DG Message - February is Rotary Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution Month
Whether it was the noted Greek philosopher Plato or the more recent Spanish born American philosopher/novelist George Santayana who stated “Only the dead have seen the end of war”, conflict continues to impact our world.
We are now witnessing the highest levels of human displacement on record. According to the latest numbers available from the UN Refugee Agency an unprecedented 70.8 million people around the world have been forced from home. Among them are nearly 25.9 million refugees, over half of whom are under the age of 18. There are also millions of stateless people who have been denied a nationality and access to basic rights such as education, healthcare, employment and freedom of movement. To assist clubs in deliberations on the complex subject of peace I have included a Positive Peace Guide that was created in collaboration with The Institute of Economics and Peace in this month’s Bridge.
The tragic shooting down of the Ukrainian aircraft in Iran and loss of life illustrated the current tensions in the world but also the connections of our Rotary family when I received a note of condolence for the Canadians lost in the incident, from my classmate District 2232 Governor, Mykola Stebljanko, from the Ukraine who I had met in San Diego in 2019. A copy of his note and my response is included in the Bridge.
In an exciting announcement the first Rotary Peace Centre in Africa has opened at Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda in January of this year. The University will start offering a postgraduate certificate program to peace and development leaders who are from or who have worked in Africa to address the underlying challenges to peace in the region. According to Bryn Styles, the centre will provide hands-on experience to complement coursework that addresses topics including human rights, governance, and the role of the media in conflict and will focus on refugees and migration, as well as resource and identity-based conflicts.
Rotary started with the vision of one man — Paul Harris. The Chicago attorney formed the Rotary Club of Chicago on 23 February 1905, so professionals with diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas and form meaningful, lifelong friendships. Over time, Rotary's reach and vision gradually extended to humanitarian service. What are you doing to celebrate this Birthday?
February is a busy time for clubs and the district getting ready for training events, International and District Conferences. RI dues have come out. The Foundation is encouraging clubs to meet or ideally exceed our annual giving and End Polio Now goals. It was great news that the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has extended its 2: 1 for match for polio giving. I had the privilege of meeting Dr Corey Peak a program officer from the Gates Foundation at a District 6960 Polio Presentation in January and this gave me renewed confidence that we really are on the verge of eradicating this terrible disease.
A new online Registration process for the RYLA Seminar for Tomorrow’s Leaders program, courtesy of our new organising club and the “Techies” in the Satellite Club of London has been launched. (See the Bridge and the RYLA web page for more details). We have capacity to take 100 students and last year we only filled 70. We need your help to give more of our young people the opportunity to experience this superb leadership program.
President Elect Training (PETs) is on April 3 and 4th in Sarnia. President Elects, Vice Presidents and Club Executive Members are invited to attend. In a change introduced by DGE David there will no April Assembly but a Vibrant Club Seminar will be offered in November. (See the Web for details)
Arrangements for the District Conference 2020 Vision are well advanced, with all plenary and breakout speakers confirmed. Registration will “Go Live” on Monday February 17th.
Last week’s Rotary International Assembly saw RIP Holger Knaack unveil the 2020-21 Theme “Rotary Opens Opportunities”. DGE David Elliott was on hand and will be telling us more at the President Elect Training (PETs) on April 3 and 4th.
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In late November, Rotary Festival City Stratford partnered with HHART and Rotary Wasaga Beach, to provide much needed medical outreach clinics in poor Dominican pueblos and Haitian descent Bateys round Sosua and Puerto Plata.
Rotary members Nancy Totino, and team leader Jean Aitcheson from Festival City, James Sillers of the Passport club, Nell Vrolyk of Sarnia, Roope Tsutsunen, Rotary Exchange Student from Finland, several (hopefully) soon to be Rotarians, and dedicated people made up the 25 member contingent.
Over 1200 people received health and hygiene teaching, assessment and treatment by nurses and physicians, lab assessments, full pharmacy support, reading glasses, sun glasses, and hats, and dental fluoride treatments for children ages 5 to 14. Every person received new toothbrushes, toothpaste and soap thanks to the support of friends of the team members. Rotary action was appreciated, as team members received smiles and ‘gracias’.
INTRODUCTION Thank you for your interest in engaging your club, district, and community in Rotary’s commitment to peacebuilding. Your efforts are an important part of connecting Rotary members from around the world to this global peacebuilding agenda. This guide will help you prepare for your Positive Peace presentation. We recommend that you read it in full before giving your presentation. View Presentation here
If any of the Canadian clubs have Toastmasters Inquiries feel free to refer them to me as I am a long time Toastmaster and a current Area Director and will be happy to answer of your questions.
Sue Storie
sastorie.rotary@gmail.com
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Dear Rotarian,
I am excited to share some good news: Rotary International and Toastmasters International are working together to provide our members with even more opportunities for personal and professional growth.
I am writing to express my thanks for you selecting me to be the recipient of the JC Buckley Memorial Trust Award last June at my high school graduation.
I would like to give you an update on my first semester at Georgian College in Owen Sound. I have passed my first semester and completed courses both in class learning science, math and theory and hands on courses where I practiced shielded metal arc welding and torch welding. I received my flat and horizontal shielded metal arc welding tickets from the Canadian Welding Bureau.
Discover the true spirit of aloha and Rotary with your family, friends, and fellow Rotarians in Honolulu. It’s the perfect setting for the entire family of Rotary to celebrate, collaborate, and connect while experiencing the warmth and welcome of Honolulu.
Rotary and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation extending fundraising partnership to eradicate polio Partnership will infuse an additional US$450 million into global polio eradication
Rotary and the Gates Foundation extend funding match for polio
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