FRIENDSHIP EXCHANGE
COVID19 NOTE
Until the pandemic subsides, the Rotary Friendship Exchange program is suspended. Like everyone else we are excited to resume more normal lives as soon as possible. As an RFE needs a minimum 6 months planning, we are now looking at 2022 for our next RFE events. Mean time, it's always nice to dream and plan. Contact details remain the same, below, for more information.LOVE TRAVEL. LOVE ROTARY.
January 2025 – 4 Way Speech Test
January 2025 – Poetry Awards
January 2025 – Vocational Service
ETHICAL LEADERSHIP
As this year’s Vocational Service Chair, I have wanted to write about so many different topics relative to this important Avenue of Service this year but have very little time to do it because I have only 6 months left to achieve my goal! This month I want to focus on the topic of Ethical Leadership.
All of us have been leaders at one time or the other. During our leadership responsibilities, how often have we thought about the part “ethics” plays in our situations?? I have to confess that I have taken “ethics” for granted, but it is important to remind ourselves, from time to time, of the benefits it plays in our respective leadership roles.
Ethical leaders demonstrate honesty, integrity and transparency. These characteristics strengthen trust among members and the communities they serve. By setting high ethical standards, leaders create a culture of respect, inclusivity, and motivation. The end result is an organization that is more effective and cohesive.
Ethical leaders are focused on aligning all their actions on the organization’s mission and values. The Rotary International Foundation’s mantra, as of late, has been “sustainability”. They now award grants to clubs only if the projects are “sustainable”. And so, in the vein of leadership, ethical leaders create sustainable practices like responsible resource management and transparent reporting, ensuring the longevity of the organization.
Communities recognize and appreciate ethical organizations and, therefore, want to engage with them in meaningful and productive projects. Ethical leaders mentor and inspire others. They are transformational and not merely transactional.
One of the apparent characteristics of ethical leadership is that it reduces the risk of internal conflict, favoritism, or mismanagement, ensuring fairness and justice within an organization.
Ethics is such an integral and necessary part of leading. One can only hope that all leaders embrace the concept of ethics!
Bill Chase, PDG
December 2024 – Vocational Service
As the district’s Vocational Service Chair, it seems fitting that my December article for the Digest is focused on Vocational Training Teams (VTT), because our district team is in as you read this Brazil!
VTTs are comprised of a group of professionals in their field who travel to different countries to lend their knowledge and skills to others within that similar discipline. It is an educational program of The Rotary Foundation.
Teams must ensure that their mission is in alignment with one or more of Rotary’s 6 Areas of Focus, i.e. benefitting the community and have a sustainable, measurable impact. VTTs must be sponsored by Rotary clubs or districts from 2 countries. The 6 Areas of Focus are:
Peace and conflict prevention/resolution
Disease prevention and treatment
Water and sanitation
Maternal and child health
Basic education and literacy
Economic and community development
Teams must consist of at least 2 members (Rotarians or non-Rotarians) with at least two years of professional experience in the designated area of focus.
The D5330 team is made up of: DG Judy Zulfiqar, Team Captain; Jennifer Loretta, Team Co-Captain; Carissa Gerry, Team Secretary; Glen Brock, Member; Dan Hudec, Member; and Maryalice Owings, Member.
Our team is focusing on Mental Health Awareness and Education in Maringà, Brazil. Their focus is to learn about the current initiatives that community currently has in place. Our team promises to “facilitate a productive idea exchange” with them.
VTTs are important in Rotary’s quest to promote one of the least understood Five Areas of Service-Vocational Service. Teams like this prove that a Rotarian’s background and experience in a business or a profession are vitally important to enhancing the knowledge base of communities in need.
Please remember that at the end of this Rotary year, DG Judy will be recognizing an outstanding business/profession in our district with the Rotary Award of Vocational Excellence so start thinking of who you’d want to nominate. More information will be coming out from me!
Sincerely,
Bill Chase, PDG
D5330 Vocational Service Chair
frndshp97@aol.com
November 2024 – Vocational Service
Dear Fellow Rotarians:
As we begin the 5th month of our Rotary year, we are now inundated with many responsibilities in our clubs and in our district. As Rotarians we are focused on accomplishing successes in all of the Five Avenues of Service, one of which is Vocational Service. I hope that your club is initiating vocationally-oriented projects that emphasize this significant cornerstone upon which Rotary was founded.
As you know, Vocational Service emphasizes the importance of professional ethics and the role that each member plays in their business and/or profession. It encourages Rotarians to use their skills and expertise to benefit others, promote high ethical standards, and support vocational development.
The key aspects of Vocational Service are:
- Professional Ethics: Rotarians are encouraged to uphold high ethical standards in their careers and to inspire others to do the same.
- Skill Sharing: Members can leverage their professional skills to assist local communities, whether through mentorship, training, or service projects.
- Networking: Rotary provides a platform for professionals from diverse fields to connect, exchange ideas, and collaborate on projects.
- Community Development: Engaging in projects that address community needs and utilizing professional expertise to help solve local challenges.
How can members be more attuned to Vocational Service?
- Identify Your Skills: Reflect on your professional expertise and consider how it can contribute to your community or fellow Rotarians.
- Mentorship: Offer to mentor younger members or students, sharing your knowledge and guiding them in their careers.
- Service Projects: Participate in or lead projects that leverage your vocational skills. This could include training workshops, career fairs, or providing pro bono services.
- Ethics in Practice: Regularly evaluate and discuss ethical practices within your profession, promoting a culture of integrity in your Rotary club.
- Collaboration: Work with fellow Rotarians to combine skills and resources for more impactful vocational service initiatives.
- Share Experiences: Share success stories and experiences in your vocation during club meetings to inspire others and foster a culture of learning.
By focusing on the areas above, Rotarians can enhance their commitment to Vocational Service, creating a stronger, more impactful community presence.
Sincerely,
Bill Chase, PDG District Vocational Service Chair
October 2024 – Vocational Service
Vocational Service is crucial to Rotary’s impact in the world because it emphasizes the ethical practice of professions, encourages high standards, and fosters community service through vocational expertise. It aligns with Rotary’s commitment to integrity and community betterment.
Rotarians can enhance their involvement in Vocational Service through several approaches:
- Mentorship Programs: Offer guidance and support to young professionals or students, helping them navigate their careers and develop their skills. This also includes guiding them through a mock “Interview Process”.
- Professional Development: Organize workshops, seminars, or training sessions to help community members and fellow Rotarians improve their vocational skills.
- Ethics Promotion: Advocate for and exemplify high ethical standards in all professional practices, serving as role models within their industries.
- Vocational Talks: Share insights from their professions at club meetings or community events, providing valuable knowledge and inspiration.
- Community Projects: Use their professional skills to contribute to local service projects, applying their expertise to solve community issues.
- Networking Events: Facilitate networking opportunities that connect professionals within their communities, fostering collaboration and support.
- Recognition Programs: Acknowledge and celebrate exceptional vocational achievements and ethical practices within the community. (Note: I will be writing an entire article for the DIGEST on this topic soon)
- Skills-Based Volunteering: Apply their professional skills to assist non-profits or community organizations, offering services like legal advice, accounting, or IT support.
By integrating these activities into their service, Rotarians can significantly impact their communities and uphold Rotary’s values.
NOTE: Please begin thinking of who your club will be nominating for the end-of-the year R.A.V.E. recognition. (Rotary Award for Vocational Excellence) DG Judy will presenting this highly coveted district award to a deserving business or profession at her District Conference. Applications will be going out to clubs sometime in March, 2025.
December 2024 – Council of Legislation
EVERYTHING ON COUCIL OF LEGISLATION
Council on Resolutions
The Council on Resolutions meets online every year to vote on proposed resolutions and urgent enactments. Resolutions are requests to the Board or the Trustees to take an action that is outside the purview of the constitutional documents. Ideally, a resolution should affect the Rotary world, rather than address local or administrative issues. An urgent enactment is a change to the constitutional documents, proposed by the RI Board, that the Board has determined cannot wait until the next Council on Legislation, which is held every three years.
Representatives from all Rotary districts vote on items proposed by clubs, districts, the RI Board, and the general council or conference of RIBI. Adopted resolutions are then considered by the RI Board or The Rotary Foundation Trustees. Urgent enactments that have been adopted will amend the constitutional documents, and will take effect one month after the Council on Resolutions report has been sent.
Find answers to frequently asked questions about the Council on Resolutions.
Council on Legislation
Every three years, Rotarians meet at the Council on Legislation to review and vote on proposed changes to the legislation that governs Rotary. They consider enactments, which change Rotary’s governing documents, and position statements by the RI Board.
Council representatives
Each Rotary district chooses a representative for a three-year term. These members represent their districts at all three meetings of the Council on Resolutions and at the Council on Legislation during their term.
District governors have until 30 June 2023 to report to Rotary their district representatives for the term covering 1 July 2023 through 30 June 2026. Representatives will participate in the:
- 2023, 2024, and 2025 Councils on Resolutions
- 2025 Council on Legislation
Proposing legislation and resolutions
Clubs, districts, the RI Board, and the RIBI general council or conference may submit legislation and resolutions to the Councils. The deadline for submitting resolutions for the Council on Resolutions is 30 June each year. The deadline for submitting enactments for the 2025 Council on Legislation is 31 December 2023.
CLICK TILE BELOW FOR MORE INFORMATION ON UPCOMING CHANGES.
December 2024 – Friendship Exchange
Please join Gail and me on a Rotary team visiting India on a Rotary Friendship Exchange. In March 2025, our team will visit Rotary District 3040, mainly Madhya Pradesh State, India. We will be hosted in Rotarians’ homes in three different cities. Our hosts will show us the cultural and historic sights and we will see how Rotary works in District 3040 with visits to Rotary clubs and service projects.
Friendship Exchange is a program of Rotary International that can broaden international understanding; build enduring friendships; gain opportunities for active project involvement; learn about a region’s people, food, languages, customs and history; find partners for grants; and establish a foundation for peace and service.
OUTBOUND TEAM IN INDIA MARCH 3 TO 15
Our visit will begin Monday, March 3, in Indore, the state educational and commercial capital. It will end with a visit to famous historic sites such as Chittorgarh and Udaipur in Rajasthan. Departure will be from Udaipur on Saturday, March 15. Some of our team may wish to extend their stay in India by booking an optional but highly recommended Golden Triangle tour of Jaipur, Agra and Delhi. This can be easily done from Udaipur.
INBOUND TEAM IN DISTRICT 5330 JUNE 4 TO 16
In turn, our district will host a team from District 3040 in our homes in June, 2025. The current plan will require hosts for our Indian visitors in the Riverside/San Bernardino area June 4 through 7, The Coachella Valley June 8 through 11, and the Temecula area June 12 through 15. Departure will be June 16 Hosting may need to be adjusted depending on the availability of hosts in the different areas. If any of our guests or hosts wish to attend the RI Convention in Calgary, there will be five days between the hosting and the convention, which starts June 21.
ABOUT ROTARY DISTRICT 3040
District 3040 has 111 Rotary clubs and 2477 Rotarians spread across most of Madhya Pradesh and part of Gujarat. Indore is its largest city and is an industrial center with a “blissful blend of the past and future.” Bhopal, the state capital, has an old city with fine old mosques and palaces and an equally impressive new city. Other cities of note include Sanchi, Nagda, Ujjain, Omkareshwar, Maheshwar and Mandu.
HOW IT WORKS
Gail and I will lead a team of up to five Rotarians and their partners in March 2025. Almost certainly there will be space for single Rotarians if there are fewer than five couples. If space allows, adult family and friends can join the team. All will be hosted by Indian Rotarians in their homes. The hosts will provide lodging and meals at home. All other expenses will be paid by the participants. No funds from Rotary International or the Rotary Foundation will be used.
We expect to host five couples from District 3040 in June 2025.Host will provide lodging and meals at home including breakfasts and most dinners. most days. hosts will bring their guests to a nearby meeting point. There will be no additional financial contribution from hosts.
If you are interested in joining our team in India, would like to host, or would like more information, please contact me via email at ladd.g.seekins@gmail .com or call 909-800-3911.
Rotary Global Grant – Uganda Ultra Sound
November 2024 – Polio Plus
HOW DOES IS WORK?
January 2025 – 4 Way Speech Test
January 2025 – Poetry Awards
January 2025 – Vocational Service
ETHICAL LEADERSHIP
As this year’s Vocational Service Chair, I have wanted to write about so many different topics relative to this important Avenue of Service this year but have very little time to do it because I have only 6 months left to achieve my goal! This month I want to focus on the topic of Ethical Leadership.
All of us have been leaders at one time or the other. During our leadership responsibilities, how often have we thought about the part “ethics” plays in our situations?? I have to confess that I have taken “ethics” for granted, but it is important to remind ourselves, from time to time, of the benefits it plays in our respective leadership roles.
Ethical leaders demonstrate honesty, integrity and transparency. These characteristics strengthen trust among members and the communities they serve. By setting high ethical standards, leaders create a culture of respect, inclusivity, and motivation. The end result is an organization that is more effective and cohesive.
Ethical leaders are focused on aligning all their actions on the organization’s mission and values. The Rotary International Foundation’s mantra, as of late, has been “sustainability”. They now award grants to clubs only if the projects are “sustainable”. And so, in the vein of leadership, ethical leaders create sustainable practices like responsible resource management and transparent reporting, ensuring the longevity of the organization.
Communities recognize and appreciate ethical organizations and, therefore, want to engage with them in meaningful and productive projects. Ethical leaders mentor and inspire others. They are transformational and not merely transactional.
One of the apparent characteristics of ethical leadership is that it reduces the risk of internal conflict, favoritism, or mismanagement, ensuring fairness and justice within an organization.
Ethics is such an integral and necessary part of leading. One can only hope that all leaders embrace the concept of ethics!
Bill Chase, PDG
December 2024 – Vocational Service
As the district’s Vocational Service Chair, it seems fitting that my December article for the Digest is focused on Vocational Training Teams (VTT), because our district team is in as you read this Brazil!
VTTs are comprised of a group of professionals in their field who travel to different countries to lend their knowledge and skills to others within that similar discipline. It is an educational program of The Rotary Foundation.
Teams must ensure that their mission is in alignment with one or more of Rotary’s 6 Areas of Focus, i.e. benefitting the community and have a sustainable, measurable impact. VTTs must be sponsored by Rotary clubs or districts from 2 countries. The 6 Areas of Focus are:
Peace and conflict prevention/resolution
Disease prevention and treatment
Water and sanitation
Maternal and child health
Basic education and literacy
Economic and community development
Teams must consist of at least 2 members (Rotarians or non-Rotarians) with at least two years of professional experience in the designated area of focus.
The D5330 team is made up of: DG Judy Zulfiqar, Team Captain; Jennifer Loretta, Team Co-Captain; Carissa Gerry, Team Secretary; Glen Brock, Member; Dan Hudec, Member; and Maryalice Owings, Member.
Our team is focusing on Mental Health Awareness and Education in Maringà, Brazil. Their focus is to learn about the current initiatives that community currently has in place. Our team promises to “facilitate a productive idea exchange” with them.
VTTs are important in Rotary’s quest to promote one of the least understood Five Areas of Service-Vocational Service. Teams like this prove that a Rotarian’s background and experience in a business or a profession are vitally important to enhancing the knowledge base of communities in need.
Please remember that at the end of this Rotary year, DG Judy will be recognizing an outstanding business/profession in our district with the Rotary Award of Vocational Excellence so start thinking of who you’d want to nominate. More information will be coming out from me!
Sincerely,
Bill Chase, PDG
D5330 Vocational Service Chair
frndshp97@aol.com
November 2024 – Vocational Service
Dear Fellow Rotarians:
As we begin the 5th month of our Rotary year, we are now inundated with many responsibilities in our clubs and in our district. As Rotarians we are focused on accomplishing successes in all of the Five Avenues of Service, one of which is Vocational Service. I hope that your club is initiating vocationally-oriented projects that emphasize this significant cornerstone upon which Rotary was founded.
As you know, Vocational Service emphasizes the importance of professional ethics and the role that each member plays in their business and/or profession. It encourages Rotarians to use their skills and expertise to benefit others, promote high ethical standards, and support vocational development.
The key aspects of Vocational Service are:
- Professional Ethics: Rotarians are encouraged to uphold high ethical standards in their careers and to inspire others to do the same.
- Skill Sharing: Members can leverage their professional skills to assist local communities, whether through mentorship, training, or service projects.
- Networking: Rotary provides a platform for professionals from diverse fields to connect, exchange ideas, and collaborate on projects.
- Community Development: Engaging in projects that address community needs and utilizing professional expertise to help solve local challenges.
How can members be more attuned to Vocational Service?
- Identify Your Skills: Reflect on your professional expertise and consider how it can contribute to your community or fellow Rotarians.
- Mentorship: Offer to mentor younger members or students, sharing your knowledge and guiding them in their careers.
- Service Projects: Participate in or lead projects that leverage your vocational skills. This could include training workshops, career fairs, or providing pro bono services.
- Ethics in Practice: Regularly evaluate and discuss ethical practices within your profession, promoting a culture of integrity in your Rotary club.
- Collaboration: Work with fellow Rotarians to combine skills and resources for more impactful vocational service initiatives.
- Share Experiences: Share success stories and experiences in your vocation during club meetings to inspire others and foster a culture of learning.
By focusing on the areas above, Rotarians can enhance their commitment to Vocational Service, creating a stronger, more impactful community presence.
Sincerely,
Bill Chase, PDG District Vocational Service Chair
October 2024 – Vocational Service
Vocational Service is crucial to Rotary’s impact in the world because it emphasizes the ethical practice of professions, encourages high standards, and fosters community service through vocational expertise. It aligns with Rotary’s commitment to integrity and community betterment.
Rotarians can enhance their involvement in Vocational Service through several approaches:
- Mentorship Programs: Offer guidance and support to young professionals or students, helping them navigate their careers and develop their skills. This also includes guiding them through a mock “Interview Process”.
- Professional Development: Organize workshops, seminars, or training sessions to help community members and fellow Rotarians improve their vocational skills.
- Ethics Promotion: Advocate for and exemplify high ethical standards in all professional practices, serving as role models within their industries.
- Vocational Talks: Share insights from their professions at club meetings or community events, providing valuable knowledge and inspiration.
- Community Projects: Use their professional skills to contribute to local service projects, applying their expertise to solve community issues.
- Networking Events: Facilitate networking opportunities that connect professionals within their communities, fostering collaboration and support.
- Recognition Programs: Acknowledge and celebrate exceptional vocational achievements and ethical practices within the community. (Note: I will be writing an entire article for the DIGEST on this topic soon)
- Skills-Based Volunteering: Apply their professional skills to assist non-profits or community organizations, offering services like legal advice, accounting, or IT support.
By integrating these activities into their service, Rotarians can significantly impact their communities and uphold Rotary’s values.
NOTE: Please begin thinking of who your club will be nominating for the end-of-the year R.A.V.E. recognition. (Rotary Award for Vocational Excellence) DG Judy will presenting this highly coveted district award to a deserving business or profession at her District Conference. Applications will be going out to clubs sometime in March, 2025.
December 2024 – Council of Legislation
EVERYTHING ON COUCIL OF LEGISLATION
Council on Resolutions
The Council on Resolutions meets online every year to vote on proposed resolutions and urgent enactments. Resolutions are requests to the Board or the Trustees to take an action that is outside the purview of the constitutional documents. Ideally, a resolution should affect the Rotary world, rather than address local or administrative issues. An urgent enactment is a change to the constitutional documents, proposed by the RI Board, that the Board has determined cannot wait until the next Council on Legislation, which is held every three years.
Representatives from all Rotary districts vote on items proposed by clubs, districts, the RI Board, and the general council or conference of RIBI. Adopted resolutions are then considered by the RI Board or The Rotary Foundation Trustees. Urgent enactments that have been adopted will amend the constitutional documents, and will take effect one month after the Council on Resolutions report has been sent.
Find answers to frequently asked questions about the Council on Resolutions.
Council on Legislation
Every three years, Rotarians meet at the Council on Legislation to review and vote on proposed changes to the legislation that governs Rotary. They consider enactments, which change Rotary’s governing documents, and position statements by the RI Board.
Council representatives
Each Rotary district chooses a representative for a three-year term. These members represent their districts at all three meetings of the Council on Resolutions and at the Council on Legislation during their term.
District governors have until 30 June 2023 to report to Rotary their district representatives for the term covering 1 July 2023 through 30 June 2026. Representatives will participate in the:
- 2023, 2024, and 2025 Councils on Resolutions
- 2025 Council on Legislation
Proposing legislation and resolutions
Clubs, districts, the RI Board, and the RIBI general council or conference may submit legislation and resolutions to the Councils. The deadline for submitting resolutions for the Council on Resolutions is 30 June each year. The deadline for submitting enactments for the 2025 Council on Legislation is 31 December 2023.
CLICK TILE BELOW FOR MORE INFORMATION ON UPCOMING CHANGES.
December 2024 – Friendship Exchange
Please join Gail and me on a Rotary team visiting India on a Rotary Friendship Exchange. In March 2025, our team will visit Rotary District 3040, mainly Madhya Pradesh State, India. We will be hosted in Rotarians’ homes in three different cities. Our hosts will show us the cultural and historic sights and we will see how Rotary works in District 3040 with visits to Rotary clubs and service projects.
Friendship Exchange is a program of Rotary International that can broaden international understanding; build enduring friendships; gain opportunities for active project involvement; learn about a region’s people, food, languages, customs and history; find partners for grants; and establish a foundation for peace and service.
OUTBOUND TEAM IN INDIA MARCH 3 TO 15
Our visit will begin Monday, March 3, in Indore, the state educational and commercial capital. It will end with a visit to famous historic sites such as Chittorgarh and Udaipur in Rajasthan. Departure will be from Udaipur on Saturday, March 15. Some of our team may wish to extend their stay in India by booking an optional but highly recommended Golden Triangle tour of Jaipur, Agra and Delhi. This can be easily done from Udaipur.
INBOUND TEAM IN DISTRICT 5330 JUNE 4 TO 16
In turn, our district will host a team from District 3040 in our homes in June, 2025. The current plan will require hosts for our Indian visitors in the Riverside/San Bernardino area June 4 through 7, The Coachella Valley June 8 through 11, and the Temecula area June 12 through 15. Departure will be June 16 Hosting may need to be adjusted depending on the availability of hosts in the different areas. If any of our guests or hosts wish to attend the RI Convention in Calgary, there will be five days between the hosting and the convention, which starts June 21.
ABOUT ROTARY DISTRICT 3040
District 3040 has 111 Rotary clubs and 2477 Rotarians spread across most of Madhya Pradesh and part of Gujarat. Indore is its largest city and is an industrial center with a “blissful blend of the past and future.” Bhopal, the state capital, has an old city with fine old mosques and palaces and an equally impressive new city. Other cities of note include Sanchi, Nagda, Ujjain, Omkareshwar, Maheshwar and Mandu.
HOW IT WORKS
Gail and I will lead a team of up to five Rotarians and their partners in March 2025. Almost certainly there will be space for single Rotarians if there are fewer than five couples. If space allows, adult family and friends can join the team. All will be hosted by Indian Rotarians in their homes. The hosts will provide lodging and meals at home. All other expenses will be paid by the participants. No funds from Rotary International or the Rotary Foundation will be used.
We expect to host five couples from District 3040 in June 2025.Host will provide lodging and meals at home including breakfasts and most dinners. most days. hosts will bring their guests to a nearby meeting point. There will be no additional financial contribution from hosts.
If you are interested in joining our team in India, would like to host, or would like more information, please contact me via email at ladd.g.seekins@gmail .com or call 909-800-3911.
Rotary Global Grant – Uganda Ultra Sound
November 2024 – Polio Plus
D5020 FRIENDSHIP EXCHANGE LEAD
Kevin Dale Hilgers Victoria-Harbourside District 5020 Friendship Exchange Chair Contact |