People from all over the world have multiple reasons for joining Rotary. Many new Rotarians each year join for the same reason I did — because Rotary is a great way to benefit your career. When I was a new attorney starting out in Alabama, Gay and I became partners in her father's firm. He instilled in us the value of joining Rotary as a way to build relationships and demonstrate to potential clients that we were serious professionals who held firm to values even more robust than what our profession required.
District Governor Rick Bricker and his wife Susan Bricker
Happy New Year. I trust that everyone had a great holiday season and you all are enthusiastic about what the new year brings. I know I am! It is official that I am now over half way through my term as Governor with only a couple of club visits left to do. Seems like only yesterday that Susan and I started on this journey. We have enjoyed it so much.
Submitted by: Stacy Schaffer, Lynn Hunt and Bob McLean, District 5580 Human Trafficking Subcommittee
Editor's Note: Club Presidents and others, please share this with your club, so that every Rotarian learns of this effort and has a chance to participate. This letter was previously sent to Club Presidents.
Dear District 5580 Fellow Rotarians,
January marks National Human Trafficking Awareness Month and January 11th is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day. We are still working on posters for the District but in the meantime, you can use the following websites on some ways to participate in raising awareness on human trafficking this month.
Submitted by: Goria Mink, District 5580 Executive Secretary
We are pleased to announce that registration for the Rotary District 5580 Conference is OPEN!! Join us at Madden's Resort on beautiful Gull Lake in Brainerd, MN for an exciting mix of education, service above self, and fun!
Submitted by: Gloria Mink, Rotary District 5580 Executive Secretary
We are excited to announce that our district will be presenting a One Rotary Summit, emphasizing how we as Rotarians and Rotaractors are Connected by Our Rotary Stories, on February 1, 2020. This summit emphasizes the relationship among Membership, Public Image, and Humanitarian Service through The Rotary Foundation and it is a unique and effective way to help club members understand and become truly engaged in the opportunities offered by Rotary and Rotaract.
Here is a video invite from Gloria Mink, District 5580 Executive Secretary
Submitted by: Marjorie McPeak, District 5580 Literacy Coordinator
Although the Oxford Dictionary defines Literacy as "the ability to read and write' It is far more than that! And that is why Rotary International gives Literacy a month to heighten the awareness of its importance. Now is the time to start planning activities for March 2020 Literacy Month.
Submitted by: District Governor-Elect Bob McLean and District 5580 Trainer Linda Marrin
Mark your calendars for the 2020 Presidents-Elect Training Seminar (PETS): Thursday, April 23, 2020 at Madden's Resort in Brainerd, MN prior to the District Conference!
Submitted by Dr. Cleantus Jean, Jr., District 7020, Cap Haitien Rotary Club
As a Haitian orphan who has realized his dream of becoming a physician, I understand a bit about empowerment. About what it is like to be mired in poverty, with only the richness of dreams and goals to fuel an intense personal desire to succeed. About God-given opportunities that require dedication and hard work - yet that profoundly change the trajectory of one’s life.
You are invited on a Rotary Tour including visits to Moscow, Saint Petersburg and the District 2223 Conference in Novosibirsk – Altai Krai from May 6-22, 2020!
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".
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