Rotary District 7730

District Conference, Williamsburg

Our very successful 50th Annual District Conference concluded Saturday evening with a great meal, great company, comments by our RI Presidents Representative Trustee Peter Bundgaard from Denmark, an awards ceremony and fabulous entertainment by “Elvis.” Elvis in this case was impersonator Jimmy Horne, a Robeson County Deputy Sheriff from Fairmont. He represented well the Elvis some of us remember by looking the part and sounding the part. We couldn’t have asked for a better finale to our Conference.

Earlier in the Conference we were treated to outstanding plenary sessions with exciting lunchtime programs by our own Governor-Elect Lee Dixon on Friday and Astronaut Bill McArthur on Saturday.

Many, many thanks to all who attended and my heartfelt appreciation to the many volunteers who helped to make the Conference successful. We could not ask for more than was provided by District Conference Chair Janet Robertson, her husband PDG Johnny Robertson and Mac and Sharon McFarland from Red Springs. And, of course, our world-famous Sergeant-at-Arms John Kopka. They epitomize the term “Rotary Shares.”

Goodbye GSE-India Team

Our India GSE Team concluded their stay with us at the District Conference in Williamsburg. It was a great weekend having them involved in every aspect of the conference, including a Social Tea event hosted for the spouse of our RI President’s Representative Peter Bundgaard from Denmark. Sunday they were taken to Washington D.C. for a day in our National Capitol, after which they all were to leave for various places in the United States to visit before returning to their native India. We will miss them, but I believe we all are richer having experienced this exchange–getting to know the team members and sharing information about our cultures. Many thanks to everyone who was involved in making this a lasting and meaningful experience.

Put Membership invitation in Writing

Business cards are cheap and can even be done on a home computer. Consider creating a business card printed with your name, the Rotary logo, and the phrase “Be My Guest,” along with the day, time, and location of your club’s meeting. The cards serve as an invitation to attend a club meeting at the club’s expense. Business cards have a way of ending up places where they can be seen, such as on refrigerator doors—but, only if they are first printed. For more on membership ideas, contact our District Membership Chair, PDG Johnny Robertson at johnsfuel@embarqmail.com.

Request from our CART Chairman

Past AG Brian Garrett will meet with the CART Board in Columbia, SC on 7 May. If your Club has CART contributions that are ready to be sent in, send them to him and he will carry them for you. Mail them to him at 1721 W. Sandridge Ct, Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469. He can be contacted at bgpg@atmc.net.

GSE Opportunities–2008-09

During Rotary Year 2008-09, our District will sponsor two GSE Teams. One with District 9220 (Madagascar & Mauritius) and the other with newly formed Rotary District 2201 (Central Spain, including Madrid and the Canary Islands). While the dates could vary, dates of the Madagascar/Mauritius Exchange are 18 April-18 May 2009. Dates of the Spanish Exchange are to be determined.

GSE Team Leader criteria can be found in RI Publication “Program Guide for Rotarians” pages 17&18. We are looking for an experienced Rotarian who can take charge of the Team that he/she will help to select. He/she should have some international experience/exposure and must be willing and able, physically and otherwise, to keep pace with the vigorous program that is typical of an Exchange. Language proficiency/fluency in the host district language is a plus but, not mandatory. Spouses or relatives of Rotarians are not allowed to accompany the Team. The Team Leader will be responsible for pre-departure preparation, orientation, team-building, completion and assembly of all pre-departure documents for Team Members. GSE Team Leaders and Members have significant responsibilities in hosting the Inbound GSE Teams from Madagascar/Mauritius and Spain.

There is no requirement that GSE Team Leader applicants have previously held a district leadership position. Current & future Club leaders, Assistant Governors and future GSE Chairs are potential GSE Team Leaders. This is an opportunity to grow future District Leaders.

Applications can be downloaded from the RI web site www.Rotary.org. Type “The Rotary Foundation” in the search engine, select “Educational Programs”, select “GSE Teams”, see “GSE Team Leader Application” under Related Documents. Applications are due to David Baggett, GSE Chair, by 16 May 2008. Send them to him at 2919 Hybart Street, Fayetteville, NC, 28303 or by E-mail to dbaggett@nc.rr.com. Interviews of applicants and selection of both GSE Team Leaders will be done by 1 June 2008.”

Why I am a Rotarian

I am a Rotarian because Rotary’s values are my values. Attending Rotary meetings and participating in Rotary projects remind me of the type of person I want to be — involved in improving my community, in promoting high ethical standards in my profession and in helping to improve living standards in disadvantaged parts of the world. (PDG David Williams, District 5280, USA)

40/60 Paul Harris Fellow Matches Available — A limited quantity of $400.00 Paul Harris Fellow matches are now available. The match requires a concurrent $600.00 new money contribution to The Rotary Foundation. This offer is extended until the limited quantity is gone, and will be accepted on a first come-first served basis (using the 4-Way Test in case of high demand). These matches are available due to donated points from other Rotarians and from accumulated District points!!! We are starting with approximately 50 matches. All matches must be claimed and paid by 1 June 2008.

In the past several clubs have run cash matches within their own clubs to help fund the Rotarian’s $600.00 portion. For example, some clubs match $300.00 cash with $300.00 Rotarian contribution for a $400.00 District match. Please note that none of the $600.00 cash match can be in points.

To reserve your match or for more information, please contact our Foundation Chair, PDG Bevin Wall at bevin@rli33.org. The information needed will be your name, club name, and address of the recipient of the Paul Harris Fellow. The District will help complete and turn in the appropriate forms. Reservations are not final until the funds are received.

RI Convention 15 - 18 June 2008, Los Angeles, California

Register online at www.rotary.org and BRING A FRIEND!

Why attend?? By participating in a RI Convention, you’ll gain a broader appreciation of Rotary’s global impact and strengthen your commitment to service. And seeing how Rotary Shares may move your invited guests to be Rotarians, too. Come to LA and learn how big Your Rotary is. For more information, contact our Governor-Elect Lee Dixon at ldixon@EDApa.com.

The Weekly Rotary Foundation Thought

Supplement your Quarterly Dues with a Rotary Foundation Contribution—want to keep it really easy and simple?? Include an option on the quarterly dues statement for personal contributions to The Rotary Foundation. The most successful clubs include varying amounts ($25, $50, $100, $250 per quarter). Make sure to regularly mention current district projects so members are reassured that their contributions are well spent. When new members join the club, they’re started off in the same way, assuring 100% participation by all members.

For more information on giving or program participation, contact our District Rotary Foundation Chair PDG Bevin wall at Bevin@rli33.org.

“Rotary Shares”