At the recently concluded District 7030 Conference, PETS and Assembly, the clubs present unanimously confirmed the appointment of Rotarian PP Elwin Atmodimedjo to the position of District Governor for the 2014-2015 Rotary Year. Elwin is a Past President of the Rotary Club of Paramaribo Residence, in Suriname and has served as Assistant Governor on three occasions.

My dear brothers and sisters in Rotary,

When we talk about building membership, we all recognize that welcoming a new member into a Rotary club is only the beginning of our task. To turn a new club member into a committed Rotarian, much more is necessary – and the first step is helping that new member to get involved.

Rotary International and ShelterBox, a grassroots disaster relief organization, signed a project partner agreement this month, allowing the two organizations to collaborate more closely to provide relief and temporary shelter to survivors of natural disasters.

“Project partner” is a special status RI gives to groups started or managed by Rotary clubs. The agreement will build on the strengths of both organizations in responding to disasters all over the world.

“Our Rotary friends have always been there ready to assist – from generous donations to direct operational support on the ground Rotary has always been part of our DNA,” said Tom Henderson, ShelterBox CEO. “I feel like we have 34,000 ShelterBox offices around the world working together to help those who have lost everything when they need us the most.”

Saving lives

RI General Secretary John Hewko said the agreement will enable Rotary club members to have an immediate, lifesaving impact in communities hit by natural disasters. “ShelterBox will be able to ensure that local Rotarians are provided an opportunity to participate in the distribution of ShelterBox containers,” he said.

Each ShelterBox typically provides a bespoke tent designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, stove, water purification kit, blankets, tools, and other necessities to help a family survive for six months or more after a disaster.

Key to Literacy EN from Rotary International on Vimeo.

Working under a 3-H grant from The Rotary Foundation, Rotarians brought a revolutionary teaching method to Brazil and taught 72,000 students to read and write.

One of our major fundraisers is our annual fisherman’s day event. This is held the weekend after our national carnival festival. Most people see this event as a cool down from our biggest festival of the year, carnival. Many visitors come over from mainland St.Vincent to be a part of this event. This year’s activity will be held on Saturday 7^th July, 2012.

The one day event has grown over the past 15 years into the biggest fishing event on the calendar of island and remarkably for such a tiny island.The event sees fishermen taking to the sea as early as 1 o’ clock in the morning in many different categories; trolling, long line, seine, bottom line etc and return at 3pm.

On the day fish is prepared in many different ways and serve with side dishes (fry, stew, boil, roast, etc). At the is also a solid bar and music to keep you going. At the end of the competition prizes are awarded to the fisherman with the heaviest catch in each category, the heaviest single catch/ fish, each boat also receives a token of appreciation for participating.

Over 140 young delegates, specially invited guest, and Rotarians gathered for RYLA Grenada 2012 opening ceremony at the Grenada Grand Beach Resort.  It was held Under the Distinguished Patronage of His Excellency Sir Caryle Glean KCMG-Governor General, who delivered remarks and officially declared the RYLA conference opened. The young adults were in for a treat from the start with an impressive flag ceremony by the Grenada Cadet Corps representing the 14 countries from which the participant were drawn.  Remarks were delivered by the Prime Minister Honorable Tillman Thomas, Minister of Youth Empowerment Hon. Patrick Simmons, District Governor Lara Quentrall-Thomas and the President of the Rotary Club of Grenada Julia G. Lawrence. 

In keeping with the theme: Our Youth, Today & Beyond, Senator the Honourable Vynnette Frederick (St. Vincent & the Grenadines) delivered an outstanding and moving keynote address that without a doubt set the tone for the remaining 3 days.

THE ROTARY CLUB OF BARBADOS SOUTH has always attracted the interest of the island’s Chief Justice.

 How can Rotary stay relevant to younger members? Hear answers from Rotarians to this question and others in Rotary Minute, a series of short videos, now available on iTunes through a free podcast subscription.

Read the secret to reaching Generation Y next page... 

The needs spanning Rotary's six areas of focus are vast, ranging from lack of access to clean water to the need for immunization that prevent deadly diseases. Learn more in the Rotary's Areas of Focus publication

Rotary clubs serve communities around the world, each with unique concerns and needs. Rotarians have continually adapted and improved the way they respond to those needs, taking on a broad range of service projects. The most successful and sustainable Rotary service tends to fall within one of the following six areas:

• Peace and conflict prevention/resolution
• Disease prevention and treatment
• Water and sanitation
• Maternal and child health
• Basic education and literacy
• Economic and community development

Rotary International and The Rotary Foundation recognize these six areas of focus as organizational priorities, and there are countless ways that Rotarians can address these needs locally and internationally. For ideas, consult the publication Rotary’s Areas of Focus

Rotary celebrates India’s first polio-free year. from Rotary International on Vimeo.

View Polio Eradication - You can do it! and RI President Banerjee Monthly Message January 2012

FACT SHEET ON RAINS INEL SALVADOR -DUE TO TROPICAL  DEPRESSION 12E 

Since the entrance of Tropical Depression 12E,which occurred on October 10^th of this year to date, the country hasregistered a historical maximum amount of rainfall of 1,500 mm in some areas.  This amount of rain almost doubled the amountof rainfall reported during hurricane Mitch (1998).

Average precipitation in El Salvador is approximately 1.800 mm per year. So far, in ten days some areas of the nation have registered more than 80% of the amount of rain that falls in one whole year. 

Hurricane Mitch, in 1998, caused 861 mm of rain,meanwhile Tropical Storm Stan in 2005 produced 766 mm of rain. 

So far, the death toll due to the tropicaldepression 12E has reached 34.

Preventive evacuations maintained low the deathtoll in comparison with other natural disasters. Hurricane Mitch caused 240 humanloses, Ida left 198 dead, and Stan registered 69 casualties. 

 To date, amillion people have been directly affected by the rain. 

 There are43,225 evacuees (11,740 families) and there are 432 shelters andrefuges.

I am now 50 years young and I have been a Rotarian for over twenty-three (23) years. I have served in every position in the club (San Fernando South), twice President and twice Assistant Governor for the South Clubs. My spouse and I have attended three International Conferences and since I was invited into Rotary only missed three District Conferences. My wife and I both are Paul Harris Fellows (I have one stone).  I have been involved in charitable work at every level in the community and was responsible for the formation of two Rotary Village Corps and an Interact Club.

In the Rotary Year 2012-2013 I shall be working very hard to develop and strengthen communication and disaster risk reduction in all our countries. This remains the single most important issue in the Caribbean where small island states are affected by common hazards.

By strengthening clubs, performing humanitarian service in all clubs and communities and enhancing Rotary International's Public Image, the world can say that we made a difference.

My family and I look forward to service.

It’s every Rotarian’s responsibility to boost club membership and ensure the future of Rotary. No member takes this duty more seriously than RI President Kalyan Banerjee.

“The more members we have, the more Rotary can do,” Banerjee says. “Rotarians must refer new members. Our current annual growth is 5 percent, but if every two years each Rotarian brought in a new member, our membership would grow by 50 percent.”

Despite a busy schedule, Banerjee continues to find potential members during his travels as RI president. “Today you can recruit anybody, anywhere,” he says. “I might meet someone on a flight to Los Angeles or Bangkok who would make a good member, and if I do, I refer that person.”

Follow Banerjee’s example today by referring a family member, friend, or business associate. The online form has been updated, so it’s even easier now to refer a member.

See how the Presidential Citation, Changemaker Award can help your club set tangible membership goals

DG Lara was recently featured in the Trinidad an Tobago Guardian Newspaper. Read the article here or within our newly created Press Room.

DG Lara a récemment été présenté dans la Trinité-Tobago un journal Guardian. Lire l'article ici ou dans notre salle de presse nouvellement créé. 

 http://www2.guardian.co.tt/womanwise/2011/07/17/lara-quentrall-thomas-rewriting-rotary-history

Lara Quentrall-Thomas is the founder and CEO of Regency Recruitment Limited. In addition to recruitment and HR, she facilitates training workshops and lectures on career, interview and resume preparation. A frequent media guest, Lara is regularly called on to speak about employment related issues.

Her education includes an MBA from Henley School of Management and degree in Business and Tourism Management from the University of the West of England.

She has held many Rotary positions including Club President, GSE Team Leader and District Rotaract Chair. DG Lara is also a major contributor to The Rotary Foundation.

Her philanthropic activities include Director, founding member and 1^st President of the Association of Female Executives of Trinidad and Tobago (AFETT), fundraising for the TTSPCA and Dyslexia Association Bursary Fund, as well as volunteering as a Director of the American Chamber of Commerce of Trinidad and Tobago.

You're Welcome from Rotary International on Vimeo.

Many IPPs are confronted by the dilemma of what to do after their year as President. The hectic period as President is over and now there is a lull. It is necessary for them to consider why Rotary International retains the IPP as a member of the club Board?

In this regard I would like to share some thoughts prepared by PDG Dr Paul CK Lee on this subject with you. I have benefitted tremendously from the insights given by PDG Paul and I hope that you will too.

The are many reasons why the IPP continues on as a member of the Rotary club Board. The more important reasons are as follows:

1. CONTINUITY OF CLUB PROJECTS

Club projects very often may not be completed within one Rotary Year. The IPP plays an important role in ensuring that the projects are continued to be implemented properly and completed smoothly. It is important for the IPP to recognize that when a project goes into the next Rotary Year, the current President and Board have the right of decision making. The IPP must accept this and continue to support the new Board.

2. CONTINUITY OF PRESIDENTIAL & BOARD DECISIONS

Very often the Board decisions of one Rotary Year need to be carried forward to the next Rotary year. The IPP plays the role of advising the Board on the merits of such decisions, as well as, whether fresh approvals from the current Board are required.

3. GUIDE PRESIDENT/BOARD ON PAST PRACTICES

The IPP can play a vital role by providing for continuity on many issues by advising the Board on the past practices and the merits of each of these practices. The decision of whether to continue with such past practices rests with the current Board.

See full document under DOWNLOADS ON YOUR LEFT 

February 2011 

This Rotary year features a culture of innovation in which we are looking at all aspects of our policies, practices, and procedures to see if they can be modernized and improved. Not surprisingly for an old and large organization like ours, we are identifying many areas that could, and should, be brought up to date.

But at the same time, I fully recognize that some things are so significant in Rotary’s success that they are sacrosanct. They are referred to in the RI Strategic Plan as our core values, but I prefer to call them our DNA. They are the characteristics that distinguish Rotary from all other organizations. They are the essence of who Rotarians are and what Rotarians have in common around the world.

The five core values named in the RI Strategic Plan are fellowship, service, integrity, diversity, and leadership. Young people prefer the word networking to our traditional word of fellowship, but to me they are equivalent. Both words lead to lasting friendships in our clubs, which keep us together between projects and which make Rotary membership truly priceless. Friendship is clearly the most essential element of Rotary’s DNA!

Rotarians should not worry that the current emphasis on modernization will damage our core values. That would be alien to Cowboy Logic, which includes the admonitions “Remember that some things are not for sale” and “Know where to draw the line.” I want to assure Rotarians that we will not alter the values and attitudes that have made Rotary a premier organization – one that is now on the world stage through PolioPlus!

We have so much to be proud of as Rotarians. This is our finest hour, and our best days are still ahead as we help our clubs to be Bigger, Better, and Bolder. Along with our five core values, persistent progress is another prestigious part of Rotary’s DNA! 

IPP RI
Ray Klinginsmith

Dear Rotary Club President and President-elect,

This is an announcement to all Rotary club leadership that Rotary International is conducting four new pilot programs beginning 1 July 2011 and operating through 30 June 2014 and is looking for clubs to participate in them. 

In support of the RI Strategic Plan goal to 'foster club innovation and flexibility' the Board would like to evaluate and measure the impact alternative membership types and club operations have on member activities and engagement, membership growth and retention, improved member diversity, increased community and international service, increased support of The Rotary Foundation, and overall club effectiveness. Below is a brief recap of each pilot program. At this link are more detailed fact sheets for each of these pilots, guidelines for selection, terms of participation, and an implementation plan: 

http://www.rotary.org/en/members/generalinformation/pilots/Pages/ridefault.aspx

Satellite Club
The Satellite Club Pilot will allow a Rotary club to conduct multiple club meetings during a week, each taking place at a different location, a different day and/or a different time.

Corporate Membership
The Corporate Membership Pilot will allow a corporation or company in the club's area to become a member of the Rotary Club, through a club established membership approval process, and appoint a certain number of Designees as the individuals attending meetings, serving on projects, voting on club matters, serving as club officers and on club committees, etc.

Associate Membership
An Associate Membership Pilot will allow an individual to become associated and acquainted with a Rotary Club, its members, its programs and projects, and the expectations of club membership with the intent of becoming an active member within a designated period of time.

Innovation & Flexibility
This pilot project focuses on letting clubs self-determine their operations to fit better with their members' and community needs.  Clubs will be authorized to make changes to the Standard Rotary Club Constitution and to their Rotary Club Bylaws in any area other than RI membership dues requirements.

A total of 200 clubs will be accepted to participate in each pilot, with a goal of equal representation from the thirty-four (34) zones. Clubs wishing to participate must have been chartered prior to 30 June 2009.

The deadline for submitting a pilot application form is 1 April 2011. Decisions for club selections will be made by 1 May 2011. Club and district officers will be notified of clubs selected to participate by 31 May 2011.

To participate in these pilot programs, your club must be in good financial standing and you will need agreement from the current club president and club president-elect along with the agreement of 2/3 of the members of the club.  At this link are the project plan details and application form:

http://www.rotary.org/en/members/generalinformation/pilots/Pages/ridefault.aspx

You may email questions to ripilotprograms@rotary.org or contact your Club and District Support representative. You may submit the application via email to ripilotprograms@rotary.org or fax to 1-847-556-2196.

I encourage all club presidents to consider participating in these pilot programs in an effort to ensure Rotary's continued success and secure its future in a changing world. 

Sincerely,  

Ed Futa
General Secretary, Rotary International

The New Rotary Manual of Procedure 2010 is available on this home page. Please scroll down on your left to download the document.

La nouvelle Rotary Manuel de procédure 2010 est disponible sur cette page d'accueil. S'il vous plaît faites défiler vers le bas sur votre gauche pour télécharger le document.

"Keeping the Member in Rotary - Keeping Rotary in the Member"

This article outlines 6 key action items required in order to retain members within your Rotary club. Learn how you can:

        1. Inform all non-Rotarian visitors of various Rotary International programs
        2. Invite a propsective member with a personal visit by the club's membership committee
        3. Induct new members in a dignified and meaningful manner
        4. Orient the new member properly
        5. Educate the new member about Rotary 

See full article and download at the MEMBERSHIP page 

ROTARY DISTRICT 7030 – AN OVERVIEW

District 7030 is a unique District that can be regarded as a mini Rotary International.

The reason for this is that the District covers fourteen Countries with 69 Clubs meeting in 19 different territories across the District.

The actual geography is as follows starting in the South on the South American continent with French Guiana, Suriname and Guyana and as it goes north encompassing the Eastern Caribbean, or as some people may know it, part of the old British and French West Indies.