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
New Generations
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Dean Dickinson |
Dear Rotarians,
With the coming of September we mark the end of a summer full of fun and family activities and the beginning of a new school year. Attendance at our club meetings increases as our members return from vacations or from the self imposed exile to the golf course, the cottage “up north” or those lazy days spent floating on the lake chasing the “big one”. September is a time for renewal and a great month to focus on “new generations” in Rotary…”new generations’ being those younger people who comprise the Rotary affiliated youth groups in our high schools and colleges, Interact and Rotaract and those younger members of our clubs.
We are securing the future of Rotary when we plant the seeds of Rotary into our “new generations.” I would challenge you to look around your club and ask…where will this club be in fifteen or twenty years? Those who comprise the group known as the “new generation” are different from you and me. They have lived in a world far different from the one that you and I grew up in. Their expectations are a reflection of who they are and how they have lived life. In order to bring them to membership and full involvement in this thing we call Rotary it is important to understand that we have to create an environment that is conducive to participation. How deep is the commitment of the new generation? We must provide value so that they, for whom membership is either casual or optional, want to be involved. The new generation is altruistic on the one hand and extremely focused on their careers and families on the other. They want to make a difference but they are also overworked as they try to create a future for their family.
If we want to succeed with this group referred to as the “new generation” we must tend to the needs of our members and that means creating a focus on the family…the family of Rotary. There is no better or more effective way of strengthening your club than to involve the entire family into the affairs of your club. I have seen ministries flourish when the focus was on the children and the family as opposed to the individual member. I have seen organizations fail when membership was placed on the balance with the family. I have shared with our district leadership that family comes before Rotary. Why not bring family involvement into the Rotary experience? I can guarantee you that it will have appeal to those who are a part of new generations.
We have wonderful resource people available in district leadership who can assist your club in setting up an Interact or Rotaract Club. Jamie Durocher, Rotary Club of La Crosse/East is the chair of the committee and I know would enjoy the opportunity to assist you in this outreach to the younger element of your community. Aside from that, look around you, where you work, go to church, spend your leisure time…I would bet that there is a young(er) person who you could ask to be your guest at your next club meeting. Share with them the good work that we do in Rotary where “we make a difference and save lives.”
Yours in Rotary,
Dean Dickinson
District Governor
Rotary District 6250
District News, Events and Announcements
District to Offer Club Vision Planning
District 6250 will be offering clubs in our district the opportunity to go through a club vision planning process. Rotary International has endorsed a process called Club Visioning created by Steve Wilcox, a successful businessman who wanted to bring his business planning experience to help Rotary Clubs function more effectively. Clubs in other districts where this service is being offered have found it to be extremely helpful.
The first step is to create a pool of trained vision facilitators and this training date has been set for October 24, 2009 in Wisconsin Dells. The training is limited to 30 Rotarians. Once the training is completed, any club in the district can ask to participate in a Club Vision Planning event. A team of four trained facilitators will then work with that club.
Trained facilitators that become part of District 6250's Club Vision Team will assist clubs in identifying their own vision, mission, and values as a club. The Club Vision Team walks clubs through a planning process that prepares the club for greater, more effective service as Rotarians. Training as a vision facilitator will not only help you lead clubs through the planning process, but it will also have application in your own business or other community organizations.
One can pay a lot of money for this kind of training in the business setting, but our district will cover the cost for all those selected for training. It is expected that if you are trained, that you will be willing to participate as part of a four-member vision facilitation team for interested clubs in our district. Because 30 vision facilitators will be trained and work in teams of four, this will not require more than 15 hours of any one person’s time in the course of a year. Clubs that choose to participate in a Club Vision Planning will host that event, which is only four hours long. Club Vision Planning events will not begin before January, 2010.
This is a call to those who may be interested in being trained to serve as a Club VisionFacilitator. The training will take place on Saturday, October 24 th in Wisconsin Dells and will last approximately six hours. Training will be conducted by internationally recognized and certified trainers from the International Vision Facilitation Committee of Rotary International. This program has proven effective as a method for strengthening clubs and growing membership.
The District Club Visioning Committee is chaired by DGN Chuck Hanson. Members of this committee include DGE Kristin Duckart, PDG Hal Keitel, Darla Leick, and Tom Mickelson. If you have any questions, please contact any member of the committee.
Interested Rotarians within District 6250 are encouraged to apply for this training by completing the Club Vision Facilitator Application. You can find the Application by clicking here. Completed applications should be sent by e-mail to rotarydistrict6250@morgandata.com or faxed to Morgan Data at (608) 204-9818 no later than August 31, 2009. Selection for this training will be announced by September 17, 2009.
Youth Protection Officer Information and Training
Greetings Rotary Club Youth Protection Officers (CYPO's)!
Here are some tidbits of information regarding youth protection that you may find useful as you conduct your duties during the Rotary year.
First, there is a Youth Protection website that is part of the D6250 website. The link for this is: http://www.rotary6250.org/district/youth_protection.shtml
On the Youth Protection page you will find links to the current version of the D6250 Youth Protection Policy, the procedure for how background checks are to be conducted and the Abuse and Harassment Prevention Training Manual and Leader's Guide. You may use this manual and guide as a resource as you do abuse and harassment prevention training in your own club.
Second, for those CYPO's that have not yet attended training, there will be a training session for CYPO's, Youth Exchange Officers, and Youth Exchange Counselors on Saturday, October 3rd in Madison. This session will be conducted by District Youth Protection Officer Mike Ripp. Registration for this free training session is now available on the D6250 website at the following link: http://www.rotary6250.org/events/2009/10_03_district_advisory.shtml
Register for Session #2, which will be held from 9 am to 11 am, at the Comfort Inn and Suites, on East Washington Avenue, in Madison. The registration web page gives directions to that facility.
If you have attended any of the previous training sessions, there is not a need for you to attend this session, it will be a repeat of the session held at District Assembly in April, at the Madison Alliant Energy Center in May and the Cranberry Lodge in Tomah in June. Further training sessions will be planned and communicated to you once finalized.
Third, a reminder regarding some of the CYPO duties that you should now be engaged in. First, make sure that your Youth Exchange Officers and Counselors have completed a current background check. This is extremely important now that the new Rotary year's students are arriving. It is also very important that anyone involved with youth programs in your club in any way (Interact/Rotaract/RYLA/Any club specific youth programs) have current background checks completed if they are to have unsupervised contact with those youth. Follow the background check procedures as outlined on the website link referenced earlier.
Also, it is very important that you, as CYPO, have a current background check on file. Please complete that for yourself. Mike Ripp, will conduct the reference checks that you list on your background check form.
And last, but not least, if you haven't already done so, please conduct a training program on Youth Protection for your club. This can be done during a club program or separate event, but it is very important that you help get the word out on Youth Protection in Rotary to your club members. Use the before mentioned training guide as a resource if need be, or feel free to develop your own materials.
Thank you so much for all you do in making sure the youth programs we have in Rotary are conducted in the safest possible manner. That is greatly appreciated by all.
Al Steevens
D6250 Youth Protection Committee Chair
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
Invitation to Rotary International Convention - Montreal
As your next District Governor, I’d like to personally invite you to join your fellow
Rotarians from around the globe at the Rotary International Convention being held in June of next year. Montreal Canada will host this exciting event that is sure to offer a multitude of wonderful experiences. If you’ve not been to an International Convention before, this is one not to be missed. Montreal is as diverse and rich in culture as Rotary is. Check out this link to watch a brief video that provides a sneak peak of all that Montreal has to offer. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fsfKldeDFg
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For more information visit the Rotary website http://www.rotary.org and click on the convention logo. B y participating in an RI Convention, you’ll gain a broader appreciation of Rotary’s global impact and strengthen your commitment to service above self. This celebration of Rotary fosters fellowship, creates learning opportunities, and helps attendees experience the scope and power of Rotary. You’ll go away with a whole new understanding of the internationality of Rotary and the significant difference Rotarians have made through projects around the world.
Please take a look at the article below provided by the Rotary Club of Menomonie. They have assembled great information on travel and registration!
Kristin Duckart
Rotary District 6250
District Governor Elect
District Speaker List Available
In the District Website you will find under District Information, left side of the website, a listing for a District Speakers List. Click on it and you will be informed that it is under construction. If you have a particular topic, Rotary or Rotary related, that you would be willing to talk about, do a presentation for a club program, why not get on the Speakers List? What better way to serve your fellow Rotarians in the district than to share your expertise and/or an interesting program with them. Be in touch with the office or with DG Dean Dickinson directly to be included on the list.
Group Study Exchange Uruguay - A Wonderful Opportunity
District 6250 is again offering an outstanding opportunity for residents of our District! We are currently looking for a team leader and team members to travel to Uruguay from April 24th through May 23rd, 2010.
Uruguay will be sending a team to our District during the same time period and this will offer many Clubs in the District an opportunity to host the team for several days. More information will be available in the near future.
The exchange will focus on Agribusiness and each participant must in some way be connected to that profession. Agribusiness careers include such areas as: dairy, animal husbandry, farm implements, education, seed production, genetics and much more.
The team leader must be a Rotarian and there are no age restrictions.
Team members must not have a direct lineal relationship to any Rotarian.
Team members must also be between the ages of 25 and 40, must be employed and/or live in District 6250. They must also have been gainfully employed for the past two years. All participants must be involved in the Agribusiness industry.
This is truly a fabulous opportunity for anyone who is interested in learning more about Agribusiness careers. Expenses are extremely minimal as Rotary pays for the flight, lodging and much more.
For more information about this wonderful experience, please contact Tom Marshall, District 6250 Group Study Chair at the following addresses:
715-423-1921 or 715-213-3046
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.
Journey to Montreal in 2010 with Menomonie Club
Please join the Rotary Club of Menomonie in its journey to the RI Convention.
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Itinerary: June 19 – June 26
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Airfare from Mpls/St. Paul to Montreal departure on Saturday, June 19 th and return from Boston July 3.
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Hotel accommodations for seven nights at the Fairmont: The Queen Elizabeth (www.fairmont.com/queenelizabeth/ Taxes included on above two items.
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$1234.00 per person based on double occupancy
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Registration for RI – before December 15 – $295; later up to $395.
After the Convention and a couple days in Montreal, on Saturday, June 16 board the ms Maasdam, a Holland America Line ship for a 7 day cruise ending in Boston.
Additional costs for the cruise on June 26 – July 3 are based on three different prices according to the category of stateroom:
Inside (Category K or similar) -- $1104
Ocean view (Category E or similar) --$1234
Ocean view with balcony (Category B or similar) -- $2604
RI Convention only rates are roundtrip MPS to Montreal:
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Saturday to Thursday (June 19-24) air only $610.00
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Saturday – Thursday air and hotel: $1110.00 per person double occupancy at the Fairmont
Cruise only air fare is $568 for flying into Montreal and out of Boston (as of July 15 th)….all of this is subject to change of course.
The above prices might vary slightly. Choose one of the following options: RI Convention only, Cruise only, or both.
If interested, contact Sandy Ott at sandyleo@wwt.net
Rotarians at Work - Clubs Announce Projects
Our clubs are being asked to identify a community service project that they can complete on the first Saturday in May, 2010. These clubs have announced their projects.
All of the clubs in Group 1 – Chippewa Falls Rotary, Eau Claire Noon Rotary, Eau Claire Morning Rotary, Rotary Club of Menomonie, and the Menomonie Sunrise Rotary have all signed on for Rotarians at Work on May 1, 2010; they will be doing clean up projects of parks, highways, and bike trails.
The Rotary Club of Waunakee will freshen up Rotary Plaza (their Centennial Project) by adding new mulch, pulling weeds, trimming plants, and replacing plants as needed. New landscaping around the benches installed last year on their Rotary Walk will complete their day.
The Rotary Club of Prairie du Chien is thinking about doing a river clean up project during which they will venture out on the Mississippi and various boat landings to remove trash and debris. This effort will aid in the improvement of the water quality and the environment in their area.
The first 500 Rotarians to sign up will receive a “Rotarians at Work” t-shirt. Sandy Ott, immediate past assistant governor and a member of the Menomonie Rotary Club is chairing this event. You can expect to be hearing from her.
A posting of clubs that are participating can be found on the Club Projects & News page of the District Website. Prairie du Chien has already posted… let’s see how many of our clubs use this opportunity for service and fellowship and fun!!
Member Clubs Calendar
There is in our District website, at the top, a listing for “Member Clubs”. Within that listing there is a club calendar. The clubs of the district are invited to post into the calendar those events that might be of interest to other Rotarians in the district. Are you doing a fundraiser? How about a golf outing? Maybe your club is observing a chartering day event.
You can post these events by sending an e-mail to rotarydistrict6250@morgandata.com along with contact information.
District Governor Welcome Social Held in La Crosse
The Pettibone Park Gazebo in La Crosse was the sight of the June 25th District Governor welcome social. 120 guests enjoyed a beautiful evening and great Rotary friendship.
DMB photography has provided the link below to view pictures from the event.
http://dmb21.zenfolio.com/p496717290 - When prompted enter code 2690 to access the pictures.
RI News
Rotary International Places 2011-2012 President Candidate in Nomination
The nominating committee of Rotary International has placed in nomination to be the president of Rotary International in 2011-2012, Rotarian Kalyan Banergee, the Rotary Club of Vapi, Gujarat, India. An industrialist, he has been a member of Rotary since 1972. If the nomination stands, Banergee will be the third President of Rotary International from India. He will succeed Ray Klinginsmith, of Missouri, USA who will serve in 2010-2011.
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
Check Out the Foundation Calendar
Click here to view a larger version of the September Calendar.
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.
