I have now visited 32 Rotary Clubs and each Club visit has reinforced the thought that what would our communities be like without Rotary? Honestly, stop and think about that now. What would your community be like without Rotary? Cynics might say that for a start there would be a lot more chickens alive today, however we all know our communities would be so much poorer if it weren’t for Rotarians who give up their time to make a difference.
September is New Generations month and a good time to focus on our youth programs. Has your Club thought about hosting an exchange student? Have you thought about hosting an exchange student? Does anyone in your Club know a student who would benefit from living in another country for a year? In NSW it would appear that many students are reluctant to take a year out of their studies to participate in an experience that we know changes lives for the better. Perhaps we need to talk to the schools and get their help to promote one of the best programs that Rotary runs.
I saw Dave Clark last weekend as he delivered the sound system to be used at our District Conference (only 33 big sleeps until it’s here!) and he looked very tired but very happy after being part of the RYPEN weekend. This is a programme that started in Australia and has enriched the lives of countless students as they gain skills in leadership that will last them a lifetime. I know Dave struggled to get numbers for this camp and we need to find new ways of promoting this program.
RYLA is a programme designed for young people aged between 18 and 25 which provides opportunities to learn advanced leadership skills through group discussions, training and mentoring sessions. Rotary International is currently seeking applications to the 2009 International RYLA for both youth participants and counselors. The 2009 International RYLA will be held 19-21 June 2009 in Birmingham, England, immediately preceding the 100th Rotary International Convention. This will be a unique opportunity to meet and network on an international level with other exceptional young leaders from across the world. It is open to all youth between the ages of 18 and 30 that have extensive experience with Rotary or Rotary Foundation programs. This includes alumni from Interact, Rotaract, local district RYLAs, Youth Exchange, and Ambassadorial Scholarship programs. Please note that Rotarians, as well as past International RYLA alumni are ineligible to apply as participants for this meeting. However, these individuals can apply to serve as a meeting facilitator and counselor. To apply, applicants need to download and complete the relevant form with all required signatures, by 15 December 2008.
If you have any questions about the 2009 International RYLA, please contact ryla@rotary.org for more information.
There has been a lot of interest shown by Clubs in the idea of setting up an Interact Club. This is, as you know, a Rotary Club for students in high school. Perhaps this is a way The Governor’s Newsletter 2 of promoting the youth programs such as RYPEN and Youth Exchange as well as all the other benefits that come from getting young people involved in serving their community.
In honour of New Generations month, think of ways to prepare your younger members for leadership positions. Make leadership a topic at your next Club meeting and assign younger members a senior Rotarian to be their mentor. This is a great way to include newer, younger members and connect them with members they may not know as well. This also gives them an opportunity to think about some long-range personal goals as new Rotarians.
One of the key elements of an effective Rotary Club is developing leaders. You can conduct a leadership skills training program for new or younger members with Leadership Development: Your Guide to Starting a Program (250-EN), a publication available for Clubs to develop its members’ leadership skills. Make use of this tool, and develop the talents necessary for leadership roles. Younger members will benefit both from the skills learned and from the fellowship gained during the training.
I remember when I belonged to the new generation. At what moment in time did that end? On what day did I change? Perhaps there is some kind of test that could enlighten me. Something like the test in an email I received recently which I now pass on to you;
During a visit to a dementia unit, a visitor asked the Director how it was determined whether or not a person should be admitted to the unit.
"Well," said the Director, "we fill up a bathtub and then we offer a teaspoon, a teacup and a bucket to that person and ask him or her to empty the bathtub."
"Oh, I understand," said the visitor. "A normal person would use the bucket because it's bigger than the spoon or the teacup."
"No." said the Director, "A normal person
would pull the plug. Do you want a bed near the window?"
ARE YOU GOING TO PASS THIS ON, OR DO YOU WANT THE BED NEXT TO MINE?
Denise and I are looking forward to seeing you at the District Conference. I believe accommodation is booking up fast so please book yours now, we don’t want you to miss out! Saturday night should be a lot of fun. It has a Carnivale theme and Clubs are being encouraged to dress up for the night and wear masks. Some people have been inspired by their visit to Cirque du Soleil certainly two of our members have and they have created a range of masks that will be available for purchase at the conference so don’t worry if you haven’t had time to make one.
Your Club Secretary should have received details about the measurements of the Paul Harris teddy bear which will be auctioned off at the dance. The proceeds of this will be donated to the Children’s Emergency Medical Fund.