Good day. I continue to receive request for information on how a Rotarian or club can provide financial assistance for Rotarians suffering from the war in Ukraine. I share with the following statement form Rotary International:
“Rotary International and The Rotary Foundation stand with the United Nations General Assembly in expressing grave concern at “the ongoing human rights and humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, in particular at the reports of violations and abuses of human rights and violations of international humanitarian law by the Russian Federation.”
As a global humanitarian organization, Rotary takes a proactive stance toward peacemaking by addressing the underlying causes of conflict.
We support recent UN General Assembly resolutions calling for an immediate ceasefire and withdrawal of Russian military forces from Ukraine. This aligns with Rotary’s deep commitment to promoting peace through dialogue and conflict resolution.
We are working beside our partners in the international relief community to help provide resources to the more than 10 million Ukrainian refugees forced to flee the field of battle.”
Rotary International Board of Directors
Rotary Foundation Board of Trustees
In response to the deepening humanitarian crisis caused by the war in Ukraine, The Rotary Foundation has created an official channel for donors around the world to contribute funds to support the relief efforts underway by Rotary districts and has designated its Disaster Response Fund as the main avenue for contributions.
To this end, The Rotary Foundation has approved:
Now through 30 June 2022, designated Rotary districts that border Ukraine and the Rotary district in Ukraine may apply for grants of up to $50,000 each from the Disaster Response Fund. These expedited disaster response grants can be used to provide relief to refugees or other victims of the crisis including items such as water, food, shelter, medicine and clothing.
During this same period, other impacted Rotary districts that wish to offer support to refugees or other victims of the crisis can apply for $25,000 grants from the Disaster Response Fund.
Now through 30 April 2022, Rotary districts can transfer unallocated District Designated Funds (DDF) to support the Disaster Response Fund, directly supporting these Ukraine-specific humanitarian grants.
Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund in support of Ukraine can be made here. All funds need to be received into the Disaster Response Fund by 30 April 2022 in order to qualify for use in support of the Ukrainian relief efforts.
Although the Disaster Response Fund will be the main avenue for Rotary Foundation support, Rotary and Rotaract clubs are also encouraged to create their own responses to the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.
In addition to support provided through the Disaster Response Fund, the Foundation is coordinating with partners and regional leaders, exploring effective solutions to the increased humanitarian needs.
We are in contact with the United Nations High Commission on Refugees – USA to prepare for and respond to the needs of those being displaced in Ukraine and to neighboring countries.
ShelterBox, our project partner for disaster response, is in communication with Rotary members in Eastern Europe to explore how it may offer support with temporary transitional housing and other essential supplies.
The Rotary Action Group for Refugees, Forced Displacement, and Migration is also mobilizing its resources to assist in this crisis.
More than 2 million people have fled Ukraine and are in dire need of emergency aid. The United Nations estimates that number could grow to as many as 5 million people displaced. Rotary clubs in Europe and around the world have stepped up their relief work, some working on the ground to help displaced families.
We will continue to monitor the situation in Ukraine and neighboring countries. Visit My Rotary and follow Rotary on social media to stay updated on how clubs can get involved and what actions Rotary members have taken and the impact it has had for people in the region.
For all other questions and to obtain more information, please contact the Rotary Support Center at rotarysupportcenter@rotary.org.
YOUTH SERVICE
As we transition from this source, I want to bring to your attention that RI May’s theme focuses on Youth Service. The following are several avenues of service to youth that Rotarians connect in and club support.
Interact Clubsbring together young people ages 12-18 to develop leadership skills and learn about the world through service projects and activities.
Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is a leadership development program for young people who want to learn new skills, build their confidence, and have fun. Events range from one-day seminars to weeklong camps. Rotary Youth Exchange builds peace one young person at a time. Students learn a new language, discover another culture, and truly become global citizens. Exchanges for students ages 15-19 are sponsored by Rotary clubs in more than 100 countries.
New Generations Service Exchange is a short-term, customizable program for university students and professionals up to age 30. Participants can design exchanges that combine their professional goals with a humanitarian project.
You can learn more about these opportunities for youth by signing in to your my.rotary.org account. Thank you for participating and supporting these youth programs.
My time as District Governor is winding down. However, I am still trying to visit as many clubs as I can before my term is completed. Please keep in mind that the District Conference is scheduled for Saturday, June 25, 2022 at Walsh University, North Canton, Ohio. I hope to see you there. See the attached information to register.
Serve to Change Lives,
Steve Wilder
Rotary 6650 District Conference
June 25, 2022
8am-2pm
Barrette Business and Community Center (Walsh University)
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Each year, Rotary awards up to 130 fully funded fellowships for dedicated leaders from around the world to study at one of our peace centers.
Through academic training, practice, and global networking opportunities, the Rotary Peace Centers program develops the capacity of peace and development professionals to become effective catalysts for peace. The fellowships cover tuition and fees, room and board, round-trip transportation, and internship and field-study expenses.
The Rotary Peace Fellowship is designed for leaders with work experience in peace and development. Our fellows are committed to community and international service and the pursuit of peace. Each year, The Rotary Foundation awards up to 50 fellowships for master’s degrees and 80 for certificate studies at premier universities.
Application timeline
Rotary Peace Fellowship applications for the 2023-24 academic year are now being accepted. Candidates have until 15 May to submit applications to The Rotary Foundation. Rotary endorsers must submit endorsements to The Rotary Foundation by 1 July. Find endorsement instructions.
In response to the deepening humanitarian crisis caused by the war in Ukraine, The Rotary Foundation has created an official channel for donors around the world to contribute funds to support the relief efforts underway by Rotary districts and has designated its Disaster Response Fund as the main avenue for contributions.
To this end, The Rotary Foundation has approved:
Now through 30 June 2022, designated Rotary districts that border Ukraine and the Rotary district in Ukraine may apply for grants of up to $50,000 each from the Disaster Response Fund. These expedited disaster response grants can be used to provide relief to refugees or other victims of the crisis including items such as water, food, shelter, medicine and clothing.
During this same period, other impacted Rotary districts that wish to offer support to refugees or other victims of the crisis in their district can apply for $25,000 grants from the Disaster Response Fund.
Now through 30 April 2022, Rotary districts can transfer unallocated District Designated Funds (DDF) to support the Disaster Response Fund, directly supporting these Ukraine-specific humanitarian grants.
Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund in support of Ukraine can be made here. All funds need to be received into the Disaster Response Fund by 30 April 2022 in order to qualify for use in support of the Ukrainian relief efforts.
Although the Disaster Response Fund will be the main avenue for Rotary Foundation support, Rotary and Rotaract clubs are also encouraged to create their own responses to the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.
In addition to support provided through the Disaster Response Fund, the Foundation is coordinating with partners and regional leaders, exploring effective solutions to the increased humanitarian needs.
We are in contact with the United Nations High Commission on Refugees – USA to prepare for and respond to the needs of those being displaced in Ukraine and to neighboring countries.
ShelterBox, our project partner for disaster response, is in communication with Rotary members in Eastern Europe to explore how it may offer support with temporary transitional housing and other essential supplies.
The Rotary Action Group for Refugees, Forced Displacement, and Migration is also mobilizing its resources to assist in this crisis.
More than 2 million people have fled Ukraine and are in dire need of emergency aid. The United Nations estimates that number could grow to as many as 5 million people displaced. Rotary clubs in Europe and around the world have stepped up their relief work, some working on the ground to help displaced families.
We will continue to monitor the situation in Ukraine and neighboring countries. Visit My Rotary and follow Rotary on social media to stay updated on how clubs can get involved and what actions Rotary members have taken and the impact it has had for people in the region.
For all other questions and to obtain more information, please contact the Rotary Support Center at rotarysupportcenter@rotary.org.
In addition:
Funds can be mailed directly to Rotary International, 14280 Collection Center Drive, Chicago, IL 60693. To verify the address, any questions can be directed to the Rotary Support Center. Ph # 1 (866) 976-8279. Your Rotary club can send a donation in the name of the club. The attached forms need to be filled out by the club.
District 6650 is in the process of committing $25,000 from our District Designated Funds for the Ukraine Disaster Relief effort.
“Operation Warm” remains a District 6650 Favorite!
Rotarians in District 6650 continued to partner with Operation Warm for a 10th year providing coats to children, and adults throughout our District! In spite of the lingering effects of the pandemic, our District partners raised $45,504 to purchase 2,616 coats! District partners include the Rotary Clubs of Youngstown, Cortland, Columbiana, Canfield, Brookfield, Orrville, Dover, Austintown, Poland, Girard/Liberty, Steubenville, and for the 4th year, Victory Christian Center’s Boardman, Liberty, New Castle and Warren campuses. It was a very challenging campaign due to worldwide shortages and extended shipping and transportation delivery issues.
Youngstown Rotarian, Debbie Esbenshade (DG2013-14) introduced this project to Division 1(a) clubs in 2012 and since it’s inception, our D6650 campaigns have raised roughly $490,000 and provided 25,200 coats and has been supported by all District Governor’s since then.
Besides the direct benefit to our recipients, Rotary Clubs especially like the fact that all coats stay in our district and directly affect our constituents!
Brief History of Operation Warm
Operation Warm began in 1998 when retired business man Dick Sanford, a member of the Rotary Club of Longwood, District 7450, Kennett Square PA, read a newspaper story about children waiting for a school bus on a cold February morning without adequate winter clothing. Moved by the story, Dick went to a local store and purchased every children’s coat they had, and arranged through his Rotary Club to personally give the coats to children in need at the local school. This directly led to a club project the next year, and a District wide project in 2000.
Dick was incredibly moved by the impact the coats had on children and their families, and decided he wanted to do more. So, like happens with many a Rotary Club project (e.g. ShelterBox), he formed a non-profit company (a 501c3 public charity) called Operation Warm and began building the program. Naturally, District 7450 Rotarians were among the early supporters, but in order to grow, support was sought from many partners, including private and corporate foundations, governmental agencies, churches and many caring individuals.
Rotary International President Shekhar Mehta has urged members to become more involved in-service projects, saying that caring for and serving others is the best way to live because it changes not only other people’s lives, but also our own.
But...to be able to do more through service, Rotary needs to increase membership. Membership has hovered around 1.2 million for the past two decades. Thus, Mehta has challenged Rotary District and Clubs to be catalysts to help increase membership to 1.3 million by 1 July 2022 through his Each One, Bring One initiative which asks every member to bring one person to join Rotary within the remaining year.
Club Leaders, I know you are doing a wonderful job on empowering your members to share Rotary with others! It is inspiring to see what Rotary Clubs can do when we prioritize the member experience and give members the tools to invite others to benefit in the same way. Below, you will find tips for success and a sample timeline to take your Each One, Bring One campaign to the next level as we turn the calendar into a new year. Every Rotary Club is unique, so feel free to adapt, customize and dream up your own creative ideas!
Implementation Tips
June
Consider hosting a community “open house” to celebrate your members and the community you serve. Clubs are encouraged to replicate “Meet Rotary” for in-person
events or virtual gatherings. It is a high-impact event that highlights the important work of Rotary while identifying opportunities for others to get involved.
As the Rotary year ends, think about ways your club might continue to engage with current and future members.
Thank you.
Governor Steve
ROTARY YOUTH EXCHANGE
Rotary District 6650 Youth Exchange Committee is accepting and reviewing student applications for long-term exchange (LTEP) in the 2022-2023 school year. Rotary Youth Exchange around the world has been suspended since Summer 2020. The District 6650 committee is hopeful exchanges will be allowed to resume in the fall of 2022. Rotary International (RI) will make the ultimate decision whether to re-open the exchange program or to continue the suspension. RI’s decision will be made in the coming months.
Locally, we intend to be prepared to resume exchanges as soon as RI gives us the green light to re-start. Interested students should be aged 15 to 19 at the time of exchange. Students that apply and are accepted will go out on exchange in August 2022 pending RI’s program authorization. In the meantime, encourage interested students and their families to find more information on exchange and access to the student application through the Youth Exchange district link at the D6650 website www.rotarydistrict6650.org.
Rotary Youth Exchange is a reciprocal program. In order to sponsor and send outbound students, we will again rely on D6650 Rotary clubs to host inbound students. Host clubs…
*Partner with their local school district for admission and attendance of inbound students *Arrange host families (between 2 to 4 to share each student housing through the year) *Support hosted students with a small monthly stipend *Involve inbound students in club and community activities while looking after the well-being of the student.
Direct your questions and interest you or your club may have to be of service with Rotary Youth Exchange to D6650 Youth Exchange Co-Chairs Bill Wood (330-284-4779; wmawood@juno.com; Louisville Rotary Club Brent Rice (330-749-7120; brentlrice@sssnet.com; Wooster Rotary Club
MY ROTARY ONLINE GUIDE
Clubs are reminded to update their membership data through My Rotary or their club management systems by January 1 to ensure that their club invoices will be accurate. Getting a My Rotary Account is not difficult. Your account helpsRI collect data: demographic information, a primary and secondary email address, and your membership number (If you do not have this, your club secretary will have it.)
Go to the Rotary International web site (www.rotary.org) At the top click My Rotary Below the red “Sign into My Rotary” box there is another that says, “Create an Account.” Click on that. Follow the instructions and put in the required information. In 24 to 48 hours, you will receive an email that will instruct you further about your account. After that you can just click the red “Sign into My Rotary” box; put in your email and password to access your account.
Using My Rotary Web Site
• Sign in to your My Rotary account
• At the top hover over Learning and Reference
• On the left you will see “Learning by Role”
• Click on “Club Roles”
• Here you will be able to see the duties of club presidents, secretaries, treasurers, and committee chairs.
• Go back to the home page and hover over “News and Media”
• On the far right there is a list of resources you can use to produce Rotary information for your club. Have a look at it.
• Back on the home page hover over “Manage.” Here is the Brand Center that will help you if you want to use the Rotary Logo. There are rules that govern the use of the logo.
• Hover over “Manage” on the left you will see “Club and District Administration”.
• Click on “Rotary Club Central” Here you will find a lot of information about membership for our club.
• In Rotary club Central click on the menu icon and then click on the “Goal Center”.
Hope this helps.
RI CONVENTION 2022
We’re just a few months away from the Rotary International Convention, which takes place 4-8 June in Houston, Texas, USA. In this issue of Convention News, you’ll find updates about breakout sessions, exhibitor space, Houston activities, and our COVID-19 protocols.
Please visit convention.rotary.org and join the 2022 Rotary Convention Facebook event page for the latest news. New breakout sessions added
More than 3,000 people responded to a survey in February about what kind of convention breakout sessions they’re interested in. As a result of their feedback, we’ve added a number of sessions, including ones focused on member engagement, service projects, and leadership skills. You can find highlights of the program on the breakout session page.
More details about the breakout program will be available in May. Secure your space in the House of Friendship
At the convention, the House of Friendship is where people gather, make connections, learn, and shop. If you want to sell merchandise or showcase your club or district’s projects, consider joining our exhibitors in Houston. For information and booth pricing, visit the Host Organization Committee’s website or write to Debbie Elias at exhibitor@houstonri2022.org.Space in the House of Friendship is filling up quickly, so secure your spot now! COVID-19 protocols
Rotary International will follow the recommendations for safe gatherings from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Anyone who is attending in person will need to either submit proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 or provide a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before their arrival at the convention. CDC travel guidelines can be found HERE.
You’ll receive an email soon with instructions about how and when to submit your proof of vaccination or test results. Host Organization Committee events
Don’t miss the unforgettable experiences awaiting you in Houston! Choose from music, magic, visits to world-class museums, a tour of the famed Space Center Houston, and more.
Visit houstonri2022.org to learn more about all these events and to purchase tickets. The Rotary Foundation donor events
Registration is open for The Rotary Foundation’s donor events. Donors who are registered for the convention will receive invitations by email for the events they’re eligible for.
• The Rotary Foundation Donor Summit | 6 June | Doors open at 13:00
• The Rotary Foundation Unity Ball | 7 June | Cocktails at 19:00
• The Stars Align in Houston dinner | 7 June | Cocktails at 19:00 Visit the donor events page to learn more about these exciting opportunities and register by 15 May.
Possibilities for peace
With all that’s going on in the world today, it’s understandable that some may be disheartened - but peace is possible. And Rotary members can lead the way in creating more peaceful, resilient, and inclusive societies. Take part in the Rotary Presidential Conference Houston: Serve to Bring Peace, 3-4 June. Learn about the important role that each area of focus plays in creating environments where peace can happen, and how each of those efforts are meeting the many challenges to peace in today’s world – from climate change, pandemics, and forced migration, to polarization in our communities. Find out more about the presidential conference and about the humanitarians and peacebuilders who’ll be there to inspire you. Register for the presidential conference today and share on the event’s Facebook page.
Engage with Rotaract
Join us for the Rotaract Preconvention, 3-4 June, to meet Rotaract and Rotary leaders from around the world, learn more about how Rotaract members are taking action to make sustainable change, share tips and ideas, and gain valuable professional skills. Register for the Rotaract Preconvention now.Watch for our Know Before You Go email, arriving in May!
DISTRICT CLUBS IN ACTION...
Please share your club’s stories by the 1st of the next month for inclusion in the next monthly bulletin
email: rotarydistrict6650@gmail.com
CALCUTTA ROTARY
The Calcutta Rotary recently donated to the St. Clair Township police department for their effort to secure an additional K-9 officer. The donation was for $2,500. Pictured are Officer Keith Hilderbrand along with Rotary President Doug Sanford and Officer Josh Jackson and Noras.
CANAL FULTON ROTARY
Mother of All Races 5K Run or Walk and 10K Run!
Saturday, May 7th - Northwest High School - 8AM Start!
CHAMPION ROTARY
Our Champion Rotary Bunny breakfast was a huge success!! Thank you to everyone!!
DOVER ROTARY
The Club donated $2,500 to help with this a new community project at Dover Park. – connecting the park pavilion with the playground area at Deis Hill….a “walkway through the woods”.
EAST LIVERPOOL ROTARY
JACKSON TOWNSHIP ROTARY
Join us for the Rotary Club of Jackson Township's annual fundraiser, Vintage Jackson, a Wine & Bourbon Tasting Event.
This year, proceeds from Vintage Jackson will benefit Coleman Health Services’ Crisis Stabilization Unit and Mobile Response Team.
is through events. Vintage Jackson is one of our largest fundraisers that benefits a local organization each year.
Tickets for Vintage Jackson are $70 in advance or $75 at the door. An additional fee applies for Bourbon tastings.
A beautiful sunny day to pick up trash in our fair city. These folks picked up 35 bags of trash this morning to make the city a little brighter. We challenge you to continue the clean-up efforts.
NILES ROTARY
Save the Sweet Date!
Strawberry Festival...Thursday, June 9,2022 6:00-8:30am
The club is planning for its summer fundraiser and community awareness project. The club is partnering with the McKinley Memorial summer concert series and with be selling strawberry shortcake and ice cream to raise funds for their high school scholarship program. The community is invited to enjoy strawberry shortcake and a lawn concert by the Girard String Band.
PERRY TOWNSHIP ROTARY
PLAIN TOWNSHIP ROTARY
The club had the honor of presenting ($7000.00 each) checks to our Casino Night benefactors...Whole Latte Love Cafe, Domestic Violence Project, and Aunt Susie's Cancer Center.
STEUBENVILLE ROTARY
The club labeled 29 boxes of dictionaries for delivery to the 3rd grade students in all the Jefferson County schools.
WARREN ROTARY
The Warren Rotary Foundation is sponsoring a fireless cooking workshop to be presented by Grace and Camily Wedende for the members of St Joseph Christian Community in Eldoret.
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Each year, Rotary awards up to 130 fully funded fellowships for dedicated leaders from around the world to study at one of our peace centers.
