Hi My Rotarian Friends
Well, Rotarians, 2012 has begun and I would like to start by wishing you all a happy and particularly healthy New Year. 2012 is not the same as 2011 and technology, business practices and the pace at which things move has increased, yet again. We have to ask ourselves, “Are we ready, willing and able to embrace the future?” Kalyan’s message to us this month in “Rotary Down Under” and “The Rotarian” stresses the importance of us being ready for the announcement that Rotary, along with their partners, have eradicated polio from the world. He stresses that we will need a powerful Rotary, full of enthusiasm, confidence and a bold vision. He also asks us to take an honest look at our clubs, to make sure that our meetings are productive, enjoyable and welcoming to new members, and that our projects are meaningful, sustainable and relevant.
This month is Rotary Awareness Month and I encourage you all to look at the culture of your Club to ensure that you are ready for this announcement and a potential influx of new people who would like to be associated with Rotary. India, as you may have seen from various messages that I have sent out, has been polio free for a whole year, which is an amazing and tribute to all the work that has been put into National Immunisation Days by Rotarians in India, Rotarians around the world and other dedicated people. It won’t be long before the other 3 endemic countries follow, so we need to prepare.
While on the subject of polio, I have also sent out some fantastic information (via Wesley and Judy Dinnison) that Rotary worldwide has achieved the Bill and Melinda Gate’s Foundation Challenge of raising $200 million worldwide, ahead of schedule. This has led to the Foundation giving Rotary another $50 million for the End Polio Now campaign.
Also on the subject of Polio, District is arranging a pre-release screening night showing of “The Best Marigold Hotel” to raise funds for the Rotary Foundation and End Polio Now. More details are included in this newsletter. Please promote it with your Club.
I am pleased to announce that we already have 238 Rotarians and partners registered for the Geraldton Conference, which is really fantastic. Our goal is 500 so we still have a few to go. Once again, please promote this in your club as it will be a very different conference to the ones we have had in the past and will give you some ideas on how to make your club relevant to the Gen Xs and Gen Ys in our society in the future. It will also provide good information for your business.
On February 12 we are holding a joint seminar with District 9465 on the subject of Facebook and social media networking at North Lake Senior Campus. This will be a great opportunity to find out about the way that young people communicate today in a non-threatening environment. I encourage all clubs to send along at least one member of their club. We will be looking in the future as to how we can transmit this to our regional area. See further information elsewhere in the Newsletter.
I have already received 2 completed Changemaker Award forms. The first from our Mt Lawley Interact Club and the second from Freshwater Bay. Please start looking at this now and get completed forms to me as soon as possible. Your AG will be ablr to assist you if necessary.
Lastly, I would like to thank all those who have registered for the International Convention in Bangkok. Currently we have 64 members and partners registered which is more than any other District in Australia. I applaud you all who have registered and challenge the rest of you to try and meet my target of 100. Thailand is a fantastic country with many holiday resorts and a good place to spend a couple of weeks in May when our weather is turning colder.
Cheers
Liz
