Ethiopia, Rotary Art Expo, Rotary International Convention and a Changing Rotary.

Last Week



David Bradshaw gave us his talk on Ethiopia.  It was very interesting and he obviously had a very enjoyable time. He talked about the size of the country and the need for a guide though a surprising number of people spoke English which helped.  Here he is delivering his talk in an unusually serious pose.  he brought  long his assistance, Marietjie, to show the pictures.


Rotary Art Expo
It seems to have been very successful.  David Bradshaw had his talk rather squeezed by a lot of discussion about the Art Expo which was almost all learning curve, putting out fires etc for the committee.  I also got the impression that it required much more work on their behalf than they anticipated and that should have been spread throughout the club more next year.
Congratulations to all of them.

We seem to have achieved a lot more publicity than in the past both on radio and in print.

Here's just one example:

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One aspect of the Art Expo that tends to be forgotten are the many workshops in which the general public may participate.  Here's just one example:

Rotary Convention, Hamburg 

Last week The Ramble pictured Juanette McCrindle at the Convention promoting our club and our Cervical Cancer Project.  This is what she had to say about it in an email to the club:

I am happy to announce that I had three meetings with Bad Bedekese. And one in Helgoland. Then the conference. 

So at least 5 make ups and if we get more than one for the Convention please add them to the list.

There were so many interesting topics and stands it was overwhelming.  Listening to the Minister of Cooperation and Development talk about climate change, over population, ending polio and the importance of Rotary was interesting and at the same time really daunting. 

Rotaractors talking about how Rotary saved, changed and impacted their lives. One chap escaped the DRC and opened the first Rotaract Club in a refugee camp in Uganda.  Rotary saved one girl from going down the same path as her parents, drugs, alcohol and abuse.  

Rotary has impacted communities and individuals in significant ways and at these international conferences you feel the gratefulness of these people, you feel the inspiration and you are inspired. 

One break out session I chose to attend was that on the psychological impact on refugees... I could relate to this from two sides, a psychological side and as a new immigrant having stood in a queue with many refugees one morning from 02:00hrs, just to get a place in the queue that would allow you to be served.  The difference is I am privileged and most of the people in the queue are not. I have a support system, money, a home, transportation etc. 

The talk on cervical cancer was delivered by highly expert doctors and experienced practitioners in the field.  The statistics were mind blowing and it seems that the aim is to eradicate the HP Virus in the near future..through Rotary.

The Bill Gates Foundation has agreed to donate millions of US$ if the Rotary Foundation matches it.

I have met people from with different exhibits like the most simplistic water pump I have ever seen.. yet extremely effective.  

I have a sample of reusable sanitary pads (also a good project for our club). Healthy food, water filters, and so on and so on... 

In my limited experience it was one of the most invigorating conferences.  

Our going RI President Barry Rassin is a phenomenal leader and spoke extremely well.  Incoming RI President Mark Maloney is a highly qualified lawyer and seems to also be able to move a crowd as well, both men are movers and shakers and have the network to get things done. 

They both emphasized the importance of increasing female membership and if I am not wrong it is the first time that there are females on the board of directors and it is the first year that there is an overall increase of women in various positions within the various committees. They are  supported by strong partners. 

The opening and closing ceremonies were really fantastic, speeches were short and to the point, the entertainment was remarkable, yet not overbearing. All in all a great time. 

I have been fortunate to attend the RI Conventions in Los Angeles, Bangkok, Sydney, Seoul and Germany. Of them all, this one has touched me the most, perhaps that is a good thing considering this is the start of my life in Germany. 

The meetings and outings with the Bremen clubs were interesting and they made an incredible effort to make us feel welcome. 

Okay I have rambled enough, I hope you enjoyed my brief run down.

Thank you and best regards to all of you.

This Week

It's Discon, our District 9400 annual conference.  President Jean and a number of other Rotarians will be there so our usual Social Meeting is scheduled.

An extract from Rotary International General Secretary John Hewko's Report 

A Changing Rotary for a Changing World 

Rotary’s long-term membership strategy aims to attract a diverse set of new leaders who share our commitment and vision for creating lasting change while also making the club experience more engaging so even more of our current members stay. 

The first step to strengthening Rotary is to adapt to today’s realities and challenges, so we remain relevant to current and prospective members. 

Many clubs are implementing innovative ways to involve members and the community in Rotary. Whether they do it by creating new membership types, starting new clubs that accommodate busy schedules and different interests, or thoughtfully reexamining the style and frequency of their meetings, these clubs are discovering the value of changing to meet the diverse needs of today’s business, community, and civic leaders. To explore and find your own innovative solutions visit rotary.org/flexibility for examples, FAQ, and other resources. 

The manage membership leads program helps Rotarians connect with prospective members, relocating members, and those referred by current Rotarians. We received more than 15,000 membership inquiries this year, which resulted in about four new members joining Rotary each day.

 Small changes, big impact: The Rotary Club of Maidenhead Bridge in Berkshire, England, doubled its membership and engaged with the community by finding ways to welcome families and young professionals into the club’s activities. The club meets every two weeks at a coffee shop, and members are encouraged to bring their children. Club members also focus on service, logging almost 2,000 volunteer hours per year. In addition to bringing in new members, they are teaching future generations about the importance of volunteer service.