Rotary District 7730

Membership or Bust Number One Job: Recruit

It seems that one of the easiest things to do as a Rotarian is to recruit new club members. After all, what could be simpler than inviting someone to your club’s next meeting? But, since it’s not always that easy consider following this example. Membership in the Rotary Club of Loughborough, England, was falling. So the Club created a special team of six Rotarians charged with recruiting club members. The team started a database of 140 potential candidates and invited 25 to lunch. Eleven ended up joining. For more about membership recruiting and retention contact our District Membership Chair PDG Johnny Robertson at johnsfuel@embarqmail.com.

40/60 Paul Harris Fellow Matches — more added due to demand!!!

Because of intense demand and a rush by interested Rotarians to capitalize on this amazing offer, we have exhausted our initial supply of 50 District 40/50 Paul Harris matches. However, due to the generosity of our fellow Rotarians, another 20 matches are now available on the same terms!!! The match requires a $600.00 new money contribution to The Rotary Foundation and our District provides $400.00 in matching points. Don’t let this great offer pass you by–and take this opportunity to support our Rotary Foundation. For more contact our District Rotary Foundation Chair, PDG Bevin Wall at bevin@rli33.org.

Paul Harris on Brotherhood and World Understanding

I remember when a youngster hearing my grandmother tell of a famine which occurred in New England in the days of the early settlers. An ancestor of mine was the only one in his community possessed of a sufficient supply of corn. In opposition to counsel, he continued to sell of his supply to those who could pay and to give to them who could not, answering, “If all of the rest of the world must perish, what comfort to me to live?” (The Rotarian, February 1918)

Your Link to Rotary.org

It’s been seven months since Rotary unveiled its new and improved Web site. If you’ve surfed its pages, you know it holds a wealth of Rotary information and resources. For tips on how to find the information you want, look on page 14 of the May 2008 Rotarian Magazine.

Why I am a Rotarian

I am a Rotarian because back in 1988 someone asked me to join the Rotary Club of Kiama Australia. Since accepting that challenge I have moved residences four times and each move has resulted in another invitation to join the local Rotary Club. For me, joining Rotary provided an opportunity to work with local Rotary people and learn the true meaning of “service”. That service opportunity has benefited me in large measure and I consider myself a better person more able to serve my community. At the same time I have learned the value of good club organization and have made Club service my specialty. I do not have the financial resources to take on many large monetary challenges ( I am a PHF) but I willingly donate my time and service to help make this world a more peaceful and better place through Rotary. (Derek Tigwell, Mudgeeraba Qld, Australia)

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. 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.

Application can be downloaded from the RI web site www.rotary.org. Interviews of applicants and selection of both GSE Team Leaders will be done by 1 June 2008. Send completed applications not later than 16 May to GSE Chair David Baggett at 2919 Hybart Street, Fayetteville, NC 28303. David can be reached by E-mail at dbaggett@nc.rr.com.

100% All Paul Harris Fellowship District

Thought you might want to know that a District in our Zone 33 recently make history by becoming the world’s FIRST 100% All Paul Harris Fellow Rotary District. That means in District 7690 (Greensboro, High Point Pinehurst area) all 50 Rotary Clubs and its 3192 Rotarians are Paul Harris Fellows!!!

Leadership Training for Rotary Year 2008-09

From our Governor-Elect Lee Dixon — Members of the incoming District Leadership Team are reminded of the Training Session to be held from 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM, 31 May 2008 at the Holiday Inn Express in Wallace. Each committee chair will have the opportunity to present his/her goals for the coming year. DGE Lee encourages everyone to remember that we only have 525,600 minutes in the 2008-09 Rotary year to “Make Dreams Real.” For more information contact DGE Lee at ldixon@edapa.com, (O) 252-247-2127 or (H) 252-240-0118.

Applications for Ambassadorial Scholarships

Chances are that we all know someone in our community who would be a great representative for our Club and for Rotary. Now is the time for our Clubs to be considering candidates for the 2009-10 Ambassadorial Scholarships Program. Remember that there is no upper age limit. Some of our local professionals or retirees could be worthy candidates to go to graduate school or to learn about a new culture or language. Clubs should use the month of May to search out these candidates and start committee interviews on 1 June. For more information on this fantastic program please contact our District Scholarship chair, Magda Baggett at 910-487-4931 or mbaggett@nc.rr.com.

Great Reason to see the Stars in 2008 — (News from Governor-Elect)

RI Convention 15-18 June 2008, Los Angeles, California. Develop future club leaders. Expand your network of international contacts by getting to know Rotary leaders and members from your own district and become more involved in district plans. Register today for the RI Convention at www.rotary.org. For more information contact our Governor-Elect Lee Dixon at ldixon@edapa.com.

The Weekly Rotary Foundation Thought

Happy Birth to Rotary and You — This Could Work in Our Clubs — Members of the Appleton Rotary Club in Appleton, Wisconsin are asked to celebrate their birthday by making a gift to further Rotary’s work. Each club member receives a letter from the Club president asking them to support the Foundation’s international and local projects with a contribution of $100.00 or more on their birthday. Rotarians are now doing good in the world each time they blow out the candles and make a wish!!

Give “Every Rotarian, Every Year” the opportunity to support our Rotary Foundation. For more information on devising a strategy for your club or on district giving or program participation, contact our District Foundation Chairman, PDG Bevin Wall at bevin@rli33.org.

“Rotary Shares”