February 2025 6650 Newsletter

 

On January 18, we held the first District Assembly since pre-COVID. It was a District DIVISION Assembly hosted by the three (3) Assistant Governors from Division One. It took place in that Division, starting a little later in the day so that people did not have to get up too early on a Saturday.

 

This was a test-run to doing things a little differently. Based on the survey results, we are very encouraged and will plan more District Assemblies like this in the future.

 

Kudos and many thanks to AG/District Learning Facilitator Julia Wetstein, AG Steve Simunich, and AG Shelly LeBerto who picked up the tab for our lunch making it possible for us to donate all the proceeds to District 5280 in California where many of our Rotary friends are affected by the devastating fires.

 

Thanks also to our presenters Anita Brennan, Lori Shandor, PP Ken LaPolla, and PDG Linda Henderson; DGE Kim Weiss for her ongoing support; BUT MOSTLY – the 32 dedicated and passionate Rotarians who made the drive on a winter morning (if I am forgetting anyone, you win a recorded interview on our website)!

 

Although members from our entire District were invited and welcomed, the AG’s from Division One designed it to focus on leadership training based on feedback from visiting their fifteen clubs. The topics featured were Public Image, Membership, and The Rotary Foundation.

 

Stay with me here … Of the five (5) initiatives our District is engaged in this year, leadership development (1) within Rotary plays a pivotal role in fostering membership growth (2). By embracing alternative models to membership and clubs, we can create more inclusive and dynamic pathways for all members to rise to their full potential. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives are essential to this process, ensuring that everyone's voice is heard and valued, creating a richer, more vibrant community.

 

This month’s Rotary theme - Peace and Conflict Resolution (3) - is at the heart of Rotary's mission. The focus on Positive Peace, as emphasized by Rotary International President Stephanie Urchick, allows us to address the root causes of conflict and build sustainable, peaceful families, clubs, communities, and societies. The partnership with the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) further enriches our approach by integrating environmental considerations, recognizing that a healthy environment (4) is fundamental to lasting peace.

 

The Rotary-IEP Partnership, which began in 2017, equips and trains Rotary members in IEP's Pillars of Positive Peace framework - providing a unique structure to:

Rotary Positive Peace Activator is the core training program of the Rotary-IEP Partnership. Between 2020 and 2025, more than 200 Positive Peace Activators will be trained in strategic regions around the world.

 

As I visit clubs, along with our District Membership, Foundation, Peace, Environment Chairs, and our District Learning Facilitator, we hope to incentivize clubs to organize at least one Rotary Day of Service that will support our Rotary Action Plan, our efforts in Peacebuilding, and Protecting our Environment.

 

By organizing Rotary Days of Service, we not only address immediate community needs but also strengthen bonds among members and attract new ones. These events provide opportunities to tell our story, demonstrating Rotary’s impact and making history (5) with every project completed.

 

Rotary's commitment to leadership development, coupled with inclusive growth, strategic training, and community engagement, ensures that we continue to make a remarkable difference locally and globally. By embracing these models and initiatives, we pave the way for a future where peace, diversity, and service are the cornerstones of our collective success.

 

 

Yours In Rotary,

 

DG Elayne