As I look back on all the things I have seen and the people I have met since becoming president of Rotary International last July, I am certain of this: Rotary’s capacity to transform lives for the better is unparalleled. Our impact is far beyond anything I could have imagined when I first became a Rotarian.
I think about the Rotarians I met in Pakistan, who partnered with Coca-Cola to improve sanitation in Karachi’s neighborhoods while supporting polio eradication efforts. I think about the Puerto Rican Rotarians who are helping entire communities rebuild their lives after Hurricane Maria. I think about the German Rotaractors who are working to save bees — whose role as pollinators is so important to our planet — from extinction. I think about the six Rotarians and Rotaractors who were honored as People of Action: Young Innovators at Rotary Day at the United Nations in Nairobi, Kenya, in November for their work to create novel solutions to tough challenges.
It seems like only yesterday that I stood on a stage in San Diego and asked you to Be the Inspiration in your clubs, in your communities, and in the world. Your response was an inspiration to me. You are paving the way for Rotaractors to become our future leaders, helping start new Rotaract clubs and working to include Rotaractors in Rotary events and projects in your communities. You are working hard to eradicate polio, participating in 4,200 events in more than 100 countries for World Polio Day. And you are carrying out transformative projects that will create lasting change in your communities and in the world.
This year, I also saw how Rotary’s work to build peace is bearing fruit. The 98 Rotary Peace Fellows who are studying at our peace centers will soon graduate, joining more than 1,200 others in applying their conflict resolution skills to problems that need solutions. And this month, Esther and I will travel to Hamburg, Germany, for a convention where people of all races, nationalities, religions, and political backgrounds will unite because they want to make the lives of all people better.
Seeing what Rotary means to people — to the communities we serve and to Rotarians themselves — has deepened my affection and admiration for all that Rotary is and does.
Soon it will be time for Esther and me to return home to Nassau. When we get there, I will look out on the vast sea that surrounds our island, and it will remind me of Rotary’s limitless possibilities, and of the amazing future that awaits us beyond the horizon. I look forward to sailing there with you.
District Governor Blaine Johnson and his wife Jessie
Officially, June has been designated as Rotary Fellowships Month. It is also a month of change. As the Rotary year of “Be The Inspiration” comes to a conclusion and “Rotary Connects the World” is about to begin, the world of Rotary turns over once again. New leaders assume the helm, new themes appear, and new committees are formed. Sometimes, however, the change stops there because that is all the change we are accustomed to. Those new leaders and new committees sign up to take on the task of doing what they have always done all over again.
Think back on all of the popular television shows that have come and gone over the last 50 years. I have vague recollections of Tattoo screaming “De Plane!, De Plane!” on Fantasy Island, and Robin Leach toasting to “Champagne wishes and caviar dreams” on Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous. They were popular then, but no one has lost sleep over the fact that they still aren’t on the air. In fact, series like All in the Family or The Lone Ranger would never make primetime now. The world has changed, and our perspectives have changed. The sexism and racism that was somehow turned a blind eye to then is intolerable and unacceptable now. That is improvement, and as Rotarians we can and should do more.
Our Rotary Clubs aren’t much different. The time comes when somethings that we do are no longer popular or not inclusive. As a result we lose engagement, our retention declines, and potential members question if they are welcome. When you think of the longest running television program what comes to mind? M*A*S*H (11 years), Dallas (14 years), Lassie (19 years), or maybe the Simpsons (30 years). The longest running television program is actually Meet the Press, which started in 1947 and continues to run as the most watched Sunday morning public affairs broadcast. Meet the Press tackles the news of the week and looks forward to the week ahead always addressing the most relevant issues of the day. Its roundtable discussion provides different viewpoints in a professional manner. The strengths of that programming and the reasons it is so successful, relevance and cordial discord, are exactly what our Clubs must strive to emulate.
It has been absolutely humbling to serve this District in the capacity of District Governor. I consider myself quite fortunate to have been able to meet so many of you and to work alongside of the great people of District 5580. While so many things change over this month, there are a few things that remain constant in Rotary: the relationships we develop and the opportunity to use our own talents in giving back to our communities. They are the foundation of this great organization. Those two aspects of Rotary make me proud to be a Rotarian, and while my term as District Governor comes to an end, I know that I will be a Rotarian for life and continue to serve in any capacity needed. Thank you all for this opportunity.
So as this Rotary year comes to an end, don’t just set sail on another episode of The Love Boat. Challenge yourselves and your clubs to be relevant, to make a difference, to inspire, and to connect through Rotary.
Submitted: by Stacy Schaffer, Bismarck Far West Rotary
My name is Freddie Campbell and I am a Global Grant Scholar taking my Masters in Conflict Prevention and Peacebuilding in the historic city of Durham, England.
I have thoroughly enjoyed my studies thus far, and have had the opportunity to meet incredible people from all around the world. I have also been able to explore the United Kingdom in all of its architectural and momentous beauty.
Program highlights:
Lecturers from a variety of academic backgrounds as well as practitioners
Conflict Mediation Module - with a focus on gender sensitivity
Capstone Exercise - Humanitarian Intervention Simulation in which each student was given a different role to play in a complex emergency setting in the Dadaab refugee camp in Kenya 2011
Involvement in various Rotary events and initiatives…
Myself and a fellow Global Grant Scholar studying Defence, Development and Diplomacy have been speaking at various clubs around the North East of England.
My host club and I worked to support the Durham University TedX event. The theme is “Things Left Unsaid,” and the talks will question the social norms and boundaries
In conjunction with another local club and Durham students, my host club and I have been working to establish a sustainable Rotaract Club at Durham University.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Rotary Club of Bismarck Far West for sponsoring me on this once in a lifetime journey. This experience has and will continue to shape me as a globally minded leader working to take collaborative action and impact lasting change.
Submitted by: Craig Loughery, District Public Image Chair
We all know that getting our name and logo out in front of the public is important...and it becomes quite a positive influence when it is connected with a good cause, something that most people can relate to...And so, we have a proposal going, involving the following sign, reminding people to drive carefully...And we have a proposal to go along with it...
The signs are large, professionally designed and produced...They have the wording and new branding as shown in the picture, on a reflective background. They are intended to be attached to poles along roadways, primarily for use near schools, parks, ball fields, etc...Made from heavy gauge aluminum, they should last 20 years or more...and here's the pitch: Any club that wants to receive four of these signs for posting in their area, the District Public Image account will pay for half the cost- and have them shipped direct to you. At that rate, the 4 signs will cost about $375, which includes shipping; your club would pay half, about $185, directly, and the District will pay the other half. Because we have a limited overall Public Image budget, a quick commitment from your club will be helpful. Contact Craig Loughery at Rotarycraig@yahoo.com, or Scott Soderberg at rotaryscott5580@gmail.com...
As you may know, I will be finishing up my 3 year term as Public Image Coordinator as of June 30th; Scott will be taking over at that time. It has been a special privilege for me to have served in this capacity, during this time of the increasing awareness of the role of Public Image in the overall success of Rotary. I gratefully thank all those who helped along the way...and am certain Scott will supercharge our efforts into the future.
For the 18th year, Rotary clubs from Duluth and Superior will host the Lake Superior Dragon Boat Festival, the largest in the upper midwest, at Barker’s Island in Superior, WI.
For 15 years, our charitable partner has been the Essentia Foundation who has raised $909,607 through donations from dragon boat paddlers. This has enabled Essentia Health to benefit 3,638 local patients and families.
Since the inception of the festival, the sponsoring Rotary Clubs have raised over $670,000 (after expenses) from the Lake Superior Dragon Boat Festival through team registration fees, corporate sponsorship and income from vendors and beverage sales.
It’s open to all to paddle, volunteer or just to enjoy a constant variety of activities and support Rotary fundraising as well as helping this years’ charitable partners; Harbor House, Life House and Habitat for Humanity, fight homelessness in the Twin Ports.
The cumulative efforts of Rotarians and our charitable partners have resulted in over $3.2 million raised over the festival’s 17 year run and each year more fun is added!
Friday night (August 23) opening ceremonies, live music and fireworks with racing and more entertainment all day
Saturday (August 24) for the low low price of -(wait for it) FREE!
ShelterBox renews agreement to continue as Rotary International's Project Partner in disaster relief.
JUNE 3, 2019
Emergency shelter charity ShelterBox is celebrating signing up for another three years as Rotary International’s Project Partner in Disaster Relief. For almost 20 years, this unique humanitarian alliance has supported families with a place to call home after disaster.
ShelterBox provides emergency shelters and other essential items to support families who have lost their homes in disaster. Rotary is a global network whose members take action to make a lasting difference in their communities – and worldwide.
What began as a local connection with one Cornish Rotary Club has led to an international movement that’s raised over $68 million for ShelterBox to date – enough for 140,000 ShelterBox family tents or 390,000 ShelterKits.
First adopted as a millennium project by the Rotary Club of Helston-Lizard in 2000, the support of Rotary members and clubs around the world saw ShelterBox become Rotary’s Project Partner in Disaster Relief in 2012.
Since then, the partnership has helped transform ShelterBox into an internationally recognized disaster relief charity, supporting families with emergency shelter after disaster.
The partnership extends far beyond financial support. Around 1,000 Rotary members are involved in ShelterBox as volunteers, staff or response team members.
Additionally, clubs worldwide offer valuable, practical assistance to help ShelterBox reach more families fleeing disaster or conflict. In fact, 90 percent of ShelterBox responses have been assisted by Rotary.
This has recently included support for families in Malawi flooded from their homes by Cyclone Idai and communities in Lombok devastated by the 2018 earthquake and tsunami.
Caroline White, interim Chief Executive at ShelterBox, said:
Whenever disaster strikes, Rotary is beside us. From the earliest planning stages to final evaluations, Rotary members help ShelterBox make community contacts, organize logistics, and reach disaster-affected families in remote areas who might otherwise go without.”
“This partnership has helped ShelterBox become who we are today,” said White. “Our global network of 17 ShelterBox affiliates, who raise funds and awareness worldwide, evolved from Rotary relationships.”
Speaking about the partnership renewal, General Secretary of Rotary International John Hewko said:
“ShelterBox has been Rotary’s Project Partner in Disaster Relief since 2012, and we are excited to renew the partnership for another three years.”
Through this project partnership, Rotary members around the globe can collaborate with ShelterBox to support communities in desperate need of emergency temporary shelter and vital supplies following natural disasters.
“Additionally, Rotary and ShelterBox will continue to expand cooperation efforts through preparedness training and stockpiles of prepositioned aide in disaster-prone regions,” Hewko said.
WHAT ROTARY CLUB PRESIDENTS AROUND THE WORLD ARE SAYING
Ace Robin, President of the Mataram Rotary Club, Indonesia, was caught up in the deadly earthquakes that hit Lombok in 2018.
Her home survived, but many around her were destroyed. Through an agreement with the government-led response, Ace’s club was central to bringing ShelterBox aid to Indonesia.
Thanks to their support, vulnerable members of the community received vital emergency shelter, including families with elderly relatives, pregnant women or new mothers.
Ace said:
Working with ShelterBox taught us a lot – they showed us how to build shelter and select families to help. It also gave us a chance to show what Rotary is to local people.”
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After floods triggered by Cyclone Idai left tens of thousands homeless in Malawi this March, Rotary members connected ShelterBox with communities in the Blantyre region, helping them understand local needs and culture. Members helped deliver emergency shelter to almost 2,000 families. And ShelterBox supported the Rotary Club of Limbe to join the wider disaster response, enabling the club to deliver food to communities whose entire crops had been destroyed by the floods.
Rotary Club of Limbe President Eric Chinkanda said:
It was a great experience to work with ShelterBox. We have not only walked a mile in reaching out to the many Malawians who faced hardship, but we restored confidence in the displaced people that all was not lost!”
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James Kingston, Club President of the Rotary Club of Helston-Lizard, inCornwall, said:
The members of Helston-Lizard Rotary are delighted that Rotary International continues to recognize ShelterBox. I joined the club a few months before the Millennium Project began, and I’m so pleased we’re still involved. It has been wonderful to see the charity grow into an internationally recognized, professional disaster relief organization.”
Editor's Note: We are bringing back this section to honor 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".
This month we remember Karl Wahl from the Rotary Club of Thunder Bay Fort William.
Karl Heinz Frederick Ludwig Wahl, M.B.S.
Submitted by: President Sante Sottile (2018-19) Rotary Club of Thunder Bay Fort William
Karl Wahl, a 32- year member of the Rotary Club of Thunder Bay Fort William, passed away on May 10th, 2019 at the age of 86.
We have lost our dear friend and a true Rotarian ambassador. Karl exemplified the “4 Way Test” in what we say or do both while involved in Rotary and in living his everyday life. Karl embraced peoples’ differences and Rotary enabled him to serve humanity and community both at the local level and internationally.
Karl was born in Germany in 1933 and as a teen he traveled to a “work farm” in England where he met the love of his life – Marianne. Karl and Marianne corresponded by letter for 6 years and in August of 1957 he and Marianne emigrated to Canada and married. Karl went back to school and received his librarian designation and worked as a librarian in the Canadian Prairies. Karl and Marianne have two daughters, Heidi and Natalie; seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
The list of Karl’s accomplishments is long but includes Paul Harris +8; Fort William Rotary President 2002-03; Rotarian of the Year 2004-05; Gordon Ross Vance Judge Award 2003-04; Citizen of Exceptional Achievement Award from the City of Thunder Bay to honour major contribution of citizens; Ontario Volunteer Award.
You would often find Karl and Marianne at the District 5580 Conferences. Karl never missed a meeting until he became ill. He visited Past District Governor Ajoy Chatterjee Thursday afternoons enabling Hannelore to enjoy her art classes. Once a month you would find Karl washing dishes for 150 clients at the Rotary Shelter House – while our club prepared and served supper. He was a member of various committees: SAA; Club and District Awards; Attendance, Student Literacy Program (often bringing his family to help read the I LIKE ME books to the grade one’s), Tom McKee Bursaries, Adventures in Citizenship. Karl manned and scheduled the Salvation Army Kettles. He enjoyed his job as house manager for our annual House Lottery – bringing his radio to play classical music at the open houses. But it was as Chair Historian/Archivist that he devoted his major time by digitalizing our club’s history. Just ask him about the Outlaw Bridge and his eyes would light up as he relayed the US/Canadian partnership in building this memorable bridge!
We will miss our dear friend and remember his remarkable service to Rotary. We extend our deepest condolences, thoughts and prayers to Karl’s family, friends and Rotarian community.
Rest in peace my friend.
We extend our deepest condolences, thoughts, and prayers to Karl's family, friends and the Rotary community. His full obituary can be accessed here .
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