Club Visits
As Karen and I begin our club visits. I am humbled and appreciative of the gracious welcomes from everyone. Many clubs are new to me – an opportunity to meet wonderful Rotarians that I have not met in the past. And it’s great to see old friends in all the clubs. We are amazed at how unique each club is, with a stunning variety of accomplishments, projects and fundraisers underway. Truly “Service Above Self” and “Rotary Serving Humanity”. Thank you for your hard work for ROTARY!
Council On Legislation – More Membership Freedom
Representatives from districts worldwide gathered at Chicago to review and vote on proposed legislation at the COL held in April. Our representative was PDG David Clifton from the Rotary Club of Sharon.
In summary, clubs get freedom on when and how often they meet, mode of meeting, etc. At least two meetings a month mandatory. Six membership criteria were replaced with the simple requirement: that a member should have good character, good reputation in the chosen profession and be willing to serve the community. The clubs can now “choose their own members without a checklist,” which encourages membership growth. Rotaractors can now join a Rotary club as ‘associate members.’
The Council on Legislation affirmed polio eradication as Rotary International’s priority.
Presidential Citation – Go For It!
In conversation with Rotarians I’ve noticed a little confusion about the Presidential Citation. This award, from Rotary International President John Germ, honors a Rotary club for its achievements. Its title refers to the RI President, not the club president.
To qualify for the Presidential Citation, clubs must complete two mandatory activities and additional activities in several categories. Most activities will be verified only by the information you enter in Rotary Club Central.
To accurately capture your club’s achievements, for the first time ever clubs will have the entire Rotary year, from July 1 2016 to June 30 2017. The Presidential Citation entry form can be found on the Rotary.org web site or the district7950.com website on at homepage/club resources/forms and downloads
The first two goals are mandatory: set at least 10 Goals in Rotary Club Central and pay club dues on time. Invoices were made available in late July. This will get you off to a running start!
More to come on this next month. The citation is a perfect way to have a healthy, vibrant, growing, Rotary Club!
Coming events: listed on our web site: district7950.com
Paw Sox Rotary Recognition Night, August 23 2016. Come join us parading out on the McCoy Stadium field with your club banner and membership. See the website for more details and ticket order form.
Rotary District 7950 Motorcycle Run to Fight Polio; Save the Date: Sunday, September 11, 2016. Details to follow as we get closer. Many thanks to Roger Cabral from Rotary Club of Fall River and Akee Parwaz of Rotary Club of the Bridgewaters.
Providence Bruins November 5th 2016 Polio Plus night.
Centennial Celebration of “The Rotary Foundation”! November 17th 2016 at the Venus de Milo Swansea MA. Keynote Speaker Mr. David Forward, author of “A Century of Service; The Story of the Rotary Foundation”
WEBSITE: district7950.com
Please visit the newly updated district website – it’s easier to use and navigate. There is an area called “Around the District” where you can add your club’s events and fundraisers to a calendar without contacting the webmaster.
Enjoy the rest of summer!