Rotary District 6650

March 2013 Newsletter

MARCH 27, 2013 VOLUME 3, NUMBER 9

March is

Literacy

Month

In the developing world, one in five adults –almost 862 million people – cannot read or write.

Literacy Month is a great time to do something about it.

Important Dates

to Remember!

District 6650

Conference

May 17 – 18, 2013

Glamorgan Castle

University of Mount

Union

District

Assembly

June 8, 2013

8:00 a.m. – noon

AA Executive Center

Good day to all – Being motivated by today’s youth is a priceless gift, wouldn’t you agree? Recently,

at the Four-Way Test Speech Contest for the District, students from school districts in our Rotary territory gave their speeches in the final round of competition. It was clear that they gave great thought to our foundational principles, and that they learned a lot about Rotary District 6650 as they prepared their persuasive and innovative speeches. What a refreshing Saturday, when we gathered to hear 19 students speak so eloquently about the Four Way Test! We should all pause today, tomorrow, if not every day – to be as thoughtful as these students about how we

embrace the Rotary Four-Way Test. We are held to high standards!

Celebration and Inspiration will be our themes for our Rotary District 6650 Conference on May 17, 18, 2013. Registration will be live next week. You certainly know that I’m from Alliance, Ohio and am a proud member of the Rotary Club of Alliance. If you didn’t, you haven’t been reading the newsletter each

month! To that end, we will be gathering in my hometown in May. We’re hoping for lovely spring weather, and warm balmy breezes. I’m not taking bets at the moment! Watch for an American Flag or two as you drive into Alliance approaching the Glamorgan Castle and the University of Mount Union.

Reflections from

2012-13 District Governor

Linda S. Fergason

Rotary Club of Alliance, Ohio

Membership pilot programs show positive results in first

year

Improved club

morale, membership growth, and

diversity are some of the benefits cited by clubs participating in four pilot programs

launched in 2011-12.

The pilots — Associate Membership,

Corporate Membership,

Innovation and Flexibility, and Satellite Club

— involve more than 700 clubs and run through

2013-14.

At the October RI Board of Directors meeting, pilot

clubs’ one-year progress reports

were presented. Nearly all of the clubs said participation has had a positive impact, particularly on

club morale and friendship.

District Conference Highlights:

Registration for both days: $30.00 Meals priced individually Complete meal package, including registration for both days: $110.00 ___________________________________________________________________ May 17, 2013: The Glamorgan Castle 4:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Castle Tours, Food Stations throughout the Castle Official Conference Opening and International Flag Ceremony at 5:00 p.m. Caricature drawings, Scavenger hunt and family activities The ‘Celtic Duo’ will have you wondering if you’re in Wales or in fact, in

Alliance, Ohio. Featured instruments include the fiddle, viola, guitar, mandolin, and bouzouki.

May 18, 2013: The University of Mount Union 8:30 a.m. – evening

Mr. Carl Chinnery, PDG –

RI President Sakuji Tanaka’s representative “A Personal Family Reflection of Polio”

Sharon Tennyson, author diplomat. Featured will be her work in Russia with the Center for Citizen Initiatives and her new book that chronicles thirty years of work “The Power of Impossible Ideas”

Mr. Mark Maloney, PDG Director, Rotary International, 1999-2001

Trustee, The Rotary Foundation, 2004-2008 Vice Chairman, The Rotary Foundation, 2006-2007, 2007-2008 Chairman, 2014 Sydney Convention Committee

Golf Fore Africa Fellow Rotarian and Professional Golfer from the Rotary Club of East Canton, Renee Powell will feature highlights of this worthy project. LPGA member

Betsy King established Golf Fore Africa, which raises money to bringing hope and support to children in Africa that have been orphaned or made vulnerable by the AIDS pandemic. Golf Fore Africa also provides access to medical care, education, agricultural assistance and clean water resources.

Additional Conference Highlights Low cost. Family-friendly activities. Interactors, Rotaractors, and non-Rotarians are welcome to attend.

Interactive Break-out Sessions will include ideas about Membership, International Projects, Leadership and Strategic Direction, Club Engagement,

Fundraisers and unique Club Projects. Entertainment throughout the conference venue will feature some of Alliance’s

own. Renowned violinist, author, and lecturer Ed Caner will appear with the ‘Celtic Duo’ and ‘Hey Mavis’. Barbershop, Steel Drums, Alliance’s Marilyn Hahn Gobeli on Accordian, Michelle Fergason (yes District Governor Linda and Bruce’s daughter) with Ladyface – acoustic guitar and vocals; rebound exchange student Ritchie Kindler’s Sitar; our very own Youth Exchange Talent Show and more!

House of Friendship, International Buffet, the Group Study Exchange Team

from India RID3050 and our Youth Exchange Cultural Fair

Attracting and keeping members has been another positive outcome.

While all the clubs reported membership growth, those participating in the Satellite Club and Associate

Membership

pilots showed the greatest increase. The number of female members and members

younger than 50 increased across all the pilots.

While clubs acknowledged that much of the

first year was devoted to

implementing the pilot, the progress reports show the growing potential

of the programs.

CARL and JEAN CHINNERY PDG Carl was Vice-president of Kansas City Life Insurance Company until 1976 when he established his private law practice in Lee=s Summit, Missouri,

concentrating on estate planning, business law and real estate. Carl served as District Governor of District 6040 for the 2002-2003 term, during which time he received the Presidential Citation. He was 2007 Convener for

Nomination of International Director for Zones 29 and 30. He was 2010 delegate to the Council on Legislation. He is a Major Paul Harris Donor, Level 6, and Benefactor, Inaugural Class of the Paul Harris Society of District 6040, and Arch Klumph Society,

Chairs Circle. He has served as Major Donor Advisor and Regional Rotary Foundation Coordinator, and RI President=s Representative. He received the District 6040 Humanitarian Award for Polio Eradication, 2010 Regional Service Award for a Polio - Free World and the Citation for Meritorious Service. He has also served as Polio Plus Chairman for District 6040 and Rotary International Polio Plus Partners Task Force Member. He participated in a NID to

India. Carl has built two sail boats and two canoes in addition to other woodworking. He enjoys traveling, gardening, sailing and golfing. Between them, Carl and Jean have eight children and seventeen grandchildren. Every member of Carl=s family is a Paul Harris Fellow.

During his Rotary career, Carl has sponsored over 135 new members and the installation of three new clubs.

MARK DANIEL MALONEY Director, Rotary International, 1999-2001 Trustee, The Rotary Foundation, 2004-2008 Vice Chairman, The Rotary Foundation, 2006-2007, 2007-2008 Chairman, 2014 Sydney Convention Committee

Mark is a member of the law firm of Blackburn, Maloney, and Schuppert LLC, practicing in the areas of taxation, estate planning, and agricultural law. He is licensed to practice law in Alabama and Illinois and represents large farming operations in the southeastern and Midwestern United States. He was graduated

from Harvard College with a degree in history, and received the Doctor of

Jurisprudence degree from Vanderbilt University and the Master of Laws degree in

taxation from New York University. He is a member of the American and Alabama State Bar Associations. Mark served as chairman of the Committee on Agriculture in the Section of Taxation of the American Bar Association. He has served as an examiner in taxation on the Alabama Board of Bar Examiners and is a member of the Alabama Law Institute.

Mark is President of the Morgan County Bar Association and serves as chairman of the Finance Council of Annunciation of the Lord Catholic Church in Decatur. He has also served as president of the Community Foundation of Greater Decatur, chairman of Morgan County Meals on Wheels, chairman of the St. Ann Catholic School Board, and a director of the United Way of Morgan County, the Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce, and the Old Bank Museum. Mark was a member of the

Vanderbilt University Law School National Alumni Board. A Rotarian since 1980, Mark is a Past President of the Rotary Club of Decatur, Alabama, and served as Governor of District 686 in 1989-90. Mark also served as a

member of the Board of Directors of Rotary International in 1999-2001 and as the Aide to Jonathan Majiyagbe of Nigeria, the President of Rotary International for 2003-04. Mark was Vice Chairman of the 2004 Council on Legislation and Chairman

of the 2010 Council on Legislation. He served as a Trustee of the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International in 2004-08 and was the Vice Chairman of the Trustees in 2006-07 and 2007-08. Mark is currently a member and Vice Chairman of both The Rotary Foundation’s Future Vision Committee and RI’s Operations Review Committee. Mark has been

named by RI President-Elect Ron Burton as the Chairman of the 2014 Sydney Convention Committee. In 1986 Mark was the team leader of a Rotary Foundation Group Study Exchange to Nigeria. He is a recipient of the Citation for Meritorious Service and the Distinguished Service Award presented by the Trustees of The Rotary Foundation. Mark is a Paul Harris Fellow, Benefactor, and Major Donor of The Rotary Foundation and a member of its Bequest Society.

Mark's wife, Gay, is an attorney at the same firm and also is a Paul Harris Fellow, Benefactor, and Major Donor of The Rotary Foundation and a member of the Bequest Society. She is past President of the Rotary Club of Decatur Daybreak, Alabama, and served as an Assistant Governor of District 6860 in 1998-99. They have two daughters, Phyllis Johnson, an attorney in Boston, and Margaret Maloney, a student in Brooklyn, both of whom are Paul Harris Fellows. Mark and Gay welcomed their first grandson in April.

SHARON TENNISON The Center for Citizen Initiatives is the brainchild of an American citizen, Sharon Tennison, who in the early 1980s determined in a period of desperation to try to

reduce tensions between the two superpowers. Tennison and a growing group of business and professional Americans made the decision to try their hands at diplomacy and began putting together their first trip to the "land of the enemy."

Rotary at a Glance:

Rotary Members: 1,215,392

Rotary Clubs: 34,430 Rotaract

Members: 223,629

Rotaract Clubs: 9,723

Interact Members: 351,325

Interact Clubs: 15,275

Sharon Tennison and the Center for Citizen Initiatives proudly introduce the story of our three decades of work in Russia, The Power of Impossible Ideas: ordinary

citizens' extraordinary efforts to avert international crisis.

Sharon’s recent book is a fascinating piece of American history is packed with daring ideas that seemed utterly impossible in 1983 - yet they succeeded beyond anyone's imaginations over the ensuing next three decades. s. This book and her stories prove once again that when people act boldly on their impossible ideas, miracles

begin to happen.

Additional Conference Highlights

Low cost. Family-friendly activities. Non-Rotarians are welcome to attend. Interactive Break-out Sessions will include ideas about Membership,

International Projects, Leadership and Strategic Direction, Club Engagement,

Fundraisers and unique Club Projects. Entertainment throughout the conference venue will feature some of Alliance’s own. Renowned violinist, author, and lecturer Ed Caner will appear with the ‘Celtic Duo’ and ‘Hey Mavis’.

Barbershop, Steel Drums, Alliance’s Marilyn Hahn Gobeli on Accordian, Michelle Fergason (yes District Governor Linda and Bruce’s daughter) with Ladyface – acoustic guitar and vocals; rebound exchange student Ritchie Kindler’s Sitar; our very own Youth Exchange Talent Show and more! House of Friendship, International Buffet, Youth Exchange Cultural Fair

During the past 20 years, Ed Caner has performed as a sideman and/or soloist for over 30 major acts, including Page and Plant, Luciano Pavarotti, Wayne Newton, Mannheim Steamroller, Smokey Robinson, Natalie Cole, Mel Torme, the Moody Blues, Trans Siberian Orchestra, the 3 Irish Tenors, and more. As a tribute to his

ability to play diverse styles, the legendary Cleveland Plain Dealer music critic Jane

Scott labeled Ed as "one of the most versatile musicians on the planet." In 2008, Ed and his wife Laurie Michele Caner established the Americana group "Hey Mavis" while serving as artists-in-residence in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

Ed holds a master's degree in violin performance from Cleveland State University, a master's degree in Physics Entrepreneurship from CWRU, and undergraduate degrees in physics and engineering from Miami University. He is currently a lecturer in the Department of Physics at Case Western Reserve University and Executive Director of the Science and Technology Entrepreneurship master's program (STEP) at CWRU.

Violinist, and Author ED CANER, Alliance native

The Rotary Foundation’s new grant model

provides various

ways for Rotarians to use their skills to help others. Vocational training teams enable groups to travel to

other countries to learn more about their profession or to teach local professionals, while the Project Enhancement

Process (PEP) pilot is providing

expertise for projects in water and sanitation.

Join us for a weekend filled with Rotary memories on May 17, 2013 starting at 4:00

p.m. through May 18, 2013. Our registration link will be live the first week

in April. For more information go to www.rotarydistrict6650.org or contact the District Office. We hope to have a record attendance for the 2012-13 District Conference. Bring your families and celebrate our work toward “Peace Through Service” in the

2012-13 Rotary year. ___________________________________________________________________________

News from the frontline:

Division 1A Rotary Leaders serving the District and beyond!

All Ohio P.E.T.S. is a wonderful opportunity for presidents-elect. The expectation is

that they attend in order to develop leadership skills for their 2013-2014 Rotary

year. However, beyond the presidents-elect, five out of the six clubs in Division 1A

had Rotarians participating in various aspects of the two day program.

Deanna Spirko from the Rotary Club of Austintown, who will serve as an Assistant

Governor for 2013-2014, was a group facilitator. The Rotary Club of Poland had

two representatives: Mary Ann Carano Martinko was a group facilitator and PDG

Larry Warren was a sergeant-at arms. The Rotary Club of Canfield also had two

Rotarians representing the District: Mike Raulin, who will serve as an Assistant

Governor for 2013-2014 was a facilitator and Sieglinde Warren, the District Trainer

for 2013-2014 was a facilitator trainer. Shannon Tirone and Shelly LaBerto from the

Rotary Club of Boardman also volunteered their weekend to serve as facilitators for

All Ohio P.E.T.S. Debbie Esbenshade, as District Governor Elect, represented the

Rotary Club of Youngstown.

There are many opportunities for leadership roles in the Division as well as

throughout the District. You are encouraged to become involved in Rotary beyond

your local clubs. Just contact Debbie at 330.259.1029 or 330.727.6315 or

dae109@zoominternet.net and she will be more than happy to help you broaden

your Rotary horizon by putting you to work.

Assistant Governor

Sieglinde Warren, Division 1-A

Did You Know?

Our 2012-13 Annual Fund goal is US$120

million. As

Rotary Foundation Trustee Chair Wilf Wilkinson says: “If we met that goal across our entire

organization, it would catapult our Foundation’s capacity to do good in the world to an entirely

new level.” Contributions as

of November totaled US$30,059,138.

After a day of Rotary work, the group chatted with the Rotary International President for 2013-2014, Ron Burton. Pictured from Left to right: DGN Phil Mariola from Wooster; President-elect Scott Schulick from Youngstown; Shannon Tirone from Boardman; RIPE Ron Burton from Norman, Oklahoma; Mary Ann Carano Martinko from Poland; DGE Debbie Esbenshade from Youngstown; Shelly LaBerto

from Boardman; Mike Raulin from Canfield; Sieglinde Warren from Canfield; President-Elect Jim Weaver from Dennison; and Larry Warren from Poland.

Rotary Club of Champion

Currently division 1B is preparing for the arrival of the GSE team from India in April. Our Champion club will be a “HUB” club and Pamela Hood has become the " In Charge " connection for hosting and setting up activities. Local tours, possible winery event and tour and reception at Lake Vista Retirement campus are in the works. Hopefully all our clubs will have the opportunity to meet and greet the team from India.

Assistant Governor

Tom Montgomery, Division 1-B

The whitewashed

towns and golden

beaches of

Portugal’s southern

coast make it a

favored destination

among Europeans.

Separated from the

rest of the country

by two mountain

ranges, the Algarve

region has a

Mediterranean

climate and a

distinct identity. It

was the last

Portuguese

territory ruled by

the Moors, and that

influence is evident

from the

architecture to the

almond trees.

Canton South Rotary

The Canton South Rotary is planning a membership reception at McCall’s Restaurant

on May 30, 2013. Each member is asked to invite a potential new member. A program will follow refreshments and light food. Canton South Rotary is putting a new spin on their PR efforts, co-chairs, Jon Ash and Gregg Elliott, are proposing to give McCall’s , their regular meeting host, either

cups or glasses with the Canton South name and Rotary logo printed on them. These beverage items will be used by McCall’s during their regular course of

business. Great idea Jon & Gregg!!!

East Canton is looking for our Citizen of the Year, which will be chosen in May. Scholarship applications for two $500 scholarships are on their way to local schools

to be awarded in May. Alliance is gearing up for hosting the GSE team in May! Minerva just finished a local blood drive to help the community. Minerva will be raffling off a convertible car in June. Tickets are $5 or 5 for $20. If interested, contact Jo Anne Green @ MINDQ@FRONTIER.COM.

Malvern had their annual spaghetti dinner in February. • Pres. Gary reported that Jack Polen has taken the RYLA goodie bag supplies

to Salem. Items were provided by Dick Ferguson, the American Legion, Nicole Howell, and Don LeBeau. When they were received, the recipients exclaimed “We don’t get this many items from clubs with 300 members! Thank you!”

• Jackie Dornberger has spoken to the Carroll County Library Malvern Branch about our plans for donations towards a literacy project. This is the pre-cursor to a grant request to the Foundation (via District funds) to purchase specialized computers to run a literacy program designed to improve literacy skills among preschoolers. There being no further business, the Club adjourned at 6:29 PM.

Assistant Governor

Kimberly Weiss, Division 2-B

Assistant Governor

Jody Levitt, Division 2-A

Rotarians who

attend the 2013 RI

Convention in

Lisbon, 23-26 June,

will be hours away

by bus, train, or car

from the Algarve’s

ocean vistas and

natural wonders.

(Save US$50 when

you register

before 31 March)

The coastline

of Ponta da

Piedade, south of

the village of

Lagos, is a

stunning collection

of rock

formations. Lagos

is a popular spot to

explore Portugal’s

maritime history: It

was the launching

point for many

expeditions during

the Age of

Discovery.

Growth and community support have been the buzz words for the Perry Twp Rotary over the past couple of months.

Two new members were inducted into our club in March. Dr. Marty Bowe, Superintendent of Perry Schools and Maryann Sturia an Executive with CSE Federal Credit Union, were given their packets and pins on March 13th. Our club has welcomed five new members since June of 2012 and our membership drive has just begun!

The Perry Twp. Rotary will be celebrating its 40th anniversary in August of 2013.

We have taken on the challenge to reach 40 members by August 23rd. Our current membership is at 33. Our club has pledged to support two Perry Twp. children for this year’s YMCA summer camp. Children chosen are those who would otherwise not be able to

attend without a sponsor. A note here is that this support is coming totally from our Happy Dollar account, which has reached over $300.00 so far this year. It is so nice to see everyone so happy and in turn make others happy. Perry Rotary has also sponsored a young man to attend Boy’s State through the Massillon Post of the American Legion. Upon completion of his term he will then address our club on his experiences.

Assistant Governor, Dan Morgan, Division 2-C

Brad Vincent, President

Rotary Club of Perry Twp.

New members, left to right; Dr. Marty Bowe, Brad Vincent, President, Maryann Sturia

Quinta do Lago,

Almancil, and Qua

rteira, known as

the “Golden

Triangle,” specialize

in luxury

accommodations,

top-notch golf

courses, and high-

end

shopping. Vilamou

ra is the area’s

largest resort. Its

4,000 acres contain

three golf courses,

along with tennis

courts, shops, a

casino, and a

bustling marina. A

bit further

inland, Silves is

home to the well-

preserved Castelo

de Silves, a

Moorish fortress.

Sagres is situated

near Cabo São

Vicente, once

considered the end

of the world. The

ancients believed

that the sun sank

right into the ocean

each night.

Each year we are very pleased to host students from Perry HS and Central Catholic

HS for both the 4 way speech contest and those who participated in the RYLA

program. It is encouraging to see young men and women excelling in their life experiences. Both groups respectively presented a program during a regularly scheduled meeting.

Finally, in honor of the first President of the Perry Twp Rotary, Dr. James Syler, we annually present a check for $1000 to The Ohio State University, College of

Veterinary Medicine. This scholarship is to go to an OSU first year Veterinary student from Perry Twp. or Stark County to assist in their schooling. The student

receiving the scholarship will then address our club regarding their goals and aspirations. Our annual Easter Egg Hunt will be held March 23rd at the Rotary Pavilion in the park. This event is always well attended and bicycles are given away as prizes to

varying age groups.

4 Way Speech students from Central Catholic High School and Perry High School

RYLA students with Glen Reichenbach (center), RYLA

Chairperson of Perry Rotary

Register for the

2013 RI

Convention by 31

March for a special

rate.

Rotary Club of Salem Names February and March Students of the Month

Jessica Martinelli, a senior at Salem High School, has been awarded Student of the

Month for February by the Rotary Club of Salem. Jessica is involved in many activities, including: student government, National Honor Society, Project Support, and tutoring younger students every day after school. She has will attend the University of Akron after graduation where she has been accepted into the honors pre-pharmacy program.

Katie Matthews, a senior at Salem High School, was recently awarded Student of the

Month for March. Katie is president of the National Honor Society, a member of Spanish club, captain of the girls’ soccer and track teams, and is active in her church. Following graduation, she will attend the honors college at Kent State University where she will major in nursing.

Assistant Governor, George W.S. Hays, Division 4-A

Jessica Martinelli and

Rotarian Steve Bailey

Katie Mattews and

Rotarian Steve Bailey

A message from Steubenville Rotary

March was another good month for Steubenville Rotary. We sponsored and several of us attended the finals of our Steubenville Rotary Herald Star Spelling Bee! It was Sat March 2nd.

We’re gearing up to be the initial host club for the upcoming GSE trip. Our host

dates are 4/21-24. We have several things planned to entertain our guests.

I along with 3 other Steubenville Rotarians traveled to Licking County to attend there meeting featuring our International President. It was nice to see some old friends who had roots to our club. May you continue to have good health and much prosperity in 2013. That’s all for now and remember: “Peace through Service”

Sincerely, Jim Emmerling

Assistant Governor, Matthew Butts, Division 4-B

We sent nearly 1000 dictionaries to Pakistan for the Redwood Interact Rotary Club to distribute in schools. This effort was led by our Treasurer Kathy Musso.

RYLA 2013

Conference

These are direct quotes from

students’ letters to themselves, written at the end of the conference. They will be sent to them in August before their senior year

begins. They were asked to remind themselves of something from

RYLA that they wish to remember going into their

senior year. I have cleaned up spelling/punctuation to make them read better.

- Today is the last

day of RYLA and

I’m very sad to be

leaving….I am

very, very happy I

came.

- Remember to

keep faith in

humanity because

of all the awesome

people you met.

- RYLA has been,

quite simply, an

exhilarating

experience. It has

been a weekend of

development.

- Before I came

here I thought I

was a good leader.

Now I realize that

even though I was

a leader, I didn’t

know how to be

all that I could be.

SAVE THE DATE!

District 6650 District Conference

May 17 (1/2 day) and May 18, 2013

University of Mount Union / Alliance, Ohio

Events to be held at the Glamorgan Castle and on the fabulous campus of

the University of Mount Union.

District Awards Don’t forget! The deadline for submitting your District Award materials is April 1st, 2013. Your submissions can be delivered or mailed to the District Office, 203

Cleveland Avenue, NW, Canton, Ohio, 44072.

Don’t miss this great opportunity to show case the projects that your club has done throughout the year.

Thank You Letter from RYLA District Chair, Barbara Loudon Dear RYLA Contacts – Thank you so much for your role in getting 95 students to attend RYLA 2013! The Annual RYLA Snow/Ice Storm fortunately did not arrive as the students were trying to arrive, and we had excellent attendance.

Attached are some excerpts of letters the students write to themselves on the last day of RYLA. This letter is mailed to them in August before their senior year and is meant to remind them of things they learned at RYLA that they wish to remember for their senior year. Reading them, I can tell if they "got it" - if they understood the various goals of RYLA. Clearly this group did!

3 Number of

countries

(Afghanistan,

Nigeria, and

Pakistan) that

have never

stopped the

transmission of

polio

20

Million Number of

volunteers who

have

immunized

more than 2.5

billion children

worldwide over

the past 20

years

$40-50

Estimated

amount, in

billions of U.S.

dollars, that

eradication will

save the world

over the next

20 years

Spending a weekend with these high school juniors is a powerful experience. There

were 15 volunteer facilitators who worked directly with the students all weekend and

4 Salem Rotarians who spend the entire weekend working behind the scenes to make everything run smoothly. Additional Salem Rotarians helped at check in, at the closing activity, delivering materials to and from the hotel, setting up activities, stuffing goody bags and more.

We thank all of you who contributed items for the goody bags or cash to purchase items for the students. The goody bags were amazing this year, and were well received. Again, thank you for your work as a RYLA Contact Person for your club. After reading the attached comments I hope that your club will again choose to send students to the conference. And, of course, I hope that YOU will decide to be the

RYLA Contact Person for next year! Barbara Loudon RYLA Conference Coordinator

District Chair

PolioPlus Update 1 March 2013

Dear District Governor,

As you know, the world is 99 percent polio-free, and 2012 ended with less than 250 cases. There are fewer cases of polio in fewer countries than ever before. The Global Polio Eradication Initiative is embarking on its new strategic plan, "Polio Eradication and Endgame Strategic Plan 2013-2018". This is the last plan. We are on the verge of making history by ending the crippling disease for good. Full implementation of

the plan will depend on ensuring the funds needed are available. Rotarians will continue to play a key role in this by calling on governments to provide the funds needed to fulfill the promise of a polio free world. Rotary International has been very successful in making the case for government support because we have invested our own significant time and money.

I would encourage your District to consider continuing this leadership by example by making a donation of DDF to PolioPlus. These funds will support ongoing progress in the remaining polio affected countries while bolstering our advocacy efforts. And - district DDF contributions to PolioPlus will be matched by US$.50 from the World

Fund for every US$1.00 of DDF, up to US$3.5 million on a first come, first serve basis. To access the 2012-13 DDF Donation form click here.

Please encourage all clubs in your district to consider holding a fundraiser in their community for PolioPlus. All contributions help us get closer to polio eradication. We would also appreciate your support in raising awareness of Rotary’s polio eradication efforts by encouraging Rotarians, friends and family to join in The World’s Biggest Commercial, which is still accepting new participants. Over 6,800 people from 127 countries have already joined the campaign. Participants can upload photos of themselves to Rotary’s polio eradication website, endpolionow.org,

to be edited into the constantly expanding promotional spot. Participants will receive an email with a direct link to their image and comment within the commercial. Plus, every photo uploaded will result in two lives saved thanks to a generous donation from The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA)!

We are "This Close" to ending this crippling disease forever. With fewer cases than

ever and the end in sight, it is time to step on the accelerator and keep our eyes

firmly focused on crossing the finish line. Thank you for your leadership and support of the PolioPlus program. Together, we will END POLIO NOW! Sincerely,

John F. Germ Vice Chair International PolioPlus Committee

District 6650 Strategic Plan

Situation: Our communication process, at all levels, needs improvement. Strategy:

1. Leverage existing and develop new "channels" of communication. 1.1. Social Media 1.2. Assistant Governors / Divisional hub 1.3. ClubRunner

2. Develop Training focused on improving Communication.

2.1. How to build value into communications. 2.2. How to use available communication tools.

3. Invest in IT Tools and Resources.

3.1. Consulting 3.2. Web presence (Internal and External) 3.3. Sustainable systems

4. Build value into Face to Face meetings.

4.1. Eliminate barriers 4.2. Meaningful engagement 4.3. Tailored communication

Situation: We are at risk of organizational stagnation and complacency without a continuous supply of "fresh" leaders. Strategy:

1. Identify Potential District Leaders 1.1. Use the "sales funnel" concept. 1.2. Input from DG/PDG

2. Invest in leadership development process.

2.1. RLI 2.2. Training 2.3. Developmental activities / projects 2.4. Mentoring / goals 2.5. Apprenticeship

Rotary Global Peace Forum in

Hiroshima, Japan, will be

held 17-18 May and will focus on New Generations

participants. This is the last of

three peace forums

highlighting RI President Sakuji Tanaka’s global

message of

peace.

3. Expand leadership opportunities. 3.1. Expanded committees 3.2. Meaningful jobs

4. Make the list of potential leaders available to District leadership.

4.1. Database 4.2. Developmental milestones

Situation: More should be done to facilitate/encourage the connection/synergy between clubs, District, Zone, and RI. Strategy:

1. Develop a project information "clearing house." 1.1. Data base 1.2. "project in a box" 1.3. Resources / "How to"

2. Develop a Divisional approach to Service

2.1. Recognize/ reward synergistic projects. 2.2. Focus on Divisional leadership.

3. Create and utilize "District Resource Teams"

3.1. Consultants 3.2. Funding 3.3. Networking - District and beyond

Situation: We need to find ways to promote the value of being a Rotarian to people (of all ages) who are consumed with navigating their daily lives. Strategy:

1. Define and offer value to existing and prospective members. 1.1. Engage non-Rotarians in community projects 1.2. Involve Families

2. Membership committee (not just a chairperson).

2.1. Seek outside expertise 2.2. Develop training for committee members and clubs 2.3. Marketing mindset

3. Market our Successes

3.1. External communication of service / activities 3.2. Connect every activity to the value set of prospective members

4. Recognize and reward Membership growth

Situation: We need to develop creative ways to deal with the inevitable increase in rules and regulations that will ease the burden on our programs.

Strategy:

1. Utilize the Foundation Model 1.1. District Audit Committee - one stop shop 1.2. Compliance training / stewardship 1.3. Consequences / justification 1.4. Systems

2. Leadership Development

2.1. Communication 2.2. Management 2.3. Administration

3. Administrative Resources 3.1. Focus 3.2. Requirements 3.3. Volunteer or contracted

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The District Office – A New Resource for 6650

Rotary District 6650 has a valued partnership with the Rotary Club of Canton to

share administrative and office resources. The Rotary District office is located at:

203 Cleveland Avenue NW

Canton, Ohio 44702

(330) 452-2882

Fax (330) 452-8614

Email: info@cantonrotary.org

Lauri Coy is available to assist coordinating communications, district meetings,

district archives, updating information on the Clubrunner data base and posting

items on the District website.