The Role of the District Team

“The activities and organisation of a Rotary District shall exist solely to help the individual Rotary Club advance the Object of Rotary . . . .”

Manual of Procedure

 

Governor Michael writes:

Dear Rotary Club members,

As you continue to celebrate our organisation’s memorable 100^th anniversary, please remember, and never forget, this phase:

‘We are all. Needed by others’

May Rotarians continue to be ambassadors of goodwill to high and low, rich and poor. To all races……

Paul Harris.

At this time of the year many of our clubs are considering just how they will distribute certain monies they have raised over the last 10 months. I do not necessarily endorse this approach; however I do have a comment:

The charity pound these days is generally hard to create and we should therefore spend it wisely. In the first instance I suggest that your club considers a ‘balanced’ approach. Look at the Four Avenues of Service and examine your giving to see if grants have been made fairly across these areas.

Sharing scarce resources (money) is like having a cup of water in your hand when walking to a parched garden of plants. Do you spread it across all the plants or do you chose just one or two and keep them alive?

My suggestion must be that you consider Rotary specific programmes first. WE are our own charity. The first that comes to mind is THE ROTARY FOUNDATION.

All our clubs are different, serving different communities with different needs and different priorities.

And it is one of Rotary’s great strengths that no matter where an individual’s or club’s interest lies there is opportunity to exercise that interest. For many Rotarians that interest is in Community Service; others are equally enthusiastic about International Service; and it is our Vocational Service which marks Rotary out as different. But the one aspect of our Rotary Service which is common to all of us, from which all of us can benefit and which needs the support of all of us is the ROTARY FOUNDATION.

The fourth Object of Rotary speaks of ‘international understanding, goodwill and Peace’.

High sounding ideals indeed and perhaps to the more cynically minded ideals not attainable by mortals such as us. Individually, I agree; but collectively certainly possible. And collectively means through the Foundation-our own charity. The Foundation needs our support now as never before. Never have there been so many calls on its resources; never have there been so many demands on its funds. Please forward your contributions as soon as possible – they are needed. The work of our charity benefits every club in some way or another – it may be just hearing a GSE team’s presentation; it may be the opportunity to nominate a team member or scholar; many, many of our clubs have benefited from matching grants of one kind or other – and it is disappointing sometimes that clubs don’t always give back what they take out. Your club may have a particular leaning towards the educational programmes; you may feel particularly strongly about humanitarian work. Wherever your biggest concern lies the Foundation needs your help. It’s worth a thought that if every club with our District held one extra function or one event for the benefit of the Foundation, besides its normal contribution, the result would be really quite substantial. And, with our magical blend of fellowship and service, you’d enjoy doing it!

When we spread our resources thinly, we may sometimes reap nothing at all. MY PLEA is to support our Rotary Foundation first then, with your excess funds, consider other community charities.

Think about it.

 

As of 31/12/05 in RI:

32,180              Rotary Clubs

1,214,062         Rotarians

166                   Countries

7,833               Rotaract Clubs

180,159            Rotaract Members

10,000              Interact Clubs

230,000           Interact Members

 

Remember Your Targets

 

With just over two months of RY 2004-05 to go its time to review the targets that we agreed to at the beginning of the year.

 

The number of new Rotarians joining 1150 this year has been outstanding. But remember the target was a net gain of two members per Club – Will you achieve the target? It’s not too late to take action.

 

All Presidents’ gave me their target figure for donations to Foundation. I hope you will be able to at least meet your target. If you’ve forgotten your target please speak to me.

 

 

Centennial Volunteer Month

 

There is still time to give of your vocation.

 

In April, Rotarians around the world were encouraged to showcase Rotary’s volunteer spirit. Each Club member is encourage to volunteer, within their vocation,  at least 10 hours during this month.

 

What is happening in your Club?

 

Rotarians Bare All for Charity

 

Remember the WI and “Calendar Girls”? The Rotary Club of Batavia, New York State, USA has raised a lot of money selling a calendar of Club members in the buff. They have sold the calendar in every state in the USA except North Dakota and South Dakota.

 

Is there a Club in 1150 willing to emulate Batavia RC?

 

 

Young Adults

What Do You Send Them To?

 

Many Clubs sponsor young adult teenagers to attend 1150 Events – what do you know about the activities involved?

 

Some Clubs never sponsor young adult teenagers to attend 1150 Events – clearly you need to know more about the activities involved.

 

Q: How can you become better informed?

A: Go and see what goes on!!

 

RYLA is a brilliant events in 1150s calendar and the organizers would be delighted for you to come along and see what goes on. So in RY 05-06 get together and visit RYLA, Friday’s in the three weeks is the best..

 

Message in a Time Capsule

 

At the 2005 RI Convention in Chicago, presidents and presidents elect will have the opportunity to place a letter in a time capsule that will be preserved and opened 100 years later at the 2105 Convention. The repository will bear messages from Clubs about Rotary’s past achievements and hopes for its future, commemorating the organisation’s first century of service.

If you want me to put your Club’s letter in the time capsule please let me have it in good time – by the end of May please.

 

Changes to Come at Club Level

 

In time for Rotary Year 2006-07 RI are implementing a change in Club Committee Structure with the drive to organize on functional lines rather than avenues of service. There will be a basic template but plenty of latitude for Clubs to make appropriate local changes.

At its most basic the new Club Leadership Plan envisages five committees: Club Administration, Club, Public Relations, Membership, Service Projects, and the Rotary Foundation.

WILL YOU BE READY!!!

 

 

Foundation

The Cow and the Milk Story

 

If you consider a cow to represent capital and the milk to represent income, here is a simple explanation of Foundation’s two funds.

 

For the Annual Fund Rotarians give up their cows the Annual Fund benefits from the milk and three years later the cows are returned to the Rotarians.

 

For the Permanent Fund Rotarians give up their cows the Annual Fund breeds from the cows and the milk is for ever given back to the Rotarians.

Simple isn’t it!!

 

Matters arising from RIBI Executive

Health and Safety – The RIBI Health and safety guidance is now ready for release. The relevant documents will be issued to delegates at the RIBI Assembly in the Secretaries, DGEs and Treasurers groups as well as to any delegates to the ‘Meet the President Day’ It will also be sent out in a future club mailing. The RIBI H&S Policy has been approved by RIBI’s legal advisers and insurance brokers.

Jigsaw – The large jigsaw is now available and our District has ordered two. There will be the smaller version available to purchase at Manchester.

DID YOU GET YOURS!!

The proposal to advance the election/nomination of DGE’s to RIBI posts (liaison Governors) was delayed until the next Executive meeting as any changes could not be brought in until the Rotary year 2006-07

There was some sympathy for the time table of the electing the DGE’s to serve on the RIBI Executive at the RI Assembly and thereby making the appointments to committees earlier to enable shadowing.

If you are thinking about enforcing Rotary Rules & Regulations it is best to spend time making sure you have all the evidence, your interpretation of the rules is sound and your planned action is correct; time spent in the beginning prevents pain and grief later.

Sound preparation and correct action should avoid reaction that could result in embarrassment to the DG and RI/RIBI. If you need help with the understanding the rules, speak to the RIBI Secretariat.

What did you do on the 23rd

 

The RIBI Centenary Committee are hungry for information. As a matter of some urgency can you please let the Centenary Committee know:

A          What happened in your club in the week of the birthday

B          How things went in the media – articles, supplements, broadcasts etc. Examples of the printed ‘message’ are wanted.

C          How things are progressing with year-wide Centenary projects.

There are some marvelous stories to tell, this is our opportunity to support RIBI in collating a permanent record of the Centenary in these Islands.

Please send your reports to me and I will forward them on to Alcester – can we say by June 25^th.

 

RI & Director & Director Elect

Revision of licensing Policy: There is some movement towards Rotary Clubs being treated more favorably.

COL Review Committee: Resolution for Col 2007 will needed 12 months earlier than before. There will also be steps taken to reduce the level of legislation to be discussed by reducing the number of proposals.

Rotary Fellowships: New Fellowships are ‘International Tennis Fellowship of Rotarians and International Fellowship of Rotarians United to ‘Bridge the Digital Divide’.

2005-06: Zone Institutes – the topics for the agenda are ‘Presidential Emphasis and Citation’, ‘Council on Legislation’ and ‘Polio Plus’

The RI Institute at Bromsgrove 11-13^th November 2005 will have RI President-Elect Bill Boyd (NZ) as the main guest.

RIBI Youth Protection Officer, has drafted some guidance on ‘Protection in Youth Exchange and camps’. It covers Districts planning to receive Youth Exchange Students and what Districts need to do when sending youths on Youth Exchange and Rotary Camps in another country.

RIBI Conferences: 2006 – Belfast – 2007 Bournemouth, 2008 – still considering a number of venues as far apart as Edinburgh, Brighton and Torquay.

 

DG’s  Book – A Potential Block-buster!!

 

I am  looking to write a book about my experiences as the 2004/2005 DG.

Is there a ghost writer out there?

Can you please let me have any photographs, press-cuttings etc. from events and meetings that I have attended in your area. Photographs via e-mail would be acceptable although I can scan in hard copy – the originals will be returned if required.

 

Inner Wheel – A Note of Caution

 

Earlier this year I had the pleasure of attending The District 15 Inner Wheel Meeting in Carmarthen. A number of issues were discussed; I was asked to remind Rotarians of a potential embarrassment.

 

There have been instances of forgetting to invite all Inner Wheel Members to a Rotary Club function. It is easy to remember Inner Wheelers who are wives and widows but other members who may be cousins, nieces etc. can be, and have been omitted from the event. This is almost always an accident but can cause embarrassment to all concerned. In one case the local Inner Wheel President was forgotten!!

 

What the Experts Say

 

Youth Exchange Q&A

 

Q. How many types of Youth Exchange are there?

 

A. There are two main types. Firstly, long term exchanges which as the name suggests usually last the academic year and the student lives with more than one family (usually three families for three months at a time) and attends school. Then there are short term exchanges. These take place during school holidays and there is no academic input. The timing can vary between a few weeks to three months. These may be organised as a family in a host country or attending an international youth camp.

 

Q. Are there standard set for the behaviour of incoming and outgoing students?

 

A.  Yes. Students are expected to maintain certain standards. Although there may seem to be a number of “rules” these are there to ensure that students are in a safe environment and also to ensure that their visit is a worthwhile and enjoyable experience. Long term students are, for example, expected to attend school regularly. Students are encouraged to have an open mind and to learn about the culture in which they are living. Before going on an exchange students are briefed on what is expected of them.

 

Q. Where can I get information quickly on Youth Exchange?

 

A. There are a number of helpful information sheets on the RIBI website. Look under “Information Sheets” and you will find them very easily.

What has been done for the Tsunami relief?

 

The support from the general public to Rotary’s request for money to help the survivors of the SE Asia Tsunami Disaster was outstanding: they trusted Rotary to do good.

It is however inevitable that they also want to know what we have done with the money. Therefore as a matter of some urgency please let me have full detail of any actions and sending of money direct to the affected area, also Shelter and Emergency/Aqua boxes.

THIS DOES NOT AFFECT CLUBS WHO HAVE SENT MONEY TO OUR DISTRICT APPEAL, THIS HAS BEEN ACCOUNTED FOR.

It is essential that RIBI has the fullest picture to hand. On many many occasions we have all critised the lack of PR generated by RIBI. This is our chance to ensure that we pull together as one body to enable a comprehensive report of work to date and future plans to be issued back out to the general public at large.

The RIBI Tsunami Appeal of an estimated £6,500,000 a surprisingly small amount of £700,000 has reached the RIBI Fund with many more than expected projects being set up by Districts and Clubs and a reluctance to share ideas on possible projects with RIBI. Although the expected ‘big hit’ for RIBI will not happen Districts and Clubs have been working on some outstanding projects. There was some worry expressed that without collaboration and coordination there may be pockets of need that go wanting and the converse may also be true.

Items sent to the areas affected by the Tsunami are:

5454 small Aqua boxes

961 Large Aqua boxes

5800 Shelter boxes.

 

District 1150 Tsunami Appeal

 

DISTRICT 1150 TSUNAMI APPEAL FUND

A committee meeting was held at the Ivy Bush Hotel, Carmarthen Tuesday 5^th April 2005 at  6pm.

 

Chairman    Michael Rye     District Governor

 Richard Bullen – District Foundation Chairman

 Mansel Thomas – District International Chairman

David Warrall –    District Polio Chairman

 Stuart Cox – Past District Governor – Permanent Fund.

 

The DG explained that as sufficient time had now elapse since that dreadful day at the end of December 04, when it was now time to evaluate where monies collected into the District appeal fund should be distributed. He explained that he had received numerous requests, many for the same area.

He also reminded us that Dr Theva Manoharan, President of Ammanford Rotary has recently returned from Galle in Sri Lanka and had spoken at the March District Council of his experiences at the local hospital where he had trained.

Also Rtn Suguna Raja a member of Carmarthen Rotary Club had also just returned from the Nagapattinam region which had been badly affected by the tidal wave.

It was decided to spread the donations across several Rotary Districts and to assist in the area of boats and nets, Medical, Education, and re-building programmes.

To this end the following was agreed upon.

District 3350 Housing (Cardiff St.Davids) plus an extra £2000 =                                                                                              £5000

District 3180           Boats and nets                          £5000

Mercy Ships Boats and nets (Trincomalee – Sri Lanka)            £5000

District 3220  Education – Sri Lanka                       £2500

District 3150           Boats and nets                          £5000

Galle Hospital          Medical                                    £5000

Nagapattinam          Education (India)                     £5000

DG to liaise with the above and, pass all details to the District treasurer, David Wheeler for transfer of donations as soon as possible.

The balance remaining, approximately £10,000 would be held, pending further requests.

 

The meeting ended at 6.45pm

 

The 2005 Lairig Ghru Walk

 

The Rotary Club of Spey Valley are looking for entries for their 2005 Lairig Ghru Walk. This will take place on 25^th June with the beneficiaries being Erskine Homes, Highland Hospice and other local charities.

For more information contact the organiser Bill Longstaff on:

P: 01540 661098

F: 0871 7503516

E: Longstaff@globalnet.co.uk

Other details can be found at:

www.Erskine.org.uk

www.HighlandHospice.org

www.LairigGhru.info

 

 

A Bridge Across Rotary

 

The RC of Canterbury is organizing  the 10^th RIBI National Bridge Competition. Initial rubbers will be played on a home and away basis in, as far as possible, your local area. The final will take place in Canterbury.

Entries have to be in by 1^st April with the draw for the first round being made on 1^st May.

If you need and further information please let me know.

1150 will we Pass the Century Mark

Since the beginning of RY 2004-05 there have been  new Rotarians within District 1150 – well done to all concerned. A few have transferred from other Districts, at least one is a transfer within District and one or two are Rotarians rejoining.

 

THE ROLL OF HONOUR

Neil Hook	Builth Wells
Richard John Davies	Builth Wells
Ian Geoffrey Roynon	Builth Wells
David Mussell	Builth Wells
Alan Wynne Jones	Aberystwyth
Chris Martin	Aberystwyth
Huwel Wyn Jones	Aberystwyth
Kenneth Eccles	Cardiff
Robert Nutt	Milford Haven
Martyn Jenkins	Penarth                           10
Jonathon Evans	Penarth
Vigdis Stefansdottir	Cardiff St.David’s
Nick Thomas	Newport St. Woolos
Eddie Hutchinson	Newport St. Woolos
Javid Ahmed	Newport St. Woolos
Andrew Bruce	Newport St. Woolos
Noel Summers	Newport St. Woolos
Steven McCarthy	Cardiff Bay
Derek Jones	Llandovery
Keith Griffiths	Llandovery                      20
John Thomas	Llandovery
David Jones	Brynmawr
Donald Rossiter	Abergavenny
Frank Basin	Aberdare
Les Evans	Aberdare
Bernard Lewis Jones	Aberdare
Katherine Deere	Porthcawl
Andrew Morgan	Porthcawl
John Edwards	Pembroke
Richard Morris	Pembroke                        30
Marcus Reed	Cardigan
Sandra Aston	Caerphilly
Duncan Aston	Caerphilly
Ken Board	Swansea
David Joynson	Swansea
Thomas Wood	Newport
Leighton Loftus	Newport
William Richards	Cefn Sidan
Brian Beynon	Cefn Sidan
Darryl Jones	Neath                            40
Janice Morgans	Cardiff St. Davids
David Davies	Crickhowell
John Ward	Bridgend
David Owen	Bridgend
Margaret Leach	Knighton & District
Ivan Jones	Knighton & District
Cathy Jones	Knighton & District
Anthony Mathews	Cardiff East
Denise Ringdahl	Brynmawr
Brain Beynon	Cefn Sidan                     50
Michael Axford	Crickhowell
John Williams	Newport
Paul Mackness	Cardigan
Catherine Combe	Henllys
Linda Roch	Henllys
Julian Roch	Henllys
Sarah Coombe	Henllys
Peter Norton	Henllys
Angela Rogers	Henllys
Patricia Golledge	Henllys                           60
Claire Davies	Henllys
Ken Wilks	Henllys
Matthew Walker	Henllys
John Tomasulo	Henllys
Susan Saunders	Henllys
Terry Smart	Henllys
Valerie Ridout	Henllys
Timothy Coombe	Henllys
Paula Pippen	Henllys
Hazel Coombe	Henllys                            70
Suzanne Norton	Henllys
Rohan Mitchell	Henllys