No.3 November/December 2014
Foundation News for 17 and 18a within RIBI
Insight into success and best practise empowers us to meet John’s challenges Foundation Chairman of Trustees John Kenny (Grangemouth) Zone 18a RRFC & RIBI Foundation Chairman Ian Legge (New Milton) Zone 17 RRFC Allan MacLaughlin (Currie Balerno) INSIDE THIS ISSUE A word from Ian The President Events Virgin Money Polio Contributions Major Polio Breakthrough Congratulations Calling Polio Volunteers Good News 1 Good News 2 Good News 3 Let’s Communicate Peace Fellowship Thought for Today Laughter is good for you! Zone Leadership – Your team
Newsletter Editor Frank Hart-Venn (Exmouth&District) fah.venn@btinternet.com
Help us promote peace “It is surely the wish in all our hearts that there is peace in the world”. In November, John’s words resonated the message of the end of year festive season and the conclusion that peace is better than war, love is better than hate and that the brotherhood of mankind can only find progress through friendship and co-operation. Our endeavour to advance peace in the world is through the Rotary Peace Centres established across the globe. John is asking us to foster world understanding, goodwill and peace by promoting and publicising the programme to enhance the work The programme funds up to 100 fellowships per annum enabling fellows to achieve a master’s degree in peace and conflict resolution or related field in universities in the USA, Australia, Sweden, Japan and, of course, in the UK. Additionally, there is the professional development certificate programme in Thailand. Nearly 900 Rotary peace fellows have been engaged in peace activities across the world; employed in NGOs, government agencies, WHO and the World Bank amongst others. Truly a remarkable programme. Remember John’s fervent aim is for each of our districts to unearth one Peace Fellowship aspirant. An opportune reminder comes from John in December. One that we must repeat to our friends in Rotary and friends of Rotary. “Our future is in your hands”. John writes, “Whether Rotary will survive or whether it will falter, whether our service will mean much too many or little too few, whether Rotary is known with respect or seen as a relic of days gone by, will be up to each and every Rotarian”. There is much to be done in a divided world. The most important people in our organisation is you the Rotarians working quietly to identify and benefit the underprivileged. Rotary at its best – doing good, making a difference! The final word from John at this special time of year “May it bring to each of you the blessings that it offers”. Ed. On behalf of John Kenny, Foundation Trustee Chair
Keeping Rotarians in Great Britain and Ireland informed and friends of The Rotary Foundation in touch! Care has been taken in the compilation and editing of this newsletter. The information contained on these pages is believed to be correct but opinion may not necessarily be that of The Rotary Foundation. However, the editor and contributors shall not be liable for any loss, damage, or inconvenience arising from inaccuracies. We trust offence will not be taken by any article and apologise for any issues arising from them.
A word from Ian Welcome to the third Foundation newsletter we have issued in this Rotary Year. I am sure you will find it interesting and informative. Our Chair of Foundation Trustees John Kenny has asked us to remember that the good work that Rotary International does in the world is limited only by the contributions to The Rotary Foundation; funds received from Rotarians, friends and supporters. Giving to our Foundation is not about sending cash to the HQ in Evanston or to RFUK; it is about helping a blind man see, a polio victim walk, a student to become better educated, a child to grow to adulthood healthily and a family to have food and the water with which to survive. He asks us to make it a priority this year to encourage every single Club to make a contribution of whatever amount and for all of us to impress on our Clubs the importance of supporting our Foundation in some way. It is that time of year when we send greetings to our friends and relations traditionally by post but more and more, with the rising cost of stamps and cards, through electronic media. Many of you, me included, are doing this and making a contribution to a charity in place of buying stamps. My charity of choice is The Rotary Foundation. I sincerely hope that some of you will join me in doing the same. I feel sure that you will enjoy reading this newsletter and, please, pass it on to another Rotarian so that they may also learn a little more about the successes of the projects our very own Rotary Foundation supports for “doing good in the world”. I wish you all the best of Seasonal wishes and fun. Ian
RI President Gary Huang explains the Rotary Year is a visual reminder of where our priorities lie. It reminds us to talk about subjects it is easy to forget in the busy lives most Rotarians lead. December is Family Month and Rotary can be very important to our families. He submits that Rotary gives us something good that families can do together. His hope is that this Rotary year will bring our families into Rotary service; not just to Light Up Rotary but to light up our lives as well.
Events 8 January 2015 Foundation Committee Meeting There will be 5 facilitated Regional Assemblies focussing on leadership issues 8 March 2015 Bristol Frank in attendance 14 March 2015 London John in attendance 21 March 2015 Manchester Celia in attendance 22 March 2015 Birmingham Terry in attendance 28 March 2015 Edinburgh Alan in attendance RIBI Conference 10-12 April 2015 Belfast Meet us on the Rotary Foundation stand
RFUK has registered with Virgin Money Giving
RFUK has registered with Virgin Money Giving to help Clubs and individuals raise funds for Polio through sponsored events. Virgin Money Giving is a not-for-profit fundraising website designed to make fundraising easy and fun. If you are sailing round the world, running a marathon, jumping out of an aeroplane, organising a swimathon, doing a sponsored slim or any other activity to raise money for charity, please help Rotary to create a Polio-free world by supporting our End Polio Now campaign.
RIBI website or on the RFUK page of the Virgin Giving website. Jean
Where are we with PolioPlus contributions? The Zone 17 RRFC 2014-2015 goal is $650k. Cash contributions through November from the 16 districts were $227.2k. The number of clubs contributing this year has been 217. There has been one DDF gift of $5.0k. The Zone 18A RRFC 2014-2015 goal is $750k. Cash contributions through November from the 13 districts were $176.7k. The number of clubs contributing this year has been 187. There has been one DDF gift of $10.0k. The total RIBI cash and DDF gifts was $418.9k. RIBI non-district contributions brings the total to $429.3k or 30.7% of the combined RRFC goals. District contributions in November varied with only one district not contributing. A surge in donations from World Polio Day events did not emerge. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) match of 2:1 for Rotary contributions up to $35 million a year continues. The eradication of polio is our first objective but only 404 clubs in RIBI have contributed to PolioPlus this year to date; not dissimilar to the position in 2013 with further contributions made later in the Rotary year. However, last year 35% of clubs did not contribute a timely reminder for clubs, Reg
A Major Breakthrough Against Polio Rotary and its partners in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) are approaching a significant milestone: the eradication of type 3 wild poliovirus. The last case of polio caused by the type 3 virus was reported in Yobe, Nigeria, on 10 November 2012. "We may have eradicated a second of three; that's a major milestone," said Dr. Stephen Cochi, a senior adviser at the Centre for Global Health at the U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, speaking to the BBC. Rotary has played an important role in bringing type 3 polio close to extinction. PolioPlus grants have provided key funding for surveillance, operational support, social mobilization, and technical assistance in the fight to eradicate polio, including type 3. And Rotarians have worked to change the minds of community leaders and parents who once refused to let children be immunized, including in the three remaining polio-endemic countries, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. The absence of type 3 polio in Nigeria reflects the country's tremendous progress toward becoming polio-free. It has also reduced the number of type 1 cases to just six so far this year, compared with 51 for the same period in 2013. Copied from Rotary News
Congratulations to a Nobel Laureate!
Good News Story 2!
Our congratulations and best wishes reach out to Malala Yousafzai who has become the youngest winner of the Nobel Peace prize. It was at the RIBI Conference in Birmingham this year that Malala received a special Rotary Young Citizen’s award from IPP Nan McCreadie Think of at least five areas of focus to which this remarkable young lady directs her energies. Perhaps we have a future, very special Peace Fellow in our midst. Ed.
The value of a Global Scholarship It was Rotary I am a twenty two year old woman from the United States with big ambitions, and I am determined. As I look back on what I have accomplished so far in this life of mine, I realize that many of the obstacles that I have overcome in my life would not have been possible without Rotary. It was Rotarians in Belize that made me realize the magnitude of this organization and that made me feel right at home. It was Rotarians in my home District 6950 that encouraged me to become president of the Rotaract Club at Saint Leo University, thus making me a leader that I never thought possible. It was Rotarians in my home district that spent hour upon hour helping perfect my global grant application and listening to every word I had to say. It was Rotarians that welcomed me with open arms and enthusiasm when I arrived in the United Kingdom. Rotary is such a magnificent organization, and it has truly changed my life. Rotarians encourage me, and always welcome me like family. A variety of Rotarians in District 1020 have extended themselves to help my educational experience the best it could possibly be. I am currently living in Edinburgh for the 2014-2015 year as a Rotary Global Grant scholar studying Inclusive and Special Education. If it were not for Rotary I would not have had the courage, the determination, and the mindset to make it this far. Rotarians from the United States, Belize, and Scotland have encouraged me to strive further and to reach my goals. They make me realize what I am capable of. Without Rotary, I would not be where I am today. By: Ally Vincent
Calling PolioPlus Volunteers National Immunisation Day in India 2015
There is still just enough time to sign up for the 22nd February NID trip. Go on, contact Mike on mike.yates@yates-international.co.uk
Good News Story 1 Tune-in to Yogscraft with the Kings of YouTube! The brainchild of Matt Mason, a very tenacious newer member, (28years old) who has opened up a new audience of young people who play internet games, the Rotary Club of Reading Matins has partnered with a YouTube group called The Yogscast. To help raise money for End Polio Now, one of 5 charities selected for The Yogscast yearly Xmas live stream. Described by the BBC as 'The UK's kings of YouTube', The Yogscast is a network of talented and entertaining YouTube creators committed to bringing the best in gaming entertainment to the world. The Yogscast started as a boss guide to World of Warcraft, becoming a #1 ranked podcast and then a YouTube channel in 2010. It was the first ever UK channel to hit 1bn video views and has more than 6m subscribers with more than 17.5m subscribers and over 110m video views a month. Last year they raised a total of $1.1 million split between 5 different charities. They are hoping to raise even more this year. Alan Brindley is a Rotarian at Chelmsford Rotary Club the father of Lewis Brindley, one of the co-founders of The Yogscast. There are regular live streams usually starts around 6 hours. On the live stream they play games chat and make jokes while viewers donate to charities. The 5 charities they are supporting this year include End Polio Now. You can watch the live stream on http://www.twitch.tv/yogscast Matt says the club expects to receive 20% of donations and will forward this to RFUK for Polio Plus, early next year. Other charities being sponsored alongside End Polio Now are Doctors without Borders and Oxfam - we are in good company. The club is hoping to raise a six figure sum from the partnership. Do contact him if you have any questions about this. Thanks to Greg Wilkinson
Good News 3! GREAT NEWS! The long awaited project to refurbish and extend the maternity ward and the old operating theatre at Kamuli has now been completed.
The refurbished maternity ward with walkway This has been made possible by a strong combined effort from everyone. Major donors have been led by an anonymous donation, Kamuli Friends led by Dr Philip Unwin, the Childbirth Injuries Trust led by Dr Brian Hancock, Rotary District 1090 and many Rotary Clubs and private donors. Strong financial and administrative support has been provided by Rotary Doctor Bank in the UK and Medicaudit in Uganda. Last, but not least, it has all been drawn together by the Rotary Clubs of Kyambogo Kampala and Henley Bridge supported by District 1090 through a Rotary International Global Grant which has matched donations with a 50% grant. Please review www.hhu.org.uk From a report by Jim McWhirter, November 2014
Let’s communicate! Facebook group - RIBI Rotary Foundation We have established this Facebook group as a closed tool meaning only people who ask to join by searching for this group on Facebook and following the link to join can enjoy what is being posted. It is an ideal forum for sharing ideas, asking for help etc. on Foundation related matters Facebook group - End Polio Now in Great Britain & Ireland This new Facebook group is open for anyone to join with a focus in providing up to date information and commentary on all polio related matters. There is a particular emphasis on what would be of interest here in Great Britain & Ireland. The more people that ‘like’ it, participate, share etc. the wider the polio message is broadcast. RIBI Polio Toolkit Looking for an easy way to find information, ideas and materials about the Rotary End Polio Now campaign? Then please email RIBI Foundation Committee member, Jannine Birtwistle (paulandjannine@me.com), and ask to join the RIBI Polio Toolkit Dropbox Group run by the RIBI Foundation Committee. Requesting Rotarians will be given access to a simple and clear way to access key information and resources supporting club and district activities relating to End Polio Now. HOW CAN YOU HELP? These tools have been developed to support Foundation and Polio work in your Clubs and Districts. It is pointless spending time and effort to develop tools if they do not support your activities and have no purpose. As with this newsletter, your ideas and suggestions for improvements would be very much appreciated. Email Jannine at paulandjannine@me.com as soon as possible, please. Jannine
Recruit Future Global Peace Leaders! The Rotary Peace Fellowship provides your district with the opportunity to discover and nurture a future global leader without requiring an allocation of District Designated Funds. The Rotary Peace Fellowship trains peace leaders through a Master’s degree or a professional certificate program. Here’s how your district can participate: The best applicants are in your own community. A press release will allow you to target the maximum amount of people with minimal effort. Send your district or club’s press release to local newspapers, universities or any of the community partners listed below. Contact Niki.Fritz@rotary.org for a press release template. Meeting with local organizations allows you to establish a mutually beneficial relationship with potential applicants. Engage interested community members and organizations. Recruiting new applicants doesn’t end with your Rotary meetings. Use social media avenues, such Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter, to announce the Rotary Peace Fellowship opportunity. You can also follow Rotary Peace Centres on Facebook and repost interesting photos and stories. Terry Potential Community Partners Local universities: alumni associations, career offices, study abroad offices and academic departments of international studies, political sciences or peace studies. Returned Peace Corps volunteers and other international volunteers
Former Ambassadorial Scholars and other Rotary alumni Non-governmental organizations involved in peace and conflict resolution, such as the Red Cross or Doctors without Borders International corporations in your community Governmental agencies, diplomatic corps, local police and military offices
Laughter is good for you! In a small club in Devon, President David arranged a Foundation fund raiser on the local golf course. On the ninth he was fatally hit in the back of the head by a stray ball from a farmer member, Ron. As he lay dying, the members gathered round trying to make his last journey comfortable. Ron got his flask from his bag and tried giving him warm milk to drink but he refused it. Another member, Mick, took the flask and, remembering he had Glenfiddich in his hip flask opened it and poured a generous amount into the warm milk. Back where President David was felled, they held the flask to his lips. The now frail President drank a little, then a little more and before they knew it, he had finished the whole glass down to the last drop. As his eyes brightened, the members thought it would be a good opportunity to have one last talk with their leader..."President David," the members asked earnestly, "Please leave the Foundation a legacy and wisdom before you leave us”. He raised himself up on one elbow, looked at them and said: "DON'T SEND A COW."
Foundation Thought for Today Historically, Rotary International, until the mid-1990's, had a fairly steady membership growth rate that balanced out at being between 1.5 and 2% a year. Since then, worldwide membership has been stable, but North America began a steady decline. Unfortunately, few, if any, past leaders asked the simple question, WHY? The simple answer is found in Rotary's history; Rotary simply forgot Who Rotarians Are and began promoting What Rotarians Do. Every person on earth is a world citizen, almost everyone can pick up trash, but it takes special people with enterprising minds to create initiative's like the Easter Seals, the United Nations, UNICEF, and a worldwide campaign to eliminate polio. Ninety-nine percent of the world's citizens volunteer to do something, but only people with special leadership skills can create and sustain efforts to make their social fabrics better places to live From Rotary Global History Fellowship 7 December 2014
Foundation Seminar The Foundation Chairman and Committee thank the District Foundation Committee Chairmen and/or substitutes for attending the Foundation seminar on 28th November. In a short day, there were stimulating and sometimes vociferous exchanges of views and good news on all the topics that make our Foundation and the work of Rotary possible. The intercommunication of experience of using the new grant system was especially encouraging. Most of zone 17 and 18a districts were represented. We trust we were of help to you and hope that you will communicate with us when you have questions or doubts. We are here to serve. Thanks to Jean and Vaughan for their continued organisation and support, Calum for the PowerPoint and Ian for his leadership. Ed
And finally the latest Polio Statistics. Reported cases Worldwide Type 1 Type 3 Endemic Non-endemic countries Total Africa and Middle East Nigeria Non-endemic countries Total Africa Asia India Pakistan Afghanistan Non-endemic countries Total Asia
And the Global Partners objectives
Zone Leadership – Your teams
2013
2014 ytd
416
325
160 256 416
306 19 325
53 256 309
6 19 25
93 14
276 24
107
300
17 is led by Allan Maclaughlan (D1020) of the Rotary Club of Currie Balerno email maglox@sky.com and supported by Celia Leach (D1030)of the Rotary Club of Newcastle Gosforth celialeach@blueyonder.co.uk Terry Sykes (D1270) of the Rotary Club of Barnsley Rockley tsykessurvey@aol.com Calum Thomson (D1020)of the Rotary Club of Longniddry and District calthomson@aol.com Mike Parry (D11500 of the Rotary Club of Cardiff Bay mjparry111@hotmail.com; 18a is led by RIBI Foundation Committee Chairman Ian Legge(D1110) of the Rotary Club of New Milton ianlegge1110@btinternet.com supported by John Dunkley (D11200 of the Rotary Club of South Foreland jdunks25@yahoo.co.uk Jannine Birtwistle (D1110) of the Rotary Club of Guernsey paulandjannine@me.com Frank Hart-Venn (D1170) of the Rotary Club of Exmouth & District fah.venn@btinternet.com Reg Ling (D1110) of the Rotary Club of Chandlersford & Itchen Valley reg_ling@talktalk.net
This is published by the Zone and Foundation Committee team for the support and ownership of Rotarians. The future of this newsletter will depend on our readers. Please distribute, comment and contribute. Ed