DISTRICT COMMITTEES:
WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?
When you hear conversations or announcements about “the district” do you ever wonder who the district people are, what they do, how they got there, and why you might want to become one of them? Let’s take those questions one at a time:
WHO?
Every member of a Rotary club is also a member of his or her district. Here in District 7950 that means about 2300(?) Rotarians in 65(?) clubs. And that means you.
WHAT DOES THE DISTRICT DO?
District committees support the clubs in a wide range of areas spanning District Administration, Club Service, Public Image, Community Service, Vocational Service, and International Service. These committees are all made up of volunteers – Rotarians who have interests or skills in the topics, or who want to learn more about the topics as part of their Rotary service.
Take a look at the range of committees open to D7950 members and think about which one could be a good fit for you:
HOW TO GET ON A DISTRICT COMMITTEE
If you would like to become a part of any of these committees or would like some additional information, shoot me an email at
Salbri91@aol.com and we’ll talk about the possibilities.
WHY?
From the district’s point of view, we need help from interested and talented Rotarians (and we know you’re out there). There are just a few dozen members actively involved in running the district today and new blood would do us good.
From your point of view, membership on a district committee offers opportunities to expand your skills, put them to work advancing an organization you care about, meet and network with Rotarians from surrounding communities. After serving on a committee for a while, you may want to explore advancing in district leadership or you may turn your attention back to your home club, where your district experience will make you a more valuable and valued member.
GETTING & KEEPING NEW MEMBERS:
SEPT. 28 SPECIAL DISTRICT EVENT
The District Membership Committee is holding a special event to help all clubs achieve DG Steve’s goal of net two new members by June 30, 2020. It’s actually two events at the same time on the same day in the same place:
Saturday, September 28
8:30 am – 2:30 pm (includes lunch)
Fairhaven Senior Center
229 Huttleston Ave, Fairhaven, MA
It's A
ONEFER: A day of learning including strategies for membership growth and retention through stimulating workshops and panel discussions. Come prepared to share your experience, and open to learn from others across the district. All presidents are asked to send a representative to attend and gather up great ideas to bring home.
TWOFER: A special celebratory program designed for members with less than two years in Rotary. This opportunity to meet and network with other new Rotarians, and to learn about avenues of service and collaboration will enhance their participation in your club and allow them to experience Rotary on broader level. Clubs are encouraged to send as many newer members as possible.
We will conclude the day with lunch and a service project assembling sacks of toiletries and other items to be distributed to homeless people in your area.
HOW YOUR CLUB CAN SUPPORT LITERACY
With schools getting back into session this month, Rotary’s theme for September, “Basic Education and Literacy” is so fitting.
Approximately 32 million adults in America are considered illiterate; about 14 percent of the adult population cannot read. On a global scale, illiteracy affects 774 million adults aged 15 and older. Among developed nations, the USA ranks 16th for adult reading skills. Among USA high school graduates, just under 20 percent of them haven’t developed basic reading proficiency by the time they graduate.
Here are a few ways that clubs and Rotarians can encourage reading in their communities:
- Volunteer to read to elementary or day care students. Statistics show that 77 percent of children that are read to are more likely to read or attempt to read themselves.
- Volunteer to tutor or help middle school or high school students who are struggling with their reading skill. Lack of reading skills is a major contributor to the high school dropout rate.
- Volunteer or start an adult reading program to improve the lives of the adults and ultimately the lives of the children of those adults.
- Work with your local library to start a city or town “reads one book”. It’s a giant book club. This gets your city or town involved and engaged in reading together. Choose a book that might be linked to your area. Set a night for all to come to the library to discuss the book.
- Build, maintain and keep stocked one or two small Free Public Libraries in areas of your town or city where there is no library close by.
- Hold a book collection drive and donate good lightly used books to nursing homes and assisted living communities.
These projects plus any additional ones you might come up with cost little or no money at all but they are all great community service projects that get Rotarians involved in “Service above Self” and connecting with our communities.
COMINGS AND GOINGS:
ROTARY YOUTH EXCHANGE
Rotary Youth Exchange is about to begin another exciting year around the world. Over 8,000 high school aged students will participate the Rotary long-term exchange program this year.
Each student spends between 10 and 11 months abroad, learning or improving on a new language and immersing themselves in a new and different culture.
Here in District 7950 we have two outbound students. Daniel, from Martha’s Vineyard (left), and Brendan, from Sharon, are spending their year abroad in France. Daniel will be traveling to the northern region and Brendan to the south.
In addition, we have three inbound students who have just arrived in out district. Sophie, from France, is spending her year on Martha’s Vineyard; Helena, from Brazil, is spending her year in Sharon; and Valeria, from Peru, is spending her year in Plymouth with the Sunrise Club.
Our Youth Exchange program is strong and viable in District 7950 but we always have a need for more clubs to be involved. Whether your club has been involved in the past or not, this could be a good time to find out more about this exciting program and about our short-term exchange program.
We are already searching for next year’s outbound students for both of our Youth Exchange Programs. If your club would like to be a part of this great program contact our district chair, Jill Albright, at 508-844-3864 or email
Jill.albright91@gmail.com
Yours in Rotary Service,
Steve
District Calendar 2019-20
September – Basic Education and Literacy Month
September 1 – DG Nominee Designate nomination
Papers sent to Clubs
September TBD – Ride for Polio
September 17-22 – Zone Institute
Niagara Falls, Canada
September 28 - Motorcycle Fellowship Ride
September 28 -- Membership Twofer
October – Economic and Community Development
Month
October 26 – Vibrant Club Training (Open to all)
Whites of Westport
November – Rotary Foundation Month
November 7 – Budget & Finance Committee (AM)
November 7 – District Governor Nominee Designee Interviews (PM)
November 14 – Foundation Dinner
November 22 – Providence Bruins Game
For Polio Plus
December – Disease Prevention and Treatment Month
December 8 – District Governor’s Council Lunch
January, 2020 -- Vocational Service