Empowering Communities around the World

QuotarianThe

Portraits of EVERYDAY HEROES

November 2014

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ON THE COVER: Everyday heroes make a difference by undertaking projects that can positively affect a community.

World Service Programs teach skills and create additional incomes for families. Read Beris’ article on the difference vocational training makes.

International President’s Fund 2

President’s Message 3Junior Quota Space 4

Clubs in Action News from Team Quota 5 Quota Quintessential 9

PoliticsAdvocacy on Capitol Hill 18At Your Service Volunteers Lighting the Way 23 Everyday Leaders Regional Directors 26Board of Directors 27

Executive Director’s Message 28

Calendar 29

F E AT U R E S

6Perspectives:

A Taste of IndiaSite visits to World Service

Projects, astound.

14Celebrating Half a

Decade of Everyday Heroes in the Philippines

After devastating cyclones, Philippine communities

are closer than ever.

20Hand-in-Hand Programmes

Around the World Life-changing projects funded

from a world away.

D E PA R T M E N T S

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I N S I D E

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I N T E R N A T I O N A L P R E S I D E N T ’ S F U N D 2 0 1 5

the past decade, more than $100,000 has been generously donated to Quota’s International President’s Fund in support of projects that empower women, children, the deaf, hard-of-hearing, and

speech-impaired in nearly 300 communities around the world. This year the President’s Fund seeks to raise $15,000 to strengthen and

support the connection between youth and world service.

projects that meet the basic needs of citizens in developing countries, and to raise funds to support these suc-cessful projects. In one Quota World Service project run by members in Cebu, Philippines, 985,500 meals were provided to 90 children over 30 years. The work they are doing truly is life changing.

The new program will generate support and recognition for Quota World Service projects to maintain the vital work being done.

Quota International is a non-profit organization empowering women, children, the deaf, hard-of-hearing, and speech impaired in local communities around the world.

About This Year’s Featured ProgramAfter seeing first-hand the vital

work that Quotarians are doing through World Service projects in India, Fiji, and the Philippines, Presi-dent Karen organized and launched the World Service Ambassador of the Year program for her club, Quota International of Beenleigh. Since then, the Ambassador of the Year program has been adopted by Quota clubs around the world.

The Ambassador of the Year pro-gram seeks to encourage youth to rec-ognize the needs of the international community promoting a sense of social responsibility in young leaders. It has a two-fold purpose to educate youth about Quota’s award-winning

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A M E S S A G E F R O M P R E S I D E N T K A R E N

rom birth, children are granted basic rights. All too often these basic

rights are not recognized; all too often, basic human rights are not

recognized.For almost a century, Quota Interna-

tional has worked to empower women, children, the Deaf, the hard-of-hearing, and the hearing-impaired worldwide. It is through Quota that individual members put their hearts into their service work, becoming more than just members, but everyday heroes.

Quota members have provided hearing testing for over a hundred new-borns, read with children to improve literacy rates in multiple countries, encour-aged teenagers to excel in community outreach by creating the Junior Quota mentorship programme, advocated for the rights of the Deaf and hearing-impaired in United States, Philippines, and Australia, educated the world on the needs of impoverished communities in India and Fiji, and raised funds to provide a helping hand when natural disasters devastate com-munities.

At the recent International Conven-

tion in Cincinnati, these everyday heroes were acknowledged by our entire organisation. I personally thanked my everyday heroes- those Quotarians who had been mentors to me throughout my Quota journey, from

past Quota leaders, to my fellow club members. Our everyday heroes are not afraid to roll up their sleeves, and do the real, hard work on the ground. As your President, I salute you!

We dedicate this issue of our Quotarian Magazine to your service work, your stories, and the projects that make a worldwide impact.

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J U N I O R Q U O T A S P A C E

In 2004, Quota International of Coral Gables/Parkland filled a void for young community members. A middle-schooler attended a Quota-sponsored event and the Junior Quota Club Youth Mentoring Programme was born. Since its incep-tion, over 700 students have completed hundreds of service projects for women,

children, the deaf, and hard-of-hearing around the world. To ensure the Quota legacy of caring continues, this youth mentorship is expanding its reach in more communities to improve situations for their neighbors. Check out the new Junior Quota Space on www.quota.org coming in January 2015!

The Junior Quota members of Beenleigh, Queensland, Australia

The Junior Quota members of Coral Gables, Florida, USA

The Junior Quota members of Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA

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C L U B S I N A C T I O N

News from Team QuotaThe biggest headlines seen on Quota International’s official blog.

We’re Official! Quota International on WikipediaQuota International officially has a Wikipedia page, thanks to Marina Stinely, a Public Policy Intern. The process took many weeks of research into Quota’s 96 year history. Quota International is also on Wikipedia’s list of Women’s Organisations, along with the International Alliance for Women, Women Without Borders, and Kering Foundation. With the page’s creation, Quota is being recognized for its decades of dedicated service. Visit the link below and share it with everyone in your circle.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quota_ International

Quota Cares Teddy BearsThe Quota Cares Teddy Bears pro-gramme, launched in 1993, pro-vides comfort to kids in crises. By giving bears to local communities’ rescue squads, homeless shelters, police departments, and children’s organisations, Quotarians provide a unique and vital humanitarian service to kids in distress. Contact

Clarke Williams at the Quota Inter-national office at +1-202-331-9694 or clarke@quota.org for more information on the programme.

Togetherness is at the Heart of the Matter: Quota International’s New DirectionQuota International’s newly inducted Presi-dent, Karen Murphy, announced her official President’s theme, introducing her 2014-2016 theme pin. Drawing on togetherness, Karen’s theme to “put our hearts into Quota, and put Quota in our hearts” is essential to the growth of new and existing service programmes. The boomerang-shaped pin illustrates the message of unity and caring. Karen’s theme pin is now available for purchase at www.quota.org.

The 2012 Photography Contest Winner photographed a young boy in the hospital who received a Quota Cares teddy bear.

Visit the Team Quota blog for more at www.teamquota.org.

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nce again, I received a very warm welcome from Quota Inter-national communities in India in January 2014.

My visit gave me the opportunity to officially welcome newly elected Regional Director, Dr Kusum Ansal to the Regional leader-

ship team, and to help her understand her new role. We met with the officers of three Quota communities in Delhi, and explained how the new structure would provide opportunities for future leadership and board representation by members in India for the first time. For these women, it was a very positive step forward, and the meeting encouraged the younger members to consider their futures as potential leaders of Quota Interna-tional.

For me, the highlight of any trip to India is the opportunity to visit active Quota World Service Projects, and to see the impact members are making in the the lives of women and children in need.

A TASTE OFINDIA

Quota International’s very own, Beris Pritchard, discusses her eye-opening trip to India’s Quota communities.

P E R S P E C T I V E S :

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Ow r i t t e n b y B E R I S P R I T C H A R D

Quota communities in India provide basic necessities to change

children’s lives.

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Quotarians in DLF City started its Shiksha School project with six children in 2006 and has grown to 188 students; classroom space is stretched to the limit, and two classes of 30 children each are being taught outside on mats. Through funding provided by Quota, renovations continued, and more classes were added. Night classes have now started in three newly refur-bished classrooms of the Chakkapur Public School. One such class teaches English to 30 children. The children of the Chakkapur School performed a concert during our visit, and the young emcee who spoke excellent English was an absolute delight.

After departing DLF City, I joined the Sainik Farm Quota members at a kindergarten serving 37 children daily. In April, the students progress to primary school. Without this start, they would not have been able to attend school at all. The delightful children loved the stickers and lollies I gave away.

The Aged People’s Home is anoth-er World Service Project run by Sainik Quotarians. Though the drive there was long, seeing the difference Sainik Farm has made is amazing. Every time I visit, at least one of the residents tells me they are living in paradise.

The Home in Faridabad is our organization’s crown jewel in India. The children always perform a concert in their beautiful traditional costumes. The girls in the beauty certificate course were busy creating sanitary napkins. This World Service Project has grown enormously and is serving a much needed purpose for women and girls in rural India. Fabric scraps collected from factories are washed and ironed, assembled into individual napkins, and packaged into a newspaper pack of five to be distributed, at no cost, to the village women in need. Another group of women are using sanitized gauze to make napkins that are then sold for use in local hospitals. Working at the Home provides income for the women and their families.

Unfortunately, we couldn’t visit Kolkata this time. The Kolkata Quotar-ians are still serving their community well. During my visit to Quota’s World Service Projects in India, it was clear that all communities are doing a mag-nificent job. However they are strug-gling to fund their life-changing work. Donations to the World Service Project can ensure the continued progress of clubs in India and beyond, keeping the Quota legacy of caring and giving alive for generations to come.

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C L U B S I N A C T I O N

Quota QuintessentialExemplary service reflecting the heart of Quota’s mission.

Pampanga’s Learning Resource CenterAs education becomes more com-mon in the Philippines, the work force has become over-qualified for labor jobs, on which the na-tional economy still depends. The volunteers at Quota International of Pampanga have found a way to close this gap by offering job skills training to deaf students and their families through the Special Educa-

tion (SPED) Learning and Training Center. As the first, and only, learn-ing resources center for the deaf and mute in Pampanga, SPED supports the high school’s special education program for the deaf and hearing-impaired. Quotarians in Pampanga are working to equip people with necessary skills that empower them to become productive members of society. The curriculum at The

In Pampanga, a unique curriculum

gives job skills training to students.

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sportsmanship, and creativity. With help through a local civic partner, audiological assessments are also provided. These exams assist SPED teachers in identifying what medium of instruction would be best used in the classroom discussion with consid-eration to the level of hearing loss of their students.

Through the broad curriculum, students have access to various skills training including: silkscreen print-ing, cosmetology, massage, and sign language. SPED’s unique curriculum incorporates different forms of technology to adapt to the specific learning styles of students. For ex-ample, visual learners- like students who are hard of hearing- learn better and most effectively when lessons are presented by using computers, projectors and big monitors. In ad-dition to supporting these programs, Quota International’s World Service Programme donations also contrib-uted to renovations of SPED facilities allowing students to take pride in their learning environment.

Within its first year of operation, 43 students with varying abilities, including three who were blind, attended the Learning Center. This year, five full-time teachers are

Learning Resources Center is geared towards vocational and livelihood programs to contribute to the ho-listic development of students with special needs.

Eighty percent of SPED students are poor: they cannot go to college, nor do they have the vocational skills necessary for employment. The Learning Resource Center has opened its doors for special students to receive a quality education and an opportunity to keep abreast with modern technology. Moreover, it is a place for them to develop confidence, self-worth, and, most especially, hope for a better future.

Donations from Quota Interna-tional’s World Service Programme have supported not just the renova-tion and maintenance of SPED, but have also sponsored its unique programmes. When enrolling at the Center, those with special needs may engage in basic sign language train-ing with teachers and parents. This training is designed to improve com-munication between deaf students and parents, and hearing students and teachers when they conduct mainstream classes. Students may also participate in deaf friendship games to develop physical wellness,

C L U B S I N A C T I O N

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serving 60 students. Graduates have gone on to find employment in furniture manufacturing, housekeep-ing, teaching, and sales. The Center provides long-term gains for students to become financially independent, and assist with supporting their families. A teacher remarked, “Our students have not only acquired knowledge academically, but have been more abreast with the fast-changing times and are more adept with technology.”

Aside from tangible skills, SPED

also offers comfort for families, and self-confidence for its students. As students discover their hidden talents, they begin to believe in their personal abilities, and feel a sense of assurance for their future. Parents find joy when they see how the proj-ect has helped their children cope with their daily needs. One grateful mother thanked Quota, saying, “My daughter and all SPED children are very lucky to have you. You have your heart on them; Wishing you all abundant blessings!”

ArubaQuota International of Aruba

AustraliaQuota International of BathurstQuota International of BeenleighQuota International of BoonahQuota International of Brisbane CityQuota International of Brisbane SouthQuota International of BundabergQuota International of CaloundraQuota International of CamdenQuota International of CampbelltownQuota International of CanberraQuota International of Cobden

Quota International of Coffs HarbourQuota International of Coolum BeachQuota International of CoonambleQuota International of Forster TuncurryQuota International of GeelongQuota International of GladstoneQuota International of Gold CoastQuota International of HeidelbergQuota International of InverellQuota International of IpswichQuota International of JimboombaQuota International of KingaroyQuota International of KyogleQuota International of LithgowQuota International of Liverpool

Quota International of Lower ClarenceQuota International of MackayQuota International of MalenyQuota International of MaryboroughQuota International of MoorabbinQuota International of MoranbahQuota International of MurgonQuota International of North LakesQuota International of North ShoreQuota International of Nundah-ClayfieldQuota International of OrangeQuota International of ParkesQuota International of Port MacquarieQuota International of QuirindiQuota International of Redcliffe

hank You to the Donors of World Service Projects

continued on page 28

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C L U B S I N A C T I O N

Quota Communities Around the

World 266

USA

125Aruba

1Suriname

1

Canada

15

Curacao

2

Netherlands

5

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CONTACT:International Headquarters

1420 21st Street, NWWashington, D.C. 20036

staff@quota.org 202-331-9694

Fiji

1

India

4 Philippines

22

New Zealand

6

Malaysia

1

Netherlands

5

Australia

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Elisa Estenzo Torres and Rafaelita de la

Merced celebrate their heritage at the 2014 Quota International

Convention in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.

F E A T U R E

EVERYDAY HEROESCelebrating Half a Decade of

wr i t ten by JULIANNE NORMAN AND MARINA STINELY

Each year, communities in the Southeast Pacific are struck by powerful rainstorms and typhoons. While these storms bring destruction, devastation, and a demanding recovery process, they also bring together members of the commu-nity, especially in the Philippines.

Not even Typhoons can stop the work of Quota International communities: Disaster Relief in the Philippines

In 2009, Typhoon Ketsana destroyed Filipino homes and businesses, and uprooted thousands of lives. Parañaque City was hit the hardest by the devastation of this

natural disaster. Ketsana washed away 70 percent of homes and almost completely destroyed the BF Health Center, an essential medical resource in the community. However, even before Ketsana, the Health Center struggled to meet the local community’s needs. With only one doctor and an inadequate supply of medicine, the BF Health Cen-ter struggled to provide comprehensive medical care for the region’s residents. Following the typhoon’s aftermath, the facility had a torn canvas, leaky roof, damaged water tank,

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a makeshift laboratory, and a banner that barely showed the center’s name.

The local Quota community in Parañaque City discovered what little remained of the BF Health Center and took action. Though the municipality required much needed government assistance, the volunteers of Quota International of Parañaque were able to jumpstart a new clinic that would make the dream of provid-ing comprehensive medical care in a safe environment a reality. The Health Clinic for Destitute People project has achieved this very mission.

Thanks to support from the Quo-tarians of Parañaque, the clinic can treat up to 300 people per day from three surrounding communities. Each year, Quota International’s World Service Project donations have assisted in bringing lasting improvements to the clinic. By extending the project into this program year, funding made it possible to repair toilets and sewer

lines, as well as the building façade, and install bathrooms, flooring, breastfeeding station, a waiting room, and a dental chair. To date, the BF Health Clinic has served over 60,000 children and adults from communities in desperate need.

Less than five years after Ketsana, Typhoon Haiyan struck, destroying towns, homes, and livelihoods. A plea for assistance was heard throughout the Philippines and around the world. Dedicated members of Quota Interna-tional of Cebu, Metro Cebu, Southwest Cebu, Parañaque, and Davao City rein-forced Typhoon Haiyan relief efforts in their communities by participating in a variety of support and recovery services.

Food, medical and hygiene supplies, shoes, and clothing were donated to children and families. Quota Interna-tional of Cebu worked in partnership with the One Heart for Hope organiza-tion to distribute school supplies to 380 students at Tugas Elementary School.

In the Philippines, frequently reoccurring natural disasters damage far more than just homes.

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Together, they also coordinated a mini-concert with Filipino-Canadian YouTube star, Mikey Bustos, in Palo, Leyte - a town hit hard by the typhoon. At the event, over 400 students received food, hygiene kits, and new flip flops to protect their little feet.

In Metro Cebu, Southwest Cebu, and Davao City many club members assisted with the restoration of local schools, special education centers, individual homes, and medical facili-ties. Quota International of Metro Cebu built homes and repaired roofs for typhoon victims in Tabu-nan, Borbon. Members of Quota International of Southwest Cebu restored electricity and made repairs to the SPED Center of the Bantayan Central School. Quota International of Davao City conducted a medical

mission to several barangays (villages) devastated by the typhoon. The medical team provided Vitamin A shots as well as vaccines for tetanus, polio, and measles, completed over 200 check-ups, and distributed 500 care packages to local residents.

The Quota Club of Davao City aided restoration efforts in Malapascua Island. The club members helped repair, build, and donate barotos (fishing boats) and vegetable seed to fishermen and their families who had lost their livelihoods to the storm. With each project Quotarians were able to work together to support their neighbors and build a stronger community. Quotarians from around the world worked hand-in-hand offering donations to assist with the recovery efforts for the Filipinos. With the dedi-cation of Quotarians, who are everyday heroes, renovations will continue.

In partnership with One Heart for Hope Foundation, Quota

made a difference in Filipino communities.

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United StatesThe Alice Cogswell and Anne Sullivan Macy Act (H.R.4040), introduced by Rep. Matt Cartwright [D-PA-17], was an amendment to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 1990-a law that allowed millions of children to access education. Prior to the IDEA Act, state laws prohibited students with certain disabilities from attending public school, including the blind, and the Deaf.

Advocacy on Capitol HillA roundup of the legislation affecting Quota International

and its mission all over the world. w r i t t e n b y M A R I N A S T I N E LY

P O L I T I C S

Quota’s long-running Cops n’ Kids Program

provides a positive community influence

each day.

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H.R.4040 ensures that high qual-ity, specialised education is provided to students who are Deaf, hard-of-hearing, or visually-impaired. The act will enhance accountability, and guarantee that proper instructional methodologies are continually imple-mented and updated in schools to meet the students’ unique learning needs. The bill will also deliver high quality early intervention services and methodologies to parents and guardians.

As American civil rights activist, Reverend Jesse Jackson, stated at Gallaudet University, “The problem is not that the students do not hear. The problem is that the hearing world does not listen.” It is the wish of many that H.R.4040 is passed and signed into law to ensure equality of education for the Deaf, the blind, and the visually impaired.

H.R.4040 - Alice Cogswell and Anne Sullivan Macy Act. (2014, February 11). Retrieved

September 17, 2014, from https://beta.congress.gov/bill/113th-congress/house-bill/4040/titles

Deaf President Now: Impact. (2003, January 1). Retrieved September 17, 2014, from http://www.gallaudet.edu/dpn_home/impact.html

The PhilippinesOver half a million Filipinos lack the necessary resources for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing. The Special Educa-

tion (SPED) Centres Act (House Bill No. 4558) was designed to implement special education centres that focus on the needs of Deaf, mute and blind children. The centres provide quality education, vocational training, and transitional services.

With a limited number of schools and facilities that provide for the needs of the Deaf and blind children, many can be taken advantage of and left behind. New facilities increase the ac-cess to care and education to a greater number of children who are hearing or visually impaired, creating a safe haven for those who need it most.

In July, 2014, the bill was approved by Congress, and will establish at least one SPED centre in every public school division for children with special needs (CSN). Rep. Francisco Calalay Jr., one of the co-authors of the bill, said it “is just an implemen-tation of a declared policy of the government which is to protect the CSN and for them to have access to quality education.” These actions are necessary to ensure all Filipinos can lead productive and meaningful lives.

House of Representatives of the Philippines. (2014). Congressional Record of the 16th Congress, First Regular Session, 3(69), 12-12. Retrieved October 27, 2014, from http://www.congress.gov.ph/download/congrec/16th/1st/16C_1RS-69-060914.pdf

P O L I T I C S

Throughout Quota International communities, volunteers play a vital role in advancing women’s economic status. In Legazpi-Mayon, Philippines, Quotarians recognised that many families were struggling to provide the financial means to send their children to school. The local Quota

F E A T U R E

AROUND WORLDHand-in-Hand Programmes

THE

w r i t t e n b y J U L I A N N E N O R M A N

Stitch for a Living in Legazpi-Mayon

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community decided to come togeth-er, teaching women and hearing-impaired young adults in Legazpi -Mayon how to sew, and therefore earn a living through the Livelihood Project. Just last year, Legazpi- Mayon’s World Service Livelihood project partnered with trainers from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to teach four young mothers and seven high school children basic sewing skills. Upon completion of the pro-gramme, students are given a new

sewing machine to launch their own self-sustained business. Graduates are offered work with a programme and are mentored by alumni to ensure their business has a solid foundation and that they are able to truly support themselves. One young mother expressed her gratitude for Quota volunteers in Legazpi-Mayon and what the programme means to her and her family. “Thank you very much for the sewing machine. This is a big help to me because I do not have to pay for the sewing of my daughter’s clothes. I now sew our clothes and some things in the house. I also take sewing orders, and the income we get from this is a big help to us. ” One stitch at a time the Legazpi-Mayon’s Quotarians have become everyday heroes.

Kolkata Volunteers build a School for Street Childrenw r i t t e n b y A M B E R A S K E W

Many children of Kolkata, India are receiving little to no education. Living on the street these children struggle to survive on what they can

Livelihood programs run by Quota unlock the hold

poverty has on the rural population.

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gather from begging or menial work. According to BBC News India, “29.8 percent or 360 million of India’s 1.12 billion inhabitants live below the national poverty line.” 1

The volunteers of the Hand-in-Hand School for Street Children World Service Project are stepping in to provide the children of Kolkata with a life changing and empowering alter-native. The School for Street Children project is headed by Quota International of Kolkata President, Pushpa Vasvani, who previ-ously worked with Mother Teresa. The project will make available both educational and nutritional assistance, allowing students to learn unencumbered by the daily fight against malnutrition. In addition, students are given an outfit for school and toys with which to play.

Quota volunteers of Kolkata also provide scholarships to bright and impoverished children to pursue higher education. The club began the opening phase of the project by acquiring a rental property from

the National Cultural Association of India. The school can serve an estimated 35 children, ages one to seven. Kids willing to commit to coming to school are given educa-tion, clothing, school supplies and transportation. Project expansion

has led to the support of voca-tional training; classes of 20

to 30 women learn skills to earn a living through courses and mentor-ing. The Vocational Center for Poverty Stricken Women is

on the premises and employs trained teachers

with expertise in the areas of switching, knitting and

embroidery. School for Street Children

thrives because of the generosity of Quota International’s members and friends; however the school’s continued success could be stunted prematurely. Donations to the World Service Project fund will help keep the school doors open for years to come, and provide a safe home for millions of Kolkata children.

1 BBC News India, “Who are the poor in India?”, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-17455646 (March 23, 2012).

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A T Y O U R S E R V I C E

Volunteers Lighting the Way Quota International’s Volunteers of the Year are

Everyday Heroes in their communities. w r i t t e n b y A N G E L I C A R A M I R E Z

uotarians work tirelessly- often without notice or appreciation-to ensure the needs of others are met. Each year, Quota International

communities nominate and recognize their Volunteer of the Year, a member who exemplifies the work of Quota International and the dedication necessary to further that goal. The women chosen are examples of everyday heroes making a difference locally to make the world a better place.

In Winchester, Virginia, Cindy North gives 100% ef-fort on all service projects and never turns down the opportunity to contribute to her club. She leads by example much like another candidate, Townsville Queensland’s Laurae Short.

Laurae is happy work-ing behind the scenes, never seeking personal accolades, always lending a hand. For Laurae and

for others, no job is too small. Several nominees have served as committee chairs, club treasurers, presidents, and district or area directors. They have often chaired multiple commit-tees simultaneously, and served for

more than one term in a leadership position. This is true of Kirksville, Mis-souri’s Linda Ranson, Wilm-ington, Delaware’s Margie Webb, and Bateman’s Bay, New South Wales’ Jan Tonks, who have gener-ously given their time and efforts to lead their clubs to success in fundraising, teambuilding, and com-munity building.

When discussing the characteristics of a strong leader, dependability was often men-tioned in entries. Several volunteers were identified as people who could be counted on in every situation like

Cindy North

Laurae Short

Linda Ranson

Margie Webb

Jan Tonks

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Canton, Ohio’s Joyce Greek and New Haven, Connecti-cut’s Marge Nelligan. Both women were described as consistent members who

led with a quiet strength, and rarely miss meetings or club functions.

Sioux City, Iowa’s Cindy Agnes and Cedar Rapids,

Iowa’s Kim Smith, manage stellar participation and leadership even while act-ing as mothers of six (yes, six!) beautiful children. It’s said that “80% of life is showing up,” and these women know just how important showing up can be to their fellow Quotar-ians and their communities.

A great leader knows how to utilise their strengths for the success of their team. Past Area Director, former International Board Member, and suc-cessful business owner, Central Oregon’s Tess Tompos, tapped into her extensive network and resources to help with fundraising and awareness efforts. Geelong, Victoria’s

Hilary Prideaux has excelled at three separate careers, while bettering her world as a Quotarian.

Toree, New South Wales says, Margaret Northam, is incredibly organized and keeps their club in order while Pam Nelson in Flint, Michigan uses her expertise in planning and logistics to ensure that no detail is missed for meetings and events. Linda Runion of Wooster, Ohio used her fundraising savvy to raise $67,000 USD toward scholar-ships and donations to a local high school. In Water-loo, Iowa, Deanna Rustad also boosted her club’s fundrais-ing efforts, membership numbers, and heightened Quota’s name and publicity in their community.

Clubs recognized and praised long term members, like 30-year member Sharon Scioneaux of Monroe, Louisi-ana, as well as 20-year mem-ber and International Vice President, Emilie Simon from Metro Manila. Sharon is a true organisational leader

Joyce Greek

Marge Nelligan

Cindy Agnes

Kim Smith

Margaret Northam

Pam Nelson

Linda Reunion

Deanna Rustad

Sharon Scioneaux

Emilie Simon

Tess Tompos

Hilary Prideaux

A T Y O U R S E R V I C E

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in the United Sates, and Emilie has contributed vastly to the development of clubs throughout the Philippines.

New members were identified for their energy and enthusiasm for the mission and service of Quota International. Minneapolis, Minne-sota’s Kelly Hicks and Baton Rouge, Louisiana’s Cheryl Bourg are passionate, driven members who had an immediate love for Quota International and a determination to further its mission.

Quotarians also understand the value of attitude. QI Bismarck-

Mandau in North Dakota describes Deb Benson’s spirit as “uplifting” and QI Beck-ley, West Virginia’s Angie Crook is considered “in-novative” by Quotarians. In Narooma, New South Wales’ Carol Mead welcomes incoming Presidents and ensures they feel at ease in their new roles. QI Beenleigh, Queensland pointed out that, Robyn Clelland is an exemplary member, visiting her fellow

Quotarians when they fall ill, making them feel supported and loved.

Our mission binds Quotarians together across borders, and languages to aid women, children, the Deaf, hard-of-hearing, and speech-impaired. As a mother of a hearing-impaired son, QI

Townsville, Queensland’s Julie Hall was drawn to Quota, and holds the mission close to her heart.

In Greensboro, North Carolina’s Joan Landreth lives Quota’s mission, all while car-ing for her elderly father and community. QI Iosco County, Michigan’s Janice Wilber lives and breathes the cause, helping women in Michigan obtain workplace-appropriate cloth-ing, and raising funds to build a children’s center at her local women’s shelter.

Every nominee inspires her com-munity to do more and give more than they ever thought possible. Congratula-tions to the 2014 Volunteers of Year and thank you for being the everyday heroes our world needs.

Kelly Hicks

Cheryl Bourg

Deb Benson

Angie Crook

Carol Mead

Robyn Clelland

Joan Landreth

Janice Wilber

To learn more about Quota International communi-ties and programmes, please visit: www.quota.org.

Julie Hall

A T Y O U R S E R V I C E

26 | the quotarian

E V E R Y D A Y L E A D E R S

Announcing the new 2014-2016 Regional Directors

Region 1 Valerie HallQI of Estevan, Saskatchewan, Canada

Region 2 Kay HatalaQI of Lake County, Ohio, USA

Region 3 Shay GebauerQI of Sioux City, Iowa, USA

Region 4Yvonne BabeQI of Iosco County, Michigan, USA

Region 5Ginny BonomettiQI of Winchester, Virginia, USA

Region 6Barbara PelesQI of Indiana, Pennsylvania, USA

Region 7 Elizabeth “Betty” LariveeQI of Holyoke, Massachusetts, USA

Region 8 Robbie BrookerQI of Valdosta, Georgia, USA

Region 9 Carol PatinQI of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA

Region 10Luz Marina GonzalezQI of Aruba

Region 11Janet AhrensQI of Tweed Heads/Coolangatta, New South Wales, Australia

Region 12Carolyn RiceQI of Parkes, New South Wales, Australia

Region 13 Fiji & Norfolk IslandAlison LingardQI of Jimboomba, Queensland, Australia

Region 14Barbara EdneyQI of Campbelltown,New South Wales, Australia

Region 15Jill FarinelliQI of Whitsunday,Queensland, Australia

Region 16Pam ScottQI of Gridley, California, USA

Region 17Patricia FigueroaQI of Mountain View/ Los Altos,California, USA

Region 18Bernadette GalangQI of Pampanga, Philippines

Region 19Consuelo GarciaQI of Cebu, Philippines

Region 20Kusum AnsalQI of New Delhi, India

the quotarian | 27

Board of Directors

T he 2014-2016 Board of Directors includes a lineup of hardworking women from four countries. Our International President, Karen Murphy, hails from Beenleigh, Queensland, Australia. She is working

to enhance Quota’s mission and service as we head toward Quota’s 100th birthday in 2019. You may contact Karen at intlpresident@quota.org. International President-elect/Treasurer, Marie Dobson-Dunlop, from Huronia, Ontario, Canada is working to build fellowship, and extend Quota’s charitable reach. You may contact Marie at presidentelect@quota.org. International Vice-President, Jeanette Gray, is from Whitsunday, Queensland, Australia. Her focus is on fur-ther development of the International Service programmes. You may contact Jeanette at worldservice@quota.org. International Vice-President, Cindy Hurd, from Coral Springs/Parkland, Florida, United States, works to increase advocacy for deaf children and educational rights around the world. You may contact Cindy at hearingandspeech@quota.org. International Vice-President, Emilie Simon, of Manila South,Philippines is thankful for all the men and women who fulfill Quota’s mission and hopes to expand services to disadvantaged women and children. You may contact Emilie at womenandchildren@quota.org.

L to R – International Board Members Jeanette Gray, Marie Dobson-Dunlop, Karen Murphy, Emilie Simon, and Cindy Hurd at November Board Meeting in Los Angeles.

28 | the quotarian

E X E C U T I V E D I R E C T O R ’ S M E S S A G E

Quota International of SandgateQuota International of SydneyQuota International of TareeQuota International of TemoraQuota International of TenterfieldQuota International of ThuringowaQuota International of ToowoombaQuota International of TownsvilleQuota International of WellingtonQuota International of WhitsundayQuota International of Wimmera

CanadaQuota International of BarrieQuota International of CollingwoodQuota International of EstevanQuota International of Grey-Bruce

Quota International of HuroniaQuota International of MariposaQuota International of OrilliaQuota International of OttawaQuota International of Owen SoundQuota International of PeterboroughQuota International of WainwrightQuota International of Weyburn

New ZealandQuota International of AucklandQuota International of PapakuraQuota International of RotoruaQuota International of Whakatane

PhilippinesQuota International of Manila South

Quota International of PampangaQuota International of Quezon City

SurinameQuota International of Suriname

United States

Quota International of AmherstQuota International of Bismarck MandanQuota International of Boca/Delray, Inc.Quota International of Bossier City, Inc.Quota International of Candlewood ValleyQuota International of CantonQuota International of Central OregonQuota International of Charleston, Inc.Quota International of Coral Springs/Parkland, Inc.

Thank You to the Donors of World Service Projects continued from page 11

uota International: A place where people share enthusi-

asm, ideas, and compassion for a common cause to empower

women, children, the deaf, hard-of-hearing, and speech-

impaired worldwide. It is difficult to understand the magic of people coming together for such a cause until you’ve experienced it firsthand.

Headed home from convention in July, 2014, an intern reflected on her time with Quotarians from around the world. “We have to figure out how to bottle this,” Hanna said. “Quota is

something people my age would want to be part of.” Quotarians are ordinary people doing extraordinary things that change lives.

How do you measure that kind of impact? At convention alone, more than 300 attendees averaged 16.7 years of ser-vice, and the collective group has served more than 5,300 years giving back to women and children in their communi-ties. That’s astounding. As we prepare to celebrate our 100th anniversary in 2019, we are focused on bottling the energy and enthusiasm of Quotarians who are, truly, Everyday heroes.

Q

the quotarian | 29

Quota International of CupertinoQuota International of East AuroraQuota International of Estes ParkQuota International of FairmontQuota International of FlintQuota International of Fort LauderdaleQuota International of Grand RapidsQuota International of GridleyQuota International of HarrisonburgQuota International of Iosco CountyQuota International of Johnstown, Inc.Quota International of Kent ValleyQuota International of Lake CountyQuota International of LorainQuota International of MassillonQuota International of MinneapolisQuota International of Mississippi Gulf Coast

Quota International of Monroe, Inc.Quota International of Monrovia-DuarteQuota International of Morro BayQuota International of Mountain View/Los AltosQuota International of New HavenQuota International of New MartinsvilleQuota International of Northside Atlanta, Inc.Quota International of Palm BeachesQuota International of ParadiseQuota International of Paris, IncorporatedQuota International of PlattevilleQuota International of Preston County, Inc.Quota International of SalisburyQuota International of San JoseQuota International of ShreveportQuota International of TacomaQuota International of the Shenango Valley

Quota International of the Tanana ValleyQuota International of ValdostaQuota International of West MemphisQuota International of Wilmington

Individual DonorsJeff Bassin and Jane HarrisMarcia GoulevitchMarilyn BixMeghan FoulkNaveen PathakNitin BhanotShirley WetmoreSusan KenrickVicki ConableVikram BhanotWendy Cammins

REGION 1: 1-3 May 2015Toronto, Ontario

REGION 2: 24-26 April 2015Cleveland, Ohio

REGION 3: 24-26 April 2015Clear Lake, Iowa

REGION 4: 15-17 May 2015Mt. Pleasant, Michigan

REGION 5: 24-26 April 2015Winchester, Virginia

REGION 6: 17-19 April 2015Hershey, Pennsylvania

REGION 7: 1-3 May 2015Holyoke, Massachusetts

C A L E N D A R

REGION 8: 1-3 May 2015Ponte Vedra, Florida

REGION 9: 19-22 March 2015New Orleans, Louisiana

REGION 10: 17-19 April 2015Zutphen, Netherlands

REGION 11: 15-17 May 2015Glen Innes, New South Wales

REGION 12: 22-24 May 2015Bathurst, New South Wales

REGION 13: 5-7 June 2015Auckland, New Zealand

REGION 14: 1-3 May 2015Canberra, ACT

REGION 15: 22-24 May 2015Caloundra, Queensland

REGION 16: 24-26 April 2015Sacramento, California

REGION 17: 20-22 March 2015San Jose, California

REGION 18/19: 23-25 April 2015Bohol Island, Philippines

REGION 20: 14-15 March 2015New Delhi, India

Nonprofit Org.US Postage

PaidBurlington, VTPermit no. 393

1420 21st St. NW Washington, D.C. 20036

The 2014 Quota Cares Month Winners

Tanana Valley, Alaska, USA, Narooma, New South Wales, Australia, Manila South,

Philippines, Gridley, California, USA, and Beckley, West Virginia, USA were selected

as the top winners in the 2014 Quota Cares Month contest. Dozens of amazing

service projects were considered. The projects that were chosen were

outstanding for multiple reasons: service, outreach, fundraising, and publicity.