Thank you to Lucinda Kasperson and her committee and the presenters for a very successful Financial Planning in Uncertain Times session. Anyone with questions about planned giving should contact Lucinda or one of the committee members. They're happy to provide information on creative ways to help The Rotary Foundation.
Our district match for contributions to The Rotary Foundation's Annual Giving Fund is drawing to a close soon (http://rotary6440.blogspot.com/2008/10/rotary-foundation-match-program.html). Contributions need to be submitted before the end of December to be eligible for matches.
It's also a good time to send in whatever funds your club has raised for PolioPlus. The Global Contribution Form is at http://www.rotary.org/RIdocuments/en_pdf/123en_write.pdf. Be sure to check the box for PolioPlus to ensure proper crediting.
It's cooled off here but it's still sunny and warm in Arizona. Andy and I are hoping many of you will join us at the Tucson Fellowship Retreat (http://rotary6440.blogspot.com/2008/10/is-there-canyon-in-your-future.html) in January. It'll be a fun break from Illinois weather!
The deadline for reserving a room in the district venue, Jury's Inn Birmingham, for the Rotary International Convention in June (http://rotary6440.blogspot.com/2008/10/rotary-international-convention-update.html) is December 5th. Please call Stan Sherman now to reserve your space.
The Past District Governors' Council will meet in early February. By that time our district will have chosen its governor for 2011 - 2012 (http://rotary6440.blogspot.com/2008/11/nominations-for-district-governor-2011.html). If your club plans to nominate a candidate, make sure the application is in my hands by January 1st.
We're not quite halfway through this Rotary year but we're already planning for next year. Training in our district will begin January 31st with the club presidents-elect, to be followed by other sessions (http://rotary6440.blogspot.com/2008/11/training-planned.html). Your club should have your new officers in place before the end of this calendar year (http://rotary6440.blogspot.com/2008/11/club-election-time.html). Please report the results of your club elections to both the district and Rotary International.
As we move into the holiday season for many people, I thank all of you for the work you do to bring about peace on earth. I hope this season is a happy one for each of you.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
End Polio Now Newsletter
Sign up to receive the quarterly e-newsletter from RI with the latest information about End Polio Now at:
http://www.rotary.org/en/ServiceAndFellowship/Polio/RotarysWork/Pages/PolioPlusNewsletter.aspx.
From the latest newsletter, we learn that as of 16 September 2008, the polio endemic countries accounted for 1,102 of the 1,173 new cases of polio worldwide this year. Unfortunately, the 71 cases of polio in the non-endemic countries account for more than all the cases in Afghanistan and Pakistan combined and underscore the the seriousness of importation of new cases from neighboring countries as people move across borders. India and Nigeria continue to be the countries with the most cases.
The newsletter is filled with information that will help us achieve our efforts to meet the $100 million dollar Gates Challenge. There are inspiring stories of Rotarians and clubs across the globe whose individual giving, projects and events are making a difference to help us meet the challenge by the year 2010. Some of the projects may inspire you to start a similar project in your club. Remember too, the district website (www.rotary6440.org) has a list of District 6440 club projects. To see the current newsletter, which is available in English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese, and Korean go to:
http://www.rotary.org/RIdocuments/en_pdf/endpolionow_newsletter_current_en.pdf.
In the two months since the most recent newsletter was published, the cases of polio have increased and now surpass those reported in 2007. The World Health Organization reports that as of 28 November 2008 there are now 1510 cases, with 100 of them in non-endemic countries.
The importance of the End Polio Now effort is reinforced by the rise of nearly 200 cases this year as compared to the cases last year – and the year is not yet ended. Polio has long been gone from our shores yet the threat of polio remains just an airplane ride away. Do your part to help Rotary End Polio Now.
For the latest Polio information go to www.polioeradication.org.
http://www.rotary.org/en/ServiceAndFellowship/Polio/RotarysWork/Pages/PolioPlusNewsletter.aspx.
From the latest newsletter, we learn that as of 16 September 2008, the polio endemic countries accounted for 1,102 of the 1,173 new cases of polio worldwide this year. Unfortunately, the 71 cases of polio in the non-endemic countries account for more than all the cases in Afghanistan and Pakistan combined and underscore the the seriousness of importation of new cases from neighboring countries as people move across borders. India and Nigeria continue to be the countries with the most cases.
The newsletter is filled with information that will help us achieve our efforts to meet the $100 million dollar Gates Challenge. There are inspiring stories of Rotarians and clubs across the globe whose individual giving, projects and events are making a difference to help us meet the challenge by the year 2010. Some of the projects may inspire you to start a similar project in your club. Remember too, the district website (www.rotary6440.org) has a list of District 6440 club projects. To see the current newsletter, which is available in English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese, and Korean go to:
http://www.rotary.org/RIdocuments/en_pdf/endpolionow_newsletter_current_en.pdf.
In the two months since the most recent newsletter was published, the cases of polio have increased and now surpass those reported in 2007. The World Health Organization reports that as of 28 November 2008 there are now 1510 cases, with 100 of them in non-endemic countries.
The importance of the End Polio Now effort is reinforced by the rise of nearly 200 cases this year as compared to the cases last year – and the year is not yet ended. Polio has long been gone from our shores yet the threat of polio remains just an airplane ride away. Do your part to help Rotary End Polio Now.
For the latest Polio information go to www.polioeradication.org.
Friday, November 28, 2008
District Simplified Grants
The Humanitarian Committee will meet on December 9, 2008 to approve DSG requests received prior to that time. If your club is planning a Christmas celebration for the needy in your community or any other holiday event that would qualify for DSG funding, please be sure to get your applications to Charlotte Ogorek prior to that meeting. DSG requests must be approved PRIOR to beginning your project in order to receive funding.
REMEMBER, THIS MONEY BELONGS TO YOUR CLUB and you should use it within your community. This is your opportunity to spread the Rotary banner (remember, it is time to let our light shine) and our mission of Service above Self. Money will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. We look forward to approving your DSG request on December 9, 2008.
REMEMBER, THIS MONEY BELONGS TO YOUR CLUB and you should use it within your community. This is your opportunity to spread the Rotary banner (remember, it is time to let our light shine) and our mission of Service above Self. Money will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. We look forward to approving your DSG request on December 9, 2008.
New Members
Welcome to these people who've recently joined clubs in our district: Ryan Farrell (Cary-Grove); Vincent Thomas (Evanston Lighthouse); Erin Denk (Woodstock Morning); Richard Rosen (Wheeling); Michael Deagle and Kathy Melone (Geneva); David Gallagher (Northbrook); and Paul O’Connor, Eli Shereshovech III and Dale Truding (Arlington Heights Sunrise).
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Nominations for District Governor 2011-2012
Any club wishing to nominate a candidate for District Governor 2011 - 2012 must have a completed application turned in to District Governor Pam Kerr before midnight, January 1, 2009.
Interviews for the position will be held in Itasca on Monday evening, January 12, 2009. All applicants must be available for the interviews.
The District Governor application form is a Word document that may be downloaded from the District 6440 website (www.rotary6440.org). Log in using your ID and password (choose forgot password if you do not know your login ID). Go to the Admin Page, Home Page Editing, Documents Download where you will see the application in a list of downloadable documents.
Interviews for the position will be held in Itasca on Monday evening, January 12, 2009. All applicants must be available for the interviews.
The District Governor application form is a Word document that may be downloaded from the District 6440 website (www.rotary6440.org). Log in using your ID and password (choose forgot password if you do not know your login ID). Go to the Admin Page, Home Page Editing, Documents Download where you will see the application in a list of downloadable documents.
Make Your Reservations Now
The Rotary International Convention in Birmingham, England will be here sooner than you think. Reservations at the hotel holding rooms for our district must be made by December 5th. Please call Stan Sherman now if you'd like to stay with your friends from District 6440. With the dollar growing stronger it's a good time to consider making this trip.
More information is available at http://rotary6440.blogspot.com/2008/10/rotary-international-convention-update.html.
More information is available at http://rotary6440.blogspot.com/2008/10/rotary-international-convention-update.html.
Club Election Time
Rotary International's deadline for holding and reporting club elections is December 31.
The names of the presidents and secretaries, as well as meeting places and times, need to be sent to R.I. via www.rotary.org for the Official Directory. Current secretaries should file the form.
District reporting should be done via the Admin Page on the district website (http://www.rotary6440.org/). It can be done by either the current president or secretary.
The district uses the ClubRunner listing to send materials to the various officers. Without the information, presidents will be sent everything, and have to redistribute it.
The names of the presidents and secretaries, as well as meeting places and times, need to be sent to R.I. via www.rotary.org for the Official Directory. Current secretaries should file the form.
District reporting should be done via the Admin Page on the district website (http://www.rotary6440.org/). It can be done by either the current president or secretary.
The district uses the ClubRunner listing to send materials to the various officers. Without the information, presidents will be sent everything, and have to redistribute it.
Annual Giving Fund Match Available
Our district's program to match gifts of $500 or more to The Rotary Foundation's Annual Giving Fund comes to a close on December 31st. See http://rotary6440.blogspot.com/2008/10/rotary-foundation-match-program.html for details and submit your contributions now. Matching points are still available.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Vocational Scholarships
Many clubs in the district are aware of the 25 Vocational Scholarships that will be awarded in April 2009. What every club needs to know is that it is eligible to participate in this program and submit two candidates to the selection committee. If your club has never participated before it should be good news to you that the process is simple. The instructions, application form and requirements are available on the district website (http://www.rotary6440.org/) under the Vocational Service tab. Your club needs to get the application to the high schools in your area and solicit candidates, usually through the counselor's office.
There are several important things to remember when beginning this process. The District Committee will not accept any applications for four-year schools offering Bachelor Degree Programs. This program is strictly for two-year programs (Associate Degree) or a trade certificate. You have to determine deadlines and stick to them. The District Vocational Committee will accept applications up to March 15. That means that your club must declare a submission deadline at the school and still have time to interview the candidates before you turn the application(s) in to the district. You will want to do this to determine your two best candidates and also prepare them for a future interview at the district level. Please take the time to participate in this important program that will assist a very deserving person in their pursuit of higher education.
Applications and information are available to download at the District Website, under Vocational Service (http://www.clubrunner.ca/dprg/DxHome/_home.aspx?did=6440).
In addition, if anyone in your club is interested in serving on the Vocational Scholarship Committee, please contact Sandy Frum at sandy@frum.com. Interviews will be conducted in April. More information on this will be forthcoming.
There are several important things to remember when beginning this process. The District Committee will not accept any applications for four-year schools offering Bachelor Degree Programs. This program is strictly for two-year programs (Associate Degree) or a trade certificate. You have to determine deadlines and stick to them. The District Vocational Committee will accept applications up to March 15. That means that your club must declare a submission deadline at the school and still have time to interview the candidates before you turn the application(s) in to the district. You will want to do this to determine your two best candidates and also prepare them for a future interview at the district level. Please take the time to participate in this important program that will assist a very deserving person in their pursuit of higher education.
Applications and information are available to download at the District Website, under Vocational Service (http://www.clubrunner.ca/dprg/DxHome/_home.aspx?did=6440).
In addition, if anyone in your club is interested in serving on the Vocational Scholarship Committee, please contact Sandy Frum at sandy@frum.com. Interviews will be conducted in April. More information on this will be forthcoming.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Membership Development: A Continuing Education
Sometimes words are just words, and sometimes words are the sparks needed to start a fire!
We have a large selection of writings on membership recruitment, development, and expansion for your perusing pleasure. They are listed under “Membership Resources” in the district web site (www.rotary6440.org). Check any of the Zone Newsletters for expert advice. Be creative and modify the ideas presented to suit your club’s needs.
Remember: Membership growth is everybody’s job!
We have a large selection of writings on membership recruitment, development, and expansion for your perusing pleasure. They are listed under “Membership Resources” in the district web site (www.rotary6440.org). Check any of the Zone Newsletters for expert advice. Be creative and modify the ideas presented to suit your club’s needs.
Remember: Membership growth is everybody’s job!
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
End Polio Now
Part of the goal for the End Polio Now District 6440 Committee is to raise community awareness. There are many ways do this, and clubs throughout the District have been actively engaged in End Polio Now activities. To see what other clubs have already done check the district website and click on the End Polio Now link.
Another awareness effort can be found on the End Polio Now link on Facebook.com. The link invites Facebook users to “join the cause” and to make donations to help Rotary meet its goal. This effort is just beginning, the team is still small, and just a couple of hundred dollars has been raised so far. If you have a Facebook page, please sign up to “join the cause” and put an End Polio Now on your page to show everyone your commitment to Rotary. Then, send an invitation to all your friends to help you and Rotary meet its goal of ending polio. The End Polio link can be found by clicking on Applications, entering causes in the "search on Facebook" box and then searching for End Polio Now.
An entry on the Facebook End Polio Now page tells the story of polio survivor Ramesh Ferris. Born in India, he was adopted as a toddler and grew up in Canada. To date, he has raised over $300,000 for polio eradication. His fund raising continues so as he said on the Facebook entry he won’t see. “Ten million children over the next 40 years be needlessly paralyzed by the effects of polio.” After 20 years, because of Rotary and efforts like his we are almost there. If one single man, severely weakened by polio, can cycle his way across Canada and raise this much money to eradicate polio, just think of the possibilities. He is currently in India on his way to the Rotary Zone Institute in Agra, and to participate in a NID. He has a blog that contains a wealth of information and many links about polio. You can read his remarkable story and follow the progress on his blog at http://www.cycletowalk.com/ .
The End Polio link can be found by clicking on Applications; entering causes in the "search on Facebook" box and then searching for End Polio Now.
Another great link for information about polio is http://www.polioeradication.org/.
Another awareness effort can be found on the End Polio Now link on Facebook.com. The link invites Facebook users to “join the cause” and to make donations to help Rotary meet its goal. This effort is just beginning, the team is still small, and just a couple of hundred dollars has been raised so far. If you have a Facebook page, please sign up to “join the cause” and put an End Polio Now on your page to show everyone your commitment to Rotary. Then, send an invitation to all your friends to help you and Rotary meet its goal of ending polio. The End Polio link can be found by clicking on Applications, entering causes in the "search on Facebook" box and then searching for End Polio Now.
An entry on the Facebook End Polio Now page tells the story of polio survivor Ramesh Ferris. Born in India, he was adopted as a toddler and grew up in Canada. To date, he has raised over $300,000 for polio eradication. His fund raising continues so as he said on the Facebook entry he won’t see. “Ten million children over the next 40 years be needlessly paralyzed by the effects of polio.” After 20 years, because of Rotary and efforts like his we are almost there. If one single man, severely weakened by polio, can cycle his way across Canada and raise this much money to eradicate polio, just think of the possibilities. He is currently in India on his way to the Rotary Zone Institute in Agra, and to participate in a NID. He has a blog that contains a wealth of information and many links about polio. You can read his remarkable story and follow the progress on his blog at http://www.cycletowalk.com/ .
The End Polio link can be found by clicking on Applications; entering causes in the "search on Facebook" box and then searching for End Polio Now.
Another great link for information about polio is http://www.polioeradication.org/.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Training Planned
Preparation for the 2009-2010 Rotary year is well underway, and training of all leadership begins in January. Assistant Governors will begin their formal educations and team building on January 10; DGE Bill Ferreira will be inspired and trained further in San Diego January 18 - 25; and all Club Presidents-Elect will gather on January 31 to begin their preparation together for guiding their clubs in the upcoming year. Major training for Club Presidents-Elect will continue with a multi-district PETS on March 13 and 14 after preparation of district committee chairs and officers in February and before the District Assembly in April for all incoming club leaders.
Details will be forthcoming.
DGE Bill and the Training Committee look forward to helping make the upcoming Rotary year an enjoyable and productive one for each Rotarian undertaking a leadership role in Service Above Self.
Details will be forthcoming.
DGE Bill and the Training Committee look forward to helping make the upcoming Rotary year an enjoyable and productive one for each Rotarian undertaking a leadership role in Service Above Self.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Illinois to Issue Rotary License Plates
We have exceeded the 850 plate requests that we needed for the production of a State of Illinois Rotary license plate!
The State of Illinois will forward the information to the Communications and Production Department for a sample plate, then the Sample Plate will be sent to Law Enforcement for approval.
This process will take 6-10 months, after which Rotary license plates will be a reality.
The State of Illinois will forward the information to the Communications and Production Department for a sample plate, then the Sample Plate will be sent to Law Enforcement for approval.
This process will take 6-10 months, after which Rotary license plates will be a reality.
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