As I look back on 2020, I reflect on how our lives have changed. The global COVID-19 pandemic brought pain and loss to many of us. And for almost all of us, our daily lives, family time, and work also changed this year. But we've made it to the end of this difficult year, not on our own but by reaching out to one another, as we always do in Rotary. With each passing year, I become prouder of our organization.
I will choose to remember 2020 as a year of great change and strength for us; Rotary didn't stop, despite the pandemic. We removed obstacles, found new ways to connect, and embraced new approaches to service, such as online projects and virtual fundraising
[The] stories should give us all reasons to be optimistic about Rotary in the year ahead. We are not just surviving; we are gaining strength. We are discovering how resilient our organization truly is. We are seeing for ourselves how Rotary Opens Opportunities — even during pandemics — to grow, connect, and engage our members and the communities we serve.
District Governor Lisle Chase Monthly Message
My Fellow Rotarians, Rotaractors and Interactors, friends and all those who have taken the time to read this month’s message, Maggie joins me in wishing you many blessings as we approach the end of the first half of this Rotary year.
There is no doubt that this will go down in history as a Rotary year with a difference! Hold fast to your Rotary family, embrace them (virtually) and reach out to support each other.
As we close out the calendar year, I thank you all for your commitment to our Rotary way of life: for your leadership; for your friendship; for your integrity; for your commitment to diversity and for your service to humanity.
Blessings my family, stay strong...
Watch District Governor Monthly Video Message
Rotary Monthly Focus
Prevention and treatment of disease is paramount in the promotion of long life and overall wellness, healthy populations, the elimination of poverty and stronger societies.
Rotarians are at the forefront of fighting not just Polio but other diseases like Malaria, HIV/AIDS, Obesity and Diabetes.
As we continue to globally combat the COVID-19 pandemic, this December, we collectively recognize and support one of our Severn Areas of Focus and our efforts as Rotarians in Fighting Disease and working towards providing basic health care to people around the globe.
On Monday 09th November, the District 7030 Alumni Committee hosted a special virtual event aimed at actively engaging Rotary Alumni. District Alumni Chair Leah Crag-Chaderton and Innovative Club Advocate Debbie Roopchand teamed up to highlight and discuss the new club models and flexibility to Rotary Alumni, former Rotarians and Rotaractors who had not transitioned into Rotary. This discussion forum allowed clubs and members in District 7030 to further connect with alumni and to share experiences, networks, and ideas for staying involved in Rotary.
The Reconnect Week Virtual Event featured panelists Mike Pfriem (Alumni Relations Snr. Supervisor RI), Audley Knight (Rotary Regional Membership Officer) and PDG David Edwards (Membership Committee Chair for RI). Alumnus and Rotarian Ralph Felix and former Rotarian Varsha Sieurajsingh spoke on their respective membership experiences –the god and the not-so-good – while main of the past issues faced by alumni and preventing them from transitioning to Rotary were addressed and mitigated by Rotary's current flexibility and innovative club models to better accommodate members. In case you missed it or just want to watch it again, check out the recording of this event that provides some answers and information on getting alumni involved with Rotary.
The Rotary Foundation – Grants & Giving
Hosted by the District 7030 Foundation Grants team on Saturday 14th November, this valuable session on The Rotary Foundation – Grants & Giving provided members with updates on Polio Plus, information on how to prepare an effective Grant application and innovative ways to give to our Foundation.
Featuring speakers included: PRIP John Germ (End Polio Now champion), who spoke on the origins and evolution of PolioPlus; AG Rita Merkies (RC Willemstad), who provided a summary account of her club's experience with applying for and receiving a Global Grant; and Owen Standley, who spoke on his novel fundraising initiative - Owen's Odyssey. Catch up on the valuable and interesting information shared...you will not be disappointed!
Transforming The Way We Eat
The Healthy Caribbean Coalition, in partnership with Rotary District 7030 and the Caribbean Association of Nutritionists and Dieticians, hosted a joint special webinar: Transforming the Way We Eat: The Relationship between Agriculture, Food and Nutrition and NCDs. This online event focused on the value of investing strategically in agricultural practices and eating what we grow to address food insecurity.
Key experts expanded on how individual and community-level strategies can be used to practically and sustainably improve health outcomes by improving access to healthy local foods as part of a build-back-better response to the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. In case you missed it or just want to watch it again, check out the recording of this event that provides some references and ideas on healthy eating and food production.
Coming Up This Month
09th December: What's New In Rotaract - An Interactive Q&A
On Wednesday 09th November at 07:00 p.m. (GMT-4), the Rotary District 7030 Rotaract Committee is pleased to host "What’s New In Rotaract". This session will be an interactive one focusing on our District 7030 Rotaractors and Rotarians with an aim to:
Share the changes to Rotaract as of 1st July 2020
Provide clarity on the way in which the changes are taking effect in District 7030 now and in the future
Get feedback from member Rotaractors on experiences thus far in the Rotary year
The session will be facilitated by the Rotary District 7030 Rotaract Committee where DG Lisle Chase and DRR Kevan St. Brice shall be the two main speakers who will respond to questions and comments shared by attendees and supported by the wider District 7030 Rotaract Committee.
Whether a current or potential Rotaractor, this is definitely an event not to be missed! All Rotarians and Rotaractors in District 7030 are invited to attend.
09th December: Rotary Works - A New Vocational Initiative
Rotary Works is a new and special vocational initiative created and designed for Rotarians and Rotaractors within Zones 33 & 34 who are experiencing career transition. This initiative is comprised of three distinct programs that will provide education, networking, and/or financial resources for participants and facilitate mentorship opportunities for personal and professional development.
The first Rotary Works program to launch will be a Career Development Professional Series offered monthly via Zoom. at the same time (12:00/01:00 p.m.) Starting December 2020, on the second Wednesday of each month at 12:00 p.m. (EST) / 01:00 p.m. (AST), there will be consistent opportunities to collaborate with business professionals in career development, to exchange ideas and to have conversations with experts in various fields.
The program kicks off on 09th December 2020 at 12:00pm EST / 01:00 p.m. AST via Zoom with - Rotary Opens Career Opportunities - an overview of the series, where exactly how “Rotary Works” operates and how it will support our members will be outlined and discussed. Learn about the vision, program outlines and committee structure, as well as, discuss resources, coaching opportunities and long-term plans to support Rotarians and Rotaractors experiencing career transition.
The potential to help those in need is a top priority for Zones 33-34 and this initiative is all about Rotarians serving and supporting other Rotarians and Rotaractors throughout Zones 33 and 34!
12th December: An Introduction To Rotary's Feed 10Million Initiative
On Saturday 12th December, the District 7030 Champion for the Feed 10Million Initiative, PDG Roger Bose, will introduce how it works to clubs and members of District 7030, as well as, facilitate a forum for open discussion among participants to discuss various ideas on what clubs can do and how members can participate.
In every country and territory and even before COVID-19, there have always been people (including children) who go hungry or are malnourished every day. With escalating costs of food, fewer affordable healthy food options, income instabilities, trade limitations and declining GDPs, the situations in several countries and territories in District 7030 and their communities is getting worse with more persons in need each day, each week and each month.
As we move into the season of giving for all and to all, the Feed 10Million Initiative is poised to help clubs and members come together and focus efforts to feed persons who really need it and perhaps increase the impact we can collectively make. All Rotarians and Rotaractors in District 7030 are encouraged to attend.
15th December: Peace, Love & Joy
On 15th December 2020 at 7:00 p.m. AST, the District 7030 Peace-Building Committee is pleased to host "Peace Love & Joy at Christmas" an interactive session on Self Care during the ongoing pandemic & the holiday season. Featuring psychotherapist IPP Carlotta Boodie Walcott of Rotary Club of Starbroek, Guyana, this session will also feature a special appearance by popular comedian Errol Fabien, as well as, musical and vocal performances and a special holiday message to all attendees from District Governor Lisle Chase. All Rotarians, Rotaractors and Interactors in District 7030 are invited to attend.
Watch District Special Events Recap For October
A Place For Peace
The District 7030 Peace-Building Team continues to work towards the advancement of more Peace-Building clubs in District 7030 among other key goals. This month the committee is hosting a special event around mental health during the holiday season. Plans for a few more online sessions about sharing ideas about the District’s Peace Journey are already underway for the coming months. Clubs should also prepare for February 2021 which will be celebrated as Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution month and start planning activities from now. For more information, check out the Place for Peace November publication.
District Initiatives
District 7030 RYLA 2021
The 2021 Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) for District 7030 will be happening on 16-17 January. While, the event will take place online due to travel restrictions and for the health of all participants, this RYLA is set to transcend and mitigate as many limitations as possible, and even raise the overall bar.
Registration for RYLA 2021 is NOW OPEN!!
ANY persons between 13 and 25 years old can participate in RYLA!!
ANY Rotary or Rotaract Club can register RYLA participants!!
ANYONE can pay for registration for RYLA!!
To get things started there is an special early bird registration price of US$150. This entitles a club to register up to twenty (20) participants (valid until December 15th 2020). If you would like to sponsor more participants to RYLA, please take a look at the registration prices here.
Remember...RYLA 2021 is not limited to Rotaractors or Interactors! Sponsoring clubs or other companies/organizations are free to register participants from other suitable groups outside of the Rotary family in their respective communities – the only criteria would be that such participants fall in to the appropriate age categories (13 to 17 and 18 to 25) and that they agree to the policies and goals of RYLA and the youth protection.
Within Zone 34, District 7030 is second in positive membership growth having increased by over 50 members as at 15 November 2020. This is a remarkable achievement given the virtual environment clubs have had to endure during past months. Clubs are encouraged to continue to engage members and seek out potential candidates to bring into fold.
Coming Soon
On 09th January 2021 at 6:30 p.m. (AST) the District 7030 Membership Team will host “2021: Time to Join Rotary Fellowships and Rotary Action Groups”. This session would feature presenters from at least 2 Rotary Fellowships and 2 Rotary Action Groups and is open to all Rotarians, Rotaractors and Interactors to attend and learn more about these groups.
People of Action...Clubs In Service
District P.E.T.S & Conference
Conference Chair Konrad Wagner and the 2021 District 7030 Conference Team shall be releasing new information and details on plans for next April. Schedules, speakers, topics, costs and options available to registrants of the District 7030 P.E.T.S & Conference 2021 shall be officially announced by January. The event theme of Service • Sustainability • Peace shall preside over many aspects of the event and members can look forward to a truly unique and memorable experience filled with high quality speakers and content. Rotarians are still able to pre-register online via the conference website and for those who missed it or for those who want to see it again, recordings of the launch are now available.
District Celebrations
Rotary Club of Georgetown Central Celebrates 37 Years
On Sunday 01st November, the Rotary Club of Georgetown Central (RCGC) celebrated 37 years since its establishment.
Chartered in 1983, RCGC was sponsored by the Rotary Club of Georgetown as part of that club’s 25th Anniversary Celebrations; making RCGC the second of seven Rotary clubs in Guyana.
For almost four decades, RCGC has been very vibrant and maintained its energy in membership and activities in community service. Over its lifetime, the RCGC has conducted and completed a wide range of projects and initiatives including a dental mobile unit, which offered free dental facilities to thousands over a period of more than two decades, and making several donations to other charitable causes which provided relief to many of the less fortunate across Guyana.
Additionally, through its re-energized membership, RCGC continues to set its sights on more community development initiatives as it tangibly demonstrates the Rotary mantra “People of Action”.
Current Club President, William Andrew Boyle, lauded the efforts of Rotarians of the RCGC as they continue to put “Service Above Self” in all of the Club’s undertakings, even despite setbacks caused by the pandemic this Rotary year.
The RCGC President also used the club's anniversary to encourage Rotarians across Guyana to continue to foster the ideals of Rotary, particularly the exercise of goodwill and peace to all.
Meanwhile, RCGC gives kudos to the many businesses and organizations, which have offered support towards the projects and initiatives of the club both in the past and today. With continued assistance, the Club will be able to do even more to positively impact the lives of people in its communities.
Rotary Club of Garden City (Georgetown) Charter Ceremony
After a little over a decade in Guyana, a new Rotary club was added to the fold with the Rotary Club of Garden City (Georgetown) officially chartered on 17th September 2020. Now the 7th Rotary club in Guyana, RC Garden City was stylishly launched at an official Charter Ceremony on 10th of November. Amid great fanfare and enthusiasm among members from across District 7030 and and other special guests in attendance, this milestone for Rotary in Guyana now sees a new club with 33 charter members, each of whom have committed to be E.P.I.C. (Enthusiastic People Influencing Change). In case you missed it or just want to watch it again, check out the recording of the RC Garden City Charter Ceremony.
This is a friendly reminder to all current and incoming Rotary club officers to update your club membership and officer information on My Rotary by 1st January 2021 as Rotary International will use this information to generate each club's respective January 2021 club invoice.
The information provided by 1 January is used to produce January’s semiannual reports, which Rotary then sends to clubs that have provided us with up-to-date club officer email addresses.
It is important that each club’s member information is up-to-date, because Rotary cannot change the club invoice after it has been generated or accept membership updates with a payment.
Current club officers should ensure that a club's invoice will be correct by updating the information on My Rotary.
If your club is using a local country or district database connected to RI to manage membership such as ClubRunner, please make all updates to membership within such database and ensure to report all new or terminated members and 2020-21 club officers no later than 1 January 2021. Such changes to membership information should be reflected in Rotary International’s database and verified accordingly by signing into
Members with admission dates of 1 January 2021 or before will be counted for the January 2021 club invoice.
Members with termination dates of 1 January 2021 or before will not be counted for the January 2021 club invoice.
Up-to-date and accurate club rosters and contact information make it possible for all branches of Rotary to provide each club with a more accurate bill. It also enables: club members to register for the Rotary International Convention; club officers to qualify to apply for grants; and, all club members to count toward club, district, and zone membership tallies.
Besides updating membership, any changes to subscriptions to Rotary (formerly The Rotarian [in English]) should be reported to data@rotary.org prior to 1 January 2021.
For more information about the club invoice, including how-to guides and answers to frequently asked questions, go to My Rotary’s Club Administration pages. For help with membership questions, contact: data@rotary.org.
.
ClubRunner Mobile App
The ClubRunner Mobile App is your key to connect to your club and District 7030 on the go! Completely free to download and use and available to ALL ROTARIANS AND ROTARACTORS in District 7030, this app will let you access key info while you're on the go.
Using the newly upgraded ClubRunner services from District 7030, the ClubRunner Mobile App is completely independent of whether your club subscribes to ClubRunner itself or not. That means everyone in District 7030 can download, use and benefit from the app.
If your club already subscribes to ClubRunner, then everything is already integrated into the District 7030 ClubRunner and you can use the same username and password you were assigned to log on to the ClubRunner Mobile App.
If your club does not subscribe to ClubRunner, you can use your pre-assigned username and password to log on to the ClubRunner Mobile App.
Password protected just like a website, the ClubRunner Mobile app allows you to to view club member directories, contact members and executives, read the latest articles posted to the district website, learn more about upcoming events and speakers, view meeting details and track attendance statistics, right from your smartphone or tablet!
The ClubRunner Mobile app allows you to to:
View Member Directory Profiles
Immediately view the most up to date member directory, upon login. You can browse member profiles which give you the necessary contact information you need to connect with just one click. Make a call or text, email them directly from your device, or even add them to your contacts list.
View and Contact Your Club/District Executives and Directors
View and contact your club/district executives and directors from current, past and future years. You can browse their profiles and connect with one tap.
View Posts on Your Website
View the latest feed of home page stories that are on the District 7030 website directly on your phone and never miss any information!
Learn More About Upcoming Events
Access all upcoming District 7030 events and calendar items, and view event details, including associated links, download files and venue maps. View who the latest speakers are and learn more about presentation topics.
View Club Details
View meeting days, times and venues, complete with a Google map for directions through the new Club Info page right from your phone. Even get quick access to contact club Presidents, Area/Assistant Governors and District Governor.
Keep Track of Attendance
Keep track of attendance stats for individuals and clubs. Easily view which meetings you attended, missed and made up and get a quick glance at your attendance percentage for the year.
We've all wanted to be better connected and we all find ourselves seeking contact information for persons and/or club information - now, with the ClubRunner Mobile App, we can eliminate these problems entirely and move forward as a better, more networked and efficient District.
If you do not know or have forgotten either your username or password for ClubRunner, or never received any credentials for ClubRunner, or need any assistance with logging on to ClubRunner, please contact the District 7030 Support Team admin@rotarydistrict7030.org
Join District 7030 Facebook Groups
Members and Clubs are encouraged to join the new District 7030 Groups on Facebook. Participate in one or as many groups as you would like and invite your friends, colleagues or anyone you think may be interested...groups are open to all. Not only will you be able follow information and updates posted within each group, but also, you are free to post and share yourselves! Whether you are interested in District Programs such as Peace-Building, Childhood Obesity Prevention, Environmental Sustainability and Interact, or want to find the latest information about various club service projects, activities and events within District 7030, there is a group for you!
Did You Know...
Rotary became the first organization of business leaders to sing at its meetings. This occurred when Harry Ruggles, the fifth person to become a Rotarian (and a printer who initiated the Rotary wheel, later becoming the gear that we know) had to head off a tense situation and so jumped upon a chair, waved his arms, and cried out “OK boys, let’s all sing ‘Let Me Call You Sweetheart!’” Over the years, that moment catalyzed members of Rotary to form and establish the International Fellowship of Rotarian Musicians. Members in District 7030 are encouraged to join the Caribbean chapter of this most engaging and stalwart fellowship group.
On 1 August 1912, the Rotary Club of London, Greater London, England, became the first Rotary club in Europe. Although Rotary had already become international in April of that year with the chartering of the Rotary Club of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, the club in the United Kingdom earned Rotary the distinction of being an intercontinental organization.
Rotary values diversity and celebrates the contributions of people of all backgrounds. And it is committed to reflecting the communities it serves by being inclusive of all cultures, experiences, and identities. Throughout 2020-2021, Rotary will host a webinar series to explore Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - Accountability and Inclusion - with topics that range from understanding our own implicit biases to learning how to hold each other accountable.
District 7030's PDG Roger Bose was part of the District Governor-Elect training team for this year's Zone Summit, which for the first time was conducted entirely online and accessible to all Rotarians and Rotaractors in District 7030
Besides raining chaos on everyone and every industry, COVID-19 also afforded Public Image and Public Relations individuals and teams a unique opportunity. The pandemic created lots of opportunities for all types of brands, some of whom had no experience managing a crisis - including many Rotary clubs. As might be expected, COVID-19 was the centerpiece of what most organizations and their public image teams focused on from very early, with the mention of COVID-19 in messages and article subject lines and "feel-good” stories being shared profusely. Connecting COVID-19 to a club's brand and creating content relevant to the pandemic were other strategies used by many clubs along with another popular strategy - sharing organizational innovation to assist with COVID-19.
Rotary is excited to share about a new online tool that will give individuals another powerful means to raise the funds necessary to support the Foundation. Rotary's new peer-to-peer fundraising platform, Raise for Rotary, is now live! Raise for Rotary is easy to use – even on your mobile device – and a fun way to create a personalized virtual fundraiser to share with your friends and family, and gain support for your favorite Rotary cause. You can set up a fundraiser for any occasion, such as a birthday, anniversary, or to mark an important event like World Polio Day. Or you can take on an individual challenge to raise funds, such as a bike ride, or fundraise as part of a team of people raising money for the same cause.
As some clubs begin a return to the new normal, the ability to still include a streaming option for those unable to attend meetings will add value to a member’s club experience. It will allow members, young and old, to participate in club meetings even if they are physically unable to attend for whatever reason. Technology might even open up a new membership type for your club with virtual classifications. If anything, this could be an invaluable retention tool for those members teetering on the edge of leaving Rotary. So, while it may be some time until all Rotarians are comfortable with attending "in-person" Rotary meetings like we have always had, clubs are considering alternative solutions that not only allow us to connect, but also, allow us to engage. Enter hybrid meetings… This type of meeting combines the benefits of in-person and virtual interactions so that each event can reach its highest potential.
Through the Annual Fund's SHARE system, contributions to The Rotary Foundation are transformed into grants that fund local and international humanitarian projects, scholarships, and activities, such as vocational training teams. At the end of every Rotary year, contributions directed to the Annual Fund-SHARE from all Rotary clubs in the district are divided between the World Fund and the District Designated Fund, or DDF. At the end of three years, our district can use its DDF to pay for Foundation, club, and district projects that your club and others in the district choose. Districts may use up to half of their DDF to fund district grants. The remaining DDF may be used for global grants or donated to PolioPlus, the Rotary Peace Centers, or another district. So remember, when contributing to the Annual Fund, please make sure that you choose the SHARE system and ensure that District 7030 can continue to support District grants for our clubs and their projects.
You can not only participate in Professional Development Courses via the Rotary Learning Center, but also, have access to an ever-increasing number of training and learning tools for all things Rotary.
The new issue of the "Rotary" magazine (formerly "The Rotarian") is out. Subscribe to the digital version now to receive it regularly and on time each month via email.
Submissions
Interested in having your Club's activities or member's stories featured in one of the District publications (Newsletter, Website, Social Media)?
Please send articles, videos, photos and/or links to such via email to:
