Rotary District 9710
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January has been a very busy and inspiring month.
Julia and I have always enjoyed getting involved with the National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) and the 2010 sessions were no exception. The students are inspiring young people and so grateful for their opportunity at NYSF.
This year something different was tried with the Rotary Receptions. Instead of a sit-down dinner, a reception style function was held for each session of NYSF. I think this was very successful as it gave everybody - Rotarians and students - a chance to more easily mingle and get to know each other. While the change might take a little getting used to, I strongly feel that it is the way to go.
Home hosting was again a wonderful experience and we enjoyed the company of a couple of students in our home. I have heard many reports from Rotarians about how much they have also enjoyed their home hosting experience.
I hope even more Rotarians will get involved with NYSF next year.
The Rotary Youth Leadership Award seminar (RYLA) has been another huge success. The number of candidates was lower than any of us would like. Nevertheless, I was extremely pleased with the level of energy and interest I experienced when I had the thrill of opening the seminar. Well done to the committee and other volunteers who make this program work; and continue to be a success.
Next year, I'd like to see a large increase in the number of candidates and that Rotary future is in YOUR hands!
This month, Rotary turns 105 years old!! What an achievement; and one of which we can be extremely proud.
It is also 105 years of working to increase world understanding and peace. A goal which has been constantly in the sights of Rotary and every Rotarian. Something we are making strong steps to bring about with our wide variety of programs and projects. This stands well along side the goal of the Rotary Foundation - to do good in the world.
Being part of an international organisation gives us the collective opportunity and power to make and bring about difference in the world.
Do what you can to heighten awareness of World Understanding amongst the members of our Clubs AND within our community.There are just so many opportunities and we need to pick ones which will work in our communities.
Make the most of our upcoming birthday to take on an active and visible project on or around our birth date! That will go a long way to improve our profile in our community and to bring about world understanding and peace.
The eradication of polio has been Rotary's goal since 1985. We've come so far to date. But, there is still a hard road ahead to reach that final goal.
The four endemic countries - Nigeria, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India - do present some particular challenges. These will be costly challenges to overcome and we need not only the support of organisations like the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation but individuals and businesses and governments to help raise the necessary funds.
Plan now for something in your Club AND in your community to raise awareness of our efforts to eradicate polio and to raise funds from the community to achieve the goal.
We have all been affected by the recent earthquake and aftershocks in the small nation of Haiti!
Be assured, Rotary has been active in the relief efforts. The local Rotary District 7020 has made huge efforts. Go to the District 7020 website to see what they have been doing.
Rotary has set up through the Australian Rotary Foundation Trust (ARFT) the capacity to make tax deductible gifts to the appeal to support Rotary's efforts in the region. The need is huge and any help you can coordinate in your own community will go a long way to help. As with everything else Rotary does, all the funds will go to help those in need. There will be no overheads deducted. Follow this link to read about how donating to the ARFT for Haiti will work.
Our 2009 outbound Global Youth Exchange students have returned from their year of overseas adventure as exchange students! I cannot wait to hear about their adventures! They will be gathering in Nowra 6-7 February 2010 and Julia and I look forward to meeting them then.
Our 2010 outbound students have made their journeys to their host countries, clubs and families! Julia and I were at Sydney Airport and saw some of the students before they departed - including our son. The level of excitement, tinged with a little trepidation, was palpable! I'm sure they will all have a great, life-changing adventure!
Finally, Julia and I wish you all a happy Rotary birthday on the 23rd!
Michael Pedler
District Governor