Archive for May, 2009

Published by Peter Bashaw on 08 May 2009

District 7040 April Newsletter - Magazine Month

Rotary’s Four-Way Test

Josephson Institute is in the midst of a major project with Rotary International to enhance the character-building and ethical decision-making aspects of its high school leadership program called the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, or RYLA.

Rotary is not the only fine service organization that positively influences society, but one program feature I especially admire is its rigorous and vigorous commitment to high ethical standards and service above self.

Rotarians are encouraged to use a decision-making guide called The Four-Way Test that directs them to think, speak, and act in a manner that promotes truthfulness, fairness, goodwill and strong friendships, and making decisions that benefit all concerned.

The universal appeal of this moral foundation is demonstrated by Rotary’s growth from a small club in Chicago to a huge global enterprise with more than a million members.

Membership in an organization with lofty deals won’t assure consistent adherence to stated values, however. Noble rhetoric and good intentions aren’t always enough to overcome the fears, temptations, and rationalizations that can divert us from the path of virtue.

Still, The Four-Way Test is a powerful foundation for a better society, and it’s impressive that Rotary’s ardent advocacy of service and ethics has resonated around the world with so many men and women in business and the professions. Most people really do want to live a worthy life of virtue.

As we struggle to cope with the horrendous results of a less honorable approach to business by far too many executives and politicians, it may be helpful to teach and advocate Rotary’s simple prescription: Be honest, fair, and concerned with the well-being of all concerned.

This is Michael Josephson reminding you that character counts.

Presidential Citations

 The following Rotary, Interact and Rotaract Clubs have met the requirements to received a Presidential Citation:

Rotary Clubs:

 ·         Cornwall RC, Cornwall, Ontario, Canada

·         Cornwall Sunrise RC, Cornwall, Ontario, Canada

·         Canton RC, Canton, New York, USA

·         Lake Placid RC, Lake Placid, New York, USA

·         Potsdam RC, Potsdam, New York, USA

·         Ottawa RC, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

·         Cataraqui-Kingson RC, Ontario, Canada

·         Watertown Sunrise RC, Watertown, New York USA

·         Petawawa RC, Petawawa, Ontario, Canada

·         Old (Vieux) Montreal RC, Montreal, Quebec, Canada

·         West Ottawa RC, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

·         Ogdensburg RC, Ogdensburg, New York, USA

·         Ottawa South RC, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

·         Kingston RC, Kingston, Ontario, Canada

·         Napanee RC, Napanee, Ontario, Canada

.          Tupper Lake RC, Tupper Lake, NY, USA

·         Ottawa Bytown RC, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

 Rotaract Club:

·         St. Lawrence University Rotaract Club, sponsor Canton RC

 Interact Club:

·         General Vanier Interact Club, sponsor Cornwall Sunrise RC

·         Franklin Academy Interact Club,  sponsor Malone RC

·         Bell High School Interact Club, Sponsor Nepean Kanata RC

Well done to all!

Important Dates to Remember http://www.rotary7040.com/eventlist.php 

District Assembly - 2 May/Mai

Foundation Walk - Marche Foundation -  9 May/Mai   http://www.rotary7040.com/event.php?id=252

RYLA - Rotary Youth Leadership Award - 15 - 20 May/Mai  http://www.rotary7040.com/event.php?id=259

Changeover Dinner - 9  June/Juin   http://www.rotary7040.com/event.php?id=194

 

 

 

DG Newsletter

Published by Peter Bashaw on 08 May 2009

District 7040 March Newsletter - Literacy Month

A Person of Character

Let’s face it: It’s not easy to become a person of character. It takes a good heart, but it also requires wisdom to know right from wrong and the discipline to do right even when it’s costly, inconvenient, or difficult.

Becoming a person of character is a lifelong quest to be better.

A person of character values honesty and integrity and pays whatever price is needed to be worthy of trust, earning self-respect and the pride of family and friends.

A person of character plays fair even when others don’t and values no achievement unless it is attained with honor.

A person of character has strong convictions, yet avoids self-righteousness.

A person of character believes in the inherent dignity of all people and treats everyone with respect, even those whose ideas and ideologies evoke strong disagreement.

A person of character deals with criticism constructively and is self-confident enough to take good advice, admit and learn from mistakes, feel and express genuine remorse, and apologize graciously.

A person of character knows what’s important, sacrifices now for later, is in control of attitudes and actions, overcomes negative impulses, and makes the best of every situation.

A person of character willingly faces fears and tackles unpleasant tasks.

A person of character is consistently and self-consciously kind and empathetic, giving generously without concern for reward.

A person of character feels and expresses gratitude freely and frequently.

A person of character is not defeated by failure or dissuaded by disappointment.

A person of character seeks true happiness in living a life of purpose and meaning, placing a higher value on significance than success.

This is Michael Josephson reminding you that character counts.

Rotary and Literacy

 Dear fellow Rotarians:

We have long supported literacy and education for all. Our projects have strengthened schools, built community libraries, and given the precious gift of reading and writing to those in need. 

As we celebrate Literacy Month this March, we are confronted by the monumental challenge of helping nearly a billion people experience the essential pleasure and power of reading and writing. Without these fundamental skills, too many of our friends and neighbors will remain trapped by poverty, hunger, and disease. 

Despite this challenge, we are heartened by the company of trusted friends and new allies in our struggle to stop illiteracy. Over the last year, we have renewed our relationship with the International Reading Association, allowing Rotary clubs to benefit from the experience of local and international literacy professionals. In addition, The Dollywood Foundation, our newest literacy ally, is working with Rotary clubs across North America and the United Kingdom to support early childhood literacy through its Imagination Library program. 

While these relationships heighten the effectiveness and impact of our projects, little wouldbe possible without your active support for literacy. Your contributions are significant, and I urge you to renew your commitment to this vital effort. 

Our success depends on careful planning. As business, professional, and community leaders, we must pause to consider what more our clubs and districts can do to support literacy in the months and years ahead. We must invest in strong champions for literacy in our communities,including our own club and district literacy chairs, to strengthen and lead our literacy efforts.

Together we can stop illiteracy and help Make Dreams Real  for our friends and neighbors in need. 

 D.  K. Lee,  RI President

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