President Jennifer Jones has made a special plea to get club logos updated. Go to Rotary Brand Center to find the correct version.
Newsletter editor appeal for assistance: please consider helping me with this monthly newsletter especially if you are technically inclined.
Message Received from ClubRunner
Now Available: 2023 Changeover Training Webinar Recordings
Thank you to everyone that was able to attend our 2023 ClubRunner Changeover Training Series! In case you missed any of the webinars or simply wish to make reference to them again, each session was recorded and is now available for you to watch at any time!
Slavery and Human Trafficking are dark and sinister - evocative of a troubling past that has caused innumerable modern challenges. Slavery should not exist in our societies, but it does. It is a $200 billion global industry, with over 50 million people trapped in slavery world-wide.
This isn’t a “third world” problem. Human trafficking is one of the fastest growing crimes in Canada and across the West. The age of the average victim is 12-14 years old, and these children generate approximately $250,000 each year for their trafficker.
But most Canadians and Americans are unaware that it is happening in their communities. And make no mistake - it’s happening right under our noses.
Posted by Maha Maalouf-Kassouf, charter president Montreal Cedars
“Imagine Rotary” IRIPP Jennifer Jones in order to
“Create Hope in the World” RI P Gordon R. Mclnally
Rotary, this magical word that changes the world! Professionals and leaders share their passion for Rotary around the world. This passion which never ceases to open opportunities for effective and beneficial action, which urges us to act with clear and just objectives, confirming the decision to respect values and to safeguard human dignity for the citizens of the world! Rotarians combine their collective resources to improve the lives of others and hold to heart the motto: “Service Above Self and One Profits Most Who Serves Best.” This conviction materialized on June 30, 1999, the date on which I received, as founding President, the charter of the Rotary Club of Zahlé-Békaa, District 2450, in Lebanon. Twenty-five years already! The enthusiasm is renewed and the challenge, too, was always overcome and won!
I hereby pay tribute to each member of the Rotarian family, convinced that solidarity and service change the world. I thank the Rotarians and leaders of District 7040 who have woven a story of success in the face of the tragic explosion in the port of Beirut on August 4, 2020. The calamity of this gigantic explosion amplified the disaster experienced in Lebanon, Land of Cedars, and still persists today… In a matter of seconds, almost half of the capital disappeared. Armed with resilience, determination, and courage, it is thanks to the Rotarians of Lebanon and you, Rotarians, and Leaders of District 7040, who did not hesitate to help a bruised and afflicted Lebanon.
This year, RI President R. Gordon R. McInally is encouraging Rotary members to create a culture of care, both within Rotary and around the world, by making mental health a priority. In a caring culture, leaders and members focus on helping each other thrive.
That makes August — Membership and New Club Development Month — the perfect time to evaluate your club’s culture and adjust it if needed. Members are more likely to stay if their club experience is fulfilling. Use these ideas to help members feel involved, valued, and cared for:
Communicate with people at every stage of their membership. If members think their experience in the club can be improved, take action to make changes. You can also use these two surveys to learn more about what members are thinking:
The member interest survey will help you understand what new and prospective members care about and how they want to contribute.
By asking for feedback regularly and responding to it, you show that you’re open to change, and you empower members to be involved in creating their ideal club experience.
Use the Club Health Checkto identify areas where your club could improve and determine how to keep your club relevant for members and the community.
Take the Creating an Inclusive Club Culture course to discover ways for your club to become more inclusive, diverse, and equitable. Remember that for any Learning Center course, you’ll need a My Rotary account.
Rotary Friendship Exchange allows Rotarians and non-Rotarians to experience a different culture, broaden international understanding, explore their professions in a different context, build lasting relationships, and establish a foundation for peace and service, including global grant collaboration. Learn more: https://www.rotary.org/en/our-programs/friendship-exchange
Some of you have participated in The Rotary Friendship exchanges in the past, for others who don’t know what this is –
Rotary Friendship Exchanges lets Rotarians in one part of the world experience life in another country or culture. Through person-to-person connections across national boundaries international understanding and goodwill are advanced. On a Rotary Friendship Exchange, you are not just a tourist.
Welcome to the New Rotary Year! Our Foundation Team is looking forward to another year of inspiring stories, super projects and changes in how we help members and clubs engage with The Rotary Foundation. We hope clubs have creative new ideas and are planning some super events! We love to hear from YOU and are always happy to SHARE your experiences with others. Do send in your stories and we’ll get them into this bulletin wherever possible
The Foundation Moment that is sent weekly to your Presidents is a grand opportunity to learn a wee bit about Foundation every meeting. We hope that it gives you ideas, news, or inspiration for things you may not have considered in the past. Please do share it with all your members!
If you missed our first Moment this year, here it is for you now!
Last night during a regular meeting our Club concluded the service we started in August 2022 with KEYS newcomers center in Kingston. From the beginning, the goal was to provide help and support to all refugees and newcomers in our community. KEYS welcomed more than 200 families coming from Ukraine, Syria, Afghanistan, Somalia, Burundi, and many other countries in difficulty. During our amazing collaboration Rotaractors and KEYS volunteers worked together at fantastic fundraisers (Fall in Love with Dance), social events for refugee kids (Halloween themed night, and Winter wonderland), and community services (Clothing bazaars and donations), and we had the pleasure to meet several newcomers’ families. The support from Rotarians and the Kingston community was outstanding, culminating with the last Clothing Bazaar organized on February 2023 which involved more than 30 volunteers across 6 different organizations. I am extremely proud of all members of my Club and very happy for the work we have done.
We are looking for interested Rotaractors to join us, too! It’s now the second year in which Rotaract Clubs can apply for both District as well as Global Grants to assist with projects. Find out more on the 26th!
It’s Back!
Rotary Leadership Institute will be offered a few times in this Rotary year. We’re beginning with our District Leaders needing Part 2 on September 23rd.
Part 1 will be offered to ANY Rotaractor or Rotarian on Saturday, January 6th with Part 3 offered on April 6th to those who have completed Part 2.
The September 23rd Part 2 session will be held at Seaway Valley Theatre at 30 East Sixth Street in Cornwall from 7:30am to 4:30pm. We begin with a light repast at 7:30am and begin our sessions promptly at 8am.
The January and April sessions will be held at the Best Western Conference Center in Cornwall on Vincent Massey Boulevard from 7:30am to 4:30pm. We begin with a light repast at 7:30am and begin our sessions promptly at 8am once we have ordered lunch off of the menu. These sessions are at no charge and all meals along with materials are provided to you. You will receive an email after registration with the Participant Manual for you to either access on your laptop/tablet or print yourself. This is how we can offer these day-long, interactive sessions at no charge to attendees. Please wear comfortable shoes and clothing as we move around!
