Important Note: Deadline for district newsletter submissions is the 25th of each month. The newsletter will be distributed by the first full week of the month.
District Governor's Message
District Goals for 2009-2010
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Dean Dickinson |
Dear Rotarians,
It is an honor for me to have been chosen to serve Rotary District 6250 as your District Governor. I underscore you so that you understand, that I understand, that the office belongs to you… as this district, which is your district, belongs to you. My service in the office has only one purpose and that is to assist you, both individually and as clubs, to achieve your goals in club, vocational, community and world service. The authority of the District Governor comes from Rotary International but the empowerment of the District Governor will come from you when you ask me to help you, and your club, in advancing the mission of Rotary which is world understanding, goodwill and peace. I am here to serve you.
I am anticipating a great year for District 6250 during the coming Rotary year. The Assistant Governors are highly qualified, well informed, Rotarians who are motivated to assist the leadership of the clubs in achieving their goals. This year another level of support for our clubs has been created. Area Foundation Coordinators, Area Membership Coordinators and Area GSE Coordinators have been established in each of five geographic areas of our district. These folks are a support resource that will work with the clubs in their respective Areas.
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District Governor Dean Dickinson with Rotary International President John Kenny |
Our district goals parallel those of the Rotary International President, John Kenny but in other respects are unique to the needs and aspirations of our district.
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We will form one new Rotary Club in the District in 2009-2010
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We will recruit one new member (net) per Rotary Club while giving special emphasis to membership retention
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We will continue our support of the Polio-Plus Campaign so that our annual support exceeds $20 per member or $1000 per club
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Over half of the clubs in the district will achieve the Presidential Citation
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Our clubs will each provide a club foundation chair who will assist the District in achieving an EREY goal of $330,000 in Annual Programs Support
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Our clubs will provide a club program each month consistent with the Rotary theme for the month
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We will enjoy district wide participation in “Rotarians at Work” day thereby demonstrating to our respective communities that Rotarians live out the motto, “Service Above Self”
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We will have fun with the District Rotary Traveling Bell recognizing the unifying effect it will have as our clubs enjoy fellowship together.
I hope that in the striving to achieve these district goals we will come to appreciate and understand that we belong to the greatest service organization in the world and that in our Rotary experience we can say with a certainty that we are making a difference in the world.
Yours in Rotary,
Dean Dickinson
District Governor
Rotary District 6250
District News, Events and Announcements
District Governor Elect Announced
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Kristin Duckart |
The District Nominating Committeehas selected Kristen Duckart, Immediate Past President of the Wisconsin Rapids Rotary Club, to serve as DGE for 2009-2010 and therefore as DG in 2010-2011.
Kristin joined the Rotary Club of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin USA in 1997, but it was in the fall of 2002 that she experienced what it truly means to be a Rotarian. With a passion for making a difference in the lives of others, Kristin signed up to participate in polio eradication efforts in West Africa. While traveling to Kano, Nigeria as part of a NID team, she learned first hand the significance of Rotary. Kristin returned to Nigeria in 2006 as a member of the Nigerian Volunteer Service Group. In 2000, she joined Rotaplast International as a team member traveling to Oaxaca, Mexico to provide free reconstructive surgeries to individuals suffering from cleft lip and palate anomalies.
Click here to read Kristin's complete bio.
District Rotary Foundation Goals Exceed Previous Year
The numbers are in and several clubs deserve a collective “pat on their back”!
Each year at the President Elect Training Seminar (PETS), every club’s incoming leader is asked to set a fundraising goal for their members’ contributions to our Rotary Foundation’s Annual Programs Fund. This is the money that supports Ambassadorial Scholarships, Group Study Exchanges, Peace Scholars, Matching Grants, District Simplified Grants and more. For several years, the Presidents of Rotary International have asked every Rotarian to contribute at least $100 per year (EREY) to help support the projects that are so fundamental to what all Rotary stands for.
Although our district ended the year about 10% short of the Annual Programs Goal of $273,000, thanks to the strong support of many clubs and individuals, we exceeded last year’s contributions by almost 6%! Congratulations to the following clubs for their level of support compared to their established goals:
Black River Falls 108% Baraboo 104% Beaver Dam 111% Fitchburg-Verona 231% Horicon 130% Janesville 102% Jefferson 130% La Crosse 116% La Crosse East 107% La Crosse Valley View 101% Lodi 104% |
Madison WTM 158% Madison 183% Marshfield 100% Menomonie 101% Menomonie S.R. 110% Mt. Horeb 188% Portage 110% Reedsburg 104% Sauk Prairie 108% Watertown 110% Waupun 200% |
Congratulations also to the following clubs for meeting or exceeding Rotary International’s goal of $100 per member per year:
Baraboo $105 Beaver Dam $115 Fitchburg-Verona $125 Janesville $107 Jefferson $111 La Crosse $118 |
Madison South $117 Madison WTM $262 Marshfield S.R. $115 Menomonie $130 Menomonie S.R. $119 |
The time to begin working towards our 2009 – 2010 Rotary Foundation fundraising goals is now. If you have not made your annual pledge, use the form at this link and complete it to day. Your contribution can be made by check, credit card or automatic bank draft and can be done all at once or over time. The choice is yours! For additional information, please contact our District’s Foundation Chair, Mary Kessens at Kessens@gdinet.com or District Annual Programs Chair, David Warren at dave@davesace.com.
West Africa Polio Eradication Program Trip Planned for November 2009
Dear Fellow Rotarians:
We are pleased to announce the 2009 trip to the West Africa Project Fair and to participate in
As a result, the current polio immunization strategy is to provide much more tactical immunization responses to polio outbreaks, making it almost impossible to predict when and where further immunization efforts will be held. This trip may be one of the last times you can participate in a polio eradication program before the disease is gone.
One of the legacies of the polio eradication effort in
From November 4–11, 2009, Rotarians will travel to
Attached to this correspondence is a detailed folder describing the trip to
Trip Dates: November, 4 -11, 2009
Travel to:
Program includes: Hotel accommodations, transfers, most meals, hands-on polio eradication field work, visits to local communities to experience and explore Rotarian humanitarian programs, West Africa Project Fair registration, special
In addition to polio eradication, participants will spend time with Benin Rotarians to explore their communities and see the service and experience fellowship that only
We invite you to join us for this program. Further, we encourage you to announce this program to other people in your clubs, districts or Zones, please take immediate action. Because of limited space, we expect this program will sell out in the next few weeks. Once the program is sold out, we expect it will be very hard to get additional reservations.
Let me know if you have any questions. I hope that you will join fellow Rotarians to provide service, fellowship and a wonderful highlight of your
Best regards for a successful
Foundation and Membership Seminar - November 7, 2009
Save this important date:
Foundation and Membership Seminar - November 7, 2009
Wilderness Territory – Glacier Canyon Lodge Conference Center
45 Hillman Road, Wisconsin Dells, WI
800-867-9453
Saturday, November 7, 2009
8:00am -3:00 pm
Get energized about the work of The Rotary Foundation!!
Charge up your club’s membership growth efforts! Theme “25-45-Facebook-Retention”
Draft your next grant in support of your club’s local or international projects.
Train your club’s Membership Chair and Rotary Foundation Chair.
Develop a club plan to raise funds for The Rotary Foundation.
Develop a plan to recruit/retain the 25-45 year old age group- Use Facebook if appropriate.
Send as many club members as you want-FREE of CHARGE
Your District Membership and Foundation teams are planning a dynamite seminar for your edification and enjoyment.
For more information contact:
- Tom Mickelson, District Membership Chair, 608-516-9414, mickelson@gdinet.com
- Mary Kessens, District Foundation Chair, 608-516-1306, Kessens@gdinet.com
Club News, Events and Announcements
Do you have an upcoming Club Event or accomplishment that you would like to announce? Send your pre-written article to: rotarydistrict6250@morgandata.com.
Many Clubs Celebrate Significant Anniversaries in 2009
Our congratulations go out to the following clubs that are celebrating significant club chartering anniversaries in 2009.
90 Years - Charter Year 1919
Beloit, La Crosse, Marshfield and Wisconsin Rapids
85 Years - Charter Year 1924
Columbus, Stoughton and Tomah
80 Years - Charter Year 1929
Horicon
70 Years - Charter Year 1939
Edgerton, Mount Horeb
65 Years - Charter Year 1944
Oregon, Menomonie Sunrise
55 Years - Charter Year 1954
Lake Mills
50 Years - Charter Year 1959
Wisconsin Dells
25 Years - Chater Year 1985
Baraboo
These 14 clubs have an accumulated total of 1095 club years of Rotary Fellowship and Service.
In 1919 Rotary Clubs were springing up in Canada, Great Britian, South America and the first Rotary Club in Asia was chartered at Manila in the Philippines. In 1919 there were between 400-500 Rotary Clubs and approximately 40,000 members. Today there are over 33,000 clubs in 200 countries and over 1.2 million Rotarians.
The Rotary Foundation had been suggested by Arch C. Klumpf in 1917 and had a balance in the account of less than $500. This year over $120 million dollars will flow into the foundation to flow out again in 2012 as matching grants, simplified grants, humanitarian grants, scholarships and support for Group Study Exchange.
It is impossible to calculate the impact that Rotary clubs have had on the thousands of communities where they exist. What we do know is that in 2008 the Rotary Foundation completed the 30,000 th matching grant that advanced world peace, goodwill and understanding because these grants improve health, support education and alleviate poverty. We also know that Dr. Sabin, who challenged Rotary to the Polio eradication effort has stated that because Rotary undertook the challenge to eradicate polio, there are 8 million fewer victims of the disease and nearly 800,000 lives that have been saved.
Proud to be a Rotarian? It is with pleasure that we recognize those clubs who are celebrating significant milestones in their history. Congratulations and best wishes for the future.
Club and District Support Staff at RI
Are you aware that Club and District Support (CDS) staff serve as your primary contact at Rotary? Staff can answer any question about Rotary as well as provide advice on club elections, constitutional matters, club traditions and customs, club operations, and RI Board policy. Click here to view some important web resources to assist in leading and supporting your club in the year ahead.
Important Tax Information for Rotary Clubs
District Leaders,
Please take a moment to review and share this important tax information provided by Rotary International. Included are important filing requirements as well as the Rotary Group Exemption number.
Click here to view the report.
The Bell Travels the District as District Governor Makes Visits
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Reedsburg President Terry Langer presents Deforest with the Traveling Bell. |
District Governor Dean Dickinson at his July 1st Baraboo Rotary Club visit. |
Click here for more information on the Traveling Bell.
RI News
Ambassadorial Scholarship Applications Available
Dear Club Presidents,
Your club has a unique opportunity to support a graduate student abroad through RI’s Ambassadorial Scholar program. Applicants are reviewed, selected and funded by the District . All you have to do is encourage students to submit application information prior to August 1, 2009, to study in 2010-2011.
The Foundation of Rotary International sponsors one of the largest international scholarship programs in the world. Scholars study in a different country, where they serve as unofficial ambassadors of goodwill. Since 1947, more than 47,000 scholars from 110 countries have received scholarships of more than $476 million through The Rotary Foundation.
The purpose of the Ambassadorial Scholarships program is to further international understanding and friendly relations among people of different countries and geographical areas. The program sponsors several types of scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students as well as for qualified professionals pursuing vocational studies. While abroad, scholars serve as goodwill ambassadors to the host country and give presentations about their homelands to Rotary clubs and other groups. Upon returning home, scholars share with Rotarians and others the experiences that led to a greater understanding of their host country.
July-August 2009
Applicants should complete the 2010-11 application available on the RI website, carefully researching possible institutions of study. There is no need to apply for or take language tests at this time. Applications must be submitted to local Rotary clubs by August 1, 2009. Applications should be submitted to Marsha Barwick by August 7, 2009.
Downloadable Form: http://www.rotary.org/RIdocuments/en_pdf/139en.pdf
August/September 2009
A selection committee comprised of individuals throughout District 6250 will review applications, interview applicants and select award representatives. Clubs and individuals will be notified.
February 2010
All 2010-11 scholarship recipients will receive a packet of information from the Foundation. This material outlines the steps they’re required to complete in preparation for their term.
Please share this information with your Rotarians help us appoint outstanding candidates to represent District 6250 abroad. Please refer questions and applicants to me. Thank you for your consideration and assistance.
Yours in Rotary,
Marsha Barwick
District 6250 Ambassadorial Scholar Chair
1226 W. Jefferson Street , Marshfield , WI 54449
Day Phone: 715.389.3430, Fax: 715.387.9080
Member Access to RI Website
Do you have questions about what you can find on the Rotary International website and how you go about getting access. Check out this fact sheet with Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the RI site.
Update on Annual Giving
Paul Harris Fellowship Changes Effective July 1, 2009
At its April, 2009 meeting, the Rotary Foundation Board of Trustees made the following decisions that will impact Paul Harris Fellowship recipients. These include:
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Foundation Recognition Points (FRPs) may only be transferred for transactions of 100 points or more;
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Individual Foundation Recognition Points will expire upon death of the donor or the death of the surviving spouse of a Major Donor (US$10,000+);
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The individual donor will be the only person authorized to transfer Foundation Recognition Points. If it is a club account and then only the Club President may authorize the transfer of points; if it is a district account then the district governor may authorize the transfer of points;
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Paul Harris Fellow Medallions will be available for purchase from Rotary’s Distribution Center or International Office at a cost of US$15 each (includes shipping). PHF certificates and PHF lapel pins will still be provided gratis by The Rotary Foundation.
Since the subject of Foundation Recognition Points is oftentimes difficult to understand, a fact sheet has been created. It may be viewed here. For additional information, please contact David Warren, Annual Programs Chair at dave@davesace.com.
Update on Changes Made to Foundation Grants and Humanitarian Grants
The following update regarding Rotary Foundation Matching Grants was received in July. If you have further questions, please contact District 6250 Foundation Committee Chair, Mary Kessens at Kessens@gdinet.com or 608-516-1306.
Dear District Leaders,
Greetings from Evanston! On behalf of all the Humanitarian Grants Program staff, I would like to wish you a Happy New Rotary Year. As we embark on another busy year, I wanted to provide you with some updates related to Humanitarian Grants. Please note that these updates only pertain to grant activity in the 2009-10 Rotary year and apply to both Future Vision pilot and non-pilot districts.
Click here to view the full 3 page report.
Foundation Reports
Each club in District 6250 has established a foundation goal and the question is how are the clubs going about the achieving those goals? Have each of the clubs done an every member enrollment? Successful clubs take the time to ask each member to make a pledge commitment to the Rotary Foundation. Fulfilling that pledge might involve a quarterly billing by the club secretary/treasurer or participating in the direct deposit transfer from the Rotarians checking account to the RI Foundation account or it might mean a monthly charge to a credit card. Successful clubs establish a process that allows their members to both make and fulfill the commitment.
Click here to view the updated Club Goals Report!
Attendance Report
New Reporting Tool for District Attendance
Check out the new reporting tool for District Attendance for 2008-2009. http://www.rotary6250.org/clubs/monthlyattendance.shtml Clubs can view each month’s attendance in a visual graph. Also Club Secretary’s can request access to update their information directly online!
A big THANK YOU goes out to District 5340 for sharing this web functionality!
Click here to submit your club's attendance report
Click here to see the full Attendance Report.
