From the DGE, Connie Gevinski

May was a month that just flew by because of all the wonderful Rotary experiences I had. First of all, to attend a Convention with 35,000 Rotarians of the world was inspiring. This is the fourth Convention for me, but I am always amazed at the large number of people who think the same way I do! Rotarians together can do some amazing things in this world. The next one is in Lisbon………….start planning on attending! All Rotarians are welcome.

Rotary International’s Strategic Plan has four goals:

1. To Eradicate Polio. Yes we reached our fund raising goal and exceeded it. We raised $215, 754,500. ($836,629 was raised by Alumni and $309,629 by Interact). Of course they can still use donations to finish the job, but the shift now will be to Rotarians who can influence governments to monetarily support this new World Health Priority of naming Polio a Global Emergency.

2. The implementation of the Future Vision Plan. This will see our district receiving the ability to locally control our Foundation Funds more. It will mean changes in procedure and we will be doing some double duty during this year for the transition. Be looking for more information from the new Foundation Chair Arnie Quaranta in the coming months.

3. Build Peace by Example – not negotiation. Promote positive change in the world and locally. Build a partnership with public and private institutions.

4. Strengthen the Annual Programs Fund “the heart and backbone of Rotary”. If every Rotary donated $100 every year, we would have $120,000,000 budget annually! We are the largest Humanitarian Organization. It is my Charity of Choice, is it yours?

The many inspirational speakers and performances definitely sent us on our way in full support of all Rotary does.

I slipped in a little travel before and after the convention to visit Past and future Youth Exchange Students. There is nothing like seeing a country through the experiences of locals rather than as the tourist in the major city.

Upon arriving home (literally within less than 24 hours) we had our Annual District Assembly. It was attended by a dedicated group of Rotarians who spent the morning and afternoon in discussion groups about Service Projects, Public Relations, Peace Through Service Projects, New Generations, Peace Forums and membership. Hopefully, some new ideas may have fermented for our 7260 Clubs.

So, one more month to go to be fully prepared for my year…………..I have a lot to do this month too!