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 District Governor's Newsletter September 2010

 

New Generation Month

 How quickly has the first two months of the Rotary year gone, I can hardly believe that in 38 days time we will be at the District Conference.  That's just a subtle reminder that you still have time to register and come along to appreciate the fun, fellowship and opportunities to find out about existing and new projects as well as enjoy some really good entertainment, food and maybe a beverage or two!   I intend to continue enjoying Rotary and in doing so enjoying the company of Rotarians and their families, existing and new, - so come along and help us to make this conference a memorable one.

I have undertaken 27 official visits to date, some with Steve joining me, and we are indebted to the clubs for their kindnesses and hospitality.

 RYLA

During August we completed the last 3 of the 4 week long, RYLA camps at Dolygaer and this year   97 sponsored students, with an average age of 17, took part.  Around 300 visitors attended either the Sunday afternoon arrival and/or the Friday night barbecue making all of this year's RYLA courses very friendly and memorable occasions.  I am delighted to say the RIBI President, Rtn Jim Moulson, attended one of the Friday evening barbecues and a Sunday afternoon session. The friendships which had grown was evident, especially when compared with the first meetings together on the Sunday afternoon, and the great increase in confidence which had developed in these young future leaders over the week together was very noticeable.  All the young people went home happy, but tired, having made many new friends and having achieved a number of new challenges.  We continue to be very grateful to the staff, led by Simon Baldwin, for their continued support and to Hugh Clatworthy for his superb leadership of this "jewel in the crown" in our youth programmes - thank you again Hugh.

 September – New Generation Month

This is the time of the Rotary year when we are asked to focus on our support for younger people in our communities and also to those new to the wonderful world of Rotary.  By now clubs will be in the midst of the planning for our long list of Youth competitions and be preparing to visit schools for planning these, if you have not already done so.  I wish you well in your Youth Opportunity ventures, as the young people we assist and work with today are the leaders of our communities tomorrow.

 Membership

I am delighted that clubs are recruiting new members and welcome information about the new Rtns sent to me, but let's not forget that Retention is as important.  We must value all members in our clubs and make sure they are all enjoying Rotary fellowship with the whole club.

 Thanks for Life

The resources available on the RIBI website at:  www.ribi.org/thanks-for-life and www.focusonthecrocus.org to support the TfL programme have increased and clubs should be able to show these materials  to the schools and community groups that they work with for them to select as they feel appropriate.  Let's plan for as many clubs as possible to take part in this very exciting programme that offers so much.  The crocuses you receive and plant will help inform our communities about our efforts in Ending Polio Now, but lets not forget that Thanks for Life is a bigger project than just raising money to End Polio Now, although that is fundamentally important.  It is also a PR opportunity to let those who know little or nothing of the works of Rotary Clubs and Rotarians and what we are and what we do and maybe also using this as an opportunity for increasing membership as well. 

Lets not keep our love of Rotary to ourselves - we really should share our enjoyment more to aid all our efforts in all campaigns we participate in.

 International Aid

This is needed for all disaster areas, charities and projects that Rotary clubs work with.  Your help to assist those who need our help now via Shelterbox, Aquabox, the Emergency Box and Lifestraw have all played their parts when needed but they need your help to keep giving aid as it is needed.

Please be aware however that if you are collecting be sure that the any information given is accurate.  If you say its for Pakistan, for instance, and you are collecting for a Shelterbox, there is no guarantee that that money will buy a tent for a family in Pakistan - it could be sent elsewhere if the need there is greater and the general public could rightly be upset.  So say we are collecting for Shelterbox to purchase a tent and not indicate where that item will go, just in case it lands up in Africa instead.  But do keep collecting and assisting. 

RIBI have set up a disaster fund to help in the future but aid is needed now as well in other ways.  I thank all clubs who have worked to get aid to those who need it.

Our District Shelterbox coordinator, John, Broughton, is available to speak to clubs on this important project. Contact him on 01437 781613 broughtonjohn@hotmail.com alternatively speak to Rtn Gareth Rees the District International Resource Group Leader on 01446 793399 or at:  gareth.rees26@btinternet.com

 GSE Teams Philippines

We will be welcoming the GSE team from District 3850 (Philippines) this month and I know that a full programme has been developed by Rob Elward and the 9 AGs. Let's give them a warm welcome and true Welsh hospitality to provide them with a visit that they will remember as life changing, in keeping with the other teams we have hosted from around the Rotary world.

 Donna Wallbank

District Governor, District 1150                                                                      1st September 2010