SERVICE AND PRESIDENTIAL INITIATIVES
Shekhar Mehta RI President-elect 5 February 2021
Ever since I joined Rotary, Service Above Self has been the North Star of my life.
My first encounters with service were through the club projects. Eye camps, tree
plantations, food distribution drives — these were my first Rotary “dates.” But as time
passed, the projects became bigger and the impact of service became deeper. The more I
served, the more service became a way of life for me.
My dear change-maker governors, you are soon going to assume a higher level of
leadership. You will be leading districts with thousands of Rotarians. You will inspire
them to Serve to Change Lives. Service, my friends, is to care for others and share with
others. It is about thinking of others before you think of yourselves. Caring and sharing
is the mission of life itself, and beyond
The world, my friends, is divided. In one part, there is plenty, and in the other, there is
huge deficit, whether it is of water and sanitation facilities, whether there is deficit of
food, or lack of housing, or lack of medical care, the list is endless. We Rotarians act to balance these resources as best we can. We move resources from one part of our
community or the world to another, trying to fulfill needs. The outcomes and long-term
effects of our work can be huge because of our sheer numbers, our geographic spread,
our networking and leadership abilities.
We are people of action. Whenever we see problems, we take action to help and do good
in the world. Over the years, Rotary has set up hundreds of hospitals, thousands of
schools, has provided health programs for millions and brought clean drinking water to
many. Wherever there was a need, Rotarians have come forward to meet the same,
whether at the local level or international level. The polio program is an outstanding
example of scaling up service initiatives.
As we go about Doing Good in the World: empowering girls. Too many girls face
discrimination, disadvantage, the lack of opportunities. Empowering girls will mean
securing their education, securing their health, their economic development, equipping
them with skills for greater opportunities. It will mean curbing child marriage and
teenage pregnancies. It will mean preventing trafficking and abuse and gender-based
violence against women.
Adolescent girls have the right to a safe, educated, and healthy life. We know that when
girls are supported and encouraged starting at the youngest ages, they have the potential
to change the world — both as empowered girls of today and as tomorrow’s workers,
mothers, entrepreneurs, and leaders. An investment in them upholds their rights today
and promises a more equitable and prosperous future. One in which half of humanity is
an equal partner in solving the problems of climate change, political conflict, economic
growth, disease prevention, and global sustainability. There is so much that can be done
to serve to change the lives of girls.
Do also remember that, starting 1 July, you can apply for grants to protect the
environment.
Of course our war against COVID will carry on with full vigor. We played a meaningful
role in helping people with innumerable masks, ventilators, sanitizers, PPE kits, etc. We
even created hospitals for COVID patients. The Rotary Foundation gave grants worth
$30 million. Clubs added to this and did projects of millions of dollars more. Being a
premier service organization, the world looks up to us to act at such times of crisis. And
we have played our role well. Now we will play our part in supporting the vaccination
process.
Dear change-maker governors, you will be busy Doing Good in the World, but be sure to
share these stories of your wonderful work. Inspire every Rotarian in your district to
share their stories of serving and changing lives. Whether it is health camps, building
toilets, or setting up hospitals and schools, these are heart-touching stories that inspire
others to emulate, participate, and contribute. I strongly feel that every Rotarian is a
brand ambassador of Rotary. The good word of Rotary, the good word of our work, will
best travel around the world when each Rotarian tells their story on social media.
Telling our story is as important as doing the work itself is.
We will leverage all means of storytelling and will showcase our work with two
presidential initiatives.
Rotary Days of Service. These will be events organized by two or
more Rotary or Rotaract clubs to provide meaningful, hands-on volunteer opportunities
for our members, their families, and friends and showcase our work to the outside
world. These will be excellent opportunities to engage current and prospective
members, showcase our work, and tell our story. Do ensure that every club in your
district participates in the Rotary Days of Service and creates a major buzz on social and
traditional media. Once again, empowering girls will be the overarching theme. Remember what Gandhi
said: “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” And what
Martin Luther King Jr. asked, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are
you doing for others?’ ” Let our answer be “We will Serve to Change Lives because service to
humanity is good for both body and soul.
'What We Do' Main Pages:
Globally, five billion people have no access to safe and affordable surgery when they need it. Mercy Ships operates the largest charity-run hospital ship in the world, taking free medical care and surgery directly to those who need it most.
moreThe team consisted of Bob Knowles, Ian Chapple, Paul Craggs, Barry Collett, Jim & Joan Ellis-Jones, Cliff & Jan Haynes
moreRI President Gordon R. McInally calls for Rotary to create hope in the world by working for peace and mental wellbeing. He urges members to engage in tough conversations and earn the trust that’s necessary to realize these values.
moreAfter decades of work across 47 countries on the continent, the World Health Organisation has certified the Africa region free from wild poliovirus.
moreA short history and evolution of the Rotary wheel - the 'Mark of Excellence' Based on information compiled by the Rotary Global History Fellowship
moreThis page will contain the latest Daily Digest from the RIBI website: www.rotarygbi.org Last Update: 24th September 2020
moreDickie Bird and Adam Beesley(workshop manager) at the presentation of the new Sand Blaster at Tools for Self Reliance, Milton Keynes
moreRI President Holger Knaack’s theme for 2020-21, Rotary Opens Opportunities, asks Rotarians to create opportunities that strengthen their leadership, help put service ideas into action, and improve the lives of those in need.
moreSharpenhoe Road has it's gate back. After being run into by an out of control car, the gate is now repaired and back in-place.
moreClub night on Tuesday 8th August 2023 was a visit to TFSR Milton Keynes. Club members were very active with cleaning and refurbishing hand tools. The evening was rounded off with a fish & chip supper.
moreBy joining Rotary, your journey on the road to transforming communities begins Contact Bob Knowles about this page: bob-knowles@talktalk.net
moreThe Christmas lights have been switched back on for the next 5 days as a beacon of hope for George
more...A massive ‘Thank you’ to Santa "Our Aim at Christmas is to bring some joy and happiness to as many people as possible of all ages".
more· Some look a bit spooky · Andy has great background, just needs an orchid in there · Surely IPAD has a name. · Andrew left the party briefly, hence only 19/20 pictured · Not sure where Simon is.
moreMy vision is to see Rotary continue to change and reflect the times, especially at this pivotal moment as we move out of the current global pandemic.
moreCANter is based at ‘The Stables’, Fielden Court, Lower Gravenhurst, Set in an idyllic remote village of Gravenhurst, between Luton, Bedford and Hitchin which makes the venue easily accessible.
moreRI President Shekhar Mehta is urging members to become more involved in service projects, saying that caring for and serving others is the best way to live because it changes not only other people’s lives, but also our own.
moreHarvest 2022: Early winter barley yields well as heatwave intensifies Cambridgeshire (& Bedfordshire) grower James Peck reports winter barley yields above budget.
moreFollowing an appeal by Maggie Herod of Silsoe. Club members donated food to the Luton Foodbank. Follow this link by going to POPULAR PAGES at the bottom of this main page and clicking on the last link. https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/maggiewalk
moreDue to the current Corona Virus situation, all our Rotary meetings are via Zoom every Tuesday at 7.50pm If you wish to join us contact Bob Knowles, email: bob-knowles@talktalk.net
more...Polio- A Personal Perspective... Martyn Gates shared his life story after contracting polio at the age of 18 months
moreTuesday 21st December 2021 Starting 5.00pm Including Gale Court, Old Road, Washbrook Close, Hexton Road, Church Road, Manor Road, Blakelands, etc.
moreRI President Jennifer Jones imagines a Rotary where members act to make their dreams become reality and they make the most of their club experiences.
more..Saturday 21st December 2019.. Old Road - including Washbrook Close, Church Road, Manor Road, Blakelands, etc.
moreShelterBox is responding to the devastating earthquakes that struck southern Turkey (Türkiye) and northern Syria.
moreDistrict Governor Vijay Patel 2020/2021 (District 1260) Requests that every Club start their meetings by positioning our Vision Statement right in the front, visible and verbally.
moreFriday 20th September 2024 This will take place at Barton-le-Clay Methodist Church, Sharpenhoe Road at 2.00pm
moreOur purpose and passion will help us Imagine everything Rotary is truly capable of! With 1.4 million worldwide, we have a chance to make even a greater impact on our communities and around the world.
more.....Sadly passed away on 7th May 2020..... Mike joined the Rotary Club of Barton-le-Clay in May 1990. 3 years after it was formed
moreRI President Stephanie Urchick celebrates the magic of Rotary. She says members create that magic with every project completed, every dollar donated, and every new member of Rotary.
moreRI President R. Gordon R. McInally calls for Rotary to create hope in the world. "The goal is to restore hope — to help the world heal from destructive conflicts and, in turn, to help us achieve lasting change for ourselves."
moreClub members will be litter picking in Silsoe, Campton & Barton-le-Clay. Official bags are being supplied by Central Bedfordshire Council.
moreFriday 24th September 2021 If any pensioner would like an afternoon tea box delivered to them on that day please telephone 07931-684079 to leave your name, address and telephone number. A member of the Club will then contact you
morejoining: Peacebuilding and conflict prevention, Disease prevention and treatment. Water, sanitation and hygiene. Maternal and child health. Basic education and literacy. Community economic development.
moreSunday 4th August at Shuttleworth (Old Warden) Airfield Lenka was witness to the act of bravery
moreCountdown to World Environment Day, choose a task every two weeks to help out the Environment. Complete one activity per two weeks from the calendar between 22nd March 2021 and 5th June 2021 (total 6 activities).
moreFamilies urgently need support in north-eastern Syria. We're providing shelter for families who have been forced to leave their homes due to the conflict in Syria.
moreWhen someone suffers a major trauma, the quicker they receive specialist emergency care, the more likely it is that the treatment will prevent death or serious disability. This is referred to as the ‘Golden Hour’
moreClub members cleaning and giving a new life to hand tools whilst on our annual visit of Tuesday 21st May 2019
moreR I President Mark Daniel Maloney's theme for 2019-20, Rotary Connects the World, asks Rotarians to strengthen the many ways that Rotary Connects the World, building the connections that allow people to unite and take action through Rotary service.
moreRtn. Derek Hardy has been awarded a District 1260 Service Award for outstanding service in promoting Rotary's capability in supporting projects in the international arenas. In recognition and appreciation of his dedicated service to Shelter Box.
moreOur vision is to see a world where no family is without shelter after disaster. Our teams work with disaster-hit families around the world, offering emergency shelter and other essential items to support them in rebuilding their lives.
moreThe Rotary Club of Barton-le-Clay lends money to entrepreneurs in various parts of the world where most good can be done.
moreA fun and enjoyable night was spent barn dancing in Barton-le-Clay Village Hall on Saturday 30th March 2019 Music from the group Abella and the caller was Andy Rouse. Highly tasteful Hog Roast supplied and cooked by John Fraser and Clair Burton
moreThe bee orchid has been the emblem of the Rotary Club of Barton-le-Clay since its foundation. The orchid, Ophyrs apifera var. aurita, grows wild on the Chiltern Hills behind the village of Barton-le-Clay.
moreBarton-le-Clay Rotary Club's first involvement with the Soup Kitchen and Night Shelter was in 2011
moreOur latest contribution to the Noah Welfare Centre 152 towels that were passed on to the Club by a local business.
moreEach year the Club takes Santa around the streets of Barton-le-Clay to meet all the children, young and old, and make a collection to support our designated charities.
moreRotary Foundation Month. Clubs and Districts call attention to the programs of The Rotary Foundation and frequently cultivate additional financial support for the Foundation by promoting contributions for Paul Harris Fellows and Sustaining Members.
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