July 2012 | Vol. 3, Issue 1
Helping club and district officers achieve success
STRENGTH IN NUMBERS
SPREAD THE WORD
FUTURE IS NOW
TOP PRIORITY
What’s your Rotary story?
Find tips and strategies for publicizing your club
Learn how to qualify for new Foundation grants
Funding and advocacy are key to a polio-free world
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
STRENGTH IN NUMBERS
Peace Through Service
What’s your Rotary story?
We hear the word peace every day. We hear it in the news, and we talk about it a great deal in Rotary. But most of us spend very little time thinking about what the word really means.
Use storytelling to share your favorite Rotary experiences with prospective members The ability to inspire other people through our work is one of Rotary’s greatest assets. When we share a story about our experiences, we help to break down barriers,
On its simplest level, peace can be defined by what it is not. It is a state of no war, no violence, and no fear. It means that you are not in danger of hunger, persecution, suffering, or poverty. But we can also define peace by what it is, and by what it can be. Peace can mean freedom of thought and speech, freedom of opinion and choice, and the ability for self-determination.
build friendships, and ultimately, attract new members.
No matter how we use or understand the word peace, Rotary can help us to achieve it. Through our Rotary service, we know that cooperation is more productive than conflict. We learn to value each other, as human beings with human strengths and weaknesses. We know that every one of us has something to give, and everyone has something to teach.
Some people refer to this as their ‘Rotary moment,’ ” says
In this Rotary year, I ask you to put Peace Through Service at the forefront of your Rotary work. I ask you to help promote the three Rotary Global Peace Forums that we will be holding in Hiroshima, Berlin, and Honolulu. And I ask you to understand that peace, in all of the ways that we can understand it, is a real goal and a realistic goal for Rotary.
video from Jennifer Jones, vice chair of the RI Communi-
Sakuji Tanaka
RI President Sakuji Tanaka understands the power of storytelling, and encourages all Rotarians to share their Rotary experience. The new Telling Your Story Resource Kit can help you create an inspiring message that will attract new members and motivate current Rotarians. “Every Rotarian has a specific moment in their lives that stands out and holds a special meaning to them.
Gayle Knepper, Rotary coordinator and member of the Rotary Club of Anchorage East, Alaska, USA, shares her Rotary Moment. Club leaders can acknowledge members who’ve
Tanaka. “I believe it is very important to share this mo-
turned prospective members into Rotarians with a New
ment with others. Facts and figures can only go so far; a
Member Sponsor pin available through Rotary’s licensed
personal experience can open doors and make friends.”
vendors. By recognizing efforts to recruit new members,
The kit includes templates to help you craft your own
you’ll help motivate other club members to do the same.
Rotary Moment, along with several short video examples, including Tanaka’s own story. You’ll also find a how-to cations Committee. “Each of us has experienced the joy of a Rotary moment. It’s taking it to the next step and understanding that when we share these stories, we can change people’s lives,” says Jones.
ON THE COVER RI Past President Kalyan Banerjee and President Sakuji Tanaka take the stage at the 2012 RI Convention in Bangkok, Thailand.
SPREAD THE WORD
FOR CLUBS
Help your club connect online
DEADLINES
RI Convention social media workshops offer tips and strategies for publicizing your Rotary club Chances are, if you have a question about Rotary, a conven-
Getting started with Facebook
tion breakout session has the answer. This year’s convention
If you’re not on social media yet, consider starting with
in Bangkok, Thailand, offered four sessions focused on using
Facebook. Available in over 70 languages, Facebook has more
social media.
than 28 million users age 45 and older. Best practices for
Here are a few highlights from those breakout sessions. Why should your Rotary club use social media? There are millions of reasons to use social media. In fact, there are more than • 800 million Facebook users • 150 million users on LinkedIn • 127 million users on Twitter The people on social networks live in your community. You may want to invite them to your next club meeting or fundraiser. They may belong to another Rotary club or organization that can help you with a community service project. They may need your help to start a Rotaract club. Social media also helps promote a positive image for Rotary, which contributes to the growth of the organization.
Facebook include: • Use a Facebook page instead of a profile for your club or district. • Give more than one person administrator rights to the page. • Incorporate Facebook into your communications plan and budget. • Post items from your weekly meeting or newsletter to your page. • Update your Facebook page at least two to three times a week. Look to the Rotarians on Social Networks Fellowship for advice, articles, and training materials. “We regularly provide assistance about how to use Facebook’s features on our Facebook page,” says Simone Carot
ROTARY SHOWCASE
Collins, who was a social media workshop panelist and is as-
Share information about your club’s service projects with the Rotary community and your Facebook friends on Rotary Showcase. Upload photos and videos, list partner clubs, and indicate the funds you’ve raised and hours you’ve volunteered.
sistant governor of District 9455 (part of Western Australia).
July 2012 | www.rotary.org/rotaryleader | rotary.leader@rotary.org
Get more social media tips, or view the 2012 convention social media workshop presentations on SlideShare.
1 July For clubs to submit semiannual reports and club dues … For clubs and districts to begin submitting Matching Grant applications 2 September For 2013 Lisbon convention attendees to submit group housing requests to the official housing agent, Experient Inc. See Awards and the RI calendar for more deadlines.
ANNOUNCEMENTS 2012-13 Fund Development Club Goal Report Forms are still being accepted. Secretaries of clubs with outstanding financial obligations exceeding US$250 will receive reminders to remit payment by 30 December to avoid termination. Remember to report your 2012-13 club officers to ensure that your club receives important mailings, including the semiannual report (SAR)*. Club officers can be reported online through Member Access or by sending an email to Rotary’s Data Services Department. *Starting in July, an electronic version of SAR is being emailed to Rotary clubs and club officers. You can save a tree — and improve efficiency — by going paperless. Go to Member Access to opt out of receiving the paper SAR.
FUTURE IS NOW
FUTURE VISION
Get ready for the new grant model
TRANSITION DEADLINES 1 July 2012 Districts: Appoint district Rotary Foundation committee chair for 2013-16. July-December Clubs: Attend district Foundation seminar. Appoint club Foundation committee chair.
Learn how to qualify for new Foundation grants
Districts: Appoint chairs for district Foundation subcommittees.
The global launch of The Rotary Foundation’s new grant model is only a year away, but clubs and districts can begin preparing now. To help you get started, the Foundation has created timelines for club and district leaders that outline key dates
District 5340 is using district and global grants to implement a sustainable community development project in Uganda in four of Rotary’s six areas of focus.
and tasks necessary to qualify for district and global grants. These materials include links to e-learning modules, club
grants for humanitarian projects, vocational training teams,
and district memorandums of understanding, and the re-
and Rotary scholarships are available to help you understand
vised Grant Management Manual.
all of the new opportunities available.
For districts. Has your district appointed a district Rotary
For everyone. Future Vision pilot districts are another
Foundation committee chair? It will be the chair’s respon-
valuable resource to help clubs and districts prepare for the
sibility, along with the district governor and governor-elect,
new grant model.
to ensure your district has met all of the necessary require-
“All of my [nonpilot] districts have an active Future Vi-
ments for a Foundation grant. They’ll also be asked to con-
sion committee that is listening to the pilots, looking at their
duct training seminars for clubs, focused on project plan-
committee structure, and attending seminars presented by
ning, grant management, and stewardship. Find ideas and
the pilot districts. This is giving us the confidence that we
resources for planning your seminars in the District Rotary
need to be ready when 1 July 2013 rolls around,” says Mary
Foundation Seminar Manual.
Beth Growney-Selene, Rotary coordinator for Zone 28.
For clubs. Clubs can begin preparing by reading the Club
Join the Future Vision LinkedIn group to talk with Rotar-
Rotary Foundation Committee Manual and reviewing the re-
ians from pilot districts and hear what they’re saying about
quirements to qualify for a Foundation grant. You can ap-
the new grant model.
point a club Rotary Foundation committee chair and attend a grant management seminar. E-learning modules on global July 2012 | www.rotary.org/rotaryleader | rotary.leader@rotary.org
Read more about the areas of focus policy statements approved by The Rotary Foundation Trustees.
August-December Districts: Attend GETS and Rotary institutes. Train clubs at district Foundation seminars. January 2013 Districts: International Assembly. Begin online qualification process. February Districts: Continue training and qualifying clubs. February-June Clubs: Train and qualify your club. Submit reports for all Foundation grants and programs. Submit project proposals to district for district grant funds. Apply for Foundation global grants online. Districts: Apply for Foundation grants online for 2013-14 Rotary year. Submit reports for all Foundation grants and programs. June Clubs and districts: Attend RI Convention workshops. 1 July 2013 Global launch of new Rotary Foundation grants For more, see the club and district training materials for making the transition to the new grant model.
DISTRICT CORNER
FOR DISTRICTS
Your regional coordinator team
DEADLINES
Take advantage of their expertise and resources to help your club succeed Did you know that you have a team of experts available to
seminars (GETS), president-elect training seminars (PETS),
help answer questions related to strengthening your club,
district assemblies, and other meetings.
increasing humanitarian service, and enhancing Rotary’s public image? Your regional coordinator team is made up of a Rotary coordinator, regional Rotary Foundation coordinator, and Rotary public image coordinator, each selected for their professional expertise and specific Rotary knowledge. The teams work with district leaders in their area to connect Rotarians with resources and advance Rotary’s strategic
Dean Rohrs, Rotary coordinator for Zone 24 West in Canada, agrees. She and her team have been working closely with the new District 2225 in Russia to help train district and club leaders. “We’re there to support them with resources, training, and motivation,” says Rohrs, who organized two regional training events in the area. Contact your RC, RRFC, or RPIC.
plan. Past Governor Patrick Coleman of District 9210 (Malawi and parts of Mozambique, Zambia, and Zimbabwe) credits
“The training material I received in preparation for the 2011-12 Rotary year was out of date due to changes in the sistant Rotary coordinator, Chris Molam, of Zone 20A, helped us modify the materials to reflect the latest updates and
Governors and governors-elect: Log in to Member Access to update committee appointments and view reports.
ensured that our club and district leaders were prepared for the new year,” says Coleman.
July 2012 | www.rotary.org/rotaryleader | rotary.leader@rotary.org
2 September For 2013 Lisbon convention attendees to submit group housing requests to the official housing agent, Experient Inc.
“Creating a PR Plan” webinar is scheduled for the first week of September. Learn how to develop a public relations strategy for the clubs in your district.
organization. Our Rotary coordinator, Nick Phillips, and as-
RRFC and RC. His team has attended governors-elect training
1 September For district governors, immediate past district governors, RI directors, and past RI directors to nominate Rotarians for the RI Service Above Self Award
District governors: Consider nominations for RI and Rotary Foundation service awards that have September-November deadlines.
for their training sessions.
Rotarians at all levels,” adds Phillips who has been both an
31 July For 2011-12 district governors to submit governor allocation expense reports
ANNOUNCEMENTS
his team with helping district trainers successfully prepare
“The key to success is engagement — engagement with
1 July For districts to submit endorsed 2013 Rotary Peace Fellowship applications … For districts to begin submitting District Simplified Grant requests … For clubs and districts to begin submitting Matching Grant applications
RPIC G. Stewart Gilbert and RC Nick Phillips attend the annual training meeting for Rotary coordinators and Rotary public image coordinators held 4-9 March 2012 in Rosemont, Illinois, USA.
Calling all 2013-14 governors: Rotary is offering free webinars to help you learn about the online resources. Register now for one of six webinars. Rotary Basics (595) appears in the August issue of The Rotarian and in Rotary regional magazines, with a multimedia version available online.
TOP PRIORITY
DID YOU KNOW?
Getting to a polio-free world
Rotary Voices is your blog. Share stories and photos about your humanitarian service efforts. If you’ve recently participated in a Rotary service project or know someone who has benefited from our efforts, use Rotary’s blog to inspire others with your story. Email us your entry.
Funding and advocacy are key to finishing the job of eradicating the disease Rotary and its partners in the Global Polio Eradication Initia-
Meanwhile, money is needed to pay for vaccines, social
tive are “this close” to achieving a polio-free world. In Febru-
mobilization, polio surveillance, technical assistance, and
ary, the World Health Organization removed India from its
other costs associated with eradicating the disease from the
list of polio-endemic countries. And with the support
endemic countries and preventing future outbreaks.
of Rotarians and friends of Rotary worldwide, we raised US$218 million to meet Rotary’s US$200 Million Challenge. But funding remains critical until the disease is eradicated.
You can help by encouraging Rotary clubs, Rotarians, and friends to donate directly to help end polio. “Please do not stop giving because we have achieved the target of Rotary’s
Although India reported its last case of polio on 13 January
challenge,” urges 2011-12 Rotary Foundation Trustee Chair
2011, it will not be certified polio-free until January 2014. Simi-
William B. Boyd. “Every dollar you give for the eradication of
larly, each of the three remaining polio-endemic countries —
polio will be used exactly for that.”
Afghanistan, Nigeria, and Pakistan — will have to go for three years without any cases before it can be certified as polio-free.
Districts that use their District Designated Fund to support polio eradication will see their donations grow. The Rotary Foundation World Fund is matching every US$1 in DDF
New service partners announced. The Global FoodBanking Network and YSA (Youth Service America) are new Rotary service partners available to support club service efforts. Find out how your club can benefit from working with external organizations. Rotary is on Pinterest. Check out our virtual pinboards on Pinterest, one of the fastest-growing social media websites. Boards feature images from Rotary’s six area of focus along with ads from our “This Close” campaign, inspirational messages, and more. Follow us.
allocations to PolioPlus by $0.50 until eradication is certified. The available World Fund match will be applied on a firstcome, first-served basis and will be capped at $3.5 million annually for the next five fiscal years. Raising awareness of our work to end polio is another way that clubs can support Rotary’s top priority. By sharing the end-polio story, including Rotary’s role, with your community and civic leaders, you can encourage their involvement. Find more ideas for supporting Rotary’s work at the updated End Polio Now website, which features infographics, a
Islamic community leaders and Rotarians in Pakistan immunize children during a National Immunization Day. July 2012 | www.rotary.org/rotaryleader | rotary.leader@rotary.org
social media campaign, and a status report.
Award winners recognized. 2011-12 RI President Kalyan Banerjee recognized clubs and districts that won the international competition for the Changemaker Award and Presidential Citation at the Bangkok convention. Learn how your club can participate in RI President Sakuji Tanaka’s 2012-13 Presidential Citation program and Rotary Global Peace Forums.
MEETING PLACE
Develop your leadership skills in sunny Lisbon Enjoy the sights and sounds of a world-class European capital at the 2013 RI Convention Where can you meet thousands of Rotarians from around
Rotary Leader, an electronic publication for Rotary club and district officers, is offered in eight languages: English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, and Spanish. Rotary Leader is published by Rotary International, One Rotary Center, 1560 Sherman Avenue, Evanston, IL 60201-3698 USA.
the world, share stories about your service projects, and pick up ideas for new ones, all while enjoying sun-drenched neighborhoods and some of the best seafood around? At the 104th Rotary International Convention in Lisbon,
Web www.rotary.org Fax 847-866-9732 Phone 847-866-3000
Portugal, of course.
Subscriptions To subscribe to Rotary Leader, visit www.rotary.org /rotaryleader. There is no charge to subscribe.
Scheduled for 23-26 June 2013, the convention promises
Submissions Rotary Leader welcomes article ideas about club and district successes, including fundraisers, publicity efforts, service projects, and membership drives. Email a description, photos, and contact information to rotary.leader@rotary.org. Due to the high volume of submissions, we cannot promise to feature your story.
you a new appreciation of Rotary’s global impact, as well as an opportunity to enhance your leadership skills and strengthen your commitment to service. Here are some of the leadership development opportunities available at the 2013 convention: •
Learn about service projects from around the world, and make contacts for future partnerships.
•
• •
Perched on the west coast of Europe, Portugal’s capital
Browse booths hosted by Rotary Fellowships and
is a charming combination of Old World appeal and
Rotarian Action Groups, and connect with Rotarians
modern flair. The city offers visitors breathtaking views,
who share your interests.
fine restaurants, the unique sound of Fado music, and much
Attend a breakout session for incoming club
more. Register now to discover all that the convention —
presidents.
and Lisbon — have to offer.
Attend the President-elect’s Leadership Luncheon, where you’ll be able to meet and exchange ideas with fellow club leaders.
•
Watch Lisbon: A Harbor for Peace to see the sites and activities that await attendees of the 2013 RI Convention.
Learn about The Rotary Foundation’s new grant model.
July 2012 | www.rotary.org/rotaryleader | rotary.leader@rotary.org
NEW CONVENTION WEBSITE Find everything you need to plan and promote next year's convention at RIConvention.org. The redesigned site offers the latest news, travel tips, registration and housing materials, and more — all in one easy-to-use spot.
This is the July 2012 issue of Rotary Leader. Editor Jennifer Lee Atkin Managing Editor Maureen Vaught Graphic Designer Megan Moulden Writers Megan Ferringer, Tara Finglas, Arnold Grahl, Dan Nixon, Antoinette Tuscano Photographers Alyce Henson, Monika Lozinska-Lee Copy Editors Beth Duncan Proofreaders Kelly Doherty, Susan Hyland Copyright © 2012 by Rotary International. The Rotary International and Rotary Leader logos are trademarks and intellectual property of Rotary International. All rights reserved. Editors of Rotary publications and websites are welcome to reprint items.
DOING GOOD IN THE WORLD
Click an icon to see how Rotary is making a difference in each area of focus.
Contribute Building peace
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Providing clean water
Supporting maternal and child health
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Growing local economies