Message from the Governor (Apr) - The Rotarian & Other Sources of Rotary Information

Several years ago, a cable television station ran a program in which they highlighted the inventions that had made the most significant impact on mankind. As one might expect, the invention of the spaceship, atom bomb, airplane and the automobile all rated very high for the changes they have made on human kind. However, as the program declared, the unequivocal holder of the number one most influential invention was the printing press because of the effect it has had on the dissemination of information throughout the world.

As we focus on the Rotary Magazine this month, we should all take some time to consider the wealth of information that is available to us and to our friends about the programs and purposes of Rotary. In each and every addition of The Rotarian we learn of opportunities to be educated, motivated and inspired at meetings, conventions and even information that can be obtained online by Rotary.

While it would be great to conclude this message by attaching a copy of The Rotarian and saying, “see attached,” I have chosen to provide you with some links to our own website that you can follow to find out just how much information there is available to each Rotarian and each club through the use of the magazine.

If you go to the menu item for PROGRAMS & PROJECTS and select the link for International Service, then List of Programs & Projects by Country, and then click on the “Nepal” link at the top of the page, you can learn about the Harion Primary Eye Clinic project being sponsored by the Vashon Island Club, including finding out the contact person from that club for information about that project. Immediately below that information is the link for the Peruvian Earthquake Recovery, rebuilding schools project being sponsored by the Breakfast Club of Shoreline Club. The information under that project invites the participation of other clubs who may be seeking involvement in a worthwhile international service project that fills a very real need.

Other useful information is provided regarding Rotary Conventions. For example, you can read extensively about the Rotary International Convention that will be held in Los Angeles from June 15-8th of this year. On a local note, our District Conference is being held in the Tri-Cities from Friday, 16 May 2008 through Sunday, 18 May 2008. I could not write an article so close to the conference without encouraging you to set down your Rotarian for a moment and follow this link to register for the conference online and get information about your housing.

Finally, in an earlier message, we were reminded what a wonderful tool The Rotarian is to introduce others to what we do and to keep our Rotary family close and informed. I reiterate that part of my December 2007 message and renew my challenge to get The Rotarian to the surviving spouses of deceased Rotarians. Think of The Rotarian as our family newsletter, letting others know how our family is involved in the local and international community.

Many clubs take the opportunity during the month of April to quiz the members of their clubs on facts found in The Rotarian. Besides finding that this is a great source of “happy bucks,” we might be surprised to find that we really don’t know everything about Rotary and what it is doing throughout the world.

Please use The Rotarian, along with the internet resources for Rotary District 5030 and Rotary International, to share information with others.

Message from the Governor (Mar) - The Dream of Literacy

Most of us, at the push of a button are transmitted all the information we would ever need or want from all parts of the World. What a great time we live in: the information age where a person can gain an education or information in an instant. However, have you ever stopped to think how meaningless this plethora of information would be if you were unable to read any of it?

Throughout the district, a number of our clubs have participated in dictionary distribution programs in local elementary schools. (nearly 10,000 delivered this Rotary year) A number of stories have been shared which are inspiring and touching. Many of the teachers of these young students encourage them to write thank you notes to their Rotarian donors. Those thank you notes are very telling of the impact these small volumes of education are having in the lives of these future citizens. Some of these children take the time to look up, and correctly spell their favorite new vocabulary word. Others share the very instructive detail that this is the first book that they can call their own. They also share the dictionary with older family members and friends who are learning the English language.

If Rotarians are able to have this kind of educational influence the literacy of children in our area, imagine the impact that we could have in the lives of the many children throughout the world who cannot even read the simplest of words in their language. According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) nearly 800 million people over the age of 15 lack even basic reading and writing skills worldwide. Of all school age children worldwide, the number is 137 million who are illiterate in the world.

Let me reiterate: Rotarians do make a difference worldwide in promoting education. During this month when our focus ought to be on literacy, we can and should take some time to implement activities and programs that increase literacy worldwide. Our clubs have wonderful relationships with our schools. In many school districts, we sponsor Interact clubs that provide community and international service. Many of our club members are educators. Let’s make sure that we understand the educational needs of the students in our community schools. Programs should be sponsored this month to allow educators to share with us where the real needs are. Perhaps we will learn of the need for mentors in all subjects. As business people, we will probably never be able to pay back our educators for all they have done for us, but, we can try to help in promoting literacy in our schools.

Our focus should not just end with child literacy in our communities. I think we would all be startled to learn just how many adults in our nation could be classified as illiterate. One can only imagine the doors that must be shut to those who are unable to read and write in our society. Add to that the impact of not being able to read a simple story to your child or to write that child’s name. Adult education in our communities must be supported. We need to seek out those organizations, be it community colleges, and universities who are committed to helping educate adults and offer services to mentor adults.

Finally, providing funding for books, teachers and schools in foreign lands has such a major impact in the lives of children. We have all heard the stories out of Afghanistan of children attending school for the very first time. While children have the freedom in some of these countries to attend, they nevertheless lack the funding, in many instances, for the tools of education which we can provide through our generous support. As we promote literacy this month, let’s remember the dream I shared with you as Sharon and I visited your club, the dream that included “may every mother be able to write her children’s names and that her children grow up and are able to write their children’s names."

By setting the goals high enough, we can make the dream, your dream, indeed the dream of Rotarians around the world, become reality.

Message from the Governor (Feb) - World Understanding

During my life, both in and out of Rotary, I, like many of you, have been fortunate enough to do a bit of traveling. While we all enjoy the sights, like you, I think that I am often more intrigued by the variety of the cultures of those who populate our vast earth.

Most of us spend the majority of our time commuting within a relatively small area. The demands of our lives and pace of our schedules allows very little time to break out of that zone of comfort that we refer to as “home.” However, each one of us, by joining this great service organization, has committed not only to help change lives at home but also improve conditions for those living abroad.

Today, Rotary programs already in place give us the opportunity to become aware of the world around us. You may have members of your clubs, for example that have traveled the globe to help in distributing and administering Polio Vaccinations. Because of your generous donations to Polio Plus and Polio Partners, these Rotarians have personally witnessed the miraculous impact Rotary is having on children and adults of the developing countries in eradicating this disabling disease in what is a historical moment and a dream come true for everyone.

In our households, a drink of clean, clear drinkable water comes with the mere twist of a faucet. Because of the ease by which this most important life sustaining substance is supplied, the difficulty in many regions of the world in obtaining water escapes our view. However, Rotarians have a first hand and personal view of both the problem and the solution. Rotary has taken on projects throughout the world to assist in drilling wells and diverting water to farms and individuals whose only hope used to be good seasonal rains which fill natural lakes and streams.

A basic education is promised to the children of America. However, in many developing countries and regions, but for Rotary, a price of literacy is out of reach for many children because of a lack of teachers, schools and learning materials. By funding programs which benefit literacy in these regions, we have embarked on helping not only students, but parents to become educated.

Rotary’s Youth Exchange and Group Study Exchange programs bring other members of the world to us and allow us to send our neighbors and business leaders to other countries. Through our interactions with the men, women and students who travel from other countries to our district (and from ours to theirs), we have the opportunity to better understand the political and social challenges faced by others throughout the world. Through that comes the opportunity to let them know that we are their brothers and sisters notwithstanding our cultural and social differences. As we come to understand others through these exchanges, we can help breakdown the cultural barriers that exist throughout the world and spread a message of understanding and peace.

As Rotarians, we are not only making a difference in our communities, but we are helping throughout the world. As we share our time, talent, resources, kindness and love with others, we must in our clubs and communities, each of us take a moment to become aware of the needs of other peoples worldwide and the great benefit that we as Rotarians can provide.

When we all participate in the Rotary programs in our district and throughout the world we are building the framework that will make our dream become a reality.

Message from the Governor (Jan) - "Happy New Year!"

Each New Year many of us resolve to challenge ourselves to greater heights and achievements. Without belittling the typical New Year’s resolutions, we as Rotarians should be striving every day to make some small difference in our lives and in the lives of others.

As I have toured our clubs this year, I have found some of the most impressive men and women that I have met anywhere. Thank you for all you do to improve the local and world community in which we live. Even in the daily contact that we have with non-Rotarians, we make a difference by the example we set in abiding by the Four-Way Test.

In our contact with non-Rotarians every one of us has been asked this question: “What is Rotary?” What is our response? Our response may partly be a function of either the amount of time we are given for the answer, or the nature of the forum in which the question is asked. While we all feel privileged to belong to this wonderful organization, we could probably all improve the way we answer this question. Here are some suggestions for responding to that question, that you may not have considered.

First, when we are asked about Rotary, our normal tendency is to explain that it is a service club. While it is true that we are a service club, perhaps we could take a moment to explore a way to answer that question that will explain why we are unique in the service we provide. To assist us, each of us should carry a handful of cards with the Four-Way Test and explain that test to our friends and associates.

Let’s briefly share with them Rotary’s efforts to eradicate Polio worldwide. This overwhelming goal is close to being a reality by the end of the decade thanks, in large part, to the sharing of time and money from Rotarians throughout the world.

Note for your friends Rotary’s specific efforts locally. All of our clubs are engaged in worthwhile specific service in their communities. Why not share those efforts with our friends, neighbors and business colleagues? Let them know about Rotary First Harvest and how families throughout our region are able to get wholesome foods because Rotarians locally share their time to assist in the processing of these bulk foods gleaned from farms and companies throughout the region.

Second, offer to show our friends what Rotary is all about. In addition to bringing friends to our meetings, let’s invite them to participate with us in one of our Community and/or International Service Projects; there is so much to gain by inviting our non-Rotarian friends to assist with project and no doubt, we would love to have their assistance.

Third, we should follow up on the information that we provide. We don’t just want to walk away from the opportunity to have our associates join us in our worthwhile projects. Let’s share with them a copy of The Rotarian, our club newsletter, our Club, District and International websites. Let’s include them on our email list every time something of Rotary interest comes about.

Finally, let’s remember to subtly remind our friends of our involvement in Rotary by always wearing our Rotary pins. It should be as much in our nature to don our rotary pins as it is to wear shoes in public.

I hope that in 2007 we were able to feel like we made a difference in our lives and in the lives of others because of our involvement in Rotary. Starting this month, let’s make it our goal to share the fulfillment that we have felt by sharing Rotary with others.

Message from the Governor (Dec) - "RI Family of Rotary Month"

I think for many of us, the holidays invoke memories of those who are closest to us. For some of us this time of year is a time to reunite with family members who may live some distance away to spend a few cherished moments in letting them know of our love for them.

As District Governor, I like to think of our Rotary District as one big family. That family is not limited to the dedicated Rotarians of each of our clubs. There is a kinship with the spouses and children of those Rotarians who support and assist us in completing local community and international service projects that Rotarians get involved with and commit to every day of every year. There is a special closeness for the family members of Rotarians who have passed. We must embrace that Rotarian family with the same love and kindness we share with everyone else we serve.

We must always include in our Rotary family our Rotaract, Interact, Youth Exchange and RYLA members and participants. Remember your Students of the month and their families, because they are now a part of your Rotary family as well. The relationship we have with our alumni from GSE, Ambassadorial and World Peace Scholars must also be remembered as part of our Rotary Family. I would encourage each club to take the time this month to strengthen our Rotary family. Many clubs will have holiday celebrations. I hope that you will take the time to extend a special invitation to all the members of our Rotary Family to join your winter festivities, regardless of the religious or cultural background behind those actvities. Let’s invite the widows, widowers, children and Grand Children of our deceased Rotarians to participate with us this holiday. The Rotary Club of Bellevue Breakfast (BBRC) has a fantastic Holiday program for their Rotary Family. It would be my hope that each of us will include the members and families of our Rotaract, Interact, Youth Exchange, RYLA and Students of the month programs to join with us in club and family activities throughout the holiday season.

Perhaps a kind holiday greeting and a personal note to the members of our family we no longer see at our club meetings, letting them know how much we miss them. Many families share annual newsletters this time of year with their extended family to let them know what they have been doing all year. Why not do the same with our extended Rotary Family. Let’s send our club newsletters and perhaps a copy of the Rotarian magazine to those who have presented program at our clubs, participated in our exchange programs, or joined with us in making our service projects and fundraisers so successful. Let them know how grateful you/we are for the part they have played in our family and how much we appreciate having them as part of our Rotary family.

December is truly a month to emphasize how much Rotary Shares. Let’s share our club activities, service projects, meetings, parties, achievements with those we love. May each of you and the members of your families enjoy a wondrous Holiday Season!

 

Message from the Governor (Nov) - "RI Foundation Month"

The dream of nearly 1.3 million Rotarians is of a world that is completely free of polio, where mothers will be able to write their children's names, where children will be able to write their mothers' names, where everyone will have within their homes the ability to pour and drink a glass of pure, clean water. We dream of a world where every child, woman and man will be able to breathe the pure, clean air of freedom.

I believe you share that dream. Do you have a vision of what this world can be? I suspect that we all do because if we didn't, we would spend our precious discretionary time in other pursuits. There are nearly 1.3 million Rotarians throughout the world — 3,500 of those Rotarians serve in this district. If every Rotarian throughout the world contributed every year to the Rotary Foundation, those dreams could quickly become a reality. If we all share the dream that has been described, why would we not all become living examples of the Rotary Foundation motto, "Service Above Self," and have "Every Rotarian Every Year" give something to help their dream become a reality.

There are several levels of recognition for Rotary donors. To become a sustaining member, one needs to commit to donating $100.00 per year. To become a double-sustainer, one would commit to contributing $200.00 (or more) per year. Double sustaining members receive a pin that says "Facing the challenges of a new millennium." As we look at the tragedies of September 11, 2001, and Hurricane Katrina and the recent fires in California, who can doubt that we face new challenges of this still new millennium?

Those who are willing to commit to a contribution of $1,000.00 per year can become members of the Paul Harris Society. There are also those who believe enough to make testamentary bequests in their wills or living trusts. Those who make such gifts become members of the Bequest Society. What is unique and special about those who become members of the Bequest Society is that they can earmark the special programs which their bequests will fund. Also unique to the bequest society is that only the interest from those bequests are used, leaving the principal bequest untouched in perpetuity. Imagine, for example, the money you bequest being used to help bring about world peace, literacy to all the people of the world and to irrigate regions that have suffered life-threatening droughts?

Each club should have a Rotary Foundation Chair. If your club doesn't, I would encourage you to appoint one so that Rotarians will not only be encouraged to give to The Rotary Foundation (TRF), but so that information can be disseminated regularly about TRF and the variety of ways each of us can contribute. Anyone who needs more information can also visit the Rotary International Foundation page.

Not only does The Rotary Foundation match funds for the worthwhile local and international projects undertaken by our clubs, but worldwide The Rotary Foundation has been the catalyst, in many instances for challenges such as polio eradication. It is important for us all to remember, until Rotary became involved, the idea of eradicating Polio seemed nearly impossible. Now that dream is close to becoming a reality, making way for other worthwhile seemingly impossible projects which, too, can become a reality. Like world wide literacy, clean water for all human kind and indeed a world at peace.

In this year where the theme is "Rotary Shares," let's share of ourselves selflessly to show the world Rotary District 5030 cares. Please give to the Rotary Foundation with the understanding that your contribution, whether it be cash to the Annual Giving or by revision of wills. But know, contributing generously to one of the greatest charitable undertakings in the world (TRF), that contribution is making a difference and turning the dreams of Rotarians and others into reality.

Message from the Governor (Oct) - "Vocational Service Month" 

Rotary was founded as an organization that emphasized the vocations of its members. While Rotary has transformed from its local and professional focus into a worldwide service organization, the vocations of its members remains an important part of membership. Rotarians throughout the world begin their introductions with their names and then their classifications based upon their vocations.

October marks the month for Rotarians to put a little extra emphasis on vocations worldwide. What a great opportunity for us to take some time to celebrate the diversity in the occupational backgrounds of our members and the vocational pursuits of others in our community.

In the first meeting of October, I encourage each club to take some time and examine the second avenue of service, with emphasis on The 4-Way Test and the Declaration of Rotarians in Business and the Professions. If we can take some time to do this, we can then spend some time in our clubs in planning, developing and completing projects for the remainder of the year that will continue this vocational emphasis.

In getting to know more about what our members do, clubs can think about introducing a “mini-classification” series where, throughout the year, at the beginning of designated meetings, members of the club could take three to five minutes to talk about his or her vocation, like a “classification talk”. This will give members the opportunity to appreciate the value of the various occupations represented in our clubs.

We should take the opportunity to look at some of the occupations outside of our club. Look around and see outstanding individuals in the community who exemplify the principles of ethics and the 4-Way Test. Perhaps we could take a moment in a meeting and recognize community leaders with an award for their contribution to the success of a community service project, or to someone who has exemplified ethics in their profession.

A number of our service activities rely on the generosity of the professions and merchants in the local community. Without this participation, many of our projects would be severely handicapped. Not only should we make an extra effort to make sure we extend our appreciation for those who so generously give, we should ensure that we continue to involve these companies by planning projects that will continue to integrate their strengths.

As the saying goes, “it is never too early to start.” Each club should take time to plan projects that help to point youth toward a vocation and the ethics that should accompany that vocation. Some of our clubs are presenting the 4-Way Test program in local high schools. I’d like to see this district project expand.

In conclusion during the month of October I’d like to see an emphasis placed on the “classification talk.” We should take time to appreciate the representation and diversity of occupations throughout our Rotary world.

Remember to register in the Members Only section of this website.

Message from Governor Don (Sep) - New Generations

September brings with it a parent's dream: Children back in school. As I have watched the issues surrounding a new school year, one recurring annual theme is: “Invest in our children: They are our future.” My hope is that we at Rotary really believe that.

While we may believe that the younger generation is our future, it is interesting to note that in our District, less than two percent (2%) of our Rotary members are under the age of 30. Many of us in business realize the need to continue to keep our company thriving by hiring new, young, and energetic talent. Why should Rotary be any different? While wisdom, experience, and years of service cannot be discounted, we should be looking for every opportunity to bring the new generation into Rotary.

INTERACT
Rotary provides an opportunity for youth to become involved in Rotary service through Interact. Teenagers (ages 14 to 18) not only get an opportunity to serve the community but to serve the international community as well. Highlighted on the District’s website is the newest Interact Club at Foster High School. That Interact club was started with an initial charter of 50 students. One of the members of the Rotary Club of Tukwila, Verna Griffin, was moved by a presentation by the District Interact Chair. Verna, who has two sons attending Foster High School, thought Interact would be a great way for them to participate in community service opportunities, much like she does through her Rotary Club. The French Teacher at Foster High School learned about the chartering effort and remembered that a relative had been involved in Rotary’s youth exchange program. She was so impressed with that experience that she agreed to serve as the School Advisor for the Interact Club, her way of contributing service to and for the community.

This Interact experience not only exposes 50 students to Rotary (along with their parents); it also exposes a group of individuals who might never have heard of Rotary to the idea of “Service Above Self.” Currently we have nine Interact Clubs in our district. We’ve set a goal of 25 clubs within the next 5 years. With 56 Rotary Clubs and dozens of public and private schools in our District we could accomplish this goal by having one Interact Club for every two (actually 2.24) Rotary clubs in our district. Why not team together with another club and locate a high school willing to sponsor a new Interact Club. Imagine the benefit this could bring to the youth, Rotary Clubs and general population of our communities. If you want more information about Interact, invite District Interact Chair Leesa Kofmehl (Email: or Ph 206-799-0087).

ROTARACT
Rotaract is a program that we can use for tapping the resources of those in the 18 to 30 year old bracket. Unbeknownst to some, Rotaract does not need to be associated with a college or university; it can be started anywhere. Like Interactors, Rotaractors are asked to do one community service project and one International service project each year. We have two active Rotaract Clubs, Seattle and Bellevue Community College. A goal of 15 within the next 5 years has been set. Through the programs and projects of Rotaract they have the opportunity to develop an appreciation for service above self that will carry on throughout life. With the Rotary Clubs continued and sustained interaction with the Rotaract (and Interact) clubs, I believe Rotary will not just survive but grow in strength and numbers.

RYLA
Another great youth program is Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, RYLA, which provides a wonderful opportunity to reach out to a new generation. This is Rotary’s training program for young leaders that emphasizes leadership, citizenship and personal growth. Again, what a wonderful opportunity this is, not only to expose youth to Rotary, but to also train them to be citizens who give something back to the community. Josh Gerstman (Email: ), our District RYLA Chair, would love to come to your club and share more about RYLA, especially how you can nominate youth to participate in the program scheduled for March of 2008.

4-WAY TEST PROGRAM
Our District has included the 4-Way Test Program as one of the District Projects. It has been successfully introduced in some of our high schools. While somewhat less formal than starting an Interact or Rotaract club, this is a great way to introduce basic ethics to the youth of our community. For more information contact District 4-Way Test Program Chair Ron Arntson at .

ALUMNI
We must also remember to keep in touch with our alumni, whether it is our Ambassadorial Scholars, Group Study Exchange team members, or students of the month. Our Rotary Clubs need to stay engaged in our communities and the youth with whom we come in contact throughout the years. Remember the 17-year-old “Student of the Month” may make a great Rotarian 10 years later, especially if he or she had participated in RYLA, Interact or Rotaract. For information on Alumni please contact PDG John Nelson, our District Alumni Chair, at .

Everyone has encountered numerous people who have not heard of Rotary. What a wonderful goal it would be if we could instill and inspire in a new generation Rotary’s motto, Service Above Self. In keeping with our theme, “Rotary Shares,” let’s share Rotary with the new generation. Let’s lead this new generation into Rotary so we can enjoy and learn from the young and energetic talents that abound in our communities as well as share our experience and wisdom with this new generation, who will become tomorrow’s leaders.

Don

Message from Governor Don (Aug) - Have you ever wondered what life would be without Rotary?

I have. Rotary is more than just a club that gives service; it is an opportunity to develop lasting relationships with individuals that we might not have come in contact had it not been for Rotary. If you are like me and think that Rotary is one of the greatest things that has happened in your life, then I invite you to put an extra emphasis on strengthening the relationships that you and your club cherish so much and invite new members to participate.

You probably are close to a number of people in your club, possibly all of them. Even though friendships should never die, clubs lose members. Therefore, I have some recommendations that, if tested, can prove to retain members in our clubs. First, let’s keep our activities and meetings interesting. If your club is used to the same old format or the same old agenda, mix it up a bit. Try something different. Find different recognitions for club members. Look around and see if there are club members who seem to have drifted into the corners. Those are your members who may not feel welcome. Second, let’s keep our projects interesting as well. While service is service, let’s look for new projects to involve and engage members that they have never been involved and engaged before. Don’t just think of service projects and fundraisers as work; think of them as an opportunity to interact with the members of your club.

Take the opportunity to move your meeting place every now and then; have them catered if necessary. You may want to see if there is a member of your club that has a facility big enough to host the meeting. This will give you an opportunity to learn a little bit more about members of your club and what they do during the majority of the waking hours of their lives. If you have not had a “fireside” for some time consider opening your home for this fellowship and Rotary information opportunity.
Many members feel it a great honor to have their family members join them at a Rotary meeting, yet when you consider the cost of feeding them all at a meeting that may make members a little shy about bringing family and other out of town guests. Clubs could consider having a family rate for meals and/or subsidizing part of the cost of bringing family members, other friends, out of town guests. A “family day” event could be scheduled some time during the year.

I believe we all cherish our membership. If our membership in this great organization called Rotary is meaningful to us, it is probably meaningful to others. We have many opportunities to invite others to meetings. For example, many clubs have a student of the month program where students are recognized. I have noticed how honored the students and parents are for the recognition given by your clubs. Sometimes this is the first exposure both parents and the students have had with Rotary. Why make it the last? We should keep track of those students and parents to invite them to social and service events. Invite the students to join an Interact Club and get involved. If your club does not have an Interact, check with Leesa Kofmehl at to learn how to get one chartered. Invite both parents and students to help with our service projects and fundraising efforts. Also, stay engaged with the youth programs, RYLA, Youth Exchange and others we have in our clubs and district. You can find more information on these youth programs right here on the district website. When we get parents involved, they see what we are doing and what we are about. I believe many will want to become a part of Rotary.

Keep track of the plans and goals of those students. Watch for them as they move through college and trade schools and become involved in the community. Invite them to your clubs or invite them into Rotaract, which is a program for those who are between the ages of 19 and 30. And, despite the common misconception, Rotaract does not have to be linked to a college campus or program. For information on how to start a Rotaract Club contact Bill Ptacek at . In this month’s Rotarian, a story is told of a young man who was a Rotaract member for 11 years and who then asked the local Rotary Club if he could join. (Rotarian, Volume 186, No. 2)

One of the marvelous Rotary programs that involves community non-Rotarians and Rotarians alike is Group Study Exchange. Let’s invite families in the community who have served as host families or those who we have sent out on GSE to learn more about Rotary. The Alumni chair of our clubs should track these individuals and see where they are now. For information on the Alumni please contact PDG John Nelson at . These individuals are usually valuable community members who have much to contribute in the way of service to their community. By involving them in Rotary, we give them the opportunity to do what they would like to do, serve others to make our world a better place for all living beings.

While I am sure each of us thinks that our club is the greatest, there is no doubt that many in our community are kept from participating because they are unable to meet when or where our clubs meet. Unless we regenerate (Club Extension), or reproduce ourselves, we lose the valuable talents and service these men and women have to offer. One club may not be able to do it all in a community. Clubs should carefully look for the opportunities that exist in conjunction with another club to help charter a new club in the community. If clubs are meeting on the same day, they could take a look at chartering a new club that might meet on a different day or time. If your club is a morning club, consider starting a luncheon club, or even an evening club. Please consider the possibility of forming a club that meets in your community but at a different time or location. For information on Club Regeneration contact PDG Duane Ruud at .

While each of our clubs is great, we are limited in what we can provide. There are countless needs in each of our communities. Many geographical areas in our district are under served. Clubs should consider regeneration as an opportunity to meet the service needs of the community, both local and international.

This year’s theme “Rotary Shares” is descriptive of the attitude we should have for our friends in the community. Let’s do more to share, by thinking of and implementing ways to strengthen our relationships in our clubs and give others the opportunity to build new relationships by regenerating ourselves through the chartering of new clubs that can broaden our service.

Don

Message from Governor Don (Jul) - Membership Month

July is membership month throughout the Rotary world so let's "Share Rotary" by focusing on membership development.

Recently, the National Geographic Channel ran a special entitled "Planet Earth." Hundreds of painstaking hours were spent by photographers with "High Definition" cameras capturing breathtaking footage of the wonders of this planet, over, on and beneath the earth's surface. Clips showed remote areas never before captured by camera as well as animals, birds and fish that occupy some of these areas. In some instances, this documentary noted the sad, near extinction of some of the species photographed. Not only were the beauties of some these creatures noted, but, more importantly the role they play in the earth's eco-system. The cause of the extinction is very similar for all of these creatures; the inability to adapt to changes in their environments.

Decades ago the "species" now known internationally as Rotary was formed when a small group of Chicago businessmen, met together in pursuit of common community goals. Out of those small beginnings has grown an organization today of approximately 1.2 million members belonging to over 32,000 clubs in 200 countries and geographic regions bound together in such worthy projects as the eradication of polio worldwide, the elimination of hunger in our communities, the promotion of literacy and providing clean clear water to every living being.

Our district is no exception when it comes to participation in these outstanding programs. However, when you compare the 55 clubs and the 3363 members in District 5030 to the population of the Puget Sound, I hope that you see the vast potential for good that is untapped. Of equal concern must always be the possibility that if we fail to adapt to our ever changing environment, we face being able to do even less than we've been doing.

At the start of this new Rotary year, I would challenge each Rotarian to share the service opportunities of Rotary with those who are not currently participating. I am introducing the four "R's" of Rotary to help each of us to strengthen our clubs and membership district wide. They are: Recruitment, Retention, Regeneration and Rejuvenation.

Recruitment
Think of your first exposure to Rotary. Some of you may have come to Rotary through shear curiosity followed by inspiration in seeing the challenges that your club was meeting in the community. Most of you, however, were probably introduced to Rotary by some faithful member who invited you to a meeting and nurtured your application process like you were his or her best friend. Ask yourself this question, "Who wouldn't want to belong to Rotary after seeing all that Rotary stands for?" As you think about that, certainly the invitation should be extended by each Rotarian to at least one new person this coming year. Can you imagine what 100% growth in our district would mean to the community?

Retention
Have you ever been to a meeting where you didn't know anyone? How comfortable did you feel at that meeting? Now ask yourself this: "What have I done in my Rotary meetings to make someone new, feel welcome?" I suspect that we are all really good about welcoming new members, but that is not where our efforts should end. We need to continually help our new Rotarians feel the importance they have in our clubs. Included in our efforts should be the following: First, those new members need to have the opportunity to get to know every member of the club. Note, I am not talking about the superficial way in which introductions are made, rather new members need to spend time getting to know each other in the same way that long-lasting friendships are made. Members who are well acquainted with others in the club, should take the time to make introductions. We should learn to move around in our meetings; to sit with someone we have never sat with.

More important than the introductions, are the reasons that we each joined Rotary. Here is a secret: new members joined for the same reason. However, we need to make sure that new members are actually placed into service. Offer a new Rotarian a ride to a service project. Invite them to accept a specific assignment in our clubs. Give them a responsibility that will require their active participation.

Regeneration
Just imagine how stagnant and boring life would be if we associated with the same people our entire lives. While each of us have relationships that will last a lifetime, new ideas, knowledge, wisdom and goals are generated from the new people we meet and learn about. Sometimes it will be an individual's unique accomplishments that inspire us. Other times it is the unique thoughts those individuals share with us that lead us to new heights. New associations constantly bring a new perspective to help us grow in areas we may not have even considered.

Our District works much the same way. I consider it a great privilege to serve in a District with so much diversity. At the same time, I look forward to the formation of new clubs. With their formation, comes a new perspective in the District of what it means to be a Rotarian and what it means to serve the community. Each newly formed club develops its own traditions, projects and service opportunities throughout local and world communities.

As new clubs are formed in our District, we reach out to more people in the community. Likewise, we attract new members to those new clubs who feel a sense of community as they share the goals and aspirations of those new clubs. My challenge to you is to charter at least four new clubs this coming year. We need existing clubs to step forward with offers to sponsor a new breakfast, lunch or dinner club in their area for those prospective Rotarians who have conflicting schedules with your clubs meeting time.

Rejuvenation
This month we celebrate the Declaration of Independence. It marks, perhaps, the most defining moment in our history when a group of patriots, many of them quite young, decided they could run a country without the aid of the seasoned statesmen of Great Britain.

I am not suggesting a revolution in the District. However, it is awe-inspiring that a group of young rebels could bring enough energy to this land to build it into the great nation we live in today. Likewise, think what younger members could bring to clubs if we just look for them. We have a tendency to look for potential members within our age group. However, taking a lesson from our founding fathers, we ought to look for younger people to fill our ranks with their enthusiasm for life, their desire to serve others, and make a difference in their community.

There is much good that Rotary can do. The theme for this year is "Rotary Shares." If Rotary is to truly share, we should start by increasing our club size. RI President Wilf Wilkinson and I challenge each club to increase by one net member.

Thus, let's begin this new Rotary year by truly demonstrating "Rotary Shares" -- share our time, talents, money, kindness, friendship, knowledge and experience with others and grow membership throughout our great district.

Don

Welcome to a New Rotary Year!

Welcome to the new Rotary District 5030 Website! The directory is up and running. Many of you jumped on right away and updated your contact information. The ten (10) listed below responded within MINUTES of getting the email requesting us to do so!

Brent Hagen was the grand prize winner of a $20.00 Starbucks Card, and everyone else gets a $10.00 Starbucks Card.

1. Brent Hagen, Edmonds
2. Howard Cohen, Queen Anne
3. Patty Baker, Snoqualmie Valley
4. Ronald Lawrence, Edmonds Daybreakers
5. David Goldsmith, Bellevue Overlake
6. John Enger, West Seattle
7. Elizabeth Crouch, Edmonds
8. John Claus, Seattle Northeast
9. John Knutsen, Alderwood Terrace
10. Stan Dickison, Edmonds Daybreakers

We need to get the rest of the district leadership to log onto the site and update their contact information. Please do so immediately and get others on your teams to do so!

Thanks again. Steve Lingenbrink or I will either hand deliver your card or mail it to you.

Why Should You Attend the Presidential Membership Conference?

An interview with Conference Chair Chris Offer

Q - Why should Rotarians travel to Vancouver to attend the Presidential Membership Conference on August 10 and 11, 2007?
A- Anyone who cares about the future of Rotary wants membership growth. Rotary, our Foundation and our programs depend on Rotarians willing to place service above self. This conference is an opportunity to look to the future and ask who will be the next generation of Rotarians.

Q - Who are the speakers?
A - The principal keynote speaker is RI President (2007-08) Wilf Wilkinson. RI President Elect D.K. Lee, RI Director Monty Audenart, Past RIBI President John Hockin, PRID Ron Beaubien and PRID Sam Greene will join President Wilf as presenters. All the speakers and their topics are listed on the conference website.

The membership coordinators from Zone 22 and 23 have key roles in the conference as presenters, facilitators or moderators. I am excited about the presentation by Michael McCoy who has extensive experience in the volunteer sector. Michael is speaking about what he calls drive by volunteers vs. long-term commitment. An issue that is important to Rotary's goal of membership retention.

Q - Who should attend the conference?
A - The conference is intended for all Rotarians who are committed to strengthening Rotary membership, but especially club and district membership development committee members, club presidents and officers, and district leaders.

Q - What topics will be covered at the conference?
A - We have an exciting mix of keynote speakers from inside and outside of Rotary who will deal with the regional membership trends, club and district leadership, the unique challenges of small clubs, how to increase the diversity of our membership and why the creation of new clubs in so important.

The conference is designed to empower Rotary clubs to take up their own membership initiatives that will help Rotary stay vital and growing in the years to come. Participants will learn about and discuss practical ways to identify and recruit new members, retain existing members, and extend Rotary through new clubs.

Q - Will there be opportunities for Rotarians to exchange ideas on membership development?
A - Dialogue and discussion are essential to the success of the conference. There are two roundtable discussion sessions where all conference delegates will debate a variety of critical topics. There are also two panel discussion sessions that focus on club membership success stories and club best practices.

Q - Isn't the conference a lot of money for most Rotarians to spend?
A - Yes, it is a big investment for a club or an individual Rotarian. I encourage clubs to pay all or some of the expenses of their president and the club membership chair. This is money well invested in the club's future. Without growth, clubs cannot continue to provide service to their community. The registration fee has been kept to a minimum, as have hotel rates. There discounts available for those areas serviced by WestJet.

Q - What are the other locations of the membership conferences?
A - Conference locations and dates are Philadelphia, 13-14 July; Nashville, Tennessee, 20-21 July; South Bend, Indiana, 27-28 July; Denver, Colorado, 3-4 August; San Jose, California, 17-18 August; and Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, 24-25 August.

Q - What social events are planned?
A - There are no specific social events planned. The goal is to keep the cost low and focus on membership. However, the Delta Hotel where the conference is being held is ideally situation for visiting Vancouver. The hotel is 5 minutes from the airport, 30 minutes from the Vancouver Island ferries, 30 minutes from the US border and 20 minutes to downtown Vancouver. August is a spectacular time to be in Vancouver. The city has restaurants featuring every possible variety of cuisine, numerous tourist attractions and events. There are links to restaurants and tourist sites on the conference website.

Q - How do you register for the conference?
A - The online registration, link to the hotel, conference agenda and other information are all available at http://www.RotaryEvents.ca. The preferred hotel room rates are only available until July 10, 2007 or until the reserved room block is booked. Currently about 65% of the rooms are booked. Registration fees go up in July.

I hope to see everyone in Vancouver in August 10th and 11th. Contact Chris Offer at .

Meet District Governor Don Gregory

Don began his Rotary career in September 1990, when he joined the Rotary Club of Tukwila. He has had perfect attendance since the day he joined Rotary and served as president in 1994-1995.

As a graduate of the District 5030 Rotary Academy, Don has served our district as District Information Chair, Group Study Exchange Chair, District Foundation Chair (for three years), and Assistant Governor (three years). He is a multiple Paul Harris Fellow, and a member of the Bequest Society and Paul Harris Society.

Don and his wife Sharon are members of the Fellowship of International Host Families (FIHF). They have been to four International Conventions and have hosted GSE team members and Ambassadorial Scholars.

Don received the Rotary Foundation District Service Award, and in April of 2002 was honored with The Rotary Foundation's Citation for Meritorious Service.

Don is a graduate of Central Washington State College with a degree in Physical Education. He is also a licensed insurance agent and has owned a Farmer's Insurance agency in Kent since 1987. Don taught and coached football and swimming during his 16 years as a Seattle Public School teacher. Over the years, Don has also worked as a logger for the Scott Paper Company, and on the beach as a lifeguard, beach manager, and swimming instructor for the Seattle Parks Department.

Don and Sharon have been married since 1986. Sharon, a graduate of Western Washington University, is retired after 30 years of teaching in the Federal Way School District, where she taught gifted 3rd and 4th graders. Sharon now volunteers at the Fred Hutch School and for the Renton Chamber of Commerce, where she was awarded Renton Chamber of Commerce volunteer of the year for 2007.

Both Don and Sharon enjoy traveling and cheering local sports teams on to victory.