executives, Officers, Assistant Governors, leadership teams and committees throughout our area for your hard work and dedication. Without you our District would not have the impact it does or be able to accomplish the great things that we do together.
Be sure to thank you local leaders for their commitment to your club and community.