Dear Rotary members and friends,

As we enter the month of March, I am reminded of the new beginnings that Spring brings. It is a time of renewal and growth, and I am excited to see what this month will bring for your Rotary club.

From Feb 16th – 21st, I had the opportunity to spend time with Alleghany High School Interactors, participate in a service project with Rotaractors at Wingate Rotaract Club and visit Rotarians at the Rotary Club of Statesville. It was inspiring to see the good work of the three wheels of Rotary!

First Lady Divya and I are fortunate and grateful for visiting over 50 clubs and we are now, in the home stretch. We celebrated the “Women in Rotary” event, recognizing the contributions of women in our District. We also hosted the “Let’s Get Growing” Membership Summit. Rotary members across the District learned about intentional and actionable membership growth strategies, changing club culture, hosting Discover Rotary events and much more. Our District membership number is flat, but the good news is we can only grow from here. Continue to work together on enhancing the club experience and comfort and care of members.

As we move forward into March, I would like to remind you of some upcoming events –

• On March 8th, we will be celebrating International Women’s Day
• Support clubs in your area participating in their fundraisers and service projects.
• Encourage club leaders to register for training events for 2023-24 Rotary year
• Sign up for the Joint District Conference from May 5th-7th. It is a family friendly event on a weekend in Charlotte. Imagine the fun, fellowship and celebration.

As one of the world’s largest humanitarian organizations, Rotary has made peace the cornerstone of our global mission. Please consider a personal and club donation to support Rotary members and their communities affected by earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria, floods in Pakistan and Ukraine relief effort.

Rotary International’s focus for the month of March is Water, Sanitation & Hygiene. As Rotary International acknowledges, we know that when adults and children have access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene, they have the potential to lead healthier and more successful lives. As Rotary members, we can continue to work towards providing these basic needs to those who lack them and help prevent the spread of diseases.

Continue to IMagine add your Passion and take ACTion to make an IMPACT!

Yours in Rotary,
Kam Chandan

APR 1, 2023 – Rotary Peace Center Spring Conference (Duke / UNC-CH)
MAY 5-7, 2023 – Joint District Conference

There will be lots of activities – multiple service projects, great speakers, Friday International Theme Night, Saturday Kentucky Derby Night, breakouts, a magic show, time with members of the Rotary family, built-in free time, excursions, and more. Festivities begin Friday afternoon and conclude Sunday morning. You don’t want to miss it.

The top 3 District 7680 clubs by most members Registering for the Full Conference, and by the highest % of members doing so, will win prize money from the District: The #1 club in each category will receive $25 per Full Conference Registration (FCR), the #2 club $10 per FCR, and the #3 club $5 per FCR. Winners will be announced at the Conference. Club leaders should decide how to encourage the most attendance.

Every week we will spotlight members across the District who make a difference in our communities. Please like and share the Reels on District 7680 Facebook or Instagram page. Show these Reels at your club meetings. Thanks to all the volunteers for participating!

Imagine what YOU can do as a Rotary member!

Turkey and Syria were struck by a devastating earthquake on February 6th that has killed tens of thousands of people, destroyed thousands of homes and other structures, and left people across the region without shelter in bitterly cold winter weather. The main natural gas line was broken, so electricity and heating is the biggest issue at the moment.

Our Rotary Friendship Exchange Partner D2430 and two neighboring Districts need your help. Many Rotary members are asking how they can support.
Here’s how to have the greatest impact:

• Rotary Club of Huntersville Happy Hour is partnering with Rotary Clubs in Gaziantep leading the rebuilding effort in the Gaziantep region with a Global Grant. Tax deductible donations can be made online. 
• Give to The Rotary Foundation’s Disaster Response Fund. From now until 31 March, all donations to our Disaster Response Fund will be used to aid Turkey-Syria earthquake relief projects.
• ShelterBox provides shelter, essential items and technical assistance to help some of the world’s most vulnerable people recover and rebuild their homes after disasters. Donate online at https://www.shelterboxusa.org/turkey-earthquake/#donate
• Aquabox is a Rotary led organization. Aquabox responds by sending its AquaFilters and humanitarian aid, working closely with selected aid agencies and distribution partners who ensure that the aid reaches those most in need. You can set up your own fundraising campaign or donate on our JustGiving page: www.justgiving.com/campaign/Aquabox. If you prefer you can donate directly via their website: www.aquabox.org/donate-online

Thank you Rotary Club of Huntersville Happy Hour leading the Global Grant. DG Kam Chandan is encouraging every Rotary Club across the District to consider participating in the Global Grant with $100 per club. Together we can make an greater impact.

Rotary District 7680 is making a special offer

From now through June 15th, 2023 your personal contribution of $100-$1,000 to the Annual Fund and/or Polio Plus Fund of The Rotary Foundation will be matched with Foundation Recognition Points to become a Paul Harris Fellow (PHF). The Paul Harris Fellow recognition acknowledges individuals who contribute, or who have contributions made in their name, of $1,000 to The Rotary Foundation. For example, your personal gift of $500 will be matched with 500 points for a total value of $1,000 to achieve designation as a Paul Harris Fellow. Clubs can use this opportunity to become 100% PHF club. Email us at district7680@gmail.com if you are interested in participating.

ONLY 60,000 POINTS ARE AVAILABLE
DON’T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY!

It’s that time of year again! SFTL 2023 is right around the corner and we don’t want you to miss it! APPLY TODAY to be part of an unforgettable leadership experience.😊 Application Link: https://tinyurl.com/SFTL2023. Unsure of where to find your local Rotary club? You can search them here: https://tinyurl.com/district7680clubs

Each year, Rotary awards fully funded fellowships for dedicated leaders from around the world to study at one of our peace centers.

Through academic training, practice, and global networking opportunities, the Rotary Peace Centers program develops the capacity of peace and development professionals to become effective catalysts for peace. The fellowships cover tuition and fees, room and board, round-trip transportation, and internship and field-study expenses. Since the program began in 2002, the Rotary Peace Centers have trained more than 1,600 fellows who now work in over 140 countries. Many serve as leaders in governments; NGOs; education and research institutions; peacekeeping and law enforcement agencies; and international organizations like the United Nations and the World Bank – https://www.rotary.org/en/our-programs/peace-fellowships

Professional development certificate program

During the one-year blended learning program, experienced peace and development professionals with diverse backgrounds gain practical skills to promote peace within their communities and across the globe. Fellows complete field studies and design and carry out a social change initiative. This program is intended for working professionals. Fellows earn a post-graduate diploma upon completion of the program.

Certificate program University Partners

Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand (on hold for now)

The interdisciplinary program, a comparative global and Asia-Pacific regional focus, balances theoretical learning with practical skill building by capitalizing on the professional experiences of expert lecturers and global field practitioners.

*Please note that the certificate program at Chulalongkorn University in Thailand is not accepting applications in 2023, as The Rotary Foundation and the university are conducting an evaluation of the program.

Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda

The program integrates theory, research, and practice for peace and development leaders who are from Africa, have worked in Africa, or work with African communities or initiatives outside the continent. Fellows will learn how to influence policies and initiate action to transform society through positive peace.

Master’s program university partners

Duke University and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA

Fellows can earn a master’s degree in international development policy from Duke or a master’s from various departments at the University of North Carolina. In addition, Fellows at both universities can earn a graduate certificate in international peace and conflict resolution from UNC.

International Christian University, Tokyo, Japan

The ICU Graduate School of Arts and Sciences is known for its interdisciplinary program and liberal arts approach. Fellows pursue a master’s degree in Peace Studies within the Department of Public Policy and Social Research.

University of Bradford, Bradford, England

The Division of Peace Studies and International Development at Bradford is the largest in the world and offers several master’s degrees related to peace, conflict, security, and development.

University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia

Fellows earn a master’s degree in international studies and peace and conflict studies at the Graduate Centre of Governance and International Affairs.

Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden

The Department of Peace and Conflict Studies offers a master’s degree in social science. It is internationally renowned for its free and globally accessible collection of data related to armed conflict and organized violence.

Link for master’s degree program: https://www.rotary.org/en/our-programs/peace-fellowships-masters-degree-programs

Disruptor for Peace: (From Rotary Voices)

But as we begin 2023, I’m challenging myself to disrupt this way of thinking: to look at our challenges as opportunities for growth and change.

In his famous book “The Moral Imagination,” John Paul Lederach challenges us to use our creativity in peacebuilding. He describes this creativity as understanding current situations – such as destructive behaviors and violence – but then pushing past them to imagine a world that transcends existing reality.

This may seem trite. But if you truly think about how much we take for granted in our day-to-day lives, you can see how much room there is for improvement.

As you think about the future, try to find creative ways to build more inclusive and resilient societies. Use Lederach’s four disciplines as a guide.

1. Recognize the importance of relationships.Peace is fundamentally about relationships. As we acknowledge our interdependence and connection to one another, we can understand the context in which violence happens – but also imagine a context in which we can transcend violence and build peace.
2. Practice paradoxical curiosity.While this sounds complicated, paradoxical curiosity is a matter of respecting contrasting truths. Acknowledge different sides in every situation and look for what lies beneath the face of things. By looking beyond appearances, you can discover new opportunities for healing and peace.
3. Provide space for creativity. Respect creative acts and believe that humans can create something new. This attitude is typically grounded in everyday interactions. Use your creativity to imagine and eventually love things that are new and unexpected.
4. Take a risk. When we risk, we step into something unknown. While it may seem counterintuitive, many communities subconsciously stay in conflict because that’s what they know. Building peace is about taking the risk to journey into something unknown. It’s also about letting go of what you know.

Moral imagination is ultimately the capacity to conceive and generate something different without denying our current realities.

Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) can strengthen your club and strengthen your life. Knowledge is the power that can help change the world. Begin your RLI journey with one of these events. Join us as you begin to discover the wonder of Rotary. Five (5) sessions will be led by trained Rotarians and include exploring Rotary’s Roots, Creating Service Projects, The Foundation, How Best to Engage Members in your Club and What Lies Beyond Your Club.

IN-PERSON RLI EVENT
In conjunction with… 7680/7690 Joint District Conference

Parts 1, 2 & 3
Thursday, May 4, 2023 – 8:15am to 3:15pm

Location:
Le Meridien Charlotte
555 South McDowell, North Tower
Charlotte, NC 28204

Register at www.midatlanticrli.org
Fee – $95 (includes materials and lunch)
Many clubs cover the registration cost.

Each spring, our graduating Fellows from the Duke-UNC Rotary Peace Center host Rotarians, faculty, staff, students, and local participants as they present their research on a wide range of issues affecting peace around the world.

Register for our 20th Annual Rotary Peace Center Conference, to be held on Saturday, April 1, 2023. The conference is organized by the Duke-UNC Rotary Peace Center. The conference has been live-streamed the past 3 years, with a hybrid event offered (limited in-person attendance) in 2022.

New to Rotary or want to know more – This is for you! You are part of a group whose impact reaches around the world through local community service by our 1.4 million members in 200+ countries. Join us for “Rotary 101” a virtual tour of Rotary and Rotarians that will inspire you to engage even more in the Rotary community. Wednesday August 24 was the kickoff for ROTARY 101, an online program designed for new and potential members of Rotary.

March 13, 2023 @ 6:00pm

April 6, 2023 @ 7pm

May 11, 2023 @ 7pm

June 7, 2023 @ 7pm

Questions: Contact Marcia Scheideman (mscheideman.ms@gmail.com) or Lorena Prince (garzalster@gmail.com) for any questions you might have. Looking forward to seeing you virtually!

What is Rotary Meets Rotaract event?
The core idea is to bring together Rotary and Rotaract members to get to know each other. This project would be a great way for Rotary and Rotaract members from around the world to build connections and friendships with people from different clubs.

How?
There are many ways:
– Invite each other club to the weekly club meeting
– Make a joint project between two clubs
– Make a networking event with members from more than one Rotary and Rotaract club
– If you don`t have a Rotaract club in your city then meet up with other Rotary clubs and work on creating a new Rotaract club

Why?
”Together we are stronger” – each generation has its advantages and by cooperating between the generations we can achieve even more in charity projects we all love. Also, Elevate Rotaract has given a chance for Rotaract members to have dual membership, both, Rotaract and Rotary clubs. This is a great opportunity to bridge the gap and involve Rotaract members in Rotary.Focus is for Rotary and Rotaract members to meet, how you are doing it, is entirely up to you. At the end – For all these reasons, we are inviting you to emphasize the Rotary and Rotaract partnership during the dedicated Rotaract week by organizing a friendship gathering which will last for decades in your heart and works. Let’s show how much we are all proud to be members of an Intergenerational Organization – the Rotary International! Please fill in the Google form so we can track how many Rotary/Rotaract clubs participate in this project and we can keep in touch with you for pictures after the meetups.

Sage Stream’s 16-Week Bundle of Entertainment has partnered with CART to conduct a fundraiser. The bundle of shows costs $100. For every $100 purchase, $25 will be donated back to CART. You can achieve two goals at once. Support the CART fund, then gift the 16-Show bundle to someone deserving – a caregiver, an older person you know, etc – you get the idea. Scan the QR code or go here to purchase: https://tinyurl.com/7680cartfundraiser

Polio Plus Society entails signing the commitment form and donating at least $100 this Rotary year and each year until the job is done. All clubs and members should give something to the effort. Let’s get it done.

The District 7680 DEI Committee is pleased to report that our District has been approved by the founders of “Our Stories”, an initiative created by two Rotarians in District 7710, PDG Matthew Kane and Katie Gailes, which provides a safe setting for sharing and discussing stories about race that we might otherwise, be uncomfortable engaging in. These safe conversations allow you to engage with people who may look differently than you and have differing life experiences. The central learning from “Our Stories” is that all these stories are important because all of our experiences have value. When we see each other’s humanity, we can bring peace to America. And peace of course, is central to all of us as Rotarians.

While this program is focused on race in America, we encourage club members to engage in courageous conversations that address other areas of inclusion and how we live by the principles of Rotary.

If you are interested in participating in a group, please click “Apply Today” and ensure you select “Charlotte” from the locations dropdown. https://ourstoriesonrace.org

In other Committee news, our Resources Team has been able to assemble a list of references which you may wish to consult as you explore DEI issues in your club or even on a personal level. This is not intended to be a comprehensive compilation of the vast network of material available on this topic; but only a work very much in progress.

We hope you take a moment to visit us at this site which can be accessed on our District webpage at: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion – Rotary District 7680 (rotary7680.org)

When you access the library, this is the overview you will see: “The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee of Rotary District 7680 has created and curated this guide for fellow Rotary members to use to discover resources to guide their own understanding of DEI and its application both in our own lives and in our Rotary clubs and service opportunities. Annotations of these resources have been made by individual Committee members and do not officially represent the views of Rotary International or Rotary District 7680.”

Finally, the Committee wishes to express its collective gratitude to all of the clubs who have Ambassadors participating with us to help communicate our work and to hopefully, convey feedback from you on opportunities for improvement or activities. If your club does not currently have an Ambassador, please contact either of our co-Chairs, Chris or Rina Arline and ask if your club can be a part of our initiative.

Kam is doing his official club visits and has been posting photos and commentary on his Facebook Page – https://www.facebook.com/kamleshchandan. Go take a look. Great Photos! We have added a few below, but on his FB page, it is club by club.

Charlotte Providence Rotary club is hosting our annual, signature Oyster Roast fundraiser March 11. Please purchase tickets and join us for great fire pit roasted oysters, Noble Smoke BBQ, chowder, hush puppies, Olde Meck beer, wine & tea, fellowship, and silent auction ALL for a great cause benefiting Charlotte Housing. You can purchase tix using QR code on the flyer to purchase thru PayPal.

Women Build is a Habitat for Humanity of Cabarrus County initiative that empowers women to raise funds and build homes. Habitat Cabarrus has a goal of having one home each year that is built and paid for primarily by women. The 2023 Women Build new home was for Aiesha a single mother, and her four children. The Cabarrus Rotary had the opportunity to learn new skills and work alongside of Aiesha and other partner families. The goal is for each element of this build – fundraising, volunteer groups, construction, meals, and the home dedication – to be organized by local women.

A night full of tricks, hoops and alley-oops leads to scholarships for local students!

Union West Rotary hosted the World Famous Harlem Wizards in February, similar to the Harlem Globetrotters, the Wizards provide an amazing basketball show full of tricks, antics and memorizing dunks, but they play against local celebrities. Union West compiled a team of local teachers, principals, counselors, business owners and our very own DG Kam!

1,400 families packed the local high school gym and were treated to a game that continues to be the buzz of the town. This new fundraiser was an amazing opportunity to bring the community together and introduce them to Rotary.

The evening raised over $16,000 to put towards scholarships and other service projects. This new fundraiser was so successful because there is nothing like it; it brings a different demographic that the typical golf tournament or raffle. As such, we have meet new prospective new members. Union West Rotary looks to make this fundraiser an annual event! Other Rotary Club’s have reached out to Union West about the fundraiser and we would love to help answer any questions about the fundraiser and help make your potential new fundraiser a slam dunk!

In recognition of February as Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution Month, the Charlotte Dilworth Club hosted two speakers for club meetings. In early February, the Club was honored to have Janan Najeeb of the Milwaukee Rotary Club address us. Janan was recognized as the Rotarian of the Year for the Milwaukee Club in 2022, due in large part to her communitybuilding efforts. Janan delivered some incredible remarks to our club and some District Peace Committee members about the community building she has achieved in Milwaukee. She explained what wearing a hijab means to a Muslim woman, the significance of Allah in Islam as a genderless entity, the recognition of Jesus and Moses in Islam, and the real meaning of the word, jihad (inner struggle within one’s self) and how it has been weaponized by others. Her remarks undoubtedly helped all of us in understanding what and how faith can appear different, but so very much aligned with others. She showed us what being a communitybuilder is the power of collaboration. She showed us how we can help to achieve peace in our communities and in our lives. This past Friday, we were honored to have Judy LaPietra of Queens University as our speaker. Judy is a Holocaust educator and has been selected by the most esteemed Holocaust educational organizations, including the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, the AntiDefamation League, and the USC Shoah Foundation Institute, to facilitate teacher training and youth leadership programs. Judy shared her perspectives on the necessity of Holocaust remembrance, especially as we see a growing divide in our country and increasing antisemitism.

Both presentations are housed on our YouTube channel and can be found here:

Janan Najeeb: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZkQzfrj0xw

Judy LaPietra: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkKZLhasfi8&t=12s

The Birth of Gift of Life North Carolina

Have you heard that Clubs in D7680 are saving the lives of Children in Jamaica? Gift of Life International, is a Rotarian run program that provides Training to Surgeons, Anesthesiologists, ICU Doctors and Nurses in Pediatric Cardiac care in developing countries around the world. The program started in 1975, treating a little 5 year old girl from Uganda in St. Francis Hospital on Long Island, NY. 48 years later Gift of Life is knocking on the door of saving the lives of 50,000 children worldwide.

Gift of Life has been training in Jamaica since 2011. The program was the recipient of a $1.5 Million dollar grant to build a Cardiac center with a new Operating Room, Cath Lab and ICU. Thanks to the generosity of Rotary Clubs around the world, The Rotary Foundation, Gift of Life International, Digicell and the Shaggy Foundation. The Lake Norman Huntersville, Davidson, North Meck and Top of the Lake Mooresville Rotary Clubs got involved in 2018.

Last year we had a fundraiser in April to provide a Vocational Training Team (VTT) Global Grant in conjunction with Gift of Life International and Chain of Hope UK. The grant raised $95,000 from our district and the remainder of the $150,000 was raised by Gift of Life International. This grant has provided 4 training missions to Jamaica this Rotary year to train the Pediatric Cardiac Team at Bustamante Children’s Hospital in Kingston. These missions saved the lives of 40 children. Since the administration of this grant was done so well, we are able to add an additional Catherization Mission on March 20th to the 24th. I am putting out an open invitation to anyone that wants to see the program in action. There are 6 spots available for any Rotarian to go.

The four clubs are asking for the support of any or all the clubs in the district to join in with us again this year. If your club would like to be part of an International project here is your chance. We are planning a Fundraiser for April 21st at North Stone Country Club to support a New VTT Global Grant for additional missions in Jamaica. More information to come, watch for a District E-Blast.

Gift of Life International is made up of 80+ Gift of Life Chapters around the world. These chapters are run by Rotary Clubs or Rotary Districts. We are working with The Rotary District in Raleigh to start the “New” Gift of Life North Carolina. We invite all the clubs in the district to join in for this worthy cause. If I have peeked your interest check out Gift of Life International’s website at Giftoflifeinternational.org. You can contact me at wallst71@gmail.com.

I hope you enjoy the pictures – https://youtu.be/WOQQ5hvPN_s
PDG George Solomon
Global Grants Chair D7680

Submit your articles, stories and upcoming events about your Club projects. These will be showcased in our district monthly newsletter. Submissions are due by 25th of the month – https://tinyurl.com/7680districtnewsletter

Offer people who have fled the war a stable environment

Rotary has been collaborating with our partners and other organizations to meet humanitarian needs in and around Ukraine. Clubs have been providing food, water, medical equipment, and other supplies. What people who have fled their homes need most is safety — and Rotary members have been instrumental in finding them shelter. But people still need help. That’s where Rotary members in the U.S. can get more involved. Rotary is collaborating with Welcome.US, an organization working to engage more Americans in welcoming newcomers, with a focus on sponsoring refugees. Through Uniting for Ukraine, Rotary and Rotaract clubs and members in the U.S. can sponsor a person or a family that has fled the war and help them relocate to the United States.

To sponsor a Ukrainian refugee family and offer them a stable environment:

• Sign up to get connected to a Ukrainian family.
• Use district grant funds to help with resettlement costs.
• If you have more questions, write to trf.welcome@rotary.org.
• Learn more about the Rotary-Welcome.US collaboration.
• Find resources and answers to some common questions.

The Rotary Foundation has established two temporary funds to help people in Pakistan and Ukraine

As a global humanitarian organization, Rotary continually takes action to help communities in need. Because you are a dedicated leader in Rotary, we want you to be among the first to know that The Rotary Foundation has established two temporary funds to support immediate relief efforts in Pakistan and Ukraine. In Pakistan, a severe monsoon season has caused devastating floods and affected millions of people. In Ukraine, the ongoing war has led to a continued humanitarian crisis. We’ll begin fundraising efforts soon to finance disaster response grants from these funds.

The Pakistan Flood Response Fund will help communities recover from the disaster that displaced people and destroyed crops. It will accept contributions, including District Designated Funds, until 31 December 2023 and distribute grants until 30 June 2024 or until the funds are spent. Any unused money will be transferred to the general Disaster Response Fund.

The Ukraine Response Fund will also accept contributions, including District Designated Funds, to support grants for districts affected by the war. It will operate on the same schedule as the Pakistan fund, accepting donations until 31 December 2023 and awarding grants until 30 June 2024 or until the money is spent. Any unused funds will also be transferred to the Disaster Response Fund.

Districts affected by the flooding in Pakistan or the war in Ukraine can apply for grants from the relevant fund to provide items such as water, food, medicine, shelter, and clothing. To learn more and help these communities, you and your members can:

Donate to the Pakistan Flood Response Fund or the Ukraine Response Fund
Contribute your District Designated Funds
Learn more about both funds and how to apply for disaster response grants
Fundraise among your colleagues, friends, and family using Raise for Rotary

We appreciate your assistance in supporting Rotary member-led projects to help these communities recover.

How clubs can make a bigger difference by working with Rotary Community Corps, district resource networks, Rotary Action Groups, and Rotary’s partners?

Membership Action Plan (MAP)

“Bite-Sized” webinars, every month on the second Monday at 6 pm ET

Mar 13th at 6 pm

Innovative Clubs

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86851107986?pwd=bmdrbUR5TTREQ3plZ1pacmhSOTBPQT09

The target audience is club leaders, Presidents, Assistant Governors, Presidents-Elect, Membership Chairs, and anyone else who has an interest in the long-term viability and vitality of their Rotary club. All District leaders are also encouraged to attend.

The MAP Page on the Zone website has past recordings, registration links for upcoming events, and a library of membership collateral: RIZones33-34.org/membership-action-plan

What is the MAP?

It’s a unified, multi-year membership growth initiative spanning Rotary Zones 33 and 34 — 1,700 clubs and 66,000 Rotarians from Pennsylvania to Florida, then extending through the Caribbean to the coast of South America.

In search of a strategy to mitigate membership decline and get our clubs on a path of consistent, moderate growth, RI Director Jeremy Hurst launched a task force in January of 2022.

This group of District and Zone leaders has developed a set of “Bite-Sized”? webinars (1 hour or less), delivered once a month, that are 100% actionable by the clubs. No concepts. No theory. No figuring out how. Everything is there. Strategies that are GUARANTEED to work (they’ve worked for hundreds of clubs), together with recipes, templates, slides, videos, worksheets and scripts. There’s also an awards program that will recognize both clubs and districts for their participation and achievements.

How can YOU help?

Embrace, publicize and promote participation of all your club leaders in these monthly events. Yes, they are being recorded, and, yes, all the material presented is downloadable from the MAP Page on the Zone Website: RIZones33-34.org/membership-action-plan.

Here are seven reasons you’ll want to attend the 2023 Rotary International Convention in Melbourne.

1. You’ll (re)connect with the Rotary family.

The last Rotary International Convention, in Houston, was proof there’s nothing like connecting face to face. But for many Rotary members in the Asia-Pacific region, where COVID-19 restrictions complicated travel plans, Melbourne will be their first in-person convention in four years. With five districts (representing more than 250 Rotary and Rotaract clubs) across the state of Victoria hosting the event, it’s sure to be a big reunion.

2. You’ll explore the world — all in one place.

The convention is the best way to appreciate Rotary’s global scale and reach, says Rebecca Fry, founding chair of RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) Oceania and charter president of the Rotary Club of Social Impact Network, New South Wales. “The House of Friendship is a true festival of Rotary, showcasing our organization’s fellowships, action groups, and community projects from around the world.”

3. You’ll discover cities within a city.

The coastal metropolis is known as the Australian capital of culture, food, sports, architecture, and theater. It’s also a shopping mecca.

Mary Barry, chair of the Host Organization Committee, proudly notes Melbourne’s regular recognition as one of the world’s most livable cities. It is a family friendly place where visitors will feel instantly welcomed and at ease. “The city looks after its tourists with excellent public transport to unique attractions,” says Roslyn Teirney, an assistant Rotary public image coordinator for Zone 8 and a member of the Rotary Club of North Hobart, Tasmania.

4. You’ll be inspired.

Rotary conventions are all about an exchange of ideas. And each year’s gathering brings you big name speakers to inspire, connect, and spur solutions to the world’s toughest challenges. Just look at the list of some past speakers: Bill Gates, Justin Trudeau, Mikhail Gorbachev, and Princess Anne of the United Kingdom. “While still early to announce 2023 program highlights, be assured only outstanding international speakers will take part,” says HOC Chair Barry.

5. You’ll get your kangaroo fix.

Experience quintessential Australia with a visit to the Melbourne Zoo for a close-up and safe encounter with some of the world’s most unusual, cute, and dangerous species — kangaroos, koalas, snakes, spiders, crocodiles, wombats, and platypuses. Just 13 miles northeast of Melbourne’s central business district, the Gresswell Forest nature reserve provides spectacular sightings of eastern gray kangaroos, says Jennifer Scott, a past district governor and member of the Rotary Club of Central Blue Mountains.

Need more cuteness? Head to Phillip Island, 75 miles southeast of Melbourne, and check out the largest colony of little penguins in the world.

6. You’ll feel energized.

Looking for a place to hang out with all your new Rotary friends once the day is over? Melbourne has endless options. Laura Telford, chair of the Rotaract Australia multidistrict information organization and member of the Rotaract Club of Canberra, describes Melbourne as another of the famous cities that “never sleep.”

“Visitors will enjoy jumping on one of more than 475 trams that cover 250 kilometers [155 miles] of track to take you to every corner of this exciting city.”

7. You’ll want to see more of Australia.

While the distance can be a challenge in traveling to Melbourne, visitors may fly in to Sydney, Brisbane, Darwin, or Perth to make the most of a unique travel opportunity by seeing other parts of Australia. “The Great Barrier Reef, Uluru and the Red Centre, our tropical north, and the rugged coast of Western Australia all present memorable sightseeing experiences,” Scott says.