Kevin’s
Kaleidoscope – June 2007
On May 9th, Jen and I were guests of
the three
Clearly, our young people are our future and the
future of Rotary, and it was gratifying to witness the energy and enthusiasm
for Rotaract and Rotary exhibited by the charter
members. Rotaract is the fastest growing program in
Rotary, with close to 200,000 Rotaractors worldwide.
We were delighted to visit the Rotary Club of Gibsons, and to participate in a tree planting by the
That evening we heard from two wonderful people Wendy Bodt and Deirdre
Pearson, both retired nurses from Gibsons who spend their own time and money to bring basic
health care to the poor villages of
Then, on Friday, May 11, we were treated to
another youth event, the outbound
orientation for the Rotary youth exchange students who will spend a year in other parts of the Rotary world. Once again, I
was amazed at the enthusiasm of the students for what will be a memorable year
for them. Many of our youth exchange students leave as children, and return as
young adults with a broader understanding of the world and their place in it.
Congratulations and bon voyage to the outbound students,
and thank you to their parents for allowing them to participate in this Rotary
program.
Congratulations and thank you, also, to the inbound students who have spent the greater part of a year with us in
District 5040. You have inspired us, entertained us,
and taught us something of your individual countries and customs. Thank you for
your enthusiastic and entertaining participation in the conference. We wish you
well in your careers and invite you to return to District 5040.
The big event during the month of May was the highly
successful District conference at the Grand Okanagan Resort in
Opening Keynote speaker Craig
Kielburger from Free The Children held the
audience in awe as he related his experiences and his life journey which led
and inspired him to reach out to suffering and abused children in many parts of
the world. At the age of 24, Craig is acknowledged as a pre-eminent child rights activist, has been
nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, and is a true friend and advocate for poor, exploited, illiterate,
hungry, thirsty children anywhere. We thank Craig for speaking at our
conference, and for the work that he and Free The
Children continue to do.
And
Tracy Thompson, who was a Rotary Exchange student to South Africa, brought
tears to many an eye when she sang the song that she composed on her return
from South Africa “Touch The Sky”. . . . .
“I came across the world to
see what I could see
But I didn’t know the things
that were waiting for me.
The friends that I would make, or the things that I’d explore –
These were the dreams that I
never dreamt before.
Friends have always made me
a part of their life.
They helped me with my
problem, make a sacrifice.
They were always Emotions
deep within my mind
But my friends helped me
through them, time after time.
Chorus:
So there’s no reason to cry
Now I feel I can touch the
sky
Because of you, you have
pulled me through,
Because of you all have pulled
me through
Everyday I see great people
and I know when they walk by
How much I’m going to miss
them and each of their smiles.
With the fun that they
shared when they showed me that they cared –
I could never forget what
they’ve done for me.
They taught me all the
things that I needed to know.
I have to say I thank you
for helping me grow.
But now the time has come –
my year is nearly done
And now I know that I have
to say goodbye.”
We were privileged to have Rob Whittle, President of DDB Canada, speak to us about the advertising industry, and trends in communications. DDB is one of the largest advertising
agencies in
Howard
Soon from Calona Wines presented an
interesting history of the wine industry in
A tradition at the annual conference is a presentation
by the inbound and outbound Group Study Exchange teams. Magdalen Leung and the District 5040 team (pic 1) outlined their experiences in
Many would agree that the stars of the conference were
Past District Governor John T. and
Jane Capps, (pic 3) from District 7730 in
Then there was the “Walk for Polio Because You
Can”, (pic 4)
when 93 walkers completed the five km walk, and helped to raise over $10,000
for PolioPlus.
Congratulations to all those who received special
awards and recognition, to the clubs which received the Presidential Citation,
and to the Rotary clubs of Vancouver Chinatown (second runner up), Quesnel (first
runner up), and New Westminster-Royal City, the Outstanding Rotary Club of the Year. (pic
5)
A milestone at this year’s conference was the
First Annual General Meeting of Rotary
International District 5040 Inc.
Truly, this has been a noble Vintage Rotary District conference. We salute and thank the members
of the committee who worked so hard for the past
three years, and whose dedication, skills and enthusiasm produced such a
successful conference.
Conference chair Karen Harrison,
Conference Treasurer Otto Rieve,
Conference Secretary/Treasurer Jacci McTavish,
Program chair Dave Hamilton,
Facilities chair Marni Fraser,
Extra-curricular Activities and Entertainment chair Vicki Haller,
Sponsorships chair Magdalen Leung,
Awards chair PDG Leo Nimsick,
Conference Registrars Pam and Robert Rickey,
Golf Coordinator Garry Shearer,
Marketing and Promotion co-chairs Lynda Rocha and Kathi Travers,
Operations and Protocol chair Angiola De Stefanis – you are amazing.
Thank you also to the partners of committee members who worked quietly and effectively behind the scenes
to make it all happen as it should.
And so we
approach the end of a wonderful Rotary year. Jen and I will be traveling to
We will
have the pleasure and privilege of welcoming Rotary International President Wilf and Joan Wilkinson to District 5040 in August for one
of only a few Presidential celebrations. Mark your calendars for August 10 –
11, and it’s not too early to register for the event and the dinner; go to www.rotaryevents.ca
and follow the Registration link. This event, to be held in
PAG Otto received a call from John T. Capps from his home in the
John T and Jane both thought that we
had an excellent conference in
WHAT I LEARNED FROM THE CONFERENCE – EDITOR’S CORNER
Minga - rotary is a global “Minga”,
coming together to help each other. So next time when you need help from your
fellow Rotarians, Rotaractors and Interactors,
shout from the top of your lungs: “MINGA” !!!
DO WHAT I CAN - I am only one person, what difference can it make? “ In our lives, we cannot do great things, but we can do
small things with “GREAT LOVE.”
- Mother Teresa.
TO INVEST IN OUR
YOUTH - Connect to the young people, they
are our future, find their gift and talent, give them responsibilities in their
OWN terms, let them start their own initiative, teach them leadership skills so
they can teach others.
HAVE FUN - Being a Rotarian doesn’t have to be all work, make
it a party and have fun!
My heartfelt thank you for honouring
me with a PHF at the District conference.
District Conference Moments can
be viewed at www.rotary5040.org homepage story. My sincere
thank you to Rotarian QUENTIN LI of
2007 PRESIDENTIAL CITATION
The purpose of the Presidential Citation is to
increase Rotary club involvement in service activities, while at the same time
encouraging Rotarians' personal involvement in serving others and promoting a
high standard of Rotary service in the community. The following are the clubs
in our district that have met the requirements for the Presidential Citation.
Rotary
Clubs and Club Presidents:
Rotaract
Clubs and the sponsoring Club Presidents:
DISTRICT AWARDS AND
RECONGITION
1st – Kitimat –
60%
2nd –
3rd – Smithers
Alpine – 25%
Paul Harris
Fellows Recongition
Rotary Club of
Check out the newly revised “Award &
Recognition” on the District website www.rotary5040.org for current and
previous recipient listings and photos
DISTRICT LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE
Who Should Attend? Rotarians who have the potential for Club Leadership. Clubs should nominate two Rotarians each year to
begin RLI and support prior attendees continuation of
the three RLI courses.
What is RLI? It’s a series of leadership courses offered in three full-day parts
(Parts I, II, III). Those completing each part are eligible for the next part.
The courses are designed to provide Rotary knowledge and to develop leadership
skills for voluntary organizations. RLI is fun, interactive, participatory
and uses skilled faculty and facilitation techniques to make the experience
valuable and enjoyable.
How is RLI Organized? RLI is an unofficial affiliate of Rotary International, but not an
official program of RI nor under its control. Clubs
and districts looking to train Rotarians as leaders at local levels can now
access online a wide array of resources developed by RLI. Established
in 1994 to assist in improving the Rotary knowledge and leadership skills of
the future leaders of clubs and districts. RLI is a multi-district
program already functional in districts around the Rotary world. The institute
offers a training program in three full-day sessions, followed by graduate
seminars. Trainers
are selected
from Rotarians with outstanding leadership abilities who conduct innovative and
participatory course sessions.
Why Should My Club Send Candidates to RLI? Leadership skills in a voluntary organization are
often different from business leadership skills. It is important that club
leaders have every opportunity for education because the success or failure of
our clubs depends in large part on the quality of their leaders. This is an
outstanding opportunity for each club to improve the Rotary knowledge of its
future leaders, who will also be exposed to new ideas of leadership. Just the
interaction with other Rotarians makes the courses worthwhile.
What is the Cost? Each course is expected to cost $85 to $100 per day, includes breaks,
meals and course materials.
When are RLI Courses? Depending on registration District 5040 RLI courses will be held:
Part I - October 20, 2007—Lower Mainland
Part I & II - January 26,
2008-Lower Mainland
Part I, II & III - May 15,
2008-Richmond (in conjunction with District Conference)
Registration details, location and cost will be posted on the district
website, district newsletter and information sent to club trainers and club
presidents. Additional courses will be scheduled if there is demand.
Where
Will Courses be Held? RLI courses will be
held at any location in D5040 where a minimum of 15 candidates are registered
and there is appropriate facilities. Rotarians may also attend RLI courses in other districts
with the approval of the host district.
For information contact AG
Penny Offer, D5040 RLI Committee Chair Ph: 604-940-9365 Email:Pennyoffer@
telus.net
NEW SMALL CLUB MEMBERSHIP CERTIFICATION
To encourage smaller-club efforts, the RI Board of Directors recently
established the Recognition of Smaller Club Membership Growth program,
which honours the achievements of small clubs who make growth a priority and
succeed.
The program will begin 1 July, recognizing clubs in the following
categories that meet the Board-established membership goal by 15 May 2008.
If your club has fewer than 20 members, your DGE
should be contacting you to begin establishing a membership action plan for
2007-08, or contact your DGE to participate.
If your
district governor agrees that your club reached its membership goal by 15 May
2008, he or she may submit your club name to RI. All clubs nominated by their
district governors by 30 June 2008 are eligible to receive a recognition
certificate signed by the RI president.
CLUB CATEGORY |
MEMBERSHIP GOAL |
Fewer than 10 members |
At least 10 members |
10-14 members |
At least 15 members |
15-19 members |
At least 20 members |
DONATIONS AND PAYMENTS ADDRESS CHANGES
CREDIT CARD
DONATIONS
Donate on line at www.trfcanada.org
DONATIONS BY MAIL
The Rotary Foundation (
Postal Station F
Make cheques and money orders payable to The
Rotary Foundation (
Membership Dues
Rotary
International
Postal Station F
This information is posted on the www.rotaryzone22.org
Any questions, please contact David Prowse, TRF Canada
Coordinator, (519) 473-3646 or by email: trfcanada@crcid.org.
Paul Harris Fellows
Related donations
Rotary Foundation (
Postal Station F
As of the new Rotary year, TRF Canada will begin
issuing PHF recognition awards (Paul Harris Fellows, Benefactors, etc.) from
the Canadian Office in
Phone:
(519) 473-3646
JOIN ROTARY WORLD HELP NETWORK AND BENEFIT
The RWHN receives medical supplies from various hospitals and hospital
suppliers. Nearly every Wednesday a group of mainly women, many who are retired
nurses including Lois Stewart meet at the Riverview warehouse. They sort and
pack the medical equipment and supplies in boxes. Each box is labeled and stored for shipping to overseas. Upon loading
the containers, the labels are being scanned and automatically entered into the
shipping manifest with box number and content description.
In 2006 RWHN sent out 22 containers to 14 different countries and a membership of 38 Rotary Clubs. Since the
operation of RWHN 10 years ago, we sent out 208 shipments to 46 different
countries representing a replacement value of over $ 70 million Canadian.
Clubs can join the RWHN at a cost
of $ 10 per member and participate in sending medical and educational
equipment and supplies to developing countries. The cost to the club for
sending out a container is $ 2500. This is a very good way for clubs to
undertake an international service project at a reasonable cost and the
benefits to the receiving country are very significant.
- RWHN Chair Terry McGauley
2006-2007 SERVICE PROJECTS
The project presentation is available
in Powerpoint or PDF format, download from Service
Project at www.rotary5040.org
PR-VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS ROTARY EFFORTS
Rotary Promotional Video: The Rotary Club of Portland, Oregon, USA created a 6
minute promotional video sharing Rotary as well as highlighting their local and
global efforts. This video was uploaded to the Internet and posted on Google
Video. Video has become a powerful media to reach your audience—including
prospective members. Upload your video to your Web site or blog
today. Follow the link to watch the Portland Club video:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-2558083269392460451&q=portland+rotary+club
WANT TO INCREASE ROTARY MEMBERSHIP, LAUNCH A CAMPAIGN
According to Rotarian
Greg Krauska, growing clubs usually do either of
2 things (or both) well: they experiment until they find one simple idea that
gets conversations going with new prospects. Or, they launch a short campaign.
He is a big believer in the campaign approach.
Why? Most people join Rotary to network and to serve, not to enroll new members. Campaigns help clubs to focus their
existing members’ effort without making membership a burden. Short campaigns
also increase the chances that nearly every member will participate.
Here are some pointers on running a good
campaign:
For complete article,
visit his blog:
http://changeagentgroup.typepad.com/innovate_rotary/2007/04/want_to_increas.html
THE WISE INVEST IN PEOPLE, FOOLS INVEST IN WAR
Shavurov has seen both sides
of that proverb in action many times. In 1990, at age 11, he and his family
were forced to flee ethnic violence between Kyrgyz and Uzbeks in the city of
"I have always
asked why once-close neighbors kill each other and
what are the ways to avert such acts," he says.
A Rotary World
Peace Fellowship helped provide some answers. Sponsored by the Rotary Club of
Bishkek,
"This
fellowship helped me to acquire the tools for putting problems into perspective
and dissecting them," he says. "Conflicts are everywhere: at home, at
work, in society, in the government. So you become like a doctor, who is needed
in many places to heal problems."
Shavurov is thankful for
the opportunity to improve people's lives and help build peace.
"The peace fellowship has
meaning to people who really want to change the world," Shavurov says. "One of the greatest lessons I learned
in the program is that peace is about being patient. Everyone has a different
understanding of peace and how to achieve it. It takes a lot of patience to
bring together all of these understandings."
See interview of Umar
at www.rotary.org
The
focus of the Rotary World Peace Centers is not on ending wars but in preventing
conflict from ever occurring.” - Dr. James L. Peacock, Kenan, co-director of the Duke/UNC Rotary Center.
“I believe that through this Rotary Fellowship I could pursue change
by changing the mindset of the military that is conditioned to think of rebels
as enemies; but never as fellow countrymen.” – First year Fellows Crisostomo Bas, when asked about his motivation
behind all this? He simply says: “I just
want to make a difference.”
INTERNATIONAL FELLOWSHIP OF ROTARIAN CONVENTION GOERS
Visit www.conventiongoers.org/2007convention.htm
for more information on how to join and how to register for this Fellowship’s
Annual Fellowship Meeting. You can do this online.
If you have comments, questions or suggestions, please
contact the Fellowship Secretary / Webmaster Harriett Schloer,
Email: secretary@conventiongoers.org
For information about Rotary
Fellowships & Action Groups: visit www.rotaryfellowships.org Are you
already a member? Let’s hear about your experiences and adventures with Rotary
Fellowships & Rotary Action Groups.
Please submit articles for
publication to: PDG Dave Kirk email: dbkirk@telus.net, District 5040 Fellowships
Chair, Member, International Travel and Hosting Fellowship
The primary reason for prohibiting Rotarians from applying for Rotary Foundation
scholarships is to exemplify Rotary’s ideal of service. The Trustees agreed
many years ago that the Foundation exists to benefit non-Rotarians. Selecting
Rotarians to receive the awards wouldn’t be in harmony with The Four-Way Test. Given
a pool of applicants from the community, selecting candidates who are Rotarians
could be perceived as favoritism — that is, not fair
or beneficial to all concerned — and would contradict Rotary’s motto of Service
Above Self. A few other groups, such as Rotary International employees, are
also excluded. (The others are mentioned in The
Rotary Foundation Code of Policies, section 7.030.)
Legal concerns are another reason. A tax-exempt organization can’t be
operated for the benefit of its members. If the Foundation awarded scholarships
to Rotarians, it could jeopardize its tax-exempt status.
President Boyd would like to hear your questions. Please e-mail him, and he
will try to respond in an upcoming edition of Interactive.
SOME NEWS BROADCAST
FROM CLUBS IN D5040
DGE Bob Blacker, Rotary Exchange
Student Majela from
On May 14th, the club spent the
afternoon on the Big Bike in support of the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
The club raised over $1,500 for the event.
The club recently sponsored a local youth group that is practicing
for rowing events including the Alcan
Rowing races later this summer. The shirts look shape whether being modeled
or in action.
On June 7th meeting the club was fortunate to have our ADG (and
DG Nominee Designate) Grodon Dalglish return from surgery just in time to present two Paul Harris Fellows - one to Belinda
Boyd, Past President, her first and one
to Jack Hutchinson, his fourth.
Rotary Club of
2007 INTERNATIONAL RYLA SHAPING TOMORROW’S LEADERS
Congratulations to Lawrence Chew, he will serve as one of the counselors in the
2007 International RYLA on June 14-17 in
Lawrence Chew and Bern Igoche are so
passionate about the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards that after participating in
the 2006 international event in
"Last year's program had 124 participants from 25 countries,"
says Chew, 27, the youngest member of the Rotary Club of Richmond Sunrise,
The four-day program, which is sponsored by RI, teaches an enthusiastic
group of young people advanced leadership skills. Participants also explore
current issues pertinent to leadership in a global society by interacting with
one another, listening to guest speakers, and holding group discussions and
training sessions. In the end, they not only come away with new skills but also
leave with a network of international friends.
"The next time they see the Rotary logo or hear Rotary mentioned, they're likely to think, 'Hey, I went to a program run by
that organization."-
- excerpt from RI Interactive Volume 8.
The
34th Annual Billy Barkers Days is a great family event from July
19-22. Rotary Club of Quesnel will
be running a pancake breakfast on Sat. July 21 and Sun. July 22. They generally
serve over 600 people over the two days. If you want to add a giggle for their
club members, just mention that Club President Simon is banned from making
coffee – they will know what that is about. Check out the event detail at
http://www.quesnelbc.com/billybarkerdays/ Saturday is parade day.
YOUTH EXCHANGE HAD A FABRULOUS TIME AT THE CONFERENCE
Once again all of our youth exchange students had a wonderful time at
the District Conference. The hospitality and programs were truly wonderful.
On behalf of all of the students, our thanks go out to the many, many
Rotarians who made this event, and the Outbound Orientation session held the
previous weekend in
In case you have any doubts as to
how much the students enjoyed the conference, please
take a look at the "News" www.d5040youthexchange.ca section of our District Youth Exchange website for
some pictures of the students.
This is how we in Rotary work for
international peace and understanding!
Neil McDonald, Youth Exchange Chair
BC ROUNDTRIP:A RESOUNDING SUCCESS IN MAKING THE
WORLD A LITTLE SMALLER
Piedmont Roundtrip Inspiration:
In April 2006, in the tiny Italian city of
BC Roundtrip hosted 5 Guests:
Through the hard work and unfaltering dedication of Rotaract
Clubs in District 5040 (Richmond, Langara, Burnaby,
New West, South Delta, UBC and The Rotaract Club of
Victoria) and the generous support from Rotary Clubs such as Vancouver
Arbutus and Richmond, the dream of The BC Roundtrip was realized.
From May 11 to 20th 2007, 5 guests, from
Not only did The BC Roundtrip provide the chance for local Rotaractors to learn about other countries’ customs and
traditions, but it also provided an excellent opportunity for Rotaractors within the same district to interact and get to
know one another! It is an amazing thing when you suddenly have friends
in the many different corners of the world—and through Rotary the world
suddenly becomes a little smaller and a little more inviting.
The memories and the experience . .
“The 10 days may be over but all the memories, experiences and lessons
I’ve gotten from the BC Roundtrip will not be forgotten…” - Francis Lacap
, Philippines
“I enjoyed this Roundtrip very much. This was my first time in
As members of the Rotary family, we must continue
programs such as The BC Roundtrip as an avenue to promote Leadership through
Friendship! Thank you for your Support!
If
you are interested in more information about how you can help out with upcoming
BC Roundtrips, please contact info@rotaractroundtrip.com or visit
www.rotaractrondtrip.com
By Katie Stewart
BC Roundtrip Co-Chair
CONGRATULATION TO THE
NEXT GENERATION
Serena Siow - Bill Richwa Rotaract Award of Excellence
The District is pleased to announce the first winner of this prestigious
award to Serena Siow. Serena was born in
Serena graduated from UBC with a Bachelor of Science - Life
Sciences in May 2005 and has since been working in paediatric research at BC Childrens' & Womens'
Hospital. She intends to pursue further studies in health services,
administration, and research.
Gelati Ting - Paul Harris Fellow from Rotary
Club of
Gelati Ting, President of the Richmond Rotaract Club
for the past 1 1/2 years was the recipient of a Paul Harris Award for her hard
work in organizing “Greenlympics” conference promoting environmental
stewardship in the local high schools. Inspired by
the Piedmont Roundtrip, Gelati and Katie from Langara
Club also initiated the BC Roundtrip this May.
The presentation was made by RTN Bill Denham Club Liaison with Michael
Jacobson, Vancouver Rotaract Chair and District 5040 Rotaract Director who praised Gelati
for her perseverance and dedication to Rotaract. Gelati recognized Past Liaisons Albert Wong and Raymond
Chan and Rtn Bill Denham for their unstinting support
to the Rotaract Club
Anastasia Radetski - Paul Harris Fellow from Rotary Club of
New West-
A Rotaract Member for 6 years - Anastasia has taken the lead
as President of New Westminster Rotaract - and also
as the District Rotaract Representative.
Anastasia
has taken many initiatives on behalf of Rotaract,
including coordination of a speaker series at
She has
attended RYLA, participated in worthy local projects such as arranging hampers
for
Internationally, the New Westminster Rotaract club
has been very active in many worthwhile projects abroad - in which Anastasia
was most frequently an organizer and participant including: Wheelchairs to
North Korea, Cataract surgery/eye care programs in various developing
countries, prevention of Malaria project, and collecting and shipping computers
to Kyambogo University in Uganda - to mention a few.
In 2003 -
She received the Rotaractor of the Year award, and
was recognized at the 2006 District Conference for her work on behalf of
Rotary.
One year ago
- in June 2006 - at the Royal City Rotary Club’s Installation dinner -
Anastasia accepted a donation to New Westminster Rotaract.
At that time she posed a question to the attendees - “Did any of you know at
age 20 that you wanted to be a Rotarian? (No hands went up) Well, I do”
Anastasia
displays the finest qualities of character that we would like to see in youth
today. She has recently applied for admission to the UBC Medical school - and was accepted. So she will likely be very busy
over the next few years as she trains to be a medical doctor. - but one thing we know for sure - not only will she be a
doctor - but she will soon be a Rotarian.
The members
of the Royal City Club are proud to know her and honour her with a Paul Harris
Fellowship.