Month: August 2011

September is Rotary’s New Generations month. District Governor Chuck Berg’s current newsletter asks clubs to reach out to 30-something professionals in our community as prospective members. He credits doctors lawyers and business people who are looking for a way to be involved, serve, and give back.

Millennials (born 1977 to 1998) are increasingly aware of and engaged in volunteer work, community service, and philanthropic activities. Generation Xers (born 1965-1976) prefer to focus on volunteering in their communities and dealing with local issues producing tangible results.

Step up and be aware of the young professionals that you come in contact with on a daily basis and invite them to a club meeting. Get them involved in your next club project. They have the drive and energy to ensure the future of our clubs and the future of Rotary.

• Give them meaningful assignments.
• Listen for preferences and concerns; respect their skills and opinions.
• Remember that they are very good at multitasking.
• Build in socializing, fun, celebrations (food!).
• Run tight, brief, efficient meetings (including orientation).
• Make it easy for people to participate.
• Recognize individual contributions.
• Promote a cause/mission/issue to attract this civic-minded generation.
• Focus on issues that represent the interests of the community rather than individuals.
• Promote collaboration, team spirit and diversity.
• Offer a variety of exciting and challenging experiences.

District Governor Chuck Berg surprised everyone by sharing his personal and painful story of being a troubled, at-risk youth. The story was about him, but the message was that every life we touch and every effort we make can impact another in a long-term way. We are each capable of changing the world, one person at a time, through opportunity, mentoring, and appreciation.

DG Chuck’s story emphasized the second of three goals that Rotary Present Kalyan Banerjee set for 2011-12 and asked the District Governors to introduce:

• Family
• Continuity
• Change.

This year’s theme, Reach Within to Embrace Humanity, is simply “what Rotarian’s do,” the District Governor said. Among his own goals for this Rotary year, DG Chuck raised the challenge to give $1/day to The Rotary Foundation. He encouraged recruitment to reach a 3% membership growth in District 5950. And he spoke briefly about creating a Leadership Development Team with curriculum that builds a new Rotary leaders for tomorrow.

Surprise, surprise……….. Rogers’ high energy level and hearty greetings made the DG feel very welcome.

……. article written by Cheri Ashfeld

Bean McEachern of Northridge Church to speak of his latest mission visit to the Hondouras on Wednesday’s meeting (August 31). This mission was in part funded by Rogers Rotary Foundation and aided natives with personal hygiene products and oral care.

from RI News…..

A key goal of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) is interrupting transmission of the wild poliovirus by the end of 2012.

Among the four polio-endemic countries, India has reported only one case of polio so far this year. The other polio-endemic countries are Afghanistan, Nigeria, and Pakistan.

There’s good progress in Afghanistan while spotlighting the challenge of immunizing children in conflict area. Nigeria also has been making good headway but needs to sustain the political commitment required to ensure eradication of the disease.

In Pakistan, cases doubled in the first six months of 2011, compared with the same period in 2010. There’s also concern about controlling polio in countries with reestablished transmission, including Angola, Chad, and Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Despite these challenges, polio cases worldwide decreased almost 50% during the first six months of 2011, compated with the same period in 2010. Type 3 polio numbers have dripped to 15 this year. It appearts type 2 will soon be eradicated completely.

For the complete story click here.

Rogers Rotarians met and hosted Group Study Exchange (GSE) team members. Can you see yourself as a team leader… or is there a young professional you would recommend for the experience? Plans are underway for a District 5950 Outbound GSE Team to France during June 2010.

The GSE to France will be agriculturally oriented, with a specific focus on vocations relating to the grain trade. Individuals connected with the grain trade and grain-based food industry are encouraged to apply, including grain farmers, breeders, farm cooperative representatives, engineers and technicians.

Check out the newly-posted Frequently Asked Questions about participation and the GSE application process.

Who wants to be ‘average’? Who wants to represent ‘mean’?

At a time when Rotary International is pleased to see female membership grow to 16% (at the end of the 2009-2010 year), Rogers Rotary boasts 32%.

All the good that comes fromour balanced membership – and Roger’s welcoming, inclusive culture – didn’t happen that easily in history.

The first constitution of the Rotary Club of Club #1, adopted in January 1906, makes no reference to membership gender; it refers only to "persons". However, that did not open the door to women, Women in Rotary: A Totted History is a fascinating timeline of women who sought to be Rotarian’s, male members who fought for and against them, and the legal battles that raged. Minneapolis’ and Duluth’s all-women Rotary clubs are featured in this article, written by a new Zealand Rotarian.

In January 1989, Rotary International’s Council on Legislation voted to change the Constitution to permit the admission of women into Rotary.

Rogers Rotary Club supports Club President, Floyd Ingersoll and meets the 100% participation of Every Rotarian donating to Rotary International. Way to Go Rogers Rotary!

Which team will win the first week of the Pow(d)erhouse season, August 24, and be the early leader on this board? Remember, tickets convert to game winning runs! Get your sales accounted for weekly and move your team ahead in the standings. There’s just one overall winner each week.

Word of Peace Lutheran Church is having their 2nd Annual Community Corn Feed this Thursday August 18 from 5-8pm. There will be lots of food – free will offering with the a Blue Grass Band and games for the kids! For more information visit http://events.minnesota.cbslocal.com/localevents/event/100/4212-Word-of-Peace-Lutheran-Church-Community-Corn-Feed

The American Red Cross needs blood donors. Low donation levels, major disasters and extreme heat have reduced supplies to seriously low levels. Donors of all blood types are needed. Make an appointment online or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) now!