Dear Friends,

The new Rotary year is off to a great start. It’s been a month of learning, attending club officers installations, participating in club socials, kicking off programs for the upcoming year and best of all, making those personal connections with Rotary members.

Thank you all for your congrats note and best wishes for my Imagine the New Rotary Year video message. I am honored and grateful for your support.

I am extremely thankful to the District Leadership Team for sharing their time and talents. I am filled with gratitude to each of you for everything you have contributed leading up to this year and I am excited to see what we will do this coming Rotary year.

Our District is hosting a Membership, Foundation and Public Image summit on September 17th. If you are a club officer or interested in learning about the three core pillars in Rotary, please sign up at http://tinyurl.com/7680mfpsummit. To celebrate International Peace day on September 21st, the District Peace committee is planning to host an event at The International House in Charlotte. Please save the date. More details to follow soon.

We introduced a new initiative, the Polio Plus Society to the District this year. This novel program asks for the commitment and donation of $100 or more to Polio Eradication at the Rotary Foundation until polio is eradicated. Recognition pins will be given to members who enroll in this effort and recognized at select District events. I encourage you to enroll in this effort.

Every August we celebrate Membership and New Club Development Month. I hope that you not only take time to reflect on your path to Rotary, but also to think about what you can do to help others in your community begin theirs. There is a potential Rotarian in anyone who wants to make a difference, regardless of age or gender, and you can help them join us.

Thank you for being an active Rotary member, and for being a part of the Rotary family. Your commitment helps demonstrate how we Imagine Rotary.

Warmest Regards,

Kam Chandan

New Months Issue, we will be doing an article on
MARRIED ROTARIANS
Send us stories and pictures

  • SAT Sept 17 – District Training

  • WED Sept 21 – Peace Conference

  • FRI Nov 18 – Foundation Celebration

Rotary operated with a single club model and very limited membership types for over a century. But as Paul Harris said so wisely, “Rotary is to realize its proper destiny, it must be evolutionary at all times, revolutionary on occasion”.

Innovative Clubs and Innovative Membership Types are a necessary and welcome evolution of our clubs and Rotary overall. These innovations make our organization available to leaders in our community who share our values, have high ethical standards, and want to serve our community and world but for whom traditional clubs and membership types don’t work so well.

Let’s work together to create new pathways to our great organization through innovation. Every community would benefit from at least one more club that meets in an underserved part of town or at a creative location, has a specific cause or interest that draws new Rotarians, or creates a service-centered club opportunity. Every club could look at its community and assess what its members are looking for in terms of joining Rotary. If our current membership types are not fulfilling their needs, create one (or more) that does. Our value proposition should be one that appeals to our current members and the many others within our communities. Keep in mind that we have a penetration rate of under 1% in any community that we serve. That gives us a large opportunity to create membership types that appeal to others within our communities. Remember that the more we grow, the more we can do.

By creating new on-ramps to Rotary, we will not only enjoy the benefits that come with more members doing more service and providing greater fellowship, but we are very likely to create a more diverse membership in the process.

Join me in embracing Rotary innovation!

 

“Rotary is to realize its proper destiny,

it must be evolutionary at all times,

revolutionary on occasion.”

Paul Harris

GUEST COLUMNIST

Creating a welcoming club environment

By Tom Gump, past governor of District 5950, and a Member of Rotary International’s Membership Growth Committee and Trainer at the International Assembly

 

I love August because it is the time of year when Rotary looks seriously at the topic of membership. We are a membership organization and as such, we need members to grow and expand our impact. Service is the avenue by which we make a lasting impact in our communities and how we keep our members engaged.

There are at least three methods of strengthening membership. We can pour energy into attracting new members. We can focus on engaging existing members. And we can form new clubs that serve distinct needs and serve as a magnet for attracting still more members. At different times and places, our Rotary International presidents have focused on all of these aspects of membership.

Read more of this post

 

1. Friendship: In an increasingly complex world, Rotary provides one of the most basic human needs; the need for friendship & fellowship. It is one of two reasons Rotary began in 1905.

2. Business Development: The second original reason for Rotary’s beginning is business development. Everyone needs to network. Rotary consists of a cross-section of every business community. It’s members come from all walks of life. Rotarians help each other and collectively help others.

3. Personal Growth & Development: Membership in Rotary continues one’s growth & education in human relations & personal development.

4. Leadership Development: Rotary is an organization of leaders & successful people. Serving in Rotary is like a college education. Leadership: learning how to motivate, influence, and lead leaders.

5. Citizenship in the Community: Membership in Rotary club makes one a better community citizen. The average Rotary club consists of the most active citizens of any community.

6. Continuing Education: Each week at Rotary there is a program designed to keep one informed about what is going on in the community, nation, and world. Each meeting provides an opportunity to listen to different speakers and a variety of timely topics.

7. Fun: Rotary is fun, a lot of fun. Each meeting is fun. Social activities are fun. The service is fun.

8. Public Speaking Skills: Many individuals who joined Rotary were afraid to speak in public. Rotary develops confidence and skills in public communications and the opportunity to practice and perfect these skills.

9. Citizenship in the World: Every Rotarian wears a pin that says Rotary International. There are a few places on the globe that do not have a Rotary Club. Every Rotarian is welcome even encouraged to attend any of the over 34,000 clubs over 200 nations and geographic regions. This means instant friends in both one’s own community and in the world community.

10. Assistance when traveling: Because there are Rotary clubs everywhere, many a Rotarian in need of a doctor, lawyer, hotel, dentist, advice, etc., while traveling has found assistance through Rotary.

11. Entertainment: Every Rotary club and district has parties and activities that provide diversions in one’s business life. Rotary holds conferences, assemblies, and institutes that provide entertainment in addition to Rotary information, education, and service.

12. The Development of Social Skills: Every week and at various events and functions Rotary develops one’s personality, social skills, and people skills. Rotary is for people who like people.

13. Family Programs: Rotary provides one of the world’s largest youth exchange programs; high school and college clubs for future Rotarians; opportunities for spouse involvement; and a host of activities designed to help family members in growth and the development of family values.

14. Vocational Skills: Every Rotarian is expected to take part in the growth and development of his or her own profession or vocation; to serve on committees and to teach youth about one’s job or vocation. Rotary helps to make one a better doctor, lawyer, teacher, etc.

15. The Development of Ethics: Rotarians practices a 4 Way Test that governs one’s ethical standards. Rotarians are expected to be ethical in business and personal relations.

16. Cultural Awareness: Around the world, practically every religion, country, culture, race, creed, political persuasion, language, color and ethnic identity is found in Rotary. It is a cross-section of the world’s most prominent citizens from every background. Rotarians become aware of their cultures and learn to love and work with people everywhere. They become better citizens of their countries in the process.

17. Prestige: Rotary members are prominent people: leaders of business, the professions, art, government, sports, military, religion, and all disciplines. Rotary is the oldest and most prestigious service club in the world. It’s ranks include executives, managers, professionals people who make decisions and influence policy.

18. Nice People: Rotarians above all are nice people, the nicest people on the face of the earth. They are important people who follow the policy of it is nice to be important but it is important to be nice.

19. The absence of an Official Creed: Rotary has no secret handshake, no secret policy, no official creed, no secret meetings or rituals. It is an open society of men and women who simply believe in helping others.

20. The Opportunity to Serve: Rotary is a service club. Its business is mankind. Its product is a service. Rotarians provide community service to both local and international communities. This is perhaps the best reason for becoming a Rotarian: the chance to do something else and to sense the self-fulfillment that comes in the process and return of that satisfaction to one’s own life. It is richly rewarding.

Do you have a project in your community that meets the following criteria?

  • Has a long-term, sustainable impact
  • Include activities that align with the goals of one of Rotary’s areas of focus
  • Has a minimum budget of $30,000
  • Addresses an important need identified by the community
  • Strengthen the community’s capacity to address its own needs

If yes, D7680 will match up to $10,000 towards your project. Please reach out to Global Grants Chair George Solomon and District Foundation Chair Beth Trotter with your project idea.

Celebrate Community 2022 is a joint initiative of Rotary International, Kiwanis International, Lions Clubs International and Optimist International. Clubs are encouraged to collaborate on projects to support health and wellness, alleviate food insecurity and hunger, improve education and literacy, and protect the environment. Clubs can organize activities such as community cleanups, food donation drives and distributions, walks and runs to raise money for specific causes, and book collections for children’s personal libraries.

Clubs from across these organizations can connect by making an initial introduction, inviting members of other clubs to their service projects, and creating new activities together to make a difference in their community. Clubs could participate individually or in partnership with clubs from the other organizations

https://www.kiwanis.org/clubs/member-resources/service-projects/celebrate-community

One of the big efforts by Charlotte International this Rotary year has been helping Afghan refugees relocate to Charlotte. With translation help from Fahima Noori, an Afghan woman who lives with one of our club members, we quickly uncovered a broad range of needs for arriving families.

Club President Leslie Sellers and member Jerry Overcash drove our efforts to secure winter clothing, cooking utensils, baby supplies and more for our new neighbors. As the families began to relocate from temporary to permanent housing, Charlotte International changed scope and secured and delivered furniture, washers and dryers and kitchen supplies to equip the new homes.

Our frequent calls for assistance to other Rotarians and friends were met with an overwhelming response. Special thanks to Mary Ellen Shuntich (Charlotte Providence), Assistant Governor Kevin Kendrick (Charlotte Dilworth South End), Alan Simonini and Carol Hardison (Charlotte) who were major supporters of our endeavors.

A great collaborative effort on June 9th with three Rotary Clubs:

  • Charlotte Providence,
  • Meck South, and
  • Charlotte International

10 boxes containing over 2,000 meals were prepared for Rise Against Hunger in a record time of 1 hour 40 minutes, all while rocking out to 60’s music.

Linda Rakvic, as co-chair of District Service (with Sean Gautam) we encourage collaboration with all district clubs. It’s a lot of fun, fellowship, and doing good in the community and the world!

On Thursday, June 9, at the Dowd Center Theatre, a crowd gathered to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Monroe Rotary Club. This celebration found over 100 members, former members, and friends gathered to share the evening together. Pat Kahle, Co-Chair of the Monroe Rotary Program Committee, shared, The Monroe Rotary is the oldest club in Union County and was the sponsoring club for every other Rotary Club that now exists in our community. In addition, the Monroe Rotary Club has sponsored Interact Clubs at high schools, offered scholarships to high school students, supported many nonprofits throughout our community, and much more.

Started 17 years after the founding of the Rotary, the Monroe Rotary Club has made substantial local impacts since then. Members of Monroe Rotary have sponsored or assisted other clubs in organizing including the Monroe Breakfast, Marshville, Union West, and Waxhaw-Weddington clubs along with establishing Interact Clubs in the school system, Kahle explained. In its first year, Monroe Rotary adopted as its first community project Aid to Crippled Children, he continued. This project became such a remarkable success that it became a model for the state and later for the nation. Dr. Paul J. Helms [the first Monroe Rotary President] was instrumental in the implementation of the program and spent three months working in South America.

At the ceremony, President Rick Greene announced the Service Above Self Award, which the club awards annually, is being re-named to the Nat Greene Service Above Self Award. Greene was a member of the Monroe Rotary for over 50 years, served as Club President, and in 1980 was recognized as the Union County Man of the Year. Greene passed away in 2021, but his name and spirit will live on in the newly christened award. Sheila Crunkleton, past Club President, was recognized as the first recipient of the Nat Greene Service Above Self Award (right).

The Rotary Club of Charlotte celebrated Rotary member Lamar Thomas, who joined the Charlotte Club in 1972.

For almost a decade, Lamar chaired the International Youth Exchange Committee. That position fulfilled one of his lifetime passions, to stay involved with youth and their families from around the world. He and Kaye had many Exchange Students live with them and they keep up with most. Their first student (from Oslo) came back to visit them this past month.

100 American Flags were flown in honor of our Heroes – 70 in downtown Waxhaw NC and 30 at the town hall at Weddington.

These flags were presented by the Rotary Club of Waxhaw-Weddington.

Each sponsored flag has a medallion with the sponsor/hero names and is given back as a “thank you.” It is a wonderful annual event and loved by all.

Last year, the District had some ebbs and flows regarding Rotary Clubs. The following summarizes the changes:

  • Global Impact Club was formed with 50 some members
  • Queen City became an Impact Club under Dilworth
  • Charlotte International formed an Impact Club
  • Top of the Week Club dissolved *
  • Gastonia Breakfast Club dissolved *

* Most members transferred to other clubs and a few older members retired

The Top of The Week Club wanted to utilize the funds remaining in their budget for charitable causes. To the left, PDG David Hare presents a check to Eric Law, Executive Director and Kelly Cates, Deputy Director of Promising Pages.

The District is sponsoring 7 outbound Rotary Exchange Students. They are:

Top Row
Lily to Japan
Sponsor Club is Huntersville/Lake Norman

Amaryna to Czechia
Sponsor Club is Taylorsville

Sofia to Italy
Sponsor Club is Dilworth South End

Smera to Spain
Sponsor Club is Huntersville/Lake Norman

Charlotte to Switzerland
Sponsor Club is Charlotte

Front Row
Soren to Brazil
Sponsor Club is Charlotte North

Stockton to Thailand
Sponsor Club is Shelby

Kam to Dorky Dadistan
Sponsor Club is District 7680

Three of the students are from Rotary families:

  • Smera – Kam Chandan
  • Soren – Sean Gautam
  • Charlotte – Karen Steffens

The Clansman of the Year Award is the most important award offered by The Clan Keith Society USA, Inc. an organization which celebrates and promotes Scottish Heritage. Each year since 1986, this award is chosen by the President of the association and recognizes which Society member who has made the most contributions to the Society in the last year. The winner for 2022 is North Mecklenburg County Rotarian David Keith of Harrisburg, North Carolina. David is the Convener for the Lake Norman Highland Games at Rural Hill in Huntersville, NC.  He is also a long time volunteer for the Loch Norman Games placing the signs for the event since the 1990’s and serves as a Director for The Clan Keith Society USA. The award recipient was chosen by Past Rotary District 7680 District Governor Tom Smith of the Rotary Club of Charlotte South who is also the current President of The Clan Keith Society USA. “I have the pleasure as President to select and make that award to someone who greatly assisted me in several ways this year. David has worked with the Loch Norman Games for a number of years and has assisted and convened those games. I proudly award The Clansman of the Year Award to David Keith.” President Tom Smith, The Clan Keith Society USA, Inc.

District CART Chair PDG Luther Moore reports the District raised $64,000 last year (21-22) with the Rotary Club of Charlotte leading the way with $7,500. The goal for this year is $70,000

Last Year’s Results  $64,000

Next Year’s Goal: $70,000

Need a Speaker?
Luther is happy to come tell your club about CART.

In other news, Tiffany Ervin is the new Executive Director for CART. She previously served as VP of Public Image and is a Past District Governor from Rotary District 7670. Tiffany was selected following the retirement of Bill Shillito, who served our organization so wonderfully for many years. They are seen here with the passing of apparently, the official CART Tiki Torch.

Tiffany has already begun working with the board of directors and other volunteers to elevate CART’s public awareness and fundraising efforts.

Need a Speaker?
If you’d like to schedule her for a presentation in your area, please contact her: tiffany@tiffanyervin.com.

As we start the new Rotary year, I want to thank last years club and district leaders for their efforts toward Polio Eradication and wish to build on their success for upcoming year. As leaders of your club and our District, your efforts are key to our fundraising to eradicate this disease. Polio eradication has been Rotary’s number 1 goal for over 30 years and we are very close to finishing the job but your support and continued effort is needed to do so.

As of July 6,2022, there have been twelve (12) reported cases of wild polio, one (1) in Afghanistan and eleven (11) in Pakistan calendar year to date. The Pakistani cases have been in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province and efforts are underway to address that area. There was a total of six (6) cases reported world wide in 2021 Afghanistan four (4), Pakistan one (1) and Malawi one (1). There have been no reports of cases in Malawi or any part of Africa of wild polio this year. There are continuing reports of vaccine derived polio in Africa, Afghanistan and Pakistan, which are being addressed with a new more stable Type2 polio vaccine which was introduced last year.

I am glad to report that our District’s fundraising efforts for this past year exceeded the prior year but still fell short of our goal. The clubs and members of our District raised $84,188 ($37.05 per Rotarian), which is up from the prior years $71,938. Our annual goal is $45 per Rotarian. I know this year we can achieve the goal with you and your members help.

We are introducing a new initiative, the Polio Plus Society to the District this year. This novel program asks for the commitment and donation of $100 or more to Polio Eradication at the Rotary Foundation until polio is eradicated. Recognition pins will be given to members who enroll in this effort and recognized at select District events. I have attached the Society membership form. I encourage you to provide this to all club members and make a concerted effort to enroll members in this effort.

Please join me in enrolling in the Polio Plus Society as I have.

I am available to provide club programs on this and Rotary’s polio efforts upon request. Contact me

Once again, this year my wife Paula and I will be hosting a Polio fundraiser at our house on Saturday evening October 22. Please join us for some food, fun, drink, and fellowship as we raise funds for this most important program. Details and registration are on Dacdb.

Although the PolioPlus Society was rolled out on September 1st of 2020, many Rotarians are still asking PolioPlus Society? What’s that?

The PolioPlus Society is a group of individuals who are passionate about Rotary’s #1 Priority, the elimination of the poliovirus from the face of the earth.

The PolioPlus Society, or PPS, operates much like the Paul Harris Society, whereby a Rotarian or friend makes a commitment to donate $1,000 per year or more to The Rotary Foundation. Except the PolioPlus Society requires you to donate only a minimum of $100, and to continue to do so annually until the World Health Organization declares the world free of the poliovirus.

PolioPlus Society members will receive a special pin depicting a child receiving the two precious drops, an “End Polio Now” wristband to wear until polio is eliminated from the planet (Both depicted here) and a PolioPlus Certificate proclaiming your membership in this unique Society. Plus the knowledge that you are doing good in the world and are in this fight to the end.

Joining the District 7680 Polio Plus Society is a two-step process:

STEP 1: Complete the COMMITMENT STATEMENT (click here)

STEP 2: Make your contribution by check or online at myrotary.org/donate

See Kent Pike’s
(Huntersville Happy Hour Club)
explanation of Raise for Rotary

Teens along with Rotary and Rotaract volunteers gathered together at Gardner Webb University for Rotary District 768’s annual youth leadership development experience, Seminar For Tomorrow’s Leaders (SFTL). For four days, high school delegates from across our fourteen-county region dedicated themselves to leadership learning while rising to challenges with strategically crafted activities and working together to attain goals all while having fun, making new friends, and growing in their leadership journeys. The SFTL curriculum, designed by the world renown Center for Creative Leadership, guided the experience with an overarching theme of leading from within, leading with others, and making a difference in the world.

Based on post survey results, students reported growth in all eleven areas of leadership development citing knowledge, skills, and willingness to handle leadership challenges and be a more effective leader as the two highest areas of growth. When asked how participants will apply the lessons learned from SFTL, one delegate said, I will be more considerate of others voices and let them speak their minds. Another student reflected they will use specific feedback and response skills when having conversations with people who have different values. Imagine if all teens had an experience where the outcome pulled [them] out of [their] shells and put [them] out there like a leaderlearning to be brave and willing to take on challenges. One parent’s response captures the WHY for SFTL. Your program not only taught my daughter practical application for leadership, but it gave her so much more- confidence, inspiration and a fire that I am proud to see awakened in her. She is so excited to use her new resources to help her community this year in the Interact Club.

Thank you to the Rotary clubs for selecting and funding leadership delegates and to the volunteers who made SFTL possible. This huge project would not be possible without the direction from SFTL Chair, PDG Scott Van Der Linden, the alignment of all the volunteers who supported registration, contacted parents, mentored students, facilitated the classroom, took pictures, and so much more. Your commitment to these young leaders and to SFTL changes lives. SFTL gives us the opportunity to plant seeds that will grow over a lifetime with impact beyond our imagination.

With the COVID-19 pandemic far from over, it’s essential to recognize how healthcare workers have dedicated their time, energy, and skills to ensure our safety–often putting themselves at risk to do so.

From 21-27 August, Rotary will recognize healthcare professionals’ work.

Show healthcare workers your appreciation
on.rotary.org/3aZvXHi

Please encourage your districts to:

  • Send letters of appreciation to health care facilities or health departments
  • Volunteer at a health care facility or at an event
  • Raise awareness by sending letters highlighting health workers to local media outlets
  • Post about your appreciation for health care workers on social media
  • Honor club members who are health care workers at a meeting or event
  • Ask nearby medical centers if you can donate meals or baked good

Learn more and find templates: https://my.rotary.org/en/show-your-appreciation-health-care-workers

The Rotary Club of Charlotte will hold its 20th Annual 9/11 Rotary Scholarship Golf Tournament on September 19th at the Pine Lake Country Club. Proceeds go for Scholarships to the children of Charlotte/Mecklenburg’s First Responders. Since its inception in 2002, the program has raised $775,000 and given approximately 150 four-year scholarships

The club is looking for sponsors and teams. If you are interested, please contact Diego Ramon 804.928.8672 diego.ramon@mutualofamerica.com

Raised $775,000 to date and given

just under 150 four-year scholarships

Sign up now to become a Charter Member of the Rotary Fellowship of Leadership Education and Development! Rotary LEAD Fellowship’s mission is to strengthen the leadership skills of our fellowship’s members by offering digital resources, leadership events, workshops, mentoring, and roundtable conversations. We grow together by empowering our fellowship’s members to teach other members what they have learned about leadership through their careers and their personal lives. By being a platform to give our members a voice on leadership topics, we will be able to exchange leadership ideas and strengthen our collective knowledge on leadership topics. As we’re approaching our first Annual Business Meeting on September 3rd, 2022, sign up today at https://rflead.org/join/

On Saturday, August 20th, we’ll also hold a virtual meet and greet with those of you who sign up.

Sunset in Manila, Philippines. Judges say: The playful, organic shapes of the kids bodies make a stark contrast with the hard lines of the electric poles and wires. Despite the photos limited color palette, you feel like there is an explosion of color.

Photographer: Heinz-Gerd Dreehsen
Rotary Club of Oberhausen, Germany

An artisan displays incense near Hue, Vietnam. Judges say: What caught our eyes about this image is the angle, the way it was taken slightly off-kilter. It really works. That and the contrast between the bright red color and the neutral tan color really make for a beautiful image.

Photographer: Hansruedi Frutiger
Rotary Club of Gombak, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

A cyclist rides in Liberty Square in Taipei, Taiwan. Judges say: This photo is striking because of the mirror imaging. Having the two red shapes lead your eye back into the horizon line is really successful.

Photographer: Wang Chiende-te – Spouse of Su-Chen Lin, Rotary E-Club of New Taipei Inter-Industry

This past week, Statesville- Fourth Creek member, William Morgan, awarded US Representative Dr. Virginia Foxx with a Paul Harris Fellow

The Rotary Club of Statesville- Fourth Creek is also pleased to present 2 exciting opportunities to be auctioned off during our annual golf tournament to be held on Thursday, September 15, 2022. Proceeds are used to support college scholarships; area non-profits; and 2 designated underprivileged youth charities.

TUSCANY:  This is an offering for 7 night’s accommodations only for 4 people in one of our 12 properties in Manciano, Italy. There is no expiration date and the recipient may postpone travel until any year in the future. Manciano is located 1 1/2 hours north of Rome and is a small hill town in the southern edge of Tuscany. www.tuscanresort.com
Minimum bid is $3,100.

ANTIGUA:  This is an offer of accommodations for 7 nights for 2 people beginning in 2023. We have 1 property on the island located in a community called Antigua Village and it has 1 bedrooms, 2 full baths, living room and kitchen. There is a pull out sofa bed if 2 more guests would like to travel at no additional charge. www.antiguacaribbeanbliss.com.
Minimum bid is $2,500.

This Rotary Year is a landmark year with the installation of Rotary International’s first female President, Jennifer Jones.

It has been 35 years since the Supreme Court ruled that women should be a part of Rotary. Today, close to 400,000 women are in our ranks, and we are clearly for the better.

To the right are some slides from a Women in Rotary presentation I made several years ago. I have given it to my club a couple times. I have updated it as to include this year and last Tuesday, Christine Cipriano, our Executive Secretary, gave the presentation to our club. If you would like a copy for a presentation or just to learn more about women in Rotary, you can get a copy at this link: The First Women in Rotary  (PowerPoint)

Jennifer Jones
President, Rotary International

Jennifer E. Jones, a member of the Rotary Club of Windsor-Roseland, Ontario, Canada, is the first woman President in Rotary’s 115-year history.

Jennifer is founder and president of Media Street Productions Inc., an award-winning media company in Windsor. She was chair of the board of governors of the University of Windsor and chair of the Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce. She holds a Doctor of Laws (LL.D.).

A current Rotary Foundation trustee, Jennifer has been a Rotary member since 1997 and has served Rotary as RI vice president, director, training leader, committee chair, moderator, and district governor. She played a lead role in Rotary’s rebranding effort by serving as chair of the Strengthening Rotary’s Advisory Group. She is the co-chair of the End Polio Now Countdown to History Campaign Committee, which aims to raise $150 million for polio eradication efforts.

Need a Speaker?

Either John or Lee Tabor will be glad to give this presentation to your club.  Contact Lee Tabor

 

RI President Jennifer Jones imagines a Rotary where members act to make their dreams reality and to get the most out of their club experiences. This year, Jones will focus on four presidential initiatives that Imagine Rotary: advancing our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI); creating a welcoming club experience; empowering girls; and expanding our reach. You can join Jones in building a strong future for Rotary by learning more about each of her initiatives.

  • Imagine DEI In 2021 Rotary strengthened its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in order to celebrate each person’s contributions, advance equity, and create an inclusive culture where every member and participant knows they are valued. Watch a message from Jones about imagining DEI, find inspiration to ensure that your club or district creates a collaborative, positive, and inclusive environment for everyone, and take action on DEI issues in your club, district, and community. 
  • Imagine Comfort and Care Making people feel included and welcomed is the most powerful way we can engage members. Listen to your members to understand why they joined Rotary and what they expect and want from their experience. Watch a message from Jones about creating a welcoming club experience. 
  • Imagine Empowering Girls Jones will continue the initiative of 2021-22 RI President Shekhar Mehta to encourage members to improve the health, well-being, education, and economic security of girls. Share your club’s projects on Rotary Showcase. 
  • Imagine Expanding Rotary’s Reach Over the coming year, Jones will visit eight service projects, each one representing polio eradication or one of Rotary’s areas of focus. The tour will provide examples of how Rotary can make a measurable difference, while also introducing Rotary to new audiences and to potential partners and influencers.

Click here for Jennifer’s message on Inclusion

Click here for Jennifer’s message on Welcoming Club Experience