September 2024

Greetings, District 7680 Members!

The very first thing I want to do is express my sincere gratitude to the Clubs I’ve visited thus far and for the work being done in those clubs. This has been a journey of learning for me as I have the opportunity not only to share my messages with club members but also to learn what your clubs are involved in. I’ve heard tremendous stories about providing backpacks to students every Friday since 2008; about providing leadership to the largest school supply drive in North Carolina and South Carolina as a part of the School Tools initiative. I’ve heard about a book bash sponsored by a club where literally thousands of students are supplied with a beautiful Rotary-emblazoned book bag and books to prepare them for the return to school. I heard a story about the impact one of our clubs is involved in by sponsoring children at risk at Christmas and bringing them into a municipal facility to sing songs and share gifts. The beauty of all of these stories is that they are about impact.  Another club is purchasing a van to assist a local community organization with a mission to improve quality of life issues for its residents including food insecurity, health care and education resources. And yet another club has been packing backpacks containing food for families to make it through the weekend for decades! Our clubs are doing a magnificent job in literally making a difference in the lives of people. When we create impact in our communities as so many of our clubs are doing, we are making Rotary not only relevant in the lives of people and the communities we serve, but necessary. Overall, the clubs I’ve been able to visit thus far have been doing an excellent job in identifying community needs and taking the necessary steps to address those needs.

The identification of community needs is one of the most important undertakings we can pursue as Rotarians and clubs. Rotary says this about community needs assessments: “A well planned project that fits the community’s culture and context is more likely to succeed, and conducting a thorough community assessment significantly increases your chances for success.” How we identify community needs can be accomplished in several different ways. First, Rotary has a great document that you can use to assist you in conducting your needs assessment. The main goal is to get a variety of sources to inform you of those needs and then listen to what they have to say. There are great resources available to you on the District 7680 website under the “Resources” tab and subtab, “Officer Resources”.

This all leads me to our District logo for this year. It speaks directly to how Rotary connects Community Needs with Action that we utilize to meet those needs. The Actions may be projects, or they may simply be community initiatives that our clubs tee up to engage citizens such as the “Join or Die” documentary film. The “NEEDS” are multi-colored to represent our differing areas of focus. When our “action” is connected to a “need”, communities are energized! We also remind observers that we are the home of Rotaract as we actively seek to re-focus attention to growing Rotaract within the District. You can also see our District highlighted, with each of our 14 counties distinguished by their yellow coloration.

Finally, I want to ask for your support as begin our efforts to think about Membership, the Foundation, and how we talk about our activities, in the days and weeks ahead. Those three areas are separate but so closely interwoven. We can do more when we have more and when we’re out in the community “doing”, it enhances our opportunities to share the gift of Rotary with others. I hope you can attend the Membership seminars coming up on September 21^st, all five of which are being held in a region that’s designed to limit your drive time. We need you and we need your club members to be represented at these summits so that we can all have a voice in how Rotary can best grow within District 7680.

RYE- An Experience of a Lifetime

The Rotary Youth Exchange (RYE) year is in full swing.  August is a big month for RYE, we have inbounds and outbounds traveling all of the world to start the experience of a lifetime.  This year, District 7680 has  four Outbound students in Brazil (2), Taiwan and Turkey and two inbound students from Columbia and Japan.  Our outbound students are sponsored by Charlotte International, Charlotte North and Lake Norman/Huntersville and our inbound students are hosted by Cabarrus County and Shelby.  The last weekend in August is our inbound Orientation, where we partner with District 7670 to expose our new inbounds to Rotary, provide them with an orientation to our RYE programs and most importantly have a lot of fun!!!!  This year DGN Jerry joined us and participated in the high ropes course at the Blue Ridge Assembly.  

Want to get involved in impacting a student with a life changing experience?  We are already working on next years program.  We need clubs to both sponsor outbounds and host inbounds.  We are targeting 10 clubs this year.  Contact Scott Reynolds [email protected], Pedro Salazar [email protected] or Karen Steffens [email protected] to discuss sponsoring or hosting a student.  The application window for outbounds is open through mid-November.  We also need 10 clubs to commit to host an inbound student next year by mid-December.

Paul Harris Society Coordinator David Hare

The person who serves as a District’s Paul Harris Society Coordinator serves in one of the most critical roles for any District. District 7680 is extremely fortunate to have Past District Governor David Hare serving in this capacity.

In the world of all things Rotary Foundation-related, Paul Harris Society members play a critical role in supporting the Foundation’s Annual Fund. Let’s take a closer look:

• Anyone who cumulatively contributes US$1,000 during any time period becomes a Paul Harris Fellow. A person can also be named a fellow if someone else uses 1,000 Foundation recognition points to honor them as such. A member of the Paul Harris Society (PHS) contributes at least US$1,000 each year to the Annual Fund, PolioPlus Fund, or approved Foundation grants.
• Rotarians and friends who are PHS members are the backbone of the Annual Fund.
• Although only 6% of Rotarians are members of the PHS, they account for at least 20% of contributions to the Annual Fund. If Rotary were a military organization, you might think of Arch Klumph members as generals, Major Donors as officers, and PHS members as the non-commissioned officers, the personnel who get the job done every single day.

As PHS Coordinator for District 7680, PDG David has added 43 new members to the PHS since 7/1/24. During International Assembly, Rotary Foundation Chair and Past President Mark Maloney, challenged all Districts to raise awareness of the PHS in the District and increase the number of members by at least ten. PDG David has certainly accomplished that and more.

Thank you PDG David for the extraordinary work you have done in your role as PHS Coordinator!

Polio – The Journey of the Polio Eradication Torch

Our District was thrilled to have the Rotary Flame come to our District, courtesy of PDG Nancy Barbee who also serves as the Zone End Polio Now Coordinator. The Flame is making its way to Pittsburgh for use at the Zone Summit and is being conveyed through all Districts who have contributed at least 20% of their District Designated Funding to ending polio. As one of the Districts that made that commitment, PDG Nancy met PDG and District 7680 Polio Plus Chair Tom Smith  and provided him the torch. PDG Tom then undertook an amazing journey through several parts of District 7680 to have as many Rotarians as possible participating in our event. He started in at the North Mecklenburg club on Wednesday and continued to the the Waxhaw-Weddington Club this past Thursday. He then traveled to Gastonia for a meeting with members of both the Gastonia and Gastonia East clubs as well a lot of first responders! In addition to putting miles on his car, PDG Tom put smiles on the faces of dozens of our members who appreciate and understand that we are “this close” to eradicating polio!

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Mental Health Corner

Managing the Stress of This Moment

Romy Cawood, PhD, Charlotte Dilworth Southend Rotary Club

Never in my twenty + years of private practice have I dealt with stress in my clients about world events more than over the last four years.  Whether it is frightening current world events, climate-related fear, or the charged political environment in the United States and abroad, I am frequently asked how to manage stress related to these areas.

As individuals, we are unique in many ways as to what helps us cope with stress.  Some of us need an extra dose of quiet time in times of stress.  Some of us need more time with friends.  I work with my clients to understand their unique needs and to develop stress management strategies tailored to them.  However, there are some recommendations that I make to many people.  Here are a few:

1. Actively manage your news consumption. Being an informed citizen is empowering, and can be a balm too, but it can also be stressful to consume information that conveys true cause for alarm.  I encourage my clients to find the right balance, to stay tuned to how they are feeling as they consume news.  Are you still feeling centered enough to read that article about global turmoil?  Or should you take a break and shift to a cookbook review?  I also recommend to be wary of news with alarmist formats  Choose a news format that is sober and direct.  The content can be unsettling enough.
2. Translate anxiety to action. Is there a proactive step you can take, however small or large, to address the area of your concern? If you are concerned about climate change, have you considered becoming active in an organization that cares for the environment?  Or might you take a smaller step like trying to minimize your food waste?  Fear’s job is to motivate us to action; in turn, action soothes fear.
3. Clarify your concerns for yourself, and express them to others. I am a proponent of conversation about concerns, including about politics, especially in today’s charged environment. For these conversations to be productive, however, requires good communication skills:  honed curiosity, active and respectful listening, and respectful expression of one’s own views.
4. Frame your stress management in the 24 hour period. Sometimes we take a big picture view of our stress, like thinking about what job we take, or how many activities we commit to. But it can be helpful to think in terms of the 24 hour period.  Ask yourself:  what is the right balance of challenge and restorative activity for me today?  Should you get some more work done this evening?  Go for a walk?  Asking the question allows for mindful choice and brings stress management into the here and now.

For more resources on managing the stress of this moment:

Stress in America 2023:  A nation recovering from collective trauma – https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2023/collective-trauma-recovery

Speaking of Psychology: How to cope with political stress this election season, with Brett Q. Ford, PhD, and Kevin Smith, PhD – https://www.apa.org/news/podcasts/speaking-of-psychology/political-stress

The Mayo Clinic Guide to Stress-Free Living by Amit Sood MD and Mayo Clinic | Dec 24, 2013

Speaking of Psychology: How to have meaningful dialogues despite political differences, with Tania Israel, PhD – https://www.apa.org/news/podcasts/speaking-of-psychology/meaningful-political-dialogues

At a Glance: 2024-25 District Grants 

District-wide Service Projects

District 7680 will be conducting two district-wide service projects in order to create impact within the District and garner maximum media interest. These are projects that impact our entire District and as such, lend themselves to participation from many clubs. We hope to create awareness about Rotary and our causes and attract potential members while making an impact in the areas of focus associated with these causes.

Please see the following two projects and consider helping us grow our impact as we share the gift of Rotary with others!

Alexander County: Title I Schools – Alexander County Schools District

Alleghany County: Title I / Title I Schools (alleghany.k12.nc.us)

Anson County: Title l Schools – ANSON COUNTY SCHOOLS (ansonschools.org)

Ashe County: Federal Programs / Title I (schoolwires.net)

Cabarrus County: Cabarrus County Schools – Title l Overview

Cleveland County: CCS Title I – Title I Schools (google.com)

Gaston County: Title l Schools 2023-2024 on GCS Letterhead.pdf (gaston.k12.nc.us)

Iredell County: Title 1 Contacts – Iredell-Statesville School District (issnc.org)

Mecklenburg County: Federal Programs / Title I Schools (cmsk12.org)

Richmond County: Federal Programs • Departments – RICHMOND COUNTY SCHOOLS

Rowan County: Federal Programs / Title 1 (rssed.org)

Stanly County: Title I Program Information 2023-2024.pdf – Google Drive

Union County: Federal Programs / Federal Programs (ucps.k12.nc.us)

Wilkes County: WCS Title 1 Schools – Title I – Wilkes County Schools

Foundation Matters – Monthly Bite-sized Webinar

Third Thursday each month at 6 pm – 6:45 pm Eastern Time. Join virtually at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85767045645?pwd=Gc3KmgTKdV63aIarbDYnuEBZY8vizZ.1

We were notified recently that District 7680 was being recognized by the Rotary Foundation for our compliance with reporting requirements relative to grans. Congratulations to all from last year’s Foundation team who were responsible for this including PDG Debb Corbett, Foundation Chair Beth Trotter, District Grants Chair Sharon Heinrich, and Global Grants Chair George Solomon.

A Proclamation for World Polio Day! Can we Spread It?

We are giving a HUGE shout-out to the Rotary Club of Charlotte for their initiative to have a Proclamation issued by the Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners, recognizing October 24, 2024, as World Polio Day.

The idea was conceived by Immediate Past President Edwin Peacock and then advocated for by current President, Kim Brattain. Kim assembled a team of awesome club members to get this done, including Tish Atkins, Laura Meier, Virginia Owen, Donna Dunlap and Christine Cipriano. Here’s the verbiage they developed for the Proclamation:

Proclamation
World Polio Day
Mecklenburg County, North Carolina
October 24, 2024

Whereas, World Polio Day is observed annually on October 24th to commemorate the birth of Jonas Salk, who led the first team to develop a vaccine against poliomyelitis; and

Whereas, the global effort to eradicate polio has been one of the most successful public health initiatives, reducing polio cases by over 99% since 1988; and

Whereas, Rotary International, the World Health Organization, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, UNICEF, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation have led the Global Polio Eradication Initiative; and

Whereas, polio is a highly infectious disease that can cause paralysis and sometimes even death, primarily affecting children under the age of five; and

Whereas, thanks to extensive vaccination efforts, polio is now endemic in only two countries, Afghanistan and Pakistan, but it remains a threat until it is eradicated everywhere; and

Whereas, the eradication of polio will prevent an estimated 10 million cases of paralysis in children over the next 40 years and will save over $40 billion in healthcare costs, particularly in low-income countries; and

Whereas, continued vigilance and immunization are essential to ensure that polio does not return to polio-free countries; and

Whereas, the residents of Mecklenburg County are encouraged to support polio eradication efforts and raise awareness about the importance of vaccination; and

Whereas, the commitment to eradicating polio is a testament to what can be achieved when communities, governments, and organizations around the world work together towards a common goal; and

Whereas, on this World Polio Day, we honor the dedication and efforts of healthcare workers, volunteers, and organizations who strive to eliminate this disease and improve global health.

Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved, that the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners hereby proclaims October 24, 2024, as World Polio Day in Mecklenburg County and urges all residents to recognize the importance of continued support and efforts to eradicate polio globally.

Signed this 24th day of October, 2024,

Now, here’s my ask of club Presidents: Can we replicate this in each of our 14 counties within District 7680? It would be great if every Board of County Commissioners could issue a similar Proclamation, recognizing October 24^th as World Polio Day! Let’s make this happen and do something truly exceptional to honor our work in eradicating polio!

Mothers and Babies Hospital Nepal update

In our August Newsletter in recognition of her very generous donation to the hospital project, Ann Evans of the Charlotte International Club was incorrectly named Anne Smith.

I apologize for this error.

PDG David Hare

Mike’s Membership Minute (or Two)

First, a final reminder for club leaders – please go to the DACdb Calendar to Register & choose one of the five District Membership Workshops nearest you, 8:30-12:30 on Saturday Sept 21st. We’re making your drive shorter and ending at 12:30 to encourage attendance. You’ll create your club’s Membership Growth Plan, and we want 2-5 club leaders to attend. No cost and a light breakfast will be served. 

Second, a different way to think about inviting guests:

1. What are you proud of?

About Rotary – the immense contributions of over 1.2 million members, The Rotary Foundation, End Polio Now, and a chance to be part of something bigger than yourself.

About your club – its many contributions to the community and beyond, over the years.

About your personal Rotary involvement – your service, leadership, quality friendships, and more.

2. With that in mind, who can you invite, that…

= Likes to get things done.

= is different from you in some way.

= Is a leader by mindset, in the community or their profession.

= Has a Service Above Self mentality.

= Has classy values.

= Is someone you want to spend time with.

= Is fun and hardworking.

= Likes to recruit and grow an organization.

= Is a future Rotary “partner in crime” and a good fit for your club.

= Is attracted to high quality relationships and growth opportunities.

= is in a profession you’d like in your club.

= Importantly, who can benefit from Rotary.

3. Write some names down and invite them one at a time.

And a reminder to check out how the Monroe club turned their membership decline around to have great growth: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6h6dn1taf4

Mike Walker, District Membership Chair

If your club is seeking to upgrade your social media presence, there’s no better place to start than on the Elevate Rotary website! There are extremely helpful resources on the site and a calendar of regularly scheduled webinars to give you hands-on help with questions you may have. Please check out their site and give your social media pages a fresh look!

Walking around the Diaper Bank the morning of September 14^th at the Rotary/Harris Teeter service event, I encountered men, women, boys, girls of different ethnicities.  For 1 ½ hours we packed size 4 diapers for families that would otherwise go without. 

I didn’t hear any bickering or questions about how to attract people below 40 to Rotary.  I didn’t get any odd looks from our Harris Teeter partners trying to figure out what Rotary is or why it even matters today.  There were no debates about how politics or someone’s background/preferences would be the end of a club.  I only saw and heard people caring about their community (Rotarians and non-Rotarians) and doing what Rotary says it does-holding Service Above Self.  

That group of nearly 40 packed almost 17,000 diapers for others in their community.  Those who didn’t know what Rotary was, now have a solid picture of what we stand for, including the teenager, the son of a non-Rotarian volunteer, who packed more boxes than me.

Why aren’t more under 40 interested in Rotary?  Maybe we can be more successful if we show them what we do than if we tell them they should be interested.  We may have even more impact if we ask them to join us.  Caring about the community with Action can go a long way.

Thank you to every Rotarian that participated, including those who made their clubs aware or invited non-Rotarians.  If you are interested in future opportunities, know more like this will be coming.  You may find it easier to attract a new member by taking action with service, or you might inspire a 16-year-old to join Rotary in their future because they see that Rotary cares about their community as much as they do.

One more thing…we had nine different clubs that participated in this event and one Impact club. Our diverse array of clubs included:

• Charlotte Rotary
• Charlotte International Rotary
• Charlotte Dilworth Rotary
• Queen City Impact Rotary
• Charlotte South Park Rotary
• Gastonia Rotary
• Harrisburg Rotary
• Huntersville Happy Hour Rotary
• Matthews Rotary
• Waxhaw-Weddington Rotary

JOIN OR DIE ROTARY NIGHT! FRIDAY, SEPT. 20th

ISAAC NEWTON ALEXANDER GRIST MILL SERVICE PROJECT

Recently, we gathered as a club in a special place to honor four men who embodied Rotary’s mantra “Service Above Self”. Four trees have been planted at the Isaac Newton Alexander Grist Mill site in honor of Jim Calder, Don Roberts, Fred Scheideman, and Hubert Wilson. How blessed we have been to have known such selfless men, who loved their community and country in such inspiring ways.

The Charlotte Providence Rotary Club, with help from Myers Park High School Interact Club has been upgrading the abandoned historical site of the Isaac Newton Alexander Grist Mill in Charlotte over the last 7 years.  Through these efforts, a previously neglected and overgrown historical site has been cleared and landscaping begun and continues to allow visitors and passers-by from adjacent greenway to appreciate the significance of this mid 19^th century water-wheel grist mill built by Isaac Newton Alexander on his farm in South Charlotte.  The grist mill ruins are adjacent a walking trail at Briar Creek Greenway just behind Myers Park High School.  The Myers Park Interact Club, sponsored by the Charlotte Rotary Club, have been great help with this project over the past several years.  Two of the mill’s grinding wheels are placed at the front entrance to the high school.  These wheels, along with the cleared site and new signage create additional educational opportunities for students.

The Isaac Newton Alexander Grist Mill ruins are listed as part of the National Historic Registry and are protected by the Mecklenburg County Historic Landmarks Commission.  Beginning 2017, members of Charlotte Providence Rotary began organizing cleanup teams to work at the site throughout the year.  A number of additional participants have joined in this community effort, including the Mecklenburg County Parks & Recreation, grist mill expert Chuck Ketch, Myers Park High School Interact Club, support from Charlotte Rotary Club, along with many friends and neighbors in the area who have joined cleanup teams.

The Atlas Obscura Guide to Charlotte lists the grist mill as one of the “11 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Charlotte”.  Charlotte Providence Rotary is proud to serve as a custodian and partner in the preservation of the site.

The Monroe Rotary Club and the Monroe Breakfast Rotary Club collaborated for United Way of Greater Charlotte’s Union County Day of Caring on 8/24!

On the ladder, Ashley Lantz, co-President of Monroe Rotary and Christian Lofton, President of Monroe Breakfast, showing that collaboration can reach new heights

Congratulations to the Shelby Club for their recent service project which saw them participate with other community organizations in packing 15,000 meals for “Rise Against Hunger”! Participants included members of the Aldersgate United Methodist Church, the Boys and Girls Club, the new Shelby Impact Rotary Club and the Boy Scouts, all participated in making this a successful community service project! Collaboration really is the key! Thanks Mike Wall for letting us know!

Congratulations to the Rotary Club of Charlotte on the successful conduct of a fundraiser in support of their First Responders Scholarship program! The program was started following the tragedy of 9/11 and provides scholarships for the children of local first responders, including fire, police and Emergency Medical personnel. Highlights included a keynote from Bob DeWitt, SAC of the FBI in North Carolina and Alex Ford, CFD Captain and a recipient of the scholarship eleven years ago. This is the 22^nd year the Club has sponsored students and they’ve supported more than 200 recipients during that time! Just an outstanding job by all, especially Margaret Donovan and Rex Reynolds.

Important changes to presidential messaging

As part of Rotary’s ongoing commitment to adaptability and increasing our impact, the annual presidential theme is evolving into a strategic presidential message tied directly to our Action Plan. This change will take effect 1 July 2025. The RI president will still promote an annual message.

What will be different:

• A presidential message aligned with the Action Plan
• New approval process with a broader group of stakeholders, led by the Executive Committee of the Board
• No separate presidential logo
• Message of future president-nominees previously determined by the Board

What will stay the same:

• The big annual reveal at the International Assembly by the president-elect
• Presidential materials: year colors, scarves, ties, and more
• The president’s inspirational message for Rotary members each year

The Board of Directors unanimously approved three years’ worth of messaging at their May 2024 meeting. President-elect Mário César Martins de Camargo will unveil the first of these messages at the 2025 International Assembly. If you have any questions, please write to [email protected].

Message from Grace Van Zyl – Chair, Rotary Action Group For Peace

As I reflect on Rotary International’s values and the many impactful projects we take on, I am reminded that we are born peacebuilders. However, what often goes unnoticed is that with every project, we are contributing to positive, sustainable peace, addressing the root causes of conflict. It dawned on me that, as Rotarians and humanitarians, we are often subconsciously competent in peacebuilding. Now, imagine the magic of Rotary if we all became consciously competent in creating peace…

September, with its focus on Basic Education and Literacy, serves as the perfect backdrop for us at the Rotary Action Group for Peace to highlight the power of Peace Education. Peace education equips individuals to:

• Promote Conflict Resolution
• Build Tolerance and Understanding
• Develop Emotional Intelligence
• End/Prevent Violence and War
• Promote Social Justice
• Support Sustainable Development
• Cultivate Global Citizenship
• Improve Mental Health and Well-being

Given its far-reaching benefits, I am excited to announce the formation of the RAGFP Education Committee. This initiative grew out of the success of the Türkiye Hour, a collaboration with the International Country Committees (ICC) under our signed Memorandum of Understanding. The committee’s goal is to equip our members with the knowledge and skills needed to become consciously competent peacebuilders and to take intentional action.

Our strategy is simple: educate, empower, and engage. We aim to address not only the immediate needs arising from conflict and war but also the deeper root causes of such conflict. With the expertise of our resident psychologist, Dr. Vicki Radel, we can tailor our education programs to meet the specific needs of diverse communities around the world.

The Education Committee is currently curating a comprehensive catalogue of courses that will soon be available to all members, including topics such as:

• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
• From Empathy to Resilience
• Peace Language
• Well-being
• Gender-Based Violence

I am also thrilled to announce that the beloved Türkiye Hour will be rebranded as the RAGFP Education Hour. Stay tuned for the October invitation, where we’ll unveil the exciting new direction our Education Committee is taking.

To learn more about our peace education programs, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected].

In closing, while knowledge is power, it is applied knowledge that brings about change. I encourage each of you to take ACTION and contribute to creating a more peaceful world.