What do Copyright trolls and Risk Management have to do with Public Image?
More than we would like.
Risk Management at RI recently let us know that Clubs continue to post images and other media (cartoons, songs, etc.) online in disregard of copyright laws. This disregard has a direct and costly result for all of us. Over 40% of the open claims against our Rotary Club & District liability Insurance pertain to copyright infringement.
Software applications that “troll” the internet looking for violations. When a violation is discovered, owners are contacted, and they make a demand to settle the violation. Failure to respond makes the situation worse.
It is your club’s responsibility to comply with copyright laws.
Take these steps to avoid receiving a notice of copyright infringement:
Review your club’s social media accounts and websites and delete any content using images or other media where you do not have the copyright owner’s permission. This means everything-newsletters, bulletins, documents, forms, even if they are more than 10 years old.
Contact Risk Management immediately if your club receives a notice of copyright infringement.
Then from Now On:
Instead of “lifting” images or other media of the internet, use images or media created by members of your club (WITH THEIR PERMISSION) or use the Rotary Brand Center.
Never, NEVER, use images or other media without permission.
Click or tap play on the video above, or click 'read more' if you'd like to see the full transcript and get links to all of the goodies Ben shared in his message.
Start watching your inboxes for Inbound Commitment letters for the 2024-2025 Rotary Year. We had 16 clubs commit to hosting a foreign exchange student for the 2023-2024 year. Let's help District Governor Elect Michelle McGrath by raising that number by one or two. Support is available to new clubs that are interested or clubs who wish to re-engage with Rotary Youth Exchange. Reach out to RYE Chair BIll Pritchard at prosapiaeo@gmail.com for more details. Youth Exchange promotes Peace through Understanding...doesn't that feel like an important thing in our world today?
We all respond to images, especially images that move and have sound. The skills to assemble the images and craft a story are on display in this video about the Rotary Mobile Medical clinic out of La Crosse. As you will learn when you click on the link https://youtu.be/p6uN3eHX62c It’s an extraordinary tale of collaboration, cooperation, and what happens when our best selves devise solutions.
Click or tap play on the video above, or click 'read more' if you'd like to see the full transcript and get links to all of the goodies Ben shared in his message.
The Madison Breakfast Rotary Club utilized a District Membership Growth Grant to engage members in their project that will enrich the education and learning environments of hundreds of school children from pre-school into secondary school in Guatemala. Keep reading to see the rest of their project report.
ShelterBox currently has response projects ongoing in 11 countries. Rotary support from District 6250 is vitally important to enable this work and replenish our warehouses with the core aid items so we remain prepared for a rapid response to the next disaster. Please read check out this summary from Bill Tobin, Rotary Relations Manager at ShelterBox USA. Clubs interested in giving to this important work can use the mail in donation form.
There's still time to register for TriCon and be a part of a great event with amazing speakers, inspirational and informative workshops, and load of Rotary Fun! Join us for some fun and help us raise some dollars for Polio Plus! Get more info on the Polio Plus FUNdraisers (Pints for Polio Pub Crawl and an awesome Silent Auction).
The 2023 Midwest President Elect Training Seminar (PETS) was vibrant, engaging, and the first step towards a successful journey ahead. Over 400 Rotarians from 6 Rotary Districts in the Midwest gathered in Itasca, IL, on March 3-5th for a weekend of learning, inspiration, and fun. District 6250 had 72 participants representing Club and District Leadership. Club President Elects and Nominees spent their time learning from Rotary International experts, as well as, our very own District leaders - the Assistant Governors, Committee Chairs, and the DG team.
The weekend was kicked off with a special visit from the Rotary International President Elect, Gordon McInally. Gordon had a chance to speak individually to each district, as well as share his inspiring message from the main stage. He shared his vision of hope and peace for the upcoming Rotary year. Other speakers included, Greg Podd, Rotary Foundation Trustee, and PRIVP, Valarie Wafer. Our plenary sessions were filled with inspiring messages from leaders across the country sharing stories about the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion, leadership, and mental health. Tom Farley and John Williams closed out PETS with an uplifting message about the importance of connecting with others and creating an ensemble for success.
Register now for the upcoming Rotary International Conference set for Melbourne, Australia - May 27-31, 2023. Melbourne, the sparkling second city of Australia, is a vibrant hub of art, sports, and cuisine. Rotary members, participants, and supporters from around the world are invited to Imagine What's Next and explore the possibilities for Rotary's future.
Please meet Karissa Bjornstad, who will be presenting on a Global Scholar’s Panel at TriCon!
Karissa is District 6250’s Global Scholar for the 2022-2023 year. She is studying at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, completing a Master’s Degree there. The Holmen Rotary Club is her sponsor club here in the US. She is sharing her latest information here.
Be a part of the final push to eradicate Polio. For polio eradication efforts, 2022 brought good news. Fewer genetic strains of the virus are circulating than ever before. Afghanistan and Pakistan are the only two countries where polio remains endemic. And support from political, medical, and community leaders in those areas has strengthened vaccination efforts during the past year. Global support for polio eradication also reached new heights, as was proven at the World Health Summit in October, when Rotary and international partners and donors pledged a combined US$2.6 billion to eradicate the disease. Here's a few ways you can get involved:
Click or tap play on the video above, or click 'read more' if you'd like to see the full transcript and get links to all of the goodies Ben shared in his message.
Click or tap play on the video above, or click 'read more' if you'd like to see the full transcript and get links to all of the goodies Ben shared in his message.
As Rotarians, we have a responsibility to ensure that when we interact with youth through our programs and activities, we are following Rotary's general guidelines. Some of you may be quite familiar with these, but as a reminder, please review the following information and reach out with any questions. We appreciate every Rotarian in our district and your commitment to ensuring that we are in compliance with any Rotary International policy that helps protect our Youth.
Everyday is an opportunity to share Rotary. By showing up in our communities to serve and volunteer each of us is sharing what Rotary means to us, what Rotary means in our communities.
Sharing and showing up can be as simple as wearing your pin even on days when you don’t have a meeting. Add the Rotary logo or your club’s logo to the signature block of your personal email. If you use social media, post a mention of a speaker you heard at a meeting, link to an article in the Rotary magazine, put a Rotary decal on your car, in the window at your office. These are just a few suggestions that cost you little and will spread awareness that Rotary is here in our communities.
When people see us, see Rotarians in action, the opportunity opens to extend an invitation to a meeting, to be a volunteer, and just maybe to become one of us.
Hosted by District Ethics Initiative Chair Bob Shumaker and event co-chair Mike Gotzler 180 students from 20 schools braved the arctic cold Friday morning, February 5th. Madison Rotary Club volunteers were as excited as the students to share and explore the R-O-T-A-R-Y framework for ethical decision-making.
The young leaders came from small schools, large schools, public schools, private schools, schools who have participated in the past and schools for which this was a new experience. The excitement, and not a small amount of anxiety filled the welcome sessions. High energy keynote group, the First Wave Touring Ensemble, vividly demonstrated realistic challenges and complexities facing all of our youngsters. The tone of the morning was set, the framework for decision-making explained. Participants streamed from the ballroom to their assigned breakout rooms. Students were deliberately scattered so they could meet and think with peers they didn’t know. Keep reading to hear how these leaders stretched their minds.
Once you’ve chosen a travel destination, what do you do next? Learn a bit of the language? Get a list of area highlights? Check out a map? Anticipate a warm welcome?
Our Rotary District will be hosting new member orientation throughout 2023. On every fifth Wednesday (March 29, May 31, August 30, November 29) at 7 a.m. or 7 p.m., new Rotarians – and Rotarians who feel new – can join others for an easy-going hour designed to give everyone a great start to a great Rotary experience. We will offer a warm Rotary welcome, Rotary language acquisition, Rotary highlights, and a Rotary map. This is not a series, it is a single opportunity, offered four days a year, at 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. each of the four days.
Isha Paudel (the Girl from Nepal) was a Rotary Youth exchange student in our District during the 2019-20 school year. She was “discovered” as a 14 year old by a group of 6250 Rotarians who visited Nepal as part of a Rotary Friendship Exchange in 2016. She currently attends UW-Platteville and this is her most recent update to the District 6250 Rotarians who help sponsor her education. Keep reading for a letter from Isha.
On the 21st of December our Club had its Christmas celebration. On this special occasion we wanted to honor fellow Rotarians who supported our Club`s help to refugees from the Ukraine and directly to the Ukrainian nation in their homeland. Therefore, we created a special statue "Dove of Peace" which is the representation of the Rotary motto "Service Above Self" and our motto for last year - "Service for Peace".
We think of your District as our true friend in the help that we offer to Ukrainians. We wanted to honor your District. In attachment I am sending you a photo of the statue and diploma. We plan to bring the statue with us on return Rotary Friendship Exchange to your District in June.
Thank you for registering for Vibrant Club Workshop on January 21, 2023! We are so excited for a fun event!
Vibrant Club Workshop – January 21, 2023
Online – 9:00 am to 11:30 am
In-Person – 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm
Handouts & Survey:
Linked below please find handouts and the survey for this event. In Person event survey’s will be collected onsite. Virtual event survey’s should be emailed to DGN Todd Restel trestel@1supply.com.
There is a small parking lot on 8th Street and have access to the large parking lot next door on 8th Street as well. The 8th Street entrance is handicap accessible with an elevator lift inside.
Rotary Friendship Exchange to Budapest Hungary April 9 to 19, 2023.
Initial Details:
We're probably staying in a central Hotel in Budapest, some homestays possible.
9 Rotary clubs in Budapest will be taking turns showing us the city and important historical Stories and locations. 10 maximum team members.
The cost will be Airfare, probably hotel, meals, and incidentals. We would coordinate the flights with the team members if possible, so if you are a bit nervous don’t be, the team will take care of you!
If you have not been on one of these they are an amazing experience of seeing the sights, experiencing local culture and making real Rotarian friends
Group Leader will be Mark Etrheim, mark@mchlax.com, 608-769-7200. Any questions, please contact me directly.
Please read this report that details the use of $5,000 from District 6250 to help Ukraine. So much important support was provided including equipment for refugees, activities for Children from Ukraine, school supplies, Polish language lessons, an activation project, dental care and therapeutic support.
Congratulations to the recipients of the 2022-2023 District 6250 Membership Growth Grants.
Lake Mills Rotary
Madison Breakfast Rotary
Two $1,000 grants have been provided to these clubs to help with membership retention, recruitment, starting a new club, promotion, etc. To qualify, clubs must have a Membership Chair. Priority of the awards went to clubs whose efforts demonstrate innovative and impactful ideas for growing a club’s membership. Learn more about this grant program or our other membership grant program, the New Member Project Grant here. Applications for the New Member Project Grant are due May 31st, 2023 – don’t wait!
Your very own Rotary District 6250 is known for having the most robust Rotary Friendship Exchange Program in North American … take advantage of these once in a lifetime opportunities!
Background: Currently, the Rotary Club of Beloit is the primary international sponsor on a large Rotary “Digital Literacy” Global Grant that is benefitting schools in various parts of Croatia. The relationships Beloit has established over the past 3 years has led to this Rotary Friendship Exchange opportunity. Members of the Rotary Club of Beloit were given first “dibs” on this exchange, however, there are several spots remaining.
What: Rotary Friendship Exchange with Rotary Clubs and Rotarians in Croatia. Stay with local Rotarians, city and business tours, local food and drink, Rotary meetings and plenty of time for fellowship and discussion. Prepare to be surprised by the activities and tours organized for you. Return leg will bring Croatian Rotarians to Wisconsin in 2024. See also: Rotary International Website RFE Information and District 6250 Friendship Exchange Page
When: District 6250 travel to District 1913 in Croatia will be from September 7-18, 2023. District 1913 travel to 6250 is TBD in 2024. No visa requirements in either direction, just a passport. Keep reading for a more detailed itinerary and to learn how to sign up!
The Mayville Rotary Club exemplifies how a spark of an idea can take hold and bring community together. And it all started with a new member grant. From Mike Schuett:
The summer of 2022 had over 15 events in The Square many due to the new stage and equipment. Pictured is Ukekrazy performing at the Kids Rock Day Afternoon in July 2022. Keep reading to learn more.
Get to know your District Governor Nominee Designate, Michael Kloss of the Rotary Club of Eau Claire Morning. Michael is currently an Assistant Governor, representing our Group 1 clubs (Eau Clair, Chippewa Falls, Menomonie) and is an active community member in Rotary and other organizations. He’s clearly got a passion for service and will be an excellent leader of our District in the coming years. Learn more about Michael here.
When your club makes public image a priority, be prepared to see engagement rise. Showcasing how your projects make an impact in the community and touch people's lives gives the public an understanding of what Rotary does. Having a Public Image Chair is a great way to prioritize your club’s image. They can coordinate club messages and provide a consistent Rotary voice in communications. And the Brand Center is where they can find tools such as templates, images, and videos to create compelling ads, flyers, social media posts, and press releases. Keep reading to learn more about making public image a priority.
Happy New Year to all Rotarians in District 6250. It's that time of year where we make resolutions...reflect on what we did last year that we might want to change, do more of or stop doing completely. Most of the time these resolutions are self-
reflective, but I would propose a challenge to each of you to look outward with your resolutions when it comes to Rotary. The District has an upcoming Vibrant Club Workshop on January 21st that would be a great way to get some ideas to bring back to your club.
District 6220 (Northeastern Wisconsin) and District 6250 have collaborated to present an exclusive webinar series, this month, focused on how we might "Grow Rotary Through Service."
Please join nationally known Rotary Innovative Club Advocate and speaker, Alex Johnson, from the Rotary Club of Plano West in Texas, for a fun-filled and information-packed series of webinars taking place every Thursday this month at 7:00 pm (Central Time). These webinars will give you and your club the tools needed to involve non-Rotarians in your service projects, provide "comfort and care" to current and new volunteers so they remain or become Rotarians, and promote the great work your Club is doing in the community to convince even more to join in and help! Keep reading or Register Now!
Click or tap play on the video above, or click 'read more' if you'd like to see the full transcript and get links to all of the goodies Ben shared in his message.
And we share greetings. Annual letters, cards, e-cards, phone calls… Consider adding a mention of Rotary when you send your greetings this year.
Maybe your friends, co-workers and family members have heard you talk about Rotary, but maybe they haven’t. Experience shows us that sharing Rotary will build goodwill and better friendships, and as an added bonus will increase awareness of the organization we care so much about.
Thank you all, and please have a safe, happy, healthy season.
Planning on making a year end contribution to The Rotary Foundation? If so, make that contribution as soon as possible so staff can process all the donations by the end of the year. Keep reading for more information and clear and simple instructions of ways to make your donation.
The tales of ‘Ola, Boris and their New Friends’ and ‘Ola and Boris Go to School’ arose out of a heartfelt urge to show solidarity with the Ukrainian people who had to abandon their country because of war. The message these books convey is universal and would be an excellent read for any child you know.
Click or tap play on the video above, or click 'read more' if you'd like to see the full transcript and get links to all of the goodies Ben shared in his message.
Share a service project and win some cash for your club!
Submit your video today! District Community Service Chair, Andy Bakkum, shares an exciting new opportunity to share your Community Service projects, tell some stories and be recognized for a job well done! Click on the image above to learn about District 6250 Community Service Video Challenge!
In September 20,000 copies of “Ola y Boris Go to School” were printed in Poland using Ukrainian Refugee Relief funds raised by the District 6250 Foundation, Inc. and several District 6250 Rotary Clubs. The book was published pro-bono by the Heweliusza Institute and written pro-bono by the academic staff at two universities in Wroclaw, Poland. It is the second book in a series.
As a token of their appreciation, Rotary Poland and Anna Jasinowska-Czarny, Project Manager for the Heweliusza Institute, have made English language versions of the books available to all our District 6250 Clubs. Hard copies have been delivered or mailed to all Club Presidents. Digital copies of both books are available for FREE download at the link and/or QR below. The message these books convey is universal. They would be an excellent read for any child you know.
Listen to a podcast episode hosted by Steve Busalachhi and featuring Karen and Larry Hands about how they made environmental stewardship their RI Mission!!
International service projects improve life for the people served and create the humanitarian culture that we experience as Rotarians. This is true at every level of Rotary including your club and our District 6250.
District 6250 has many resources available to help your club achieve the international goals you have chosen. Those resources include mentoring, networking, and funding. Keep reading for a brief overview for reference while planning your next international service project.
District 6250 travel to 3170 … February 4 to 14, 2023. District 3170 to 6250 … June 10-20, 2023. There are visa requirements in both directions, but it can be done simply on line.
Travel to Mumbai(Bombay), then inland to their district. We will move in their district to visit parts of Maharashtra, Goa and Karnataka.
Maximum of 12 interested Rotarians, spouses and/or family members. Express your interest early!
Trip Leader 6250: Rotarian David Clemens, who was an exchange student to Goa in 1971, and has traveled to this area five times. Please contact Dave Clemens, if interested, at dclemens541@gmail.com, or text to 608-408-8941.
Rotarians around the world are celebrating the impact of The Rotary Foundation in November. We celebrate by remembering the impact our support is having to eradicate polio, fund humanitarian community projects sponsored by clubs, and the ways in which our work helps create peace by alleviating need where it exists.
Rotarians also celebrate by renewing their commitment to support The Rotary Foundation. Rotarians are encouraged to Support the Annual Fund/SHARE program that generates funds for use as matching grants by our District and the Foundation’s Global Fund.
In District 6250, your support means that we are supporting 15 active global grants and 12 active district grants. Because of you, we still have $125,000 to match Global Grant projects and $60,000 to match District Grant projects this year.
This is Our Rotary Foundation because Rotarians contribute the funds and Rotarians determine how the funds are used.Make your commitment today and work with your club to identify projects that can put these funds to use. And don’t forget, Rotary Direct makes it easy to give without reminders.
Thank you for supporting Our Rotary Foundation so generously!
The case of Polio that arose in New York is a reminder that our Rotary promise to children of the world to eradicate this devastating disease has not yet been fulfilled. While the New York case was brought from another country, it highlights the possibility that letting our guard down against this disease could have devastating consequences for countries that are currently polio free.
Your support for Polio Plus is a critical strategy to fulfill this promise. With the match from The Gates Foundation, your dollar is worth $3 for polio eradication.
Keep reading for more helpful info to help you achieve your Polio Giving Goals
By now you have probably heard the word “podcast”. Maybe you even listen to one or more.
If you don’t feel ready to produce a regular podcast, you can relax. Few of us have the skills, yet. But…we can all start asking questions of our club members and recording what they say. A simple question like: How did you come to be a Rotarian? Or something with a bit more depth: What keeps you in Rotary?
Do you need a tape recorder? If you have one, feel free to use it. Or…use that smartphone in your hand, in your pocket, on your desk, next to your cup of coffee. The recordings can be emailed to whoever will keep track of them until the club decides how to use them and share them.
Many clubs have returned to in-person meetings. Adding regular brief recording sessions may add a fresh motivation for showing up in person. Try “The question of the week” Or create something all your own, then share your idea with your AG.
And remember to have fun. Making recordings may create lots of laughter, may stir memories for sharing, could even prompt brainstorming for something new.
Click or tap play on the video above, or click 'read more' if you'd like to see the full transcript and get links to all of the goodies Ben shared in his message.
Reports from Rotary Wisconsin Project Partners in the Ukraine, Poland and the Netherlands. How Funds Have Been Used to Assist With the Ukrainian Refugee Crisis. Updated October 2022.
Note: This list does not include two $25,000 Rotary International Foundation Grants that Wisconsin Rotary has secured. The first, in support of Ukraine Medical Supplies and the second, in support of Kiev International Rotary's Refugee Housing Initiatives.
World Polio Day is October 24th. Some clubs have a tradition to raise funds for Polio Plus in October. District Governor Ben Bauer is also issuing a challenge to our District to raise $130,000 for Polio Plus by March 30, 2023. That is an increase of $11,000 over last year's success. Better yet, when we reach the goal, DG Ben will dye his hair purple in honor of our contributions! Keep reading to for more info and some tools to help us get there!
We’re excited to share the news of the rebirth of the Beloit College Rotaract Club! The club signed up 36 students at the Student Involvement Fair that happened at the beginning of the school year. At the Fair, Club President, Edgar Caracoza and Assistant Governor, Bill Beckly answered questions and represented the club. Congratulations!
Social media makes expanding your club’s reach easier than ever, but how? There are tips, tricks, and tools for creating content for social platforms, and the goal is simple: connection. A well-built social media presence will help you create connections in your community and beyond, from showcasing your club’s success to building awareness of its presence. To help boost your social media savvy, we’ve put together the following eight tips and tools (keep reading):
District 6250 Rotarians who participate in giving through Rotary Direct were honored at the recent Zone Institute at Mall of America. 11.5% of our membership use this convenient tool to make contributions to The Rotary Foundation.
Rotary Direct allows Rotarians to set a schedule for their contributions. Gifts can be made weekly, monthly , quarterly or in any interval you prefer. You can also designate your gift to any of The Rotary Foundation’s funds that you enjoy supporting. And you can change your giving schedule anytime you want.
A good way to use this tool is to start with your Annual Fund/SHARE contributions. The you can add contributions for Polio Plus, Endowment or Areas of Focus.
November is Rotary Foundation Month. Consider trying this tool as a way to manage your giving and eliminating the need to send a check. You can find more information at My Rotary/Donate.
And don’t forget, you can set a up a contribution to Polio Plus to qualify for the new Polio Plus Society. DG Ben Bauer has issued a challenge to reach $130,000 in contributions to Polio Plus this year. Let’s do this!
We use our five senses to perceive the world around us, including the Rotary World. What does this fact have to do with Rotary Public Image?
Everything.
Particularly seeing and hearing. The public part of Public Image is typically us giving out information about Rotary and our clubs that people can only see and hear. With communication options narrowed to just two of our five senses we must focus on how we reach people through audio, video, and print.
Most clubs have limited access to T.V., a little more to radio, and hit and miss on print newspapers. That leaves us with social media. Public Image is about Perception. So if the public can’t see or hear anything about Rotary they can’t perceive Rotary. Keep reading to learn about some key opportunities that clubs have to improve their perception...
Click or tap play on the video above, or click 'read more' if you'd like to see the full transcript and get links to all of the goodies Ben shared in his message.
Thank you to all the members who took our District 6250 Member survey. Your input is incredibly valuable and there's no doubt that it will help guide the ways your District continues to support Rotarians and their Clubs. Keep reading to dig into the results!
As World Polio Day approaches, we’re getting ready to amplify our message about eradicating polio to protect the world’s children from this devastating disease.
We’ve made tremendous progress so far, and now’s the time to intensify our fight to make polio the second human disease ever to be eradicated. In 2020, the World Health Organization’s African region was certified free of wild poliovirus, showing that eradication is possible even in very difficult circumstances.
The wild poliovirus remains endemic in just two countries — Afghanistan and Pakistan— but as long as polio exists anywhere, it remains a threat everywhere. So let’s use World Polio Day to advocate for the support we need to end polio in countries where children are still as risk.
Get involved Take action this World Polio Day by hosting virtual and community events, creating fundraisers, and sharing posts about the importance of polio eradication on social media.
Use the World Polio Day Toolkit to find resources and tips for planning activities and promoting a polio-free world. Download the World Polio Day Toolkit
Register your club’s participation in World Polio Day to show how your club is taking action to eradicate polio. If you register your events, fundraisers, and promotions by 13 October, you’ll get early access to Rotary’s World Polio Day Global Update, one week before the program airs on 24 October on Rotary’s Facebook page and endpolio.org. Register your club's participation
Use Raise for Rotary to start a World Polio Day online fundraiser. All contributions will go to the PolioPlus Fund. The top Raise for Rotary World Polio Day 2022 fundraisers will be featured on My Rotary. Start a fundraiser
Please consider joining the District 6250 Polio Plus Society! This is a new program to recognize your gifts and pledges to support Polio Plus at a minimum of $100 per year. If you can’t give that amount, your contribution is still important to eradicate polio around the world. For the rest of this year and all of next year your contribution will be matched twice by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Fall means that Youth Exchange is back, and youth programs keep Rotarians young!
As I’ve scrolled through my social media over the last few weeks, I get a feeling or a sense of normalcy that occurs each fall. Back to school shopping, fantasy football leagues forming, people counting down to pumpkin spice being on menus again and most importantly for Rotary, Youth programs gearing up in full force. Interact Clubs reconnecting after summer break and exchange students being so warmly welcomed into District 6250. Keep reading to learn about all of the great Youth Program activity that’s happened recently!
The Open World Program is available only to Rotary clubs in the United States and provides an opportunity to build fellowship and friendship to strengthen international understanding by hosting emerging Eurasian leaders from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Estonia, Georgia, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Mongolia, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan in your community. Rotary clubs are needed to host six-participant delegations for eight days and nights and prepare a professional program related to business, community, and civic life in the United States. You can view our 2023 hosting themes here.
Click or tap play on the video above, or click 'read more' if you'd like to see the full transcript and get links to all of the goodies Ben shared in his message.
You may think you know the story of the 1987 change that allowed women into Rotary. With our first female Rotary International President, there’s no better time to hear the rest of the story. Rotarian Lyn Kenney (formerly of the Rotary Club of Madison South) is a historian with the Rotary Global History Fellowship. Read more to see more info about that Fellowship, or click here to watch a presentation about the many pioneering women who helped make this significant change happen.
You’re invited to take the next step toward your club membership goals with the support of a District Membership Grant! District 6250 has allocated $10,000 in New Member Project and Membership Growth Grants for the 2022-2023 Rotary year. This support comes through two grant types. One that is for new Rotary club members to use towards a service project of their choice, helping them jumpstart their involvement with their clubs. The other is all about Membership Growth to help with membership retention, recruitment, starting a new club, promotion, etc. Get started today!
Yes, this is the title of a new movie AND it’s the way we can feel at the beginning of the new Rotary year. Great new theme, new leadership, high expectations and higher energy. And overwhelm. Where to begin? How to start?
If public image for your club is up to you, and even if it’s not, here are a few suggestions:
List the events that you know will happen in the upcoming Rotary year. It helps to see how events flow through the year. Then they won’t surprise you.
For each event list your tasks, timeline, and who can help you
How will the event be publicized? Plan social media posts with details and images by date, channel, and time
Rotary’s club banner program recognizes excellence in achievements made across a Rotary year. In November, six clubs form District 6250 will be recognized for excellence in giving to The Rotary Foundation.
TRF Giving Banner – Awarded to clubs that achieve $100 per capita giving with 100% of members giving at least $25 to any of the following: Annual Fund, Polio Plus, approved global grants or the Endowment Fund.
Black River Falls
DeForest Area
Edgerton
Madison East – Monona
Onalaska-Hilltopper
Waunakee
Every Rotarian Every Year Banner – Awarded to clubs that achieve a minimum Annual Fund contribution of $100 per capita during the Rotary year, and every dues-paying member must personally contribute at least $25 to the Annual Fund during the year.
Black River Falls
Edgerton
Madison East – Monona
Onalaska-Hilltopper
Waunakee
We also had 11 clubs exceed $200 per capita giving to The Rotary Foundation’s Annual Fund. While this is not a formal recognition category, it is a remarkable testimony to the generosity of District 6250 Rotarians.
Rotarian support for The Rotary Foundation is the fuel that drives Rotary’s success to create lasting change that improves the lives of our neighbors around the world and in our communities. Thank you to everyone who gives to OUR Rotary Foundation!
We are welcoming 17 students to Wisconsin next month. The La Crosse Clubs are hosting these students the weekend of Dec 3 – Thank you La Crosse!!! We are hoping to add an additional winter weekend gathering in the January – February timeframe. Would your community be willing to host – perhaps 2 or 3 clubs joining together? The IB team of Janine O’Rourke, Rebecca Oettinger and Bob Dent would assist with planning. These students are looking for an opportunity to connect with each other and learn or see something new. An example weekend would involve:
Community center or host families to accommodate the students for the Friday and Saturday night
2-3 meals provided by the club or host families
1 Saturday activity (sporting event, museum visit, etc)
Student departure following Sunday breakfast
Please contact Janine O’Rourke (608-577-6395, janinemoroukre@gmail.com) to discuss ideas or learn more.
Have you ever seen one of those Facebook fundraisers that people do for their birthday or to simply raise funds for something they care about? It’s a great idea and can bring in some serious money – AND – there’s a better way! Raise for Rotary gives members a safe, secure way to do a personal fundraiser, maximize the dollars donated, and get Foundation recognition credit for the donations made by their nonmember friends. Keep reading to learn more and how to start your Raise for Rotary fundraiser!
We’ve all taken our own path to become a member of Rotary. Some of you joined because your father was a Rotarian. Some of us signed up because an employer tapped us on the shoulder and asked us to attend a meeting. Others became members only after a U.S. Supreme Court ruling made it possible. Yet each of us entered through one mechanism — an invitation.
Click or tap play on the video above, or click 'read more' if you'd like to see the full transcript and get links to all of the goodies Ben shared in his message.
THANK YOU, District 6250 Rotarians! During the 2021-22 Rotary Year, your contributions to the Rotary Foundation totaled $673,115. The total includes $412,156 for the Annual Fund/SHARE program, $116,578 for Polio Plus, and the balance going to Areas of Focus, Global Grants, and Endowment as designated by the contributing Rotarian.
There are many reasons to celebrate this result. Your generosity increased contributions to the Annual Fund/Share by $52,912 and $7,317 to eradicate Polio compared to last year’s totals. Keep reading for more results and results and information on matching grants and grant applications.
Thank You to Karen Hebert for your service as our District Governor in 2021-2022. There’s no doubt that your service has changed lives and you’ll continue to do so for years to come! Keep reading for some beautiful reflections from Karen’s year.
Key Details: District 6250 will travel to Poland approximately September 22nd to October 3rd, 2022.
District 2231 (Poland) will travel to 6250 in 2023 (most likely).
No visa requirements in either direction, just a passport.
Deadline to express interest: July 31, 2022 Contact Edwin Bos at edwin@bosdesignbuilders.com if interested. If you don’t receive a message confirming receipt, your interest has not been noted.
The Rotary Friendship Exchange program gives Rotarians (including spouse, significant other or one family member) the opportunity to host and visit Rotarians around the world. In addition to experiencing other cultures and making lasting friendships, an exchange provides a strong foundation for carrying out other international activities and service projects. Click "read more" to learn more about the upcoming Friendship Exchange to Poland!
Visiting another country and meeting its people may offer visitors the greatest educational epiphany imaginable. It might also be the key to unlocking our spirit of generosity. Such has been the case for Rob and Mary Gooze, itinerant travelers who are longtime donors to the Rotary Foundation.
Click or tap play on the video above, or click 'read more' if you'd like to see the full transcript and get links to all of the goodies Ben shared in his message.
Rotarians who were able to attend our District Annual Meeting at TriCon were invited to take a tree home. These little friends were representatives of District 6250 – our biodiversity and dependence on Rotary Life that motivates our fellowship and service. We take action to create lasting change – but we don’t control anything. We are stewards. When it works, we stand back amazed and grateful. When it doesn’t, we stand back amazed (or is that just me?) and adjust. Rotary Life grows us individually and together, and produces service, integrity, and peace.
The trees also served as a nod to this year’s launch of The Rotary Foundation’s seventh area of focus, “Supporting the Environment”. This year we took all kinds of action along this line: We TriCon districts joined together for Rotary Days of Environmental Service in early October, you responded with interesting projects, our District committed to protecting pollinators and joined Operation Pollination, a 6250 Club was awarded the first Global Grant focused on the environment, and awareness of environmental issues and motivation for meaningful action grew.
I was able to take home a little spruce. When Hubby and I packaged the trees, the spruce, with their well-developed roots, seemed unstoppably hardy. I planted mine in the sunlight afforded by last fall’s removal of an 80-year oak. Not only is it a great spot for the little guy, but its proximity to the memory of that mighty oak offered an excellent picture of Rotary Life. About two weeks after planting, I went to check on it and photograph it for an inspiring Facebook post I’d already written in my head.
The little guy was dying.
Not what I had planned.
I adjusted. Knowing that dying branches and brown needles don’t come back, I pruned. I hoped. I watered a little more carefully. I added a little red flag near the tree so I wouldn’t overlook it. I worried that others’ trees weren’t fairing well. I sent up a prayer and considered sending out tips. I nixed the Facebook post. It occurred to me that for twenty years of life together, that glorious oak hadn’t asked anything of me.
We never know what’s next. However, we can be certain that in Rotary, whatever is next is worthy of our generous attention and gifts. Beginnings are investments, maturity is productive, endings are bittersweet. Every 6250 Rotarian has experience with each phase. Beginnings and endings ask the most of us.
Thank you for planting yourself in Rotary. Thank you for opening yourself to Rotary Life. Thank you for stewarding Rotary Life in fellowship and service. Thank you for a great year Serving to Change Lives. I am proud and grateful to have served as your District Governor. Cheers to a healthy and productive new Rotary year as we Imagine Rotary under the leadership of DG Ben, your club Presidents, and all Rotarians living authentically in favor of service above self.
She’s like you in so many ways. As a Rotary Club President, she motivates, plans, leads, and finds a way to balance her busy non-Rotary life.
And then there’s the unusual, unexpected, and uninvited way she isn’t like you at all. President Nila is a refugee. Nila left behind soldiers and neighbors in Zaporizhzhia and attends Rotary Club meetings in her temporary home of Olstyn, Poland. There she met Irma, a fellow Rotarian and friend of 6250. Irma’s club and 6250 Rotarians successfully wrote a global grant to establish a culinary training center in Olstyn a few years ago. Plans for a Friendship Exchange have begun.
Together, Nila and Irma are leading efforts to do the most good in the best way for the people and soldiers in Zaporizhzhia. Devastated by battles, without access to medical care, in desperate need of intensive humanitarian aid, Rotary Club of Olstyn Varnia, plans to send first aid kits in two sizes. The small kit will be designed to strap to a belt and the large kit will fill a backpack. The kits are intended for use not only by medics, but also by other people in the conflict area who are able to provide emergency first aid, saving health and life. The kits have been conceived and designed in consultation with military and medical leaders serving on the front line.
Few opportunities to serve are so immediately necessary. Few opportunities will connect you so intimately lives saved and tended. Thanks to Rotary networks, miles do not matter. Will you help?
We hope to raise $30,000 in 30 days – half of the project’s total cost. Gifts can be sent to our 6250 Foundation via the link below or by scanning the graphic. Whether or not you have given to help Ukraine, we hope it will be your pleasure to help again. No gift is too small.
Our task force began its work in November of 2020 and is disbanding at the end of this month. During our existence we have been able to help clubs with technology recommendations, the purchase of equipment and provide best practices on running effective meetings.
If you, or your club are looking for information on these topics or anything else related to hybrid meetings be sure to keep an eye out for a special edition of this District Dispatch which will solely focus on the information developed by this task force for the benefit of all clubs in District 6250.
As we wrap things up I would like to acknowledge, and thank the contributions from the following who joined me on this task force: Melissa Carlson from Verona-Fitchburg-Horizons, Sue Sippel from Wisconsin Rapids Noon Rotary, Bob Spencer from the Rotary Club of LaCrescent, Brandon Harris and Marissa Dickinson from the Rotary Club of La Crosse-After Hours.
As always, should you have any questions about any aspect of hybrid meeting technology or best practices drop me a note at mdag6250@gmail.com.
In a recent survey, Rotary International learned that engaging members and delivering value was a challenge that 42% of respondents said was the toughest. Engaged Rotarians have found something that is valuable and that is why they stay members and invite others to join. Understanding (and being at peace with) where you are as a club is a first step. A quick second step is to plan how you’d like to move forward. Hear are some great resources to help you do all of that.
Three things you can do next to help your club thrive:
With your club leadership team take the Club Health Check. This interactive guide asks you to review elements of your club like the club experience, service and socials, members, public image, and business and operations. Then decide which areas need attention.
Learn from clubs in our region that are changing the experience they offer by engaging their members, conducting meaningful projects, and trying new ideas.
Share what you’ve learned about the health of your club and ask members for their ideas. Lasting change happens when everyone works toward the same goals. When you’ve developed a plan, you can customize this slide presentation to explain it during a club meeting.
If you haven’t yet explored the Club Planning Assistant, it’s available anytime, and you can visit it as often as you like. Your District Leadership team is here, pleaseremember that your Assistant Governor or any of us are available and happy to help.
Each month has a theme. June is Rotary Fellowships.
Each RI President has a theme and image.
The words and image are unique and personal to them and their year. The incoming RI President (RIPE) introduces their theme to the District Governors-Elect at the International Assembly each January. RIPE Jennifer Jones addressed the 529 DGEs almost six months ago and unveiled her stunning theme for 2022-2023: Imagine Rotary.
As Hamlet said, “If it be now, 'tis not to come; if it be not to come, it will be now; if it be not now, yet it will come: the readiness is all.
The 2022-23 theme is yet to come… July 1. It is not now. Now we are still “Serving to Change Lives”.
And yes, the readiness is all. Please be ready to use, share, and be energized by Imagine Rotary…July 1, 2022.
At the close of another Rotary year, our membership has changed. We are slightly fewer in numbers, have slightly more women, are somewhat more diverse, have very good retention in the long term, and are normal in comparison to the other districts in our zone - about 35 districts running north-south through the center of the United States and part of Ontario. Worldwide, Rotary has grown by a net 11,000 members – the first year of net growth for quite some time. South Korea, much of Africa, and India have lead the addition of new members and new clubs.
Here are some 6250 highlights!
Congratulations to the clubs who won membership grants this year. The district made grants to support membership recruitment events mid-year, and are happy to announce the grant awards supporting new member service here at the end of this year. Congratulations to the Rotary Clubs of Black River Falls, Janesville Noon, Lake Mills, Mayville, and Prairie du Chien! We look forward to what your cadre of new members plan and execute in Rotary service!
This year I also have the pleasure of awarding a special $500 Governor’s Grant for the new members of Rotary Club of Holmen Area (HARC). HARC inducted four members in the meeting immediately following the grant application deadline. While HARC applied for the grant and barely missed qualifying, the induction of four more new members puts them near the top of all awardees. I’m sure you’ll join me in celebrating their success! HARC also formally organized an annual new member service project under the leadership of their Past President - whether or not they win a district grant. Well done, HARC! We are proud of you.
Thank you to all of our clubs for inviting your community members to join you in Rotary fellowship and service. Mark your calendars now for next year’s membership grant opportunities: Membership Growth in December and New Member Projects in May.
District 6250 is a regional juggernaut in the area of Youth Exchange. We are amongst the largest programs in the Midwest, currently the largest of the 19 districts that make up the Central States Rotary Youth Exchange organization that stretches from North Dakota to Pennsylvania and includes parts of Canada. On average year, we welcome approximately 20-25 inbound students from around the world for a year-long exchange, an additional 14 students that do a yo-yo short term exchange (7 Americans go out and 7 foreign students return with them), and an additional 20 young Americans venture abroad from our cities and towns to points all over the world. All told, that means that over 50 students are touched by the Youth Exchange Program in District 6250 each and every year.
It goes without saying that to lead a program that is so comprehensive takes extraordinary individuals. Our district has been so ably served by our remarkable Youth Exchange chairs – from Harry Van Camp (now a member of Madison Breakfast), to Judy Levine (2008 – 2014), to now Jan Bonsett-Veal (2014 – current). Each of these leaders held numerous positions within Youth Exchange before ascending to the chair position. It may be safe to say that no one position within Rotary demonstrates such loyalty and dedication to purpose as does the Youth Exchange Program.
Jan Bonsett-Veal is about to embark on a new role as the Vice Chair of the Central States Rotary Youth Exchange organization. She takes over on July 1st, and will be the first woman ever to hold this position. In one year, on July 1, 2023, she will take over as the first woman president of the Central States Rotary Youth Exchange Organization. How fitting that this will occur the same year as Jennifer Jones becomes our first woman president of Rotary International.
I have the incredibly enormous challenge of filling these incredibly capable shoes. This year I will be co-chairing with Jan – but in truth just trying to keep up with the incredible flow of communications and work flow. Jan is quick to say that if it wasn’t for the dedicated volunteers who give incredible effort to the Youth Exchange program – from the Youth Exchange Officers, Counselors and Youth Protection Officers in our clubs… to the remarkable Outbound Exchange team (led by John Holevoet and Ann Oberle), Inbound Exchange team (led by Janine O’Rourke and Tammi Richmond), and Short-Term Exchange Team (led by Carl Kinsley)… to the remarkable Judy Steinhauer and Sharon Richmond – who keep on top of the incredible flow of background checks, applications, foreign visas…( I could go on and on). If it wasn’t for this dedicated team, I don’t know how it would get done. But it does… in large part to the incredible work over these past 8 years by Jan. Congratulations Jan!! On behalf of all who have had the honor of working with you, I think past chair Judy Levine said it best when she shared with me by email:
“She will be a great leader of Central States – just as she has been as our district chair.”
Katrina Kalcic, the 2021-2022 Global Scholar sponsored by District 6250 and the Janesville Morning Rotary Club, attended the Thames (UK) District Conference this spring. Katrina is pictured here kneeling in the front row, far right. She is in her final term of her Master’s Degree at Oxford University in the Blavatnik School of Government. The Windsor & Eton Club is her host in the UK.
Reflecting on her time at Oxford, Katrina said that collaboration with international professionals and students who are using diverse strategies to achieve positive social change has been a highlight of her work at the University. Learning the limitations of traditional economic theories in uncertain times has been an important part of her academic training. In her Principles of International Law class, she deepened her understanding of war crimes, genocide, and dispute resolution.
Katrina Kalcic grew up in Kenosha and attended the University of Wisconsin – Madison for her undergraduate degree in Political Science and Journalism. Before becoming a Global Scholar, she worked for two years in Uganda and was involved with the United Nations Spotlight Initiative working to reduce violence against women and girls in more than 25 countries.
District 6250 is pleased to fund a Global Scholar annually. Rotarian contributions to the Annual Fund/SHARE program make this scholarship using District Designated Funds. Thank you for supporting the Global Scholars we sponsor.
Change HerStory How do you tell the story of a menstrual hygiene project in Ghana?
When the International Projects Committee of the Rotary Club of Madison chose its international project in 2018, we knew we had to create messaging that would reduce “discomfort” about the project. After all, who wants to talk about menstrual hygiene at lunch...or maybe at all.
The committee was thrilled to be partnering with the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s new 4W (Women and Wellbeing in Wisconsin and the World) initiative. The goal was to provide a junior high school curriculum to teach adolescent girls and boys about reproduction & menstruation, dispel myths and provide menstrual hygiene “kits” to female students that they could use when they got their period. Over three years, we would work with seven US Rotary clubs, 3 Ghanaian Rotary Clubs, 8 districts and 188 schools and an in-country partner, Days for Girls (an international NGO that advances menstrual equity, health, dignity and opportunity for all) to reach more than 25,000 girls, boys and their families and distribute more than 17,500 kits.
Back to the “discomfort”. Even in our club of smart professionals in Madison, WI, when we started to tell the story, folks would cringe a little and be visibly uncomfortable. So, what do we do? Who do we find to tell the story and what story do we tell?
The answer to who would tell the story? Gray-haired guys, of course. When we proposed this strategy to our committee members, the guys got it. And we were on our way. The first time Committee co-chair, Mike Casey, stood at the podium to introduce the project and ask for contributions, he joked, “You are probably wondering why I’m here talking about menstruation.”
There was a noticeable gasp from the group, a pause and then a room filled with laughter. We had broken the ice and were on our way. Our guys led the way in providing information and asking for donations. Mike Casey recalls, “It was certainly different asking for donations on a project that was not building a bridge or drilling a well. But we were proud to be stepping out in a new direction.”
The committee, after examining the benefits of the proposal, began the lengthy and somewhat circuitous process of applying for a Global Grant. With the help of former DG and Club President, Rob Stroud, we waded through the district process and the application from RI Foundation. We found a changing set of rules and leaders created one “oops” after another.
We searched for a Ghanaian Rotary Club partner. I remember our first video meeting with the club in Tema-Meridian. We were pleased to see women in leadership roles in the club eager to help.
But communication and cooperation with our first club was not so successful. The Club did identify a school district to work in and connected us with the Ghana Education Services Girl Child Coordinator who was essential in getting into the schools. We worked with the Days for Girls manager and plowed forward.
In the meantime, we encountered delays and questions from both the District and the Foundation. In our enthusiasm, we had not followed the normal path. In retrospect, we also realized that the rules were changing during the process. Nonetheless, we moved on, making changes as needed. I remember a drive to Evanston to talk with our project manager at the Foundation. We worked on what would be an acceptable relationship with the University. Not partners, not consultants...contractors. OK.
Meanwhile, committee members created marketing materials for our fundraising visits to other clubs. How can we frame this project in a way that has meaning for everyone? When girls stay in school, their contribution to the economy in their community and country increases substantially. Girls graduating from school result in higher incomes for them and for their country. There are fewer teen pregnancies, early marriages and rapes/incest. And educated girls became women of influence in their communities, making life better for themselves and their children.
One wonderful side light was the involvement of the Interact Clubs at two Madison high schools. Mary Crave returned from Ghana with a box of colorful Ghanaian beads. The students pounced on the project and made bracelets from the beads and sold them to raise $1500+. Their involvement was a wonderful contribution to our efforts and built enthusiasm for the project. Students helping students was a winning plan.
Club members traveled to Ghana on three occasions to help and to observe. Our interactions with the local leaders, Rotarians and Days for Girls, gave us an appreciation for the difficulty of the project work being done and the environment in which they were working. I remember vividly the horrible conditions in the “bathrooms” in the schools. And the lack of clean water everywhere.
And it was amazing to observe the determination of these young people to succeed in school despite the conditions and limitations, particularly for young women. In our visit to a school where the children of our local guide “Papa” attended, I toured the homes of two young women who showed me around. Poverty has an ugly face. At the end of our tour, I gave each girl $20. Grateful, they would use that money to pay their high school expenses. Without it, they would not be able to get further education. One girl told me she wanted to be a doctor and the other a teacher. I hope they achieve their dreams. It’s an uphill battle. That visit and exchange put the whole project in perspective for me.
With expert guidance from our 4W Project Manager, Mary Crave, we tweaked the project plan in year two, including involving more schools in lower-income communities and better management of the in-school learning. We worked with Koforidua-New Juaben Rotary Club and 4-H Ghana. They helped identify the schools most in need and still accessible by car. This helped us implement the project more efficiently.
Days for Girls leadership revised the materials for the in-school education and ramped up production of the backpacks filled with menstrual hygiene supplies. They were thrilled to purchase a fast surger to more quickly sew up the kits made from Ghanaian fabric. The number of students we reached was way over the goal and there were more schools than we could accommodate who wanted the training and kits for their students.
We also sought a partnership with the Rotary Club of Winneba that resulted in amazing work in our 3rd year. Some members in the Rotary Club of Winneba had relationships with leaders in the Ghana Education Service and opened doors for us, much like 4-H Ghana did in Year 2. Together, we organized training sessions for 90 local School Health Education (SHEP) coordinators as well as community health nurses and Ghana Education Services reps in 4 districts. Days for Girls and Mary Crave developed additional training materials including board games and colorful training visuals and participatory lesson plans for teachers to use throughout the year. Rather than Days for Girls presenting a 2-hour lesson, giving out the kits, and leaving, the SHEP coordinators had the tools and knowledge to train students over the entire school year to reinforce learning and provide on-going support to the students.
With our support, Days for Girls delivered washstands and hand-washing supplies to 90 schools to support both this project and COVID-19 recommendations. And kits were distributed in the schools together with training for 8,000 young women and their male counterparts in grades 7-9.
In all, we taught more than 25,000 girls and their male classmates in health, menstrual hygiene, myths and beliefs and we distributed more than 17,500 menstrual hygiene kits in 3 regions of Ghana in the three years of the project. This would not have been possible with the cooperation of our 4W partners at UW- Madison and the expertise of Mary Crave, our project manager. The involvement of non-Rotary experts was a controversial decision from the perspective of the RI Foundation. We do not believe that this project could have been successful without her expertise.
In review, we regret not involving several more Ghanaian Rotary Clubs with resources and their commitment from the very start. Evaluations of the project indicate that the young people appreciated the backpacks and education. Rural young women were more likely to use the reusable pads in the kits than those in the city where disposable pads are available. COVID-19 disrupted our 3rd year efforts, so some of the schedules were condensed and it was impossible to measure if the materials and kits influenced school attendance.
Evaluation in years 1 and 2 indicate that girls did feel more at ease going to school while menstruating. Girls appreciated the kit and many used it. Although they didn’t like washing the pads after use.
Menstrual hygiene kits are not a panacea for girls’ school attendance and girls still struggle with the other barriers such as demands at home, menstrual cramps, stigma, lack of safe and clean places to change their pads at school.
In the long run, thousands of young people received body literacy training, myths were dispelled, more young women will continue their education and be able to make a living for their families.
We learned from year to year and were able to make changes in years 2 and 3 that created better and more sustained education in the schools. This was an advantage of applying for 3 1-year grants rather than 1 3-year grant.
So what about those grey-haired Rotarians? Well, we all got a few more grey hairs while doing this project and particularly in finalizing the project report with the clubs in Ghana and with RI. I hope that new RI guidelines and procedures will allow more US clubs to get engaged with Rotary clubs and projects in other parts of the world where the need is great.
All of us received an amazing education in working on this project in Ghana. Those of us lucky to travel there to participate and engage with these young people will never forget our experiences.
Our hope is that someday some of these empowered young women will be great leaders in their communities and their country. They will remember Rotary, the gray-haired Rotarians they met and those backpacks.
Our Rotary District (western Wisconsin) has raised and donated nearly $60,000 to Ukrainian relief efforts in various counties. In early June the District’s International Service Committee (ISC) met via Zoom with Ms. Irma Kaminska of Olsztyn, Poland. Irma is responsible for supporting the 80+ Polish Rotary clubs in their refugee response. She is primarily tasked with identifying good projects that need additional funding. Irma is also a friend of our District having worked with the Rotary Clubs of Columbus, Mayville, Beaver Dam and Waupun on a Global Grant for a training kitchen in her community,now up and running. She also attended our District Gathering in Hamburg in 2019 and presented at our Virtual District Conference in 2020.
Irma explained that projects in better known cities like Warsaw and Cracow are being funded quicker than projects in lesser-known Polish cities. For this reason, the ISC recommended, and the District’s Foundation Committee approved, a $25,000 donation to the Rotary Club of Szczecin, Poland and a $14,000 donation to the Rotary Club of Bydgoszcz Stare Miasto. The Szczecin funding will go out as a challenge grant funding the operation of 3 refugee centers in that community. The Bydgoszcz funding will be used to support a Rotary Food Pantry “Rotary Shelf” for the next 6 months.
The following powerful videos was produced by the Szczecin Rotary Club and brings home the impact of this war on the 2-3 million Ukrainians currently living as refugees in Poland:
District 6250 welcomed 17 students to Wisconsin in August 2022. These students have made Wisconsin their home.
Exchange Students: You will find a series of useful links on this page. Connect with the us on the WhatsApp group with any questions (access restricted to these 17 students).
Host Families: We are here to support your family. If you can’t find the resource you need on this page, reach out directly to your YEO or one of us. We are now working to secure host families for the 23-24 program, for students arriving in August. Please consider opening your home to a student for 3-5 months.
Rotary YEO & YECs: Your support is essential to the exchange student and host families. We look forward to your feedback on what you need to be successful.
Karen Kendrick-Hands and Larry Hands – Arch C. Klumph Society
Karen Kendrick-Hands and Larry Hands are members of the Arch Klumph Society, The Rotary Foundation’s highest recognition. Their story is about Rotarians with a passion for children and their future that lad them to concerns about our environment. Their journey to establish Rotary International’s seventh focus area, a Rotary Action Group, and back that passion with significant gift to The Rotary Foundation.
There are many processes followed by Rotary Clubs that are so engrained that one thinks that they are not optional and do not vary among clubs. One of these processes is how community members move from potential, to prospective, to new Rotarians. Two of our District 6250 clubs have recently taken a fresh and critical look at their clubs’ paths to membership and arrived at different designs while maintaining the same attitudes of respect, care, and clarity.
In one case, a prospective Rotarian is presented by a Rotarian to the club’s board. If the board decides to extend an invitation to membership, the decision is announced to the club. Any club member can oppose the membership without stating the reason. This club trusts the members to use good judgment and apply strong ethics.
In the other case, a prospective Rotarian is presented by a Rotarian to the club’s membership committee. If the membership committee decides that the membership should be extended to the prospect, the committee recommends that action to the board. The board’s decision is final. There is no opportunity for the rest of the club to comment or stop the invitation to membership.
During a recent club board meeting visit I asked a third club about their process. This club has a new member application that is completed by the prospect (not a Rotarian) and the board votes on the new member. The prospect must join attend the club for a couple of club meetings, socials, or service projects before submitting their application.
If you have questions about your process, ask yourselves if it is working well for all. If it is not, think about what might be changed to improve the process. At that point, do not hesitate to engage other clubs’ leaders and our District Membership Chair, John Locke for ideas.
Today is our daughter’s birthday which grounds me in the fact that it’s early May. Other grounding realities are the pride evoked in memories from TriCon2022, the awareness that fewer than two months remain in this Rotary year, and that Rotary Youth Exchange is back. May is Youth Services month.
TriCon2022
District Governors are officers of Rotary International. One of RI’s charges to the governors is to hold a district conference. Over the years and across districts, conferences take many shapes and forms. A few years ago, District 6250 voted to participate in TriCons every year. Next year the three Wisconsin (plus our slice of Minnesota, plus 6220’s Michigan’s UP) Districts will gather in La Crosse in late April for Governor Ben’s conference. Save the date.
We three District Governors were enormously proud and humbly grateful for the hours and hours of generous, big-hearted service that produced TriCon2022. Rotarians enjoyed intelligent and engaging keynotes (including the brilliant Rick Kyte – Rotary Club of La Crosse and Karen Kenrick-Hands – Rotary Club of Madison), wide-ranging and smart breakout sessions, and enthusiastic fellowship. It was good to be together live at The Osthoff.
On the Thursday evening preceding TriCon’s Friday kick-off, we celebrated 6250’s newest Arch Klumph Society members, Karen Kendrick-Hands and Larry Hands. Larry reflected on the compelling nature of Rotary giving and investment. While Rotary has an endowed fund, Karen and Larry opted to put their generous gift to work immediately, knowing projects done to Sustain the Environment will themselves be an endowment - to life itself.
During our District Annual Meeting, I thanked the following Rotarians for their District service. Please accept my thanks to all of you reading – district leaders rise out of club leadership and cannot serve well without your fellowship support and your service sacrifices.
In alphabetical order: Bob Allen – Assistant Governor, Edwin Bos – PDG and Vice Governor, Mike Dillis – Hybrid Meeting Task Force Chair, Sherry Hillesheim – Assistant Governor, John Locke – District Membership Chair, Marth Klatt – District Trainer, Mike Kloss – Assistant Governor (Mike will be serving an extra year), Dick Spencer – District Treasurer, Marie Whisenant – At Large Director.
The Rotary Year
Is there something left undone, unexpressed, unplanned? Give yourself a big lift, right-size a plan for action, and act. Don’t waste another minute inside wishful thinking or discouragement. Act and be energized. Let’s finish happy and strong.
Our Future International Leaders
During the Fall, 2019 Rotary Summits held around the district, participants were encouraged to tell stories of meaningful Rotary service. Over and over the stories revolved around Rotary Youth Exchange. Hundreds of service fires were stoked remembering moments of international understanding, goodwill, and peace (mostly peace!) grown in youth exchange. It was a pleasure seeing a few gaggles of outbound students in their navy blazers at TriCon2022. There is so much hope in youth and youth exchange!
And there is hope in youth leadership too. Later this month at the Rotary Youth Leadership Academy (RYLA), students sponsored by our clubs will gather to learn about leadership embraced and stimulated by Rotary culture. May our RYLA leaders and participants be encouraged, wise, and have a ton of fun. We are building our future.
This month here are some examples of how the District International Service Committee is assisting clubs like yours. For some interesting international Shark Tank projects read on! Also, details on how, on your behalf, we approach overseas Rotary Clubs to identify solid Global Grant projects that have strong host support. Contact any of us if we can be of Service to your club! International Service Committee EM Addresses
District 6250 Foundation Inc. - Ukrainian Relief - $60,000 raised to date.
Assisting in leveraging existing relationships with specific Rotary Clubs in the Ukraine, Poland (pictured below) and the Netherlands who are heavily involved the Ukraine refugee situation. Funds have been sent and detailed Project Report information can be found here: District 6250 Ukrainian Relief Reports
Sun Prairie Rotary Club – PE John Holevoet.
Introduction to a Global Grant involving the Rotary Club of Poznan, Poland and the Zlotowianka Foundation. Subject to Sun Prairie Board Approval.
La Crescent Rotary Club – PE John Farnen MD
Laying contacts with Rotary in Nepal with a view toward the possibility of a Global Grant (if not with La Crescent then another 6250 club). Also, possible interest in specific Ukrainian relief efforts. Subject to La Crescent Board Approval.
La Crosse After Hours Club – Rotarian Sierra Lyon
Assistance in researching and establishing connections for a possible Global Grant in either Suriname or Columbia. The two countries were identified by the club as of highest interest together with specific focus areas. Subject to LCAH Board Approval.
All District 6250 Clubs - Opportunities in the Mediterranean.
Via Zoom, five small projects (under $8,000 each) presented at the Mediterranean Rotaract “Shark Tank” finale. These are possible District Grant projects open to all District 6250 clubs. Three projects are in Lebanon, one in Tunisia, one in Morocco. Link to the video recording of “Shark Tank” can be found here (warning, includes heavy District 6250 “shark” involvement :) Recording
Team One – “Ally for Change” presented Aqua Agri Act (Lebanon). Involves water filtration, a park, and irrigation.
Team Two – Dreamers presented Foodies (Tunisia and Egypt). Pilot program to divert restaurant preparation food waste from landfill to feeding hungry.
Team Three- BeyCycle (Lebanon). Three phase approach (plan, design, implement) to improving bicycle safety and encourage more bicycle usage.
Team Four – Cleaning Valley of Wad Martil (Morocco). A one-time event to clean up a garbage strewn area.
Team Five – Les Rebelles (Lebanon). Pilot program to divert waste from rug making to make purses.
Finally, this correspondence was recently sent to an overseas Rotarian already known to our District. It illustrates how the ISC attempts to help District 6250 clubs identify solid projects and partners by leveraging existing Rotary relationships.
Thanks very much for your response. We’re very much looking for Global Grant projects that lead to long-term relationships between Rotarians in District 6250 and Rotarians in your country, district, and clubs.
Of course, the larger the project the more challenging it is to realize. Therefore, we prefer smaller Global Grants as our clubs can more easily assist with these.
Here are some guidelines that we use to determine whether to support a Global Grant. We often find that following these guidelines leads to stronger Global Grant applications.
We look for Global Grants that have Host partner support at both the Club and District level.
We look for projects where the International Global Grant club partner still needs to be identified and where one of our clubs could become that partner.
We look for strong Host Club financial contributions and grant writing abilities.
We look for projects which will receive strong support from your District in terms of a DDF (District Designated Funds) contribution.
We look to establish relationships that extend beyond the Global Grant … maybe Friendship Exchange, Youth Exchange, future projects etc..
In return we have clubs who are interested in participating as the International Partner on a Global Grant. They could offer:
International Partner Club financial contributions.
1:1 District 6250 DDF match of the Club’s contribution.
Support in writing the grant (as possible) and in servcing as a liaison with the Rotary Foundation / Rotary Foundation Staff (if needed).
Please let us know if what we’ve outlined above is of any interest.
Congratulations to the Lake Mills Club for approval of a $96,650 Global Grant to provide solar power equipment to provide energy for a dependable water source in the village of Goregaon, India. A $20,000 donation from the Lake Mills Club was matched by a District Grant funded by Rotarian contributions to the Annual Fund. We look forward to sharing the results of this project with you upon completion.
District Grant Applications Due May 25
Over $90,000 is available to match club funds through our District Grant program in 2022-2023. District Grant applications are due on May 25. Local and international projects are welcome. Matching funds can be requested up to $5,000 for a one-club project, $10,000 for a two-club project, and $14,500 for a three-club project. The application form and supporting materials are available on the District 6250 website under the Foundation/Grants menu or use this link: https://www.rotary6250.org/page/grants-information.
Polio Plus – Children are Counting on Rotarians to Finish the Job
During the past month, we have learned about two new cases of wild polio in Pakistan. Both cases come from the same area of the country. The good news is that we know about it, treatment can be provided, and the urgency for vaccinations is reinforced with local and national leaders. We also continue to encounter vaccine derived polio in Africa.
While this news is disappointing, it also reminds Rotarians that we cannot let our guard down. If Rotary were to stop vaccinations today, it is estimated that at least 200,000 children across the globe would be paralyzed by polio within 10 years. That would mean that polio could make its way back to our own communities.
Children are counting Rotarians to see this through. If you haven’t given to Polio Plus this year, now would be a good time to do so. To learn more and/or donate, visit https://www.rotary.org/en/our-causes/ending-polio. And don’t forget, every dollar you give is matched 2:1 by the Gates Foundation. That’s high impact giving!
If you’re still on the fence about going to the Rotary International Convention, maybe learning about some of the specific content you can take in is what will nudge you into joining me in Houston!?!
You can learn from experts outside Rotary, as well as from members who are leading high-impact projects, by attending breakout sessions at the Rotary International Convention in Houston, Texas - June 4th-8th. A few sessions to consider include:
Designing Results-Oriented Service Projects
Scaling Impact: Lessons from Programs of Scale
Measuring for Success
Tap into the Network to Increase Project Impact
Enhance Your Club’s Impact and Reach Through Rotary Community Corps
With more than 70 breakout sessions this year, you are sure to find inspiration!
You may recall from past articles that our task force identified three goals it wanted to accomplish. We have previously reported on the first two goals. Our final goal is “Facilitate the creation of virtual tactics for use in growing club memberships.”
As a condition of receiving funding from the District, each club was required to submit a final report. One of the questions they were asked to address was if the hybrid meeting format had contributed to membership growth. Several clubs reported adding to their membership count since early 2021 due to the use of hybrid meetings.
If your club has experienced a positive membership growth and is planning to continue providing hybrid meetings we strongly encourage you to “tell your story.”. If you need help developing that story we encourage you to reach out to the District 6250 Public Image Committee. One of their focus areas is to support clubs’ individual public image efforts, through education and resource-sharing. They can be found at https://www.rotary6250.org/page/public-image
Should you have questions about any aspect of hybrid meeting technology or best practices, drop me a note at mdag6250@gmail.com.
Please step forward if you are interested in being apart of the Membership team. There are many different roles available and being involved at the district level on a dynamic team helping support the membership of our clubs is a great way to “Do Rotary”! The relationships and impact you will make may enhance your life and could even be life changing! Please email johnlockerotary@gmail.com if you would like to learn more, or if you would like to nominate another Rotarian.
The deadline for the New Member Project grant is May 30th. We have only had 2 clubs apply so far for the five $1000 grants we are issuing for adding 4 new club members this year. Please complete the application here: https://www.rotary6250.org/page/member-grant-program.
We still have FREE “Give Polio the Finger” sweatshirts and shirts to give away to clubs wanting to raise money for Polio Plus. The Janesville Noon Rotary club was able to use these shirts to raise $400! Please email johnlockerotary@gmail.com to get some free shirts to use for your fundraiser!
Spring is in the air. In the minds and hearts of District 6250 Rotarians, Spring is welcome and awaited to a degree shared by few others in the (Rotary) world. Few live at our latitude.
We’re invited, in April, to consider another sort of awaiting, and turn our attention to maternal and child health. Rotarians around the district have been blessed with, and are anticipating the arrival of, beautiful babies. Several our little ones have required vital resources; miracles of science and benefits of birth in this land of plenty. Parents have looked on in wonder and hope as their babes, sized to a cradle perfectly in a single hand, have shown tenacity and courage.
It's a Boy! Asleep in the meeting, little Sawyer with his RAHtarian mom, Laura
It's a Girl! Mayville President Mike's family grew this year!
We join our Rotarian moms and dads, grandmothers and grandfathers, in the happy overwhelm of new, anticipated life. And as Rotarians, we turn our attention to our neighbors. How do our regional and global neighbors fare in this fundamental human experience of welcoming tender, new life?
There is work to be done. And as a percentage of our total global granting, we don’t do a lot of it. We aren’t alone. Progress has been slow toward the accomplishment of goals set by the United Nations and World Health Organization. You can explore more here www.countdown2030.org.
You might find these three graphs interesting and maybe even engaging. I’m hoping they paint a clear outline of the issue and the need in a quick glance. The first lists events along the continuum of care that results in healthy mothers, babies, children. You can easily imagine the gaps that exist for lack of resources or upsets to systems.
The second gives you a quick view of global inequities. The three interventions, part of the continuum of care, are: 1) four antenatal care visits, 2) institutional delivery, and 3) postnatal care for mother or baby within two days of delivery
The third is shared as a compassionate reminder of what stress Wisconsin mothers experience in the maternal journey and disparities in the experience.
No article is complete without a mention of the significant work of Rotary Club of La Crosse in early childhood development. The club provides every new family with the Brain Game, support for brain development from birth to three. Please visit their website to learn more https//thebraingame.org. If you or your club are interested in changing the world for mothers and babies, please don’t hesitate. Explore with partners and take action.
I hope you enjoy the rest of this April Dispatch. Please note especially our service, at the international and district levels, to Ukraine in these critical days. Our district efforts invite your gifts. The first $5,000 will be matched by a 6250 Rotarian.
We’re just a few months away from the Rotary International Convention, which takes place June 4th-8th in Houston, Texas, USA. If you’re going (or even interested), check out the 2022 Rotary Convention Facebook event page for the latest news.
New breakout sessions added More than 3,000 people responded to a survey in February about what kind of convention breakout sessions they’re interested in. As a result of their feedback, a number of sessions have been added, including ones focused on member engagement, service projects, and leadership skills. You can find highlights of the program on the breakout session page. More details about the breakout program will be available in May.
COVID-19 protocols Rotary International will follow the recommendations for safe gatherings from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Anyone who is attending in person will need to either submit proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 or provide a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before their arrival at the convention. CDC travel guidelines can be found HERE.
Host Organization Committee events Don’t miss the unforgettable experiences awaiting you in Houston! Choose from music, magic, visits to world-class museums, a tour of the famed Space Center Houston, and more.
Visit houstonri2022.org to learn more about all these events and to purchase tickets.
Engage with Rotaract Join us for the Rotaract Preconvention, 3-4 June, to meet Rotaract and Rotary leaders from around the world, learn more about how Rotaract members are taking action to make sustainable change, share tips and ideas, and gain valuable professional skills.
We want you to know that, in response to questions and concerns raised by members world-wide, the Rotary International Board of Directors has confirmed that the 2022 Rotary International Convention will still be an in-person event in Houston, Texas, USA, 4-8 June.
In addition, the Board has determined that all participants, including Rotary International preconvention participants, must either be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (as defined by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) OR provide a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before their arrival at the convention.
Please, share this news with your Rotary community and invite a fellow member to attend this year’s convention with you.
Thank you for your support, and we will see you in Houston!
Micah Topel, Beaver Dam Club, inquired about employer matching gifts for donations to The Rotary Foundation. BP Foundation is matching Micah’s contribution. It is a great reminder that Rotarians can double the impact of contributions through your employer’s matching gift program.
In addition, Foundation Recognition Points for the matching gift can be credited toward your next Paul Harris Fellow. It also counts toward your club’s Foundation goals.
Complete the name of your employer Your employer is the Donor. Complete this form along with any documentation required by your company.
Add your Donor ID number where indicated. You can find that number at My Profile on My Rotary.
Have your employer mail their check along with the Contribution Form to The Rotary Foundation. The address is at the bottom of the form.
The Rotary Support Center can assist you with detailed questions: (866) 976-8279. Thanks again, Micah, for inspiring Rotarians to investigate this opportunity.
District Grants
Mayville Completes Disc Golf Project – The Mayville Rotary Disc Golf Course is now open in Fireman’s Park. In partnership with the City of Mayville Parks Department, this new recreational option can be played by people of all ages. All you need to do is show up with a flying disc to enjoy your Annual Fund/SHARE contributions at work through the District 6250 District Grant program. Thanks to the Mayville Club for sharing their story and pictures.
The Fort Atkinson Club has received a $1,680 District Grant for a Clean Water Project in Baranguay Tigum, Philippines. In partnership with the Interact Club at Fort Atkinson High School, this project will install seven water pumps to provide clean drinking water for 1,607 residents of the community.
The Madison West Towne Middleton Club has received a $3,750 District Grant to provide training for three community health workers (CHW) in partnership with the Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness. The training will qualify the CHWs to provide services in publicly funded health programs.
District Grant Reports Due May 15 – Clubs receiving District Grants during the 2021-22 Rotary year are required to file final reports by May 15. These reports will be used to help share the impact of Rotarian contributions to the Annual Fund/SHARE program. The reports are also critical to close the District Grant process to access District Designated Funds for grants during the 2022-23 year. Reports should be sent to D6250Grants@gmail.com.
District Grant Applications Due May 25 – District Grant applications for projects during the year starting July 1 are due by May 25. Application materials are available on the District 6250 website under the Foundation tab. There will be more than $90,000 available for District Grants again this year. Now is the time for project planning and drafting an application to ensure your club has an opportunity to receive matching funds for qualified projects. Contact D6250Grants@gmail.com with questions.
Dwight Heaney
Rotary Club of Fort Atkinson
District 6250 Foundation Committee Chair
Global Grants
Solomon Ochieng, 6250-Sponsored Peace Fellow and Partner
Since completing his Peace Fellowship in Thailand (https://www.rotarychula.org/), Solomon Ochieng has been busy putting his knowledge to work. Solomon works at DAY AFRICA, helping women escape human trafficking and become self-sufficient. Learn more at https://www.deyi-k.org/
Day Africa’s micro farming programs serve young women living in the poor rural communities in western Kenya. Through a micro-farming model, they are addressing this critical situation by providing an alternative source of livelihood for women by training them in soybean production for commercial purposes.
Each $30 micro-farming donation provides women 25 kilograms of fertilizer, $40 provides quality soybean seeds, $50 provides pesticides and herbicides, and $20 provides ongoing support to ensure improved yield at harvest, and access to ready markets for their crops.
If you are interested in learning more and exploring opportunities to make an impact in anti-slavery service with our 6250 partner Solomon, please contact him via email at oderosolomon84@gmail.com. He is happy to arrange a Zoom presentation for your club or club committee.
Rotarians are responding to the urgent need for humanitarian assistance for the people of Ukraine. The unprovoked Russian invasion has devastated cities and sent millions of refugees seeking safety in surrounding countries, all of which have Rotary clubs providing direct help to desperate people from war-torn Ukraine. Our District International Service Committee working with our District 6250 Foundation, has established the Ukrainian Humanitarian Relief Fund. Already we have raised over $41,000 towards our District goal of $100,000.
Funds will be sent to Rotary clubs or Districts providing direct assistance to Ukrainian refugees or to legitimate organizations responding to the needs of Ukrainians and refugees. We have already identified three Rotary efforts involving Rotary clubs with whom our district has had past working relationships. Feel to support them all or just one club or effort specifically.
Rotary Club Kyiv International, Kiev, Ukraine – Ms. Oksana Tjupa, Past President, Current Secretary.
Introduction: Oksana initially worked with Madison After Hours (later Fort Atkinson) and Madison Downtown on a Global Grant that is currently under review at the Rotary Foundation. The following from Oksana Tjupa regarding the actions being undertaken by her club.
Project: In partnership with the US-Ukraine Foundation (to transfer funds to the Ukraine) we are currently providing aid for Ukrainian women and children who have fled Russian-occupied combat zones. Our centers for the reception and support of refugees provide housing, medicine, food, and other basic necessities. These centers are located in Rakhiv, Polyanytsya, and Uzhhorod, and in the United Territorial Communities (UTG) near the borders of Poland and Romania.
Request: The situation in Ukraine is critical, everyday people die. We actively help women and children. Could you help with a donation? Can you please help us?
Rotary Club het Hoogeland, Warffum, the Netherlands – Ms. Francie Kaaijk, Past President, District Governor Nominee Designate.
Introduction: Francie convinced nearby Rotary Clubs to join her club in funding and becoming the international partner for the La Crosse mobile hospital Global Grant. She led a Friendship Exchange to Wisconsin in the fall of 2019 and helped organize the Dutch end of the District 6250 Friendship Exchange that visited her area in May of 2019. The following from Francie regarding the actions being undertaken by her club.
Short-term Project: This past week our small city of Warffum (population 2,500) accepted 100 Ukrainian refugees who are being housed in a largely unused senior residence called Warfheem. They came with nothing. Our town folk, our Rotary Club and our city, county and provincial governments are trying to make them feel welcome and to help them cope. This is very difficult given the language barriers and the situation. This is a short video mostly in Dutch but with some English: https://fb.watch/bS5J66c-IA/
Long-term Projects: We have developed a Work Group that includes Rotary Het Hoogeland, the local churches and the Festival at Roakeldais (international dance festival with its own grounds) to help the refugees in the long-term with both physical and mental needs. They are receiving 60 euro per week from the Dutch government, but the needs are higher, think of phone costs to communicate with their husbands and sons still in the Ukraine. Our Rotary District is helping us as well. It is very sad and everyday more refugees arrive in the Netherlands and need places to stay.
Request: We are not complaining, our small town is very welcoming to our new neighbors. They came with nothing. I can assure my friends in District 6250 that any help you can provide will be put to good use. I will keep you informed.
Rotary Club Olsztyn Varmia, Olsztyn, Poland – Ms. Irma Kaminska, Past President and District Disaster Grant Manager (all of Poland).
Introduction: Irma and her entire club made a virtual appearance at our 2019-20 Virtual Conference to tell us about the Social Kitchen Global Grant they did with the help of Beaver Dam, Mayville, Columbus, and Waupun Rotary Clubs. She attended the District 6250 dinner party at the Rotary International Convention in Hamburg and she was planning a Friendship Exchange with our District until recently. The following from Irma Kaminska regarding the actions being undertaken by her club.
Short-term Projects: 1) Transport of Ukrainian refugees from Polish-Ukrainian border to Polish cities; 2) Equipping for basic needs: cloths, hygienic materials, medicines, food, blankets etc.; 3) providing accommodation and support in finding the accommodation for Ukrainians refugees, mostly mothers with kids and orphans; 4) helping with social security matters: health care, education for children and kids care; 5) helping with finding jobs and becoming independent
Long-term Projects: 1) Orphanage set up for Ukrainian children (renovation of the building and purchase of required equipment). This is a project with cooperation Olsztyn district county office, which will operate the orphanage. The total estimated budget for this project is $35,000. As RC Olsztyn Varmia we are planning to participate for about 30-50%. 2) Home appliance rental for Ukrainian refugees in their set-up for accommodation in Poland: Olsztyn and nearby (e.g. fridges, cookers, cooking equipment, beds, etc.). The equipment once not needed will be donated to social care organizations we are cooperating with. Here the total budget is still being estimated but is expected to be more than $50,000.
Request: I ask District 6250 Rotarians to support us monetarily. An important note: the situation is changing very dynamically. Our Rotary District is developing specific disaster relief plans. We are taking an agile approach in terms of the short-term support provided to Ukrainian refugees. At the same time, we would like to focus on the long-term projects. Will keep you posted on the needs and our projects in Olsztyn and in Poland as they develop.
You can make a difference by donating to The District 65250 Foundation Ukrainian Humanitarian Relief Fund . With the assistance of our District International Service Committee, the District Foundation Board will send funds to legitimate organizations responding to the humanitarian needs of Ukrainians and refugees. Donations by credit card using the Donate Now button at https://www.rotary6250.org/50254/Page/Show?ClassCode=Page&Slug=district-6250-foundation. A check can be sent to: Rotary District 6250 Foundation, Inc., c/o Treasurer Val Schroeder, 1723 Chadbourne Ave, Madison, WI 53726.
A generous Rotarian has offered to match up to the first $5000 raised between April 1st and April 20th. You can double your impact by giving now.
We have an opportunity to do our part not only to provide humanitarian relief , but to stand in solidarity with the brave people of the Ukraine as they fight for freedom. More than the Ukraine is as stake. We who have been so blessed by freedom realize that dictators unchecked are dictators unleashed. If such naked aggression is rewarded, who will be next? Thank you for considering a gift to this District 6250 campaign.
Over the last couple of months, I've spent some time away from work due to the birth of my first child, Sawyer. It has been an amazing experience to become a mother and with April being Maternal and Child Health month for Rotary it seems fitting to reflect on how important that focus really is. Due to complications during delivery, Sawyer spent the first two and a half weeks of his life in the NICU, some of that time in La Crosse and some in Rochester. While I feel incredibly blessed to have some of the best healthcare options available to me, it really made me think about how that's not always an option for new mothers around the world. I think of the work that Rotary has done for millions of mothers and children and it just puts a smile on my face to be just a small part in that larger effort across the globe.
In District 6250 Youth news, we are starting to return to normal! If you haven't started recruiting students for RYLA, now's a great time. We're returning with an in person event on Saturday, May 21st at Upham Woods. I know that the RYLA team is so excited to be in person and are planning a fantastic event for these students.
Our Exchange Programs are firing back up again and some clubs have already started to receive their Inbound assignments for the long term exchange program. The leadership team is working hard to revamp some training and ensure that we haven't lost our touch over the last couple of years off. In addition, Bill Pritchard has volunteered to be Jan Bonsett-Veal's co-chair. Jan will become the first ever woman to lead the Central States Rotary Youth Exchange program soon, which is a huge accomplishment! We are so proud to have such awesome representation from 6250 at the Central States level!
I sometimes feel like as the Youth Services chair, that I might not be doing enough, but then I realize that the team is just that good. The leaders who run District 6250's Youth Programs are experienced and dedicated to success, which makes them run so smoothly. It's comforting to know that all of the behind the scenes work that goes into it is being done by Rotarians that have a passion for youth, and the future of Rotary.
In January we identified three goals that our task force will be working on through the end of this Rotary year. As a recap, the February Dispatch Article and the March Dispatch Article covered our first two goals. Be sure to scroll down to the bottom of the newsletters to find our articles!
Our third goal is to “Facilitate the creation of virtual tactics for use in growing club memberships.” One of the many benefits of Rotary is the ability to collaborate with other Rotarians! Over the past few months our task force has had the opportunity to collaborate with both the District Membership Committee Chair (John Locke) and the District Public Image Committee Chair (Lynn Perez-Hewitt) on ideas surrounding membership growth.
While still in the conceptual stage, we are evaluating the idea of providing success stories from clubs who have adopted hybrid meetings to clubs that may want to promote their own club’s hybrid meetings in a way that will appeal to potential new members. This may be an opportunity to utilize social media or a club’s website for targeted messaging. Stay tuned for an update in our article next month.
Our task force remains committed to helping clubs and individuals with their hybrid meetings. Should you have any questions about hybrid meeting technology or best practices drop me a note at mdag6250@gmail.com.
The Rotary Foundation has approved Rotary District 6250 application for a $25,000 disaster response grant!
Several Rotary Districts in our area are coming together to work with UMANA (Ukraine Medical Association of North America) to gather donated supplies and ship to Ukraine via Poland. The donations have largely come from Pharmacies, Hospital Supply Manufacturing, Healthcare Distributors, Hospitals, and clinics. They have a published list on their Facebook page and will only accept these items that have been identified as needed by Ukrainian clinicians, including Rotarians. The items are sorted by front-line emergency care, hospital needs, and surgical needs. Rotarians and community members have been donating tourniquets, blood clotting gauze, blood clotting mixtures, etc. as unlike many other wars, many injured are civilians.
Rotary International Director-Elect Pat Merryweather-Arges, a PDG from Rotary District 6450 has been a key resource to ensuring that these funds are being put to good use. Pat is a gifted and incredibly experienced medical professional and you can see her at TriCon, our District Conference coming up in April (register today!).
President Shekar asks each one to bring one. He understands that we grow our clubs one member at a time. Perception forms the same way. And Public Image is perception.
A story is told about a person walking along a beach. They notice a youngster picking up something from the sand and putting it in the water. The youngster does this over and over. As the person grows near, they see that the youngster is picking up starfish that have been stranded on the beach. Stopping to chat the person asks what the youngster is doing. They say they are rescuing the starfish. The person points out that there are hundreds and hundreds of starfish on the beach and one starfish will never make a difference. The youngster pauses, picks up another starfish and says, “It makes a difference to this one.”
To paraphrase the starfish story, if you can’t make a difference for everyone, make a difference for the one at hand. Rotary’s public image is built and shaped by each one of us. We each make a difference in the Rotary world.
Sharing your Rotary story with one person is enough for today.
If you need help sharing your story, please reach out to the Public Image team.
I hope you are all enjoying the longer days and looking forward to the upcoming warmer weather! Now is a great time invite your coworker to a Rotary meeting!
I’d like to bring to your attention to the New Project Member Grant. We will give away five $1,000 New Member Project Grants for new Rotary club members to use towards a service project of their choice, helping them jumpstart their involvement with their clubs. Engaging new members early helps improve member satisfaction and retention.
In order to apply, clubs must have four new members who have maintained their membership in the club for at least four months during the 2021-2022 Rotary year. For more details, please refer to https://rotary6250.org/page/member-grant-program
The Rotary Foundation has approved Rotary District 6250 application for a $25,000 disaster response grant!
Several Rotary Districts in our area are coming together to work with UMANA (Ukraine Medical Association of North America) to gather donated supplies and ship to Ukraine via Poland. The donations have largely come from Pharmacies, Hospital Supply Manufacturing, Healthcare Distributors, Hospitals, and clinics. They have a published list on their Facebook page and will only accept these items that have been identified as needed by Ukrainian clinicians, including Rotarians. The items are sorted by front-line emergency care, hospital needs, and surgical needs. Rotarians and community members have been donating tourniquets, blood clotting gauze, blood clotting mixtures, etc. as unlike many other wars, many injured are civilians.
Rotary International Director-Elect Pat Merryweather-Arges, a PDG from Rotary District 6450 has been a key resource to ensuring that these funds are being put to good use. Pat is a gifted and incredibly experienced medical professional and you can see her at TriCon, our District Conference coming up in April (register today!).
Time came to a screeching halt as I slid down the wall and sat on my bathroom floor. “Well, this really complicates things.” That positive sign was screaming at me. What was I going to do? A hopeless and completely desperate feeling started creeping in. This couldn’t have come at a worse time. Doing some quick math in my head, this little one would arrive right in the middle of my toughest semester of clinicals for nursing school.
I knew when I walked through that bathroom door, I would have to be stronger than I had ever been. But that wasn’t saying much! I wasn’t strong or brave or even a little bit fierce. I was raised to do what I was told, to not question or step out of line. I grew up believing that I wasn’t smart enough, fast enough, talkative enough, and just overall good enough for my family. “Why can’t you be more like your brother?” was a question I received weekly. I wasn’t raised to do anything but stay close to home. I was told I wasn’t smart enough to even apply to any other college than the one in my hometown and I believed it. Why would my parents say that if it wasn’t true?
I got up, walked through that door, and had the first of many conversations knowing that I would get pushback for my decision. But I knew what was right for me and I knew I would hold fast to that. I had to be strong.
I also knew that this little one needed to be brought up completely differently than I was. They needed to be brought up knowing that they can do anything or go anywhere they put their mind to. They would be brought up learning to be confident in who they are.
And that’s just what I did.
That little one who changed my life, well, she is currently studying in Valladolid, Spain for the semester. She is over 4000 miles away experiencing a totally new culture. Her younger sister is in her second year of nursing school at one of the biggest colleges in the US, living in an apartment and completely killing it at school and big city living. These girls are FIERCE, and they know that their parents have their backs, no matter what the circumstances. These girls have been brought up to change the world for the better. And I feel blessed to be along for the ride.
Yes, We Can!
When I was a little girl, my family lived in Northern Wisconsin. We lived in the country (nearly everyone lived in the “country” there) and I had a long bus ride to and from school each day. I loved it! It was an opportunity to sit and talk with my friends.
One day, a friend and I were having the important discussion of what we wanted to be when we Grew Up. Our dads both worked for the State’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR), so it was no surprise when he declared, “when I grow up, I want to be a game warden.” My eyes lit up, and I said, “Me too!”
He looked at me—I don’t think I’ll ever forget this—and said, “girls can’t be game wardens.”
Was this my first brush with the patriarchy? I thought, “wow, is this guy misinformed!” And I replied, without hesitation, “yes we can!”
I was empowered to respond that way because my parents had raised me to believe that I could do anything—be anything—that I wanted to be. Their unconditional support followed me through elementary school, middle school, undergrad, and on to getting my MBA. Though my career aspirations changed, that belief that I could follow any dream, any ambition, persisted, thanks to them.
Choose
From a young age, it was common for me to find myself in leadership positions. I had many interactions with adults and peers, but just one that was unforgettable.
Senior year, I was a captain of the track team at Green Bay Southwest. At the beginning of the season, we practiced indoors, and I was infected with a classic case of senioritis. Indoor practice was dumb, high school was dumb, caring was dumb. I was smart.
Imagine my surprise when Coach Fax took me aside and gave me a choice. “West-lead or quit.”
No one had ever talked to me so plainly, so responsibly. This wasn’t an ultimatum. Coach shed a bright light on my attitude and actions – and on the fact that I was already choosing. And now she was giving me one, finite opportunity to make a different choice.
Coach Fax wasn’t interested in my feelings, my excuses, my concerns, or my justifications. We were not negotiating. We both had responsibilities and she was holding me to mine. She was empowering me as no one else ever had.
I respected her so much. I knew she cared for me and because she did, wouldn’t rob me of my responsibility to choose.
I chose to lead.
Her challenge has rung true and pure again and again throughout my life. It is always revealing and uncomfortable. It is always empowering.
Baller – and How “The Irish” Roll
This story is different than the others we told and a fitting grand finale. It represents the best in us – a dream pursued and realized, thanks to a courageous dreamer and a supportive, open-minded system of teammates, cheerleaders, coaches, parents, and administrators. It is a wonderful realization of our Rotary vision: Together we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities and in ourselves.
Heather Dyer, Owner-Morgan Data Systems, our district administrative partner, shared her story highlights and sent the picture. The bits of the story that I have, appear in the graphic above. The picture paints a thousand words. The year was 1982.
If you know Heather, you’ll know she’s raising two strong, intelligent, competitive, and beautiful daughters. She runs a business with very high employee retention. What Heather received; she’s giving. She is changing our world in a lasting way. I hope her story changes us – as dreamers, doers, and allies.
In the past, the Black River Falls Interact Club has held a "Give Polio the Finger" fundraiser, and a clothing swap and donation drive. Students donated clothes that were then offered to any student wanting or needing them to simply take what they need. The leftover clothes were then donated to the school’s clothing closet, which helps students and families.
This year Interactors will be working with Rotarians to maintain the flower beds around the High School, providing beautiful curb appeal. They are also planning a book swap. Any leftover books will be placed in little libraries (built in collaboration with the School's SkillsUSA club) around town. Interactors will also be collaborating with the local Rotary club on a Spring Bouquet fundraiser.
Don't miss your chance to Discover New Horizons and join us in Houston, Texas - June 4-8, 2022
We want you to know that, in response to questions and concerns raised by members world-wide, the Rotary International Board of Directors has confirmed that the 2022 Rotary International Convention will still be an in-person event in Houston, Texas, USA, 4-8 June.
In addition, the Board has determined that all participants, including Rotary International preconvention participants, must either be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (as defined by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) OR provide a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before their arrival at the convention.
Please, share this news with your Rotary community and invite a fellow member to attend this year’s convention with you.
Thank you for your support, and we will see you in Houston!
I am writing this month’s article from my hotel room in Itasca, IL while attending the annual Midwest PETS training. If you are not aware, PETS is where all incoming club presidents (a.k.a. PE’s) come to receive almost two days of training on how to successfully take on the role of club president.
In a district wide breakout session yesterday our incoming district governor Ben Bauer led a session in which he asked every attendee, both in person and virtual, to state one or two goals or a vision they held for their upcoming year. With almost every club represented, nearly sixty in all, the majority of PEs said, “reengage club members” and/or “grow membership”.
What does this have to do with hybrid meetings? As mentioned in a prior article, we are not going back to what some would say are the “good old days” or “back to normal”. We continue to evolve and hybrid meetings are a part of this evolution so let’s embrace the technology and use it effectively to help reengage club members and help grow membership.
Effective use is where our task force can help. Last month we provided a few tips on boosting member engagement. You can use this link to see the February 2022 article. This month our topic is improving member experiences through technology-based tools. If you have ever shopped for anything electronic you know there are oodles of choices and that in itself can be overwhelming and an impediment to going shopping.
The good news for you is that we have already done the shopping and chosen equipment for both small and larger clubs. By accessing this link to recommended equipment you can see pictures of the various pieces and there are hyperlinks on the equipment that will take you right to Amazon. If you are not sure what equipment you need, take a look at this small club equipment layout or the large club equipment layout for guidance.
If you have any questions on the topic of hybrid meetings, please do not hesitate to contact me at mdag6250@gmail.com. We are here to help you figure out what to buy and how to set it up.
6 BIG Things from PETS (President Elect Training Seminar)
1. Rotarians Are Amazingly Generous:
Some who’ve seen me around the District, have heard me say something like: “any time Rotarians get together is an opportunity to do something impactful”. Well PETS delivered that opportunity. PETS is a training event, not a fundraiser, but through the power of our people and their giving hearts, we raised $4,000 for Polio Plus to support those important last steps to eradicate Polio and $3,000 for the Razia’s Ray of Hope Foundation for the amazing work she’s doing in Afghanistan. The generosity of Rotarians will never stop amazing me.
2. We Must Share Our Story:
Let’s spread the word. This is essential to recruiting new members, creating awareness for our clubs and Rotary International. You have a Rotary story, so does your club. Look around…how has your community changed because you’re in it? Connect with a public image resource, like our District Public Image chair Lynn if you need a boost.
3. District Grants Are Powerful:
The money is available. Funds can be used for so many great things. Every club is in a community that needs something. How might a District Grant support something you’re doing locally or globally. Look around your community and see who you can help next and maximize the impact with a grant!
4. Goals are Good:
President’s-Elect have started to set goals and will be planning their years, and beyond, with their club leadership. Club Presidents aren’t the only Rotarians who can benefit from clear SMART goals and an action plan to execute those goals. Setting goals and setting action plans are a way to manifest your dreams for your club, community, and yourself. When your target date hits, you’ll have achieved something or learned something – both of which are great reasons to celebrate.
5. Rotary Direct is Super Easy:
Donating to the Foundation, Polio Plus or another Rotary cause of your choosing is so easy. A simple form can set you up to give with a bank account or even a credit card. Any amount, quarterly, monthly, pretty much as often as you'd like. What would it look like if every non-giving member in our District knew they could donate this way?
6. I Love Our 2022-2023 Theme: Imagine Rotary
I look forward to imagining with all of you. Imagine what your future club looks like. Imagine what may be possible across the globe, in our communities and in ourselves. Our new theme is a gift of inspiration. Imagination is free and Rotarians are free to give what they can. It is crucial for you to know what you can give (time, talent, money), and just as important for you to know what you can’t.
7. Feedback is Necessary:
The clubs in our District are doing amazing things. Your District leadership is a big and broad team with seemingly endless experience and resources to connect you to. We’re doing a lot well, but what could we do better? Getting feedback is essential to finding that answer. We’ll be intentionally and respectfully looking for your feedback and I’m excited to see what we’ll learn. When we ask for feedback, you can use that opportunity to ask me to stop writing silly top 7 lists.
I am grateful and extremely excited for the opportunity to serve with you all, especially our Club Presidents in 2022-2023. Just imagine what we’ll do!
I hope you are all enjoying the longer days and (slightly) warmer weather! Now is a great time invite your coworker to a Rotary meeting! If you haven’t checked out the Membership page on Rotary International yet, now may be a great time! On this page, please check out: Strategies for Attracting New Members and Finding New Club Members: A Perspective Member Exercise.
In other news, I have some Give Polio the Finger sweatshirts and t-shirts available for your club to use at no cost to your club. All your club has to do is send a request to me at johnlockerotary@gmail.com on how you will use the GPTF clothes to raise money for the Polio Plus Foundation. This will be a first come first serve basis until the clothes are sent out.
With deep regret, many Rotary service projects have been placed on hold in Ukraine for the indefinite future. Here are some ways you can support the Ukrainians who are suffering because of the attack on their democracy. Here are opportunities to make donations and connect with service opportunities.
The District 65250 Foundation is accepting donations for Ukrainian Humanitarian Assistance. Funds will be directed by the District Foundation Board to legitimate organizations responding to the humanitarian needs of Ukrainians and refugees. Donations by credit card using the Donate Now button at https://www.rotary6250.org/50254/Page/Show?ClassCode=Page&Slug=district-6250-foundation. A check can be sent to: Rotary District 6250 Foundation, Inc., c/o Treasurer Val Schroeder, 1723 Chadbourne Ave, Madison, WI 53726.
John Germ, Trustee Chair, The Rotary Foundation shared the following opportunity:
As one of the world’s largest humanitarian organizations, Rotary has made peace the cornerstone of our global mission. We are deeply concerned about the Ukraine crisis and need your help.
Rotary is made up of people of action, especially in difficult times. In response to the deepening refugee crisis, The Rotary Foundation Trustees have decided to prioritize contributions made to the Disaster Response Fund until 30 April 2022 to support disaster response grants for districts affected by these events. These expedited disaster response grants can be used to supply water, food, medicine, shelter, and clothing.
Half a million people have fled Ukraine and are in dire need of emergency aid. The United Nations estimates that number of refugees could grow to as many as 5 million people displaced. Rotary clubs in Europe and around the world have stepped up their relief work, some working on the ground to help displaced families.
PDG Rich Kaye, Region 36 Foundation Coordinator, also shared the following opportunities:
PDG Chehab Elawar launched a fundraising campaign on GoFundMe - https://gofund.me/05876825. All collected funds will be managed by Rotary Ukraine for the benefit of youth and their families affected by the military aggression.
Rotary is in contact with the United Nations High Commission on Refugees – USA to prepare and respond to the needs of those being displaced in Ukraine and to neighboring countries. https://www.unhcr.org/en-us/
ShelterBox, our project partner for disaster response, is in communication with Rotary members in Eastern Europe to explore how it may offer support with temporary transitional housing and other essential supplies. Check their website for emerging opportunities: https://www.shelterboxusa.org/
Rotary International Official Statement
It is a tragic and sad time for the people of Ukraine and the world.
At Rotary, we are deeply concerned by the deteriorating situation in Ukraine and the escalating loss of life and humanitarian hardship there. Continued military action against Ukraine will not only devastate the region, but also risk spreading tragic consequences across Europe and the world.
As one of the world’s largest humanitarian organizations, we have made peace the cornerstone of our global mission. We join the international community in calling for an immediate cease fire, withdrawal of Russian forces, and a restoration of diplomatic efforts to resolve this conflict through dialogue.
In the past decade, Rotary clubs in Ukraine, Russia and nearby countries have transcended national differences and have actively engaged in peace-building projects to promote goodwill and to marshal assistance for the victims of war and violence. Today, our thoughts are with our fellow Rotary members and others in Ukraine coping with these tragic events. Rotary International will do everything in its power to bring aid, support, and peace to the region.
Global Grant: Chippewa Falls Rotary Club
The Chippewa Falls Rotary Club is excited about the recent approval of our 2nd Global Grant, in collaboration with the Rotary Tunari Club of Cochabamba Bolivia and Agua Tuya. Anzaldo is an agricultural community in a rural area of Cochabamba, Bolivia. Anzaldo’s sewage is currently collected and discharged raw into a river, contaminating the water supply for downstream users – including irrigation of agricultural food products. A new wastewater treatment plant will be built to treat sewage and make clean water available for agricultural irrigation.
Total project costs are $256,000, of which Rotary will be providing $156,000. At the club level we raised more than $52,000, which was then matched by the District and the RI Foundation. Thank you to District 6250 and Rotary International for supporting this project. If it’s a Global Grant project – it’s also a District project and you are all supporting this one. Special thanks for the direct support from the other 5 clubs in Group One (Chippewa Valley After Hours, Eau Claire Morning, Eau Claire Noon, Menomonie Sunrise, Menomonie Noon) as well as the Ketchikan First City, Alaska club. We are currently working with RI to gather pledged money and make sure proper Paul Harris credit is attributed.
Rotary clubs in Chippewa Falls, WI and Cochabamba Bolivia have a rich history together. David Crane, a Chippewa Falls dentist and long-time Rotarian, first visited Bolivia in the 1980’s. He worked with Rotary to establish several dental and medical facilities in Bolivia and Latin America. David routinely invited other Rotarians along on his annual trips to establish multiple connections between our clubs. In 2005 we learned that the Rotary Club of Ketchikan First City Alaska was working with Rotary Tunari on a water distribution project. We were invited to participate and have since been involved with several water projects. We’ve also collaborated with Rotary Tunari to support smaller projects in Cochabamba involving Burn Units, Health Education, Police on Bicycles, Playgrounds, and more. Our first Global Grant project in the Tiquirani municipality of Cochabamba, Bolivia was completed in 2016 and provides clean water to more than 5,000 people.
With David’s encouragement, several members of the Chippewa Falls club have visited Bolivia and are involved with our efforts there. These include Cathy Statz, Jim Barnier, Aaron Widiker, and Mark Broses. Each member contributes unique talents and experiences and we are always recruiting new enthusiasts. A return trip to Bolivia is in the works for March 2023 to check on the status of past and current projects, renew our friendships, and scope out other opportunities to do good. If you want more information please contact markbroses@gmail.com or other members of the Chippewa Falls Rotary Club.
The District 6250 International Service Committee (ISC) includes several Rotarians with experience on projects around the world. We try to keep track of what is going on with international projects around 6250 and we are excited to share our knowledge and connections. Please let us know us what your club is doing and/or if you’d like some help getting started, please drop an email to ISC Committee Chair PDG Chuck Hanson at ceh@haleskemp.com
RYLA is back LIVE in 2022 - Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 21st - 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM.
As we transition out of the pandemic, we couldn't be more excited to announce that RYLA will be held in person this year at Upham Woods in WI Dells for a one-day event filled with leadership training, fellowship, and fun! AND for 1/2 the cost - $100 per student. Click HERE to learn more.
Our Calls to Action for Clubs:
As you know, in Rotary, we understand that cultivating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture is essential to realizing our vision of a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change.
We value diversity and celebrate the contributions of people of all backgrounds, across age, ethnicity, race, color, disability, learning style, religion, faith, socioeconomic status, culture, marital status, languages spoken, sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity as well as differences in ideas, thoughts, values, and beliefs. We recognize that individuals from certain groups have historically experienced barriers to participation and leadership.
AND here is what we are asking of you:
For the selection process this year, we ENCOURAGE clubs to partner with other local organizations in their community that support youth (Boys and Girls Clubs, Big Brothers Big Sisters, etc.) and utilize the cost savings this year to fund more students to attend RYLA.
We also encourage Rotarians to join us on staff this year. Since it is only a ONE day event, we are hopeful that the commitment will allow Rotarians that haven't had a chance to serve now have the opportunity! Click here to apply: https://forms.gle/FSYsAGUHuLosyGCHA
We look forward to another AMAZING RYLA experience for young people in our district. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us!
Your RYLA Team,
Ben Bauer, Michelle McGrath, Zach Zellner, Suzanne Imhoff
Congratulations Holmen! – A $5,000 District Grant was awarded to the Holmen Club to place nine AEDs in area businesses. Project partners include the Holmen Business Association, Holmen Fire Department and Winona State University nursing students. This project will increase the number of AEDs available in the community by 45%.
Open Application Pilot Project - The District Grant Committee is closing the open application pilot project on April 1. This timeline gives clubs time to apply yet this year and complete projects and reports before the May 15 due date. There is $21, 647 still available. If you have questions about submitting a grant application, contact Liz Evans, District Grant Committee Chair at d6250grants@gmail.com.
Grant Management Seminars have been completed for 2022. 44 clubs participated to be eligible for District Grants and Global Grants in 2022-23. Over $84,000 will be available for District Grants. Start planning your projects today. Applications are due by May 25 for projects to begin in July. If your club was not represented, you can still access Rotary grants by partnering with a qualified club.
Global Grants
Announcing New Global Grant Committee Chair - Thank you to Mike Casey, Madison, who agreed to serve as the District 6250 Global Grants Subcommittee Chair. Mike’s experience with international projects and global grants will be a benefit to clubs in District 6250. Mike can be reached at jmcasey222@aol.com. The Global Grants Committee provides assistance with the global grant process and reviews requests for District matching funds.
Supporting Ukraine
With deep regret, many Rotary service projects have been placed on hold in Ukraine for the indefinite future. The following information about emerging ways to help was shared by PDG Rich Kaye, Rotary Region 36 Foundation Coordinator.
Rotary is in contact with the United Nations High Commission on Refugees – USA to prepare and respond to the needs of those being displaced in Ukraine and to neighboring countries.
ShelterBox, our project partner for disaster response, is in communication with Rotary members in Eastern Europe to explore how it may offer support with temporary transitional housing and other essential supplies.
PDG Chehab Elawar launched a fundraising campaign on GoFundMe - https://gofund.me/05876825. All collected funds will be managed by Rotary Ukraine for the benefit of youth and their families affected by military aggression.
Rotary International Official Statement
It is a tragic and sad time for the people of Ukraine and the world.
At Rotary, we are deeply concerned by the deteriorating situation in Ukraine and the escalating loss of life and humanitarian hardship there. Continued military action against Ukraine will not only devastate the region, but also risk spreading tragic consequences across Europe and the world.
As one of the world’s largest humanitarian organizations, we have made peace the cornerstone of our global mission. We join the international community in calling for an immediate cease fire, withdrawal of Russian forces, and a restoration of diplomatic efforts to resolve this conflict through dialogue.
In the past decade, Rotary clubs in Ukraine, Russia and nearby countries have transcended national differences and have actively engaged in peace-building projects to promote goodwill and to marshal assistance for the victims of war and violence. Today, our thoughts are with our fellow Rotary members and others in Ukraine coping with these tragic events. Rotary International will do everything in its power to bring aid, support, and peace to the region.
Polio Plus Update
2021 marked a dramatic step forward in Rotary’s fight to eradicate polio. We began 2021 with only two remaining polio-endemic countries—Pakistan and Afghanistan. The World Health Organization confirmed only 1 case of polio in Pakistan last year. Further, Pakistan has not had a confirmed case of polio since January 27, 2021. Afghanistan reported only 4 cases of polio in 2021. There was not a single confirmed case of polio anywhere throughout the world from January 27, 2021 through October 29, 2021—a period of more than 9 months!
Unfortunately, a case of polio was confirmed in Malawi in November 2021. That case has been genetically linked to the virus that had previously been detected in Pakistan. Because the recent case was an imported case, Malawi still retains its certification as a polio-free country. As a result of its high level of surveillance in the region, the World Health Organization has launched a rapid pop-up vaccination campaign in the area. This recent news only reinforces the fact that polio anywhere is a threat to children everywhere.
For over 35 years Rotarians have focused on the goal to eradicate Polio. Our clubs set a goal of raising $100,560 towards Polio eradication this year. Thanks to your generosity, we have reached 72% of that goal. Our support is just as important today as it was 35 years ago. Let’s reach this important goal to help protect children from the life-long consequences of this devastating disease. And don’t forget the 2:1 Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation match that triples the impact of your contribution.
I care that they know what Rotary really does locally and around the world.
I care that they appreciate what it means to be a Rotarian through the Four-way test.
I care about what they tell other people about Rotary. I want them to get it right.
Why? Because when people understand what Rotary does; what it means to follow the four-way test; and see who we are in our communities…they want to spend time with us. They want to do what we do.
Why? Because when people really get who we are they want to join us.
Let’s all care about Rotary’s Public Image and do something about it.
How? We can share stories about who we help. Use social media, use traditional media, just have a conversation.
If you need help getting started, please reach out to your Public Image team.
The world has a new hero for peace. It comes as no surprise to me that this hero was born out of comedy. Humor is an asset that gives strength to stay connected to life as it is, with people as they are, and to grow courage and ease in others.
Thank goodness for the comedians among us. How often has a funny and fun-loving Rotarian opened a channel for hope and action previously blocked by worry and stress? Let’s value our Rotary comics and make room for their gifts.
President Zelensky’s actions stand out in stark relief to the stark challenge Ukraine is facing. But most challenges to peace are complex, nuanced, and tangled. Solutions take careful understanding, focus, and enough energy for patient and persistent service. Everyday heroes for peace are less obvious.
Large acts for peace and small acts for peace all matter. It is impossible for us to separate them or to judge them properly. We are limited in our awareness, but we can grow it and grow our appreciation. Be on the look-out for peacebuilders and thank them. If you’re one – please pause in gratitude for your own good fortune. No one shares peace who doesn’t possess peace.
As I write, District Governor Elect Ben and our 6250 Presidents Elect are making plans to attend the President Elect Training Seminar (PETS). The next months will be defined by Rotary’s annual leadership hand-off. The rest of my remarks are devoted to the joy of planning and the rewarding engagement that good planning offers. The better we do, the more our mission will be accomplished, the more joy will fill our Rotary experiences.
There are two sources of energy to get from “here” to “there”, two methods of observing, two sets of strategies that accompany the energy we’re sourcing, two kinds of experiences, and two types of outcomes.
Energy Source
Self (What we want)
A force higher than self (Mission, Areas of Focus, Community, Peace)
Observations
What we like and don’t like - judging
Data of all sorts - curiosity
Strategies
Pushing and pulling for the outcomes we want
Service, with the other’s wellbeing and growth as the focus
Experience
Winning and losing
Growing and learning
Outcomes
Naturally unsustainable
Naturally sustainable
Since we’re all so very human, we all tap into both sources all the time. The goal is to get better at noticing what’s motivating us, and to take the path of unselfish service sooner and more habitually. Be generous in helping others do the same. If the choice is difficult, it is because we believe that something important to us is at risk. Be humble, strong, and kind always-with yourself as well as your neighbor.
Your strategies will be your plan. You have a plan – the only question is whether you can articulate it in an engaging way.
Can you describe your aspirations in a SMART goal? Can you imagine who you need on your team in sufficient detail so that when you recruit you are likely to attract the right people? Can you lay out a budget of time and money so you are sure that you will have the right resources at the right time? Can you be content to act within your means, adjusting wisely as you go? Will you know when it is time to celebrate?
We have a planning tool to share with you. Let me know if you’d like to see it. Nothing would make me happier.
It was the Spring of my Junior year in high school and time for candidates to announce for the leadership of the student body for the coming school year. The previous fall the student body had experienced both a tragic death of one student and serious injury to another. We all grew up quickly that November.
When I thought about leading my fellow students, I knew I was ready. I had always been a serious student and had become even more so following the accident, so I put my name in as a candidate for student council president.
Then I learned that I couldn’t be student council president. I couldn’t even be a candidate for student council president. Why? Only a boy could be student body president. A girl could be vice-president. The gender tradition/restriction continued, only a boy could be treasurer and only a girl could be secretary.
And no, I didn’t ride to school in a horse and buggy. It was, however, a Catholic school slow to respond to changes in society. This wasn’t my first challenge to the administration. I sewed a patch bearing a dove to my uniform blazer. “Take that off.” I wore slacks to an after-football game mixer. “If you want to come to the dance, you have to change.” Would this be another losing battle?
Friends rallied around me. They shared my frustration and encouraged, demanded, that I run for Vice-President. They empowered me to rise to the occasion, rise above my anger at the unfairness of the situation, and run for the office that was open to me. I still remember sitting at the home of one of the upperclassmen when we came up with my slogan. Let the Sunshine In with Lynn. I was elected. And the following Fall I joined the speech team, writing and competing with my Original Oration about women’s rights. But that story is for another day.
Enjoy the Ride
At the beginning of my senior year in high school, my class was gearing up for creating a legacy through our yearbook. A few of us were in the crosshairs of our classmates’ vision as they elected the six-member yearbook staff. I remember being honored and thrilled that my class wanted me to be a co-editor. The thrill soon wore thin as the overwhelming task of actually creating our yearbook came into view.
The first deadline was haunting us. There were many pressures: photographs to take, film to develop into pictures, layouts to create, working late after school. And, at the top of the list, publishing a yearbook our whole class would be proud to have as a keepsake.
In a state of panic, I rushed into Mr. Shold’s office and proceeded to have an emotional breakdown. He was our yearbook advisor and the superintendent of our school district and I had great respect for him. Mr. Shold listened to my woes and in a very calm manner encouraged me to focus on the first deadline—one step at a time. I dried my eyes, gathered my pride, and returned to the team. We met the first deadline! One photograph at a time, one layout at a time, we met every deadline.
I gained many valuable life lessons from this experience. I was definitely outside my comfort zone. But, I was not alone. Team members and mentors shared that same journey that contributed to our success. Deadlines became more attainable by breaking them down into manageable pieces. Perhaps most importantly, I learned to enjoy the ride—and many cherished memories resulted in the process.
Game of Life
Having the opportunity to start working at age 12 was the first step to my early empowerment. That was how I began to make choices about the future.
One of my choices was to be the first in my family to go to college. For a young woman from a small farming community in rural Wisconsin this was a bold choice. And it would only happen if I earned enough money.
In high school I was a starter on the girls’ varsity basketball team. I also worked at a local store 20 hours each week to earn spending money and save for my college dream. To be on time for my job I needed to leave basketball practice 20 minutes early a couple of times a week. A few weeks into the season as I was again leaving early to race to my job, the coach called me out. In front of the entire team, he said I lacked commitment and a hard work ethic. And if this continued, I’d find myself on the bench. I gathered all the strength I could, walked over to him, and said, “I’ll gladly take my place on the bench.” And walked out.
I had a choice that day. I could let his words define me, mold me into his vision of hard work and commitment. Or I could have faith in myself, my vision, knowing that what I was doing, what I was choosing, demonstrated more commitment and hard work than he could ever imagine. Maybe I lost the game on the basketball court that day, but I have always known it’s the game of life that matters.
Transformed
My father was an officer in the Army so I moved every one to three years throughout my entire childhood. Can you imagine moving eleven times before you went to college? That meant changing schools six times from kindergarten through my senior year, always having to make new friends, and having to settle a home quickly. It was hard to establish one's presence anywhere when you moved that often. Now, that is not to say it was a terrible life. I got to experience living in different parts of the United States including Alaska and Hawaii. Additionally, I lived in Germany while I was in high school. We were a strong family unit and I relied heavily upon my parents for my self-confidence, but never realized what others saw in me as a leader until I was in college.
Imagine this: my parents were living in Ft. Worth, Texas when I left for college at UW-Madison. I was 1,000 miles away from my family. I knew no one on a campus of 40,000 students. I had moved a lot but I always had my parents and sister with me. Now I was on my own. I chose to make the campus a little smaller by joining a sorority. It was the best decision I made my freshman year. Little did I know that I'd find a group of 100 women I could call friends. However, I quickly realized this group was about more than friendship: it was also about building leadership in young women. They saw qualities in me that I had yet to discover.
Outsiders often view sorority life critically, but having experienced it firsthand, I can affirm the incredible opportunities it provided me as a young woman just discovering herself. It transformed me.
Through a variety of experiences in the group, I developed skills I used during my college years and beyond. By my sophomore year, I was asked to be the House Manager for the 50 women who lived in the house, collaborating with the House Parents and Alumni House Board. This was a leadership position I would never have dreamed I was capable of holding, yet I had developed the skills and confidence to perform the job I was being asked to do. An amazing transformation had occurred. From that point forward, I confidently said yes to tasks I was asked to lead, knowing I had the skills to successfully complete them.
Stand
St. Agnes Elementary School took my education and molding seriously. Staff knew just what to do – push me, reward me, and penalize me when I was out of line. I responded very well to pushing and rewarding – and not well at all to the penalizing. It was a love-hate relationship from all sides.
Except for that one day. That one winter day, in 1974, during art class.
Steve G. was a classic bully. He was tall, strong, smart, and shameless. He ruined everything that I valued and hurt people who couldn’t stand up to him – which was nearly everyone, including the system. Until this day, I was just an observer.
If the day’s art required sticking things together, we St. Agnes students walked to the front of the room with a scrap of paper on which we would spread a blob of paste from a giant plastic tub. While I was on my way up, Steve smeared his paste on my navy uniform skirt. In that moment I was transformed from observer to victim.
I looked down, sized up the situation, continued to the front, got my paste, turned toward Sister Mary Louise and wordlessly asked for permission to act. I wondered if she, like me, was in the frame of mind to stand up to bullying.
She nodded.
I was empowered.
I stopped beside Steve’s desk, he looked up, and I smeared my paste from his forehead to nose. “I’m going to kill you, West,” he responded. I figured he meant it.
In the hallway a bit later in the day, Steve smashed my face into the bubbler as I drank. Returning to class, Sister suggested I stay after for an hour to let things cool off. I did. Things didn’t.
On my solo five-block trek home - Ninth, Russell, Langlade – Steve appeared. He’d hidden behind a house, waited an hour, and amassed an arsenal of good-sized ice chunks. He whipped them at me – at my head particularly – and I thought I might just die after all. I ran – Rockdale, Biemeret – home; bruised, shaken, afraid.
And liberated.
My memories of what followed are vague. I don’t remember anything more about Steve’s bullying. Since I was so nervous, I’m guessing there was, in fact, less bullying. But the memory of Sister is crystal clear. She supported my stand for justice, knowing that she couldn’t protect me from the risks. It’s important to stand, and I admire the courage in those that do.
Welcome to February - Peace and Conflict Resolution and Prevention month in Rotary
Throughout District 6250, Rotarians are working tirelessly to tackle challenging issues that face our society and our world, especially in the scope of peace and conflict resolution. And as they tackle these challenging issues, they make it a priority to invite in others to provide opportunities of collaboration and growth.
As you likely know, political polarization in the United States is at an all-time high. This has led to less communication and consideration of each other's views, animosity, and even violence. The reduced ability of “Blues” and “Reds” to work together means fewer constructive conversations to address significant problems this country faces.
Last month, the Rotary Club of Madison, hosted the organization Braver Angels as their speaker at a club meeting. Their presentation was inspiring, informational, and something that the club wanted to continue to pursue as a priority. This led to efforts to provide an event for their club and the clubs in District 6250.
These Braver Angels events facilitate bi-partisan conversations and build skills as a foundation for democracy. Rotary International has embraced working with Braver Angels.
Members of the Rotary Club of Madison will be hosting two Braver Angels’ events that will be held on Friday, February 25 and Saturday, February 26. Guests of Rotarians are also welcome.
Choose either Friday, February 25 OR Saturday, February 26
9:00 am to 4:00 pm. This event will be at Holy Wisdom Monastery, Middleton (accommodation information below)
Cost ($30) includes coffee, tea and lunch. (Cost is non-refundable after Feb. 16)
Sessions will be facilitated by trained Braver Angels’ Moderators. 5-8 Republican-leaning citizens (“Reds”) and 5-8 Democratic-leaning citizens (“Blues”) gather together for a full-day of structured conversations.
Reserving a space is first-come, first-served. Participants register as leaning Red or Blue to ensure a mix of different views. Independents are welcome and will need to register as leaning Red or Blue. Reserve your spot now. Once all slots are filled on each day, additional people will be able to register as observers.
We’re hoping this instant whets your appetite for more! Lake Mills High School Interact membership doubled almost 100 in one year. What changed? The club’s advisor shared a vision of Rotary that resonated with students. Watch for the full story in the next Dispatch.
In 2018, as a memorial to a longtime member of our Janesville Noon Rotary club, we decided to have a Haitian water well constructed, in his name. The $21,000 necessary for the project was a big ask, considering it had not previously been budgeted -- but the members of our club were determined to find a way to make it happen.
Our club has historically been a leading donor to our Rotary Foundation but has not always taken advantage of the many opportunities to leverage monetary grants available to us. Since we’d never used a grant to fund a similar project and since several members of our club were planning to travel to Haiti to assist with the construction, this project seemed tailor-made to apply for a $5,000 District Grant match (the maximum one club can request for a single project).
Our application was approved and along with the $5,000 from the District Grant, sufficient additional funds were raised to move forward. In late February of 2019, our team of four Rotarians along with three of their family members traveled to Haiti to assist with the completion of the well and structure. It was dedicated on February 26, 2019 (just days before COVID put a hold on so many lives).
This project really helped our club to become even more energized. Working together to raise the funds, complete the project and meet with the people who would benefit was truly life-changing for many of us. This is just one example of the benefits of taking on a club-sponsored International service project.
Planning an international project for your Rotary Club can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. District 6250 has a committee of experienced and dedicated members to assist you with planning the perfect project for your club. It is called the international Service Committee (ISC) and is akin to having a knowledgeable friend who’s only a phone call or email away. Whether it’s identifying a worthy project, finding an international partner, providing guidance on a grant application, or simply sharing encouragement to your club, the members of the ISC are available to help. Projects can be large or small and your club’s involvement can be extensive or, with the help of cooperating partner clubs, minimal.
If you’d like to learn more about how the ISC can help you and your club become involved with a project, the first simple step is to ask for help. Drop an email to committee chair PDG Chuck Hanson to begin planning, today.
The Rotary International Convention is a launch site for service projects that make an impact. It’s the starting place where members learn new skills, find inspiration, and connect with others to create change in their communities and around the globe. No matter who you are or where you’re from, you’re bound to find inspirational moments throughout the convention. It’s an experience unlike any other Rotary event and will renew your commitment to service and leadership.
Don’t miss your chance to Discover New Horizons and join us in Houston, Texas - June 4-8, 2022.
If you can’t attend in person, a virtual convention option offers the opportunity to participate in events and share in the convention experience with your friends, family, club members, and community.
*If for any reason your plans need to change or the convention is cancelled, refunds will be granted.
Imagine Rotary
Rotary International President-elect Jennifer Jones wants members to imagine the possibilities in the change they can make to transform the world.
“Imagine, a world that deserves our best where we get up each day knowing that we can make a difference.”
-RI President-elect Jennifer Jones
Jones, who will make history on 1 July by becoming Rotary’s first female president, gave a live online address preceding Rotary’s annual training event for district governors from around the world, the International Assembly.
Jones told us incoming governors’ stories about “that certain Rotary magic”. Something that Rotarians experience every single day. I’m incredibly moved by this beautiful theme and can’t wait to see how our imagination takes us to action here in District 6250.
As mentioned in last month’s article, this month we are focusing on Growing a club’s ability to boost engagement of individual members. Here are a few thoughts to consider around that subject:
Having good audio is critical. The virtual attendees must be able to clearly hear who in the room is speaking. This does not mean the table chatter or background noise but it does mean the person who currently “has the floor”. Be sure to have individuals use a microphone, even if they must go to the front of the room to use it!
Make sure that the technology works and you can work the technology. Recruit a person to help with the equipment set up and be sure to debug it before the meeting starts. They don’t have to be a heavy-duty techie, just someone willing to help before and during the meeting. This person can help the person running the meeting by being in charge of allowing the virtual attendees into the meeting, working the mute/unmute function, switching Zoom views etc.
Monitor the chat room by recruiting or assigning someone and have them be the designated person who relays appropriate chat room questions/comments to the in-person group. This does not need to be the tech help person.
Introduce the meeting attendees who are virtual to those present in the room AND do introduce those in the room to those who are virtual attendees.
Let the virtual attendees have some post meeting time and encourage them to linger a bit to say their good byes amongst themselves, just as those in person attendees linger in the room or hallway and say their good byes.
Set expectations with the virtual attendees. Just as you expect in person attendees to “be present” during the meeting, encourage your virtual members to keep their cameras on during the entire meeting. By “being present” they are more likely to be engaged.
For a few additional suggestions check out this You Tube Video Meeting Do's and Don'ts. Should you have any suggestions on this subject or have a question please drop me a note at mdag6250@gmail.com.
Grant Management Seminar – Last Chance for 2022-23 Grant Eligibility
Any District 6250 club wanting to apply for District Grants or Global Grants in 2022-23 is required to have a member attend a Grant Management Seminar this winter. The last virtual GMS session is on Wednesday, February 23 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Any Rotarian can register for the seminar on the District 6250 website: https://www.rotary6250.org/page/2022-grant-management-seminars. Please join us to be eligible for matching grants for projects that are priorities for your club.
District Grants
Congratulations to the Mayville Club for receiving a District Grant for their Park Street Square Band Stand project. The new park provides a downtown community gathering place for celebrations, commemorations, and a variety of community functions and entertainment. This project is being led by their new members. A $2,730 District Grant was awarded in late January.
In November, our District Grant Committee announced an open application process for District Grants to help fund projects to be completed by May 15, 2022. If your club is considering a short-term project this winter with a budget less than $30,000, District matching grants are available. Projects can be local or international. Detailed information about District Grants is available on the District 6250 website. Contact Liz Evans at D6250Grants@gmail.com if you have further questions.
Thank you to every District 6250 Rotarian who contributes to the Annual Fund/SHARE program of The Rotary Foundation. Your contributions make District Grants possible for projects like the Mayville Band Stand project. When you drive through downtown Mayville this summer, you can take pride in knowing your support is helping Mayville enhance their sense of community.
Rotary International President Shekhar Mehta asked us District Governors to pursue four themes this Rotary year: Each One Bring One, Grow More Do More, Days of Service, and Empower Girls. If you were at your club meeting when I visited, you’ll remember that we considered the energy and renewal that comes when each of us makes a commitment to extend Rotary fellowship (Each One Bring One) and give generously to our Rotary Foundation (Grow More Do More).
During the first week of October, 6250 Rotarians, our friends in 6220 and 6270 (our TriCon partners) joined in Rotary Days of Environmental Service, celebrating our foundation’s new area of focus with action.
In this and future Dispatches, we’ll tell stories on the theme of Empowering Girls. I asked women district leaders to tell a story when they, as girls, were empowered. Their stories reveal a critical moment, someone who believed in them (or didn’t), and how they found the courage to move through the challenge, opening their lives to new strength. I hope you enjoy learning what shaped the women alongside whom you serve. In future Dispatches, we’ll tell some of our international and community service stories that have empowered girls.
We have made a lot of progress in what we imagine for girls and women. We have made a lot of progress in what we imagine for people of color, and people with disabilities. There’s more to imagine – for every single one of us. There is so much more to learn.
Empowerment begins with seeing. The more we cultivate the attitude and skill of putting others at the center of our attention, of living “Service Above Self” as others are presented with important opportunities, the more Rotary will flourish. Our joy will be in others’ strength and others’ success.
Our service will change lives. Thanks for reading!
P.S. Now is the best time to REGISTER for TriCon2022! Listen to what 6220 District Governor Sridhar has to say about it!
I want to take the opportunity to kick off the year with some tips for how to learn more about Youth Programs within District 6250 and Rotary as a whole. We have a very strong Youth focus within our district and are active with each of the main areas. If you're not familiar, the different areas of Youth Programs for Rotary are:
Rotary Youth Leadership Awards
Youth Exchange (Short term and Long Term)
Interact
New Generations Service Exchange
This is an area that Rotary.org calls out as a youth program. It's for University students going up to age 30, so it sits more in line with Rotaract, which is not part of the Youth programming within District 6250.
If you visit https://www.rotary.org/en/our-programs/youth-programs you can learn about each of these different areas in more detail. Rotary also has newsletters that highlight information on Youth Exchange and Young Leaders in Action, you can opt-in to receive those once signed into your MyRotary account and going into your Account Settings. If you need any help, just let me know!
The district is currently looking to update our district website as well, so I'd like to know if there's anything Youth related that you'd like to see added or available through our district site. Would committee chair contact information be helpful? A youth specific calendar? A listing of all of our Interact clubs? We want the site to be helpful to you as a member of our district, so reach out to me if you have any suggestions!
As we look to rebound from a few years off of "normal" Youth Programs, it's important for us to keep our involvement strong and feel supported in our local clubs. If you feel like your club might be slipping away from Youth activities and you want to rejuvenate them, I'm here to help. Here's to a strong 2022 for Youth Programs, continued involvement and growth and getting back to connecting with the smiling faces that belong to the future of Rotary.
Loneliness is an epidemic and Rotary is the antidote.
Two in five Americans report that they sometimes or always feel their social relationships are not meaningful, and one in five say they feel lonely or socially isolated. More than one quarter of the U.S. population lives alone.
As Rotarians we understand that Rotary is all about social connectedness and building better friendships…the perfect prescription to cure loneliness.
Where does Public Image come in?
When we share Rotary, we build and enhance our public image. And it is through sharing and spreading and influencing our perception in the public that just as we are ending polio, we can end loneliness.
Happy New Year! We usually see a drop in membership as clubs clean out their rosters; however we are only down a net of 2 members from the start of the Rotary Year. It’s time now to reach out and add those new members you’ve been waiting to reach out to! Remember that having more Rotarians helps create a better Rotary experience for us all!
Our Membership Growth Grants have been awarded! Congrats to the following clubs on receiving the awards!
$1000 to Marshfield - Expanding Impact of the Rotary Winter Wonderland
$1000 to LaCrosse After Hours - Member recruitment video
$300 to Sparta - Logger's game
$300 to Wisconsin Dells - New Member Christmas party
$300 to Janesville Morning
$300 to LaCrosse East - New Member Project
$300 to Oregon Rotary - New Member Project
$300 to Madison Breakfast - New Member Project
We would like to highlight a membership initiative your club has undertaken. Please email me at johnlockerotary@gmail.com a brief description of what you are doing around membership so that I can share it with the other clubs!
The Rotary Western Great Lakes District Conference, intended for any Rotarian, not just leadership, is set for Friday April 29 and Saturday April 30, 2022. Attendance will be in person at the The Osthoff Resort, Elkhart Lake, WI. Attendees from Districts 6220, 6250 and 6270 will have the opportunity to gain useful skills that can be used in their Rotary club, and inspiration that will motivate them to embrace Rotary even more.
Internationally-known featured speakers will provide keen insights about their passion projects during the addresses on both days.
Happy New Year! We usually see a drop in membership as clubs clean out their rosters; however we are only down a net of 2 members from the start of the Rotary Year. It’s time now to reach out and add those new members you’ve been waiting to reach out to! Remember that having more Rotarians helps create a better Rotary experience for us all!
Our Membership Growth Grants have been awarded! Congrats to the following clubs on receiving the awards!
$1000 to Marshfield - Expanding Impact of the Rotary Winter Wonderland
$1000 to LaCrosse After Hours - Member recruitment video
$300 to Sparta - Logger's game
$300 to Wisconsin Dells - New Member Christmas party
$300 to Janesville Morning
$300 to LaCrosse East - New Member Project
$300 to Oregon Rotary - New Member Project
$300 to Madison Breakfast - New Member Project
We would like to highlight a membership initiative your club has undertaken. Please email me at johnlockerotary@gmail.com a brief description of what you are doing around membership so that I can share it with the other clubs!
Michaelmas Term has at last concluded, and as I reflect on this first milestone in my program, I could not be more grateful to be a member of the MPhil in Public Policy class of 2022. With more than 40 nationalities represented, it is an incredibly diverse cohort full of some of the most passionate and amazing professionals I’ve ever been privileged to know. It’s refreshing to learn so many unique approaches to tackling policy challenges around the world, and conversations with my inspiring colleagues fill me with hope for the future. Discussing artificial intelligence policies in emerging economies; strategies to address the colonial legacies of British museums; and hosting potlucks with delicious national dishes shared by new friends are some of the memories I treasure most. I am looking forward to Hillary Term in 2022, and as always, I am profoundly grateful to Rotary for the opportunity to join the Oxford community.
Mount Horeb! Great name, isn’t it? Their greatness doesn’t end at their name. They earn that reputation with heart and service. Here they are in action decorating their school for Valentine's Day and partnering for successful service with a local non-profit, Neighbors Helping Neighbors.
District 6250 Interact Clubs were busy with holiday cheer while providing boundless gifts to mankind.
Lodi Rotary club and LHS Interact club combined efforts to hold a fundraiser for local food pantry, and American Legion Columbia cabin that supports veterans in need.
Mount Horeb Interact club in conjunction with Shoebox Gifts for Kids did an amazing job at their high school collecting children’s gifts for the holiday season.
Baraboo Interact Club had the pleasure of helping out with the Holidays With The Heroes event making crafts an wrapping gifts with community officers, emt’s, and other first responders. All the children who participated have had trauma in their lives and are experiencing poverty.
In your mind, can a Rotarian be an excellent Rotarian if “all they do” is attend meetings? Can a club be an excellent club if “all they do” is gather for fellowship and networking?
Please take a moment to answer these questions honestly for yourself before reading on.
I answer both questions with a resolute “Yes!” - if these Rotarians are engaged in their vocation (in modern, North American Rotary this might include retirement, homemaking, and parenting) as an avenue for Rotary service. This is Rotary character in action. Soaking in the fellowship of Rotarians for encouragement in, and examples of, a life that exemplifies “Service Above Self” is also full of excellence.
January is Vocational Service month. The idea of vocational service offers a simple, powerful, and emancipating view of Rotary life – a view that I hope our district, and many clubs, will embrace.
As much as I appreciate and champion our mission and vision statements and strategic priorities, they sometimes eclipse the historical “Object of Rotary”, from which our notion of vocational service springs.
Each club is free to decide what’s required of its members. When we choose, let’s do so without denigrating the “knife and fork club” and the “check-writing club”. If these clubs are full of Rotarians who dignify and valueevery vocation as an opportunity for service, and pursue vocational service instead of vocational selfishness, they are powerful Rotarians and Rotary Clubs, and their contributions help to fulfill our mission. I am proud to be associated with them.
Aspire to be, as a Rotarian and club, what you want to be without comparison or criticism, and be open to just how simple, powerful, and free Rotary life can be. You can Invite others into this kind of Rotary experience.
If you want to TAKE ACTION and improve your club’s culture in honoring vocational service, check out Rotary’s Introduction to Vocational Service. It might open bright and hopeful vistas for you and your club.
There is nothing quite like our annual Rotary International Convention. It’s the only opportunity we members get to connect personally with people from around the world, celebrate our works of service together, and collaborate on every level to find solutions to our most pressing challenges. We do all of this at one event — while making memories that will last a lifetime.
On top of all the Rotary you’ll get, in Houston, you’ll discover:
· Great food. More than 10,000 restaurants represent more than 70 cuisines.
· Diversity. More than 145 languages are spoken in the city.
· Space exploration. At Space Center Houston, you can touch a moon rock, see former spacecraft, and simulate a spaceflight or spacewalk.
· Sports. The city is home to six professional sports teams.
· Shopping. The Galleria is the largest shopping center in Texas, with 400 shops and restaurants.
· Parks. The city ranks first among the 10 largest U.S. cities in total park area.
· Arts and culture. Houston has 19 world-class museums and seven cultural districts.
· Accessible transportation. METRORail trains and an underground pedestrian tunnel system make navigating the city easy.
Don’t miss your chance to Discover New Horizons and join us in Houston, Texas - June 4-8, 2022.
If you can’t attend in person, a virtual convention option offers the opportunity to participate in events and share in the convention experience with your friends, family, club members, and community.
Serving in a District 6250 Leadership position is a fulfilling opportunity full of service, new connections, and fun! Maybe you’re already interested in Membership or Training, or have professional skills in Finance or Public Relations. Or, maybe you’re interested in learning something new and just know you want to serve. Wherever you may be, we’d love to hear from you! Check out our Leadership Opportunities page on the District 6250 website to see a list of current opportunities: https://rotary6250.org/page/leadership-opportunities
The Annual Fund/SHARE appeal for The Rotary Foundation is the cornerstone for Rotary’s success to fund projects to fulfill our Rotary mission. At the end of December, we are at 38% of our goal for District 6250. The $331,950 goal is simply the total of goals submitted by our clubs. Achieving this goal has a direct impact on the amount of District and Global grants available to clubs in our District (known as District Designated Funds). Every dollar we donate to Annual Fund/SHARE is available for grants three years later.
Thank you to every Rotarians who is supporting the Annual Fund/SHARE program in 2021-22. If you have not done so, please consider supporting today. The Rotary Foundation is recognized with Four Stars by Charity Navigator. That means we are one of the most efficient and effective non-profit foundations in the world. If your club has received District Grants or participated in a Global Grant, you know the impact of contributions to Annual Fund/SHARE.
Become a member of the Paul Harris Society by committing to give $1,000 per year.
Ask your club to join you in support of The Rotary Foundation.
Share stories from the District Dispatch about how District Designated Funds are used to fund projects sponsored by clubs in District 6250.
Global Grant Approved
Congratulations to the Lake Mills Club for approval of a global grant to install solar to power a water system in Goregaon, India. The project will create a sustainable source of power in partnership with the Goregaon Rotary Club. $20,000 of District Designated Funds is being granted toward the $96,128 project.
District Grants
Congratulations to the Madison Breakfast Club for receiving a District Grant to fund books and tees for the Black Girl Magic Conference in Madison. Black Girl Magic provides enrichment and academic opportunities to empower 4th through 8th grade Black, African-American, and Multiracial girls. A $2,000 District Grant is approved for this project.
In November, our District Grant Committee announced an open application process for District Grants to help fund projects to be completed by May 15, 2022. If your club is considering a short-term project this winter with a budget less than $30,000, District matching grants are available. Projects can be local or international. Detailed information about District Grants is available on the District 6250 website. Contact Liz Evans at D6250Grants@gmail.com if you have further questions.
Before we wrap up our task force work at the end of this Rotary year, it is our intention to continue providing you with hybrid meeting information that is most relevant to you and your Club. As your Club navigates the hybrid meeting process, we are hopeful that you will find value from our forthcoming information associated with one or more of the following three goals:
Goal #1 - Grow clubs' abilities to boost engagement of individual members.
Goal #2 - Assist clubs with improving member experiences through technology-based tools.
Goal #3 - Facilitate the creation of virtual tactics for use in growing club memberships.
Next month, starting with goal number one, look for additional information in this Dispatch article that will provide tips, suggestions and/or documents that will specifically help accomplish the identified goal. In the meantime, should you have any suggested content or success stories associated with any one of these goals, or you simply have a suggestion or question that is outside of these goals, please drop me a note at mdag6250@gmail.com.
Loneliness is an epidemic and Rotary is the antidote.
Two in five Americans report that they sometimes or always feel their social relationships are not meaningful, and one in five say they feel lonely or socially isolated. More than one quarter of the U.S. population lives alone.
As Rotarians we understand that Rotary is all about social connectedness and building better friendships…the perfect prescription to cure loneliness.
Where does Public Image come in?
When we share Rotary, we build and enhance our public image. And it is through sharing and spreading and influencing our perception in the public that just as we are ending polio, we can end loneliness.
I want to take the opportunity to kick off the year with some tips for how to learn more about Youth Programs within District 6250 and Rotary as a whole. We have a very strong Youth focus within our district and are active with each of the main areas. If you're not familiar, the different areas of Youth Programs for Rotary are:
Rotary Youth Leadership Awards
Youth Exchange (Short term and Long Term)
Interact
New Generations Service Exchange
This is an area that Rotary.org calls out as a youth program. It's for University students going up to age 30, so it sits more in line with Rotaract, which is not part of the Youth programming within District 6250.
If you visit https://www.rotary.org/en/our-programs/youth-programs you can learn about each of these different areas in more detail. Rotary also has newsletters that highlight information on Youth Exchange and Young Leaders in Action, you can opt-in to receive those once signed into your MyRotary account and going into your Account Settings. If you need any help, just let me know!
The district is currently looking to update our district website as well, so I'd like to know if there's anything Youth related that you'd like to see added or available through our district site. Would committee chair contact information be helpful? A youth specific calendar? A listing of all of our Interact clubs? We want the site to be helpful to you as a member of our district, so reach out to me if you have any suggestions!
As we look to rebound from a few years off of "normal" Youth Programs, it's important for us to keep our involvement strong and feel supported in our local clubs. If you feel like your club might be slipping away from Youth activities and you want to rejuvenate them, I'm here to help. Here's to a strong 2022 for Youth Programs, continued involvement and growth and getting back to connecting with the smiling faces that belong to the future of Rotary.
Wisconsin Dells Celebrates Dental Services for Greek Islands
The Wisconsin Dells Club just finished a big global grant project to renovate dental clinics on five remote Greek islands near Turkey. None of us knew the Rotarians of Athens and Kos, but we somehow managed to complete this mission together. We had lots of help from District 6250, District 2470 and Rotary International. Here is how it happened.
Past District Governor, Edwin Bos, called me to describe a project he had learned of that involved dentistry. We had traveled together in Nepal, so we knew each other, and he felt I would be able to succeed on this endeavor. Our club had never been the primary partner for a Global Grant, but we had helped other clubs by being participating sponsors, so we knew the concept. They are similar to District Grants, just more expensive.
The goal was to renovate dental clinics that were using 40-year-old dental chairs and operating units. It would cost around $70,000 to install new equipment on islands being inundated with Syrian refugees. The Dodecanese islands of Samos, Lipsi, Symi, Agathonisi and Fourni had well over 10,000 refugees, and their facilities were in poor condition.
The Rotary Club of Wisconsin Dells, with our group of 27, agreed to be the primary sponsor. We met the requirements, so we thought we could succeed. I decided to call dentists I know and ask for contributions. Rotarian dentists, Mike Bender of Fort Atkinson and Betsy Long, of Wisconsin Dells, donated personally, along with non-Rotarian dentists from the US Public Health Service(I worked for them for 20 years) and dentists from around Wisconsin. We gathered the donations needed, which was matched by our district, then matched by Rotary International. The Greek Rotary Clubs in the grant area also donated, along with their district, until we had the necessary funds.
Beginning in 2019, it took much longer than expected to install all the equipment, due to Covid, but the clinics were up and running by the end of 2020. We received photos of the chairs and units, but I wanted to take some dentists over to see what they accomplished. We returned from our trip to Greece in the end of October. It was great meeting all the Greek Rotarians and seeing the clinics in action. The refugees have now moved elsewhere, but the clinics are treating poor Greek citizens with full time dentists.
Greek Rotary meetings are not quite like ours. We meet from noon until 1 on Thursdays. They start their meetings at 8 pm. We attended quite a few, and none of them were done until around midnight. They were very appreciative, and shared their Greek culture with us. My club is now working on another, much smaller grant, to help Samos Due to a recent earthquake and the flood of refugees, their needs are great but resources limited.
Submitted by Dave Clemens, DDS, Rotary Club of Wisconsin Dells
It starts with one. One man, one mom, one Christmas, and one Rotary Club. The Madison South Rotary Club.
And how do families make a holiday special? With food, friends, a few very suspicious-looking reindeer, and a whole lotta fun. And what’s more fun than BINGO? BINGO with cash prizes!! Add food, lap blankets, trays of tasty holiday treats...a Holiday tradition is born.
For more years than Lisa Gits can or wants to remember members of the club have chosen to bring a Bingo party to the residents of St. Mary’s Care Center. It originally was because one of the club member’s moms was there. When word spread, a little Santa magic with a generous dollop of Rotary fellowship and goodwill, more than a handful of elves of various sizes and shapes, a party with food and gifts materialized. The tradition goes back far enough that there are notorious tales. No one will share the one about Juanita in B4…but if you ask Ted See, he just might share a story or two.
Other than a little, or a lot, of Holiday Cheer, what does a senior citizen want? A little warmth. Cue RSVP and generous gifts of handcrafted lap quilts. Even a global pandemic will not stay the arrival of these personal warmth delivery devices.
Sometimes service is ambitious. Sometimes it’s playing BINGO on a December evening with some of our vintage community members.
I live parallel lives during the weeks before December 25th. I enjoy the lights, music, parties, jewel tones, and glitter. I also focus quietly and intentionally on Advent. It’s Latin for arrival, and the focus is on preparation.
Preparing for something important and valuable is half the fun – if conditions are right. The awaited event must have the right risk-return balance, so we are willing to stake our resources on planning for it. And we must believe that we have enough resources to stake – or almost enough if you take a little magic into account.
From Menominee to Mayville holiday service and fundraising events have arrived! Children receive gifts, families receive food, community members drink hot chocolate under magical lights. People we do not know will be changed by our service. And we will be the primary beneficiaries. Hope will grow in us.
While we serve, we are simultaneously preparing for other arrivals.
We are preparing for the leadership of Ben Bauer, District Governor 2022-2023.
Next week the District Governor Team (Bill, Ben, Michelle, Todd, and I) will consider where we are and where we hope to be by the end of Ben’s year. Ben will take that vision into International Assembly (a gathering of the world’s DGs) in January, District Team Training (a gathering of 6250 leaders) in February, and President Elect Training Seminar (PETS) in March. Ben is staking significant resources on this role. Will you stake some resources on supporting him and our district?
We are preparing for TriCon2022.
After back-to-back virtual conferences in 2020 and 2021, we will gather safely and joyfully at The Osthoff on April 29 and 30. Will you save the date? TriCon2022 will put you in the company of rich Rotary fellowship, service, and inspiring people of action. It’ll be worth staking some resources on it.
And speaking of staking resources…
Dawn had a choice between a nap and attending a random breakout session. She dragged herself to the breakout. She didn’t know anything about human trafficking, and she wasn’t searching for information or something more to do. But there in that unexpected moment her eyes opened, her soul was crushed, and the deepest part of her was called to act. Her Rotary district conference set in motion a chain of events she would have filed under “Impossible”. Afterwards, about the last thing on her mind was a nap.
Dawn Heath-Fiedler, District 6270 Rotarian, founded and leads the non-profit, Join the Movement Now (www.jtme.org), with the mission of bringing awareness of the presence of human trafficking to all communities in the State of Wisconsin and the entire Midwest. JTME is dedicated to educating our youth as our best defense in preventing victims’ grooming.
Dawn (in the center of the photo, flanked by teammates) is serving and lives are changing. It is a story full of hope hopeless circumstances. Her district conference played a role.
Keep reading on in our Dispatch for more wonderful Rotary stories and opportunities.
Cheers for a happy, hopeful, holidays, Dear Rotarians. Thank you.
Always excited to help, and always energized with creative ideas! Enjoy District 6250’s sampling of all things Interact.
Fort Atkinson Interact continued their international exchange with the Philippines virtually despite having to cancel their service trip due to COVID-19. Follow on Instagram Interact_fort_atkinson
Baraboo Interact Club is holding a Food 4 Kidz event May 15th. After a whole years delay they are excited to be back on track with this great event. Follow on Instagram interact.baraboo
Milton Interact held a pet drive and collected bedding for pets located at shelters such as the Humane Society. Follow on Instagram miltoninteract
Lake Mills Interact Club raised funds for Heifer International a NGO working to end hunger and poverty in a sustainable way by supporting and investing alongside local farmers and their communities. Follow on Instagram: lmhs.interact
Onalaska Interact has been busy collecting shoes and school supplies for those in need. The shoes will help women in developing countries start their own business. Follow on Instagram at onalaska.interact
Mount Horeb Interact Club is collecting cleaning supplies for Neighbors Helping Neighbors. In addition they are raising funds via Penny Wars at their school. Follow on Instagram: madison_interact
Read more for some posts and photos of all the great work!
Virtual Exchange, park cleanup, food drives, little libraries and more! Check out the great work of our Interact Clubs in the March Interact Instant!
Lodi Interact Club created an 8 week virtual exchange with 15 interact clubs based in District 4170 Mexico. Follow on Instagram: lodi_interact
Madison Interact Club spent their day in fellowship by doing a park cleanup! Follow on Instagram: madison_interact
Lake Mills Interact Club created a fun way for each class to participate in a food donation drive. Follow on Instagram: lmhs.interact
Verona Interact Club is always in pursuit of books to fill up their local free libraries. Follow on Instagram: interactverona
Baraboo Interact Club had a ton of fun collecting personal hygiene and bath products for community members in need. Follow on Instagram: interact.baraboo
Mount Horeb Interact Club participated in Neighbors Helping Neighbors by collecting and delivering food to the essential needs pantry. Follow on Instagram: moho_interact
Read more for some posts and photos of all the great work!
Greetings Fellow Rotarians. Welcome to January 2021!
It has been some time since the turning of the calendar has felt so good! Goodbye 2020!
January is Vocational Service month on the Rotary calendar. Vocational service can be hard to define, but it is easy to describe: It is simply the point where our Rotary lives and our professional lives Intersect. When we put our Rotary ideals to work through our work, that is vocational service.
As I have traveled on my Rotary journey, I am again and again reminded of how often our work and Rotary intersect. Here in La Crosse, a few Rotary leaders had an interesting thought: If I asked area organizations what they would do with $250,000… what would their answer be? The results of this simple question, asked of the many incredibly talented and well meaning charitable causes around the Coulee Region, resulted in some truly remarkable ideas. From those discussions emerged an idea – to collaborate with the St. Claire Health Mission, Gundersen Health Systems, Mayo Clinic Health Systems, the La Crosse County Health Department and the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration to support a Mobile Medical Clinic that can travel throughout the region. The vehicle will provide family practice clinical services, preventative care, flu vaccine clinics, youth sports physicals, lab draws, mental health and pharmacy services to adults and children without health insurance. My work in finance puts me in a unique position to have an impact. I knew I could turn my professional path to good and help make this project a success and improve health care for those not covered by our systems throughout our district.
Chronic childhood malnutrition is a problem all over Guatemala. Almost 50% of children aged 5 and under are malnourished. In the highland villages of Tecpan, however, the number is as high as 95%.
In 2019, Madison South Rotary wrote a Global Grant for a Water and Sanitation Project in two villages in the highlands of Tecpan, Guatemala. We partnered with ABPD (Association Behrhorst Partners for Development), the Antigua RC in Antigua, Guatemala, District 7750 in South Carolina and clubs in Florida and Maine. At the same time, Deb Walters from District 7790 (Maine and Quebec) wrote a Global Grant for Maternal and Child Health for one of the same villages plus one other that had been assessed to need this type of help. The “ask” comes from the village leaders themselves then a detailed assessment is done by ABPD.
Madison Rotarian Dr. Michelle McGrath Selected as District Governor Nominee Designate
Michelle McGrath, a member of the Rotary Club of Madison has been selected as the next Rotarian to serve as District Governor for Rotary District 6250 upon approval at our upcoming annual meeting, this spring. As District Governor, Michelle will provide strong leadership skills and decision making to strengthen and support the 60 clubs that reside in Rotary District 6250. During her year in office (2023-2024), Rotary clubs will look to her for leadership, support, and motivation as they carry out service projects and participate in Rotary programs.
Dr. Michelle McGrath has been a long time educator for 25 years; high school teacher, coach, advisor, administrator, college professor, and for the past decade in her role as Executive Director at the Wisconsin Association of School Councils (WASC). She has been published and spoken nationally about her research on “The Urgency of Youth Leadership”. Her leadership extends both nationally and in her community of Madison. She has served as the President of the National Association of State Student Council Executive Directors (NASSCED).
Her previous Rotary service has included Rotary District 6250 Trainer, and Chair of the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) youth leadership camp. She’s served in multiple roles including Club President of the Rotary Club of Madison. She is married with four beautiful teenage kids.
A group of Fort Atkinson High School students from the Interact Club had planned to travel to the Philippines in March to carry out their second humanitarian project in District 3850. Needless to say COVID-19 got in the way. Instead the Interact club donated the monies they had raised and the Metro Kalibo Rotary club used the funds to buy aprons and other serving equipment used in conjunction with the local Red Cross blood drives that the Rotary club actively supports. Does your Rotary Club sponsor an Interact Club? For more information contact District 6250 Interact Co-Chairs: Carol Hermann or Andy Bakkum.
Greetings Fellow Rotarians. Welcome to Rotary Foundation Month!!
Back in 1956, The Rotary International Board of Directors designated a week in November urging all clubs “to devote a program to the Rotary Foundation.” In 1982, the Board determined that the entire month of November should be dedicated to the Foundation.
When one looks back at the momentous 1917 Rotary Convention (held in Atlanta, GA), it is difficult to see what could have been contentious about the words of then-Rotary President Arch C. Klumph: “It seem eminently proper that we should accept endowments for the purpose of doing good in the world.” Yet, at the time, support for the idea was far from unanimous. Some thought an endowment fund would create more trouble than it was worth. But Klumph’s idea received the support it needed in the form of an in initial donation of $26.50 from the Rotary Club of Kansas City, MO.
103 years later, we recognize Klumph’s idea as not only visionary, but revolutionary: It set in place the mechanism that allowed Rotary to become the vast force for “doing good in the world” that it is today.
I’ll take a risk here – I think our Rotary Foundation is the foundation of Rotary as we know it. It has created a mechanism for cooperation and partnership among clubs and between Rotary and other organizations; it has enabled us to be ever more ambitious in our work and to reach for goals of historic proportion, such as the eradication of polio. It is impossible to quantify the good that has been done over the last century as a result of The Rotary Foundation. All we can know for sure is that Arch Klumph, if he could see us, would be proud.
The Eau Claire Morning Rotary Club recently organized a project called R&R: Rotary and Rainworks in our community in Eau Claire. Rainworks is a super awesome invisible (and magical) street art that only appears when wet, most often on a rainy day. The designs are meant to make people smile and provide pure joy. The club got plenty of inspiration out of the project and many believe that it can change lives everywhere.
Welcome to October! It may be difficult to believe, but you are now 25% thru your year as Club President. As you look back over the past three months, what have been some of your highlights? How is the club doing in regards to the goals that you have set for the year?
Quarterly turns make great opportunities to review where you stand. You are at the first quarter poll. Take the opportunity to visit Rotary.org – go to your “My Rotary” page, and visit goal center section of Rotary Club Central. Update your goals while you are there – are there any that you have already achieved? There is some really low hanging fruit here… has your club had a discussion on your club’s Strategic Plan? Have you made an update on your clubs Facebook page? Have you had any social activities during the first quarter? Have you made a post on Facebook using Rotary promotional materials? All of these goals are found under the “Public Image” tab within the Goal Center. I’d bet that at least 2/3rds of you would be able to achieve at least two or three goals on this tab alone!
I have thought quite a bit about what makes Rotary so special and it always comes back to the people who make up the club’s membership. I continually meet new dynamic people in Rotary who broaden the friends I can learn from. It is the people involved with the club that come up with the great projects that make long lasting impacts in the communities. The millions of dollars raised for these projects all come from the members of club. Membership is the heart of this great organization.
With a gleam in his eye, Rotarian Al Louis deftly set the hook on Musky #7; minutes later, he and his friend A.J. hauled it from the cold waters of Minnesota’s Lake Vermilion into their boat. This musky was special, not only because it takes, on average, 10,000 casts to land just one musky, but because this musky—all 41½” and 22 lbs. of it—represented more than $41,000 raised for five nonprofits in Al’s hometown, La Crosse, Wisconsin.
It wasn’t easy.
Al battled the elements, a lake crowded with 85 bass boats thanks to a two-day bass tournament, tedious hours without a strike, muskies that tracked the lure to the boat only to break away at the last second, the fog of a bizarre insect hatch, and a sinking boat (yes, really). Not to mention, raising money during a pandemic is ... challenging, to say the least.
"In 1985 Rotarians made a promise to the children of the world."
Saturday, October 24th is World Polio Day. Looking for a fun and inspiring way to make an impact on the push to End Polio Now and wipe this disease from the face of the planet?! Check out this campaign idea that your club can use in October - or any time of the year - to help you achieve your club Polio giving goal.
"Since 1985 Rotarians have raised over 1.8 billion dollars for this noble cause."
Check out these videos which are both inspirational and informative presentations. One features our own Randy Sproule where he shares his passion and talks about why we need to finish the job of eradicating polio. The other is presented by Carrie Ronnander, Director of the Chippewa Valley Museum and she discusses the many aspects of living in a pandemic and the correlations between the times of Polio and COVID-19.
Josh Mansee
La Crosse Rotary - After Hours, President-Elect 2020-2021
Welcome to October – Where we Focus on Economic and Community Development… along with celebrate World Polio Day!
Rotary’s long-term, sustained battle against Polio has defined our organization for decades. We have a right to be proud of all that we have accomplished through the years.
Our progress is real and noteworthy. In 1988, polio was endemic in 125 countries, with more than 350,00 new cases a year worldwide. Since then, Rotary and our Global Polio Eradication Initiative partners have reduced the incidence of polio by more than 99.9%, vaccinated more than 2.5 billion children against the virus, and prevented 18 million cases of paralysis. Over the years, Rotary has helped country after country move into the polio-free column. This includes India, which some considered impossible not long ago. Of the three types of poliovirus, type 2 has been eradicated and type 3 could soon be certified as eradicated. As we celebrated last month, Africa has been declared polio free, we are now down to just one type of wild poliovirus in only one section of the world – Afghanistan and Pakistan.
World Polio Day is a time for Rotarians to come together, recognize the progress we have made In our fight against polio, and plan the action we must take to end polio forever. The key word is action, because we still have important work to do.
Thanks to the Dental Care in the Isolated Municipalities program organized and implemented as a Global Grant by Districts 2470 (Southern Greece) and 6250 (Wisconsin, USA) of Rotary International, several thousand citizens in isolated areas of the Southeastern Aegean Sea in Greece can now enjoy dental care. So, instead of going to other larger islands and wasting time, especially in times of difficult climatic conditions, they now have the possibility to have dental care in their place. Specifically...
Welcome to September, where we Rotarians turn our attention to the good works surrounding Basic Education and Literacy. We also look forward to our district’s upcoming Vibrant Club Workshop, our Interact Clubs firing up in schools across the district, and an unusual opportunity for all to become involved in our Rotary Zone activities at the Rotary Zone Institute from September 8-13.
More on that in a few moments… but I first want to return to the groundbreaking, earth shaking news of August 6th.
On May 4, 1987, the US Supreme Court ruled that Rotary Clubs could no longer exclude women from membership on the basis of gender. At the first gathering of the Rotary Council of Legislation following the decision, Rotary moved to admit women into Rotary Clubs worldwide. This remains a watershed moment in the history of Rotary.
The response to the decision was overwhelming: By June 1990, the number had skyrocketed to over 20,000. By July 2016, the number of women worldwide had surpassed 250,000. Women immediately embraced the leadership opportunities provided by their clubs and have been making an impact in communities around the world.
District 6250 embraced the moment as well. Sharon K. Imes of La Crosse became our first female District Governor in 1997-1998. Mary Beth Growney-Selene of Madison followed soon after as District Governor in 2000-2001, and was then selected to join the Rotary International Board of Directors from 2013-2015, and then a Rotary Foundation Trustee in 2016-2017. We have been ably led by 6 female District Governors, and Karen Hebert will become our 7th in 2021-2022. Women now represent over 36% of our membership in District 6250.
With this report we would like to update you with the current status of the Social Kitchen project. Thanks to your financial support this project could kicked off in 2019.
RC Olsztyn Varmia worked hard together with Food Bank in Olsztyn to renovate the venue and buy the gastronomy equipment to open Social Kitchen. As reported last time, just after the opening in September 2019, fire destroyed 2/3 of the building, where Social K itchen is placed. The losses were estimated at about €1 million. With great support from local, regional and countrywide communities and also insurance coverage (80% of the losses) the venue has been restored again. It was ready to re open in March 2020. Then, COVID 19 stroke in Poland and Olsztyn, which paused the launch of the face to face trainings.
Finally in May 2020 the first gastronomy vocational trainings were initiated. Together in May and June, 6 trainings took place, which engaged 80 participants and lasted 48 hours.
Imagine living in the same home as your abuser. The pandemic hits, escalating stress and tensions. A bad situation becomes untenable, and you know: you MUST get out. You MUST find a safe place to stay. For residents of the Beaver Dam area, that safe place to stay might be P.A.V.E, an organization that provides services and shelter to survivors of violence.
Unfortunately, the pandemic brought not only rising cases of violence, but with it, additional challenges in keeping the shelter a safe and healthy place:
Additional cleaning and sterilization processes needed to be put in place.
More personal hygiene and protection supplies, like masks, were needed.
Additional entertainment supplies were needed to help keep shelter residents occupied.
Dedicated Rotarians in the Rotary Club of Mayville saw a need in their community, and being People of Action, stepped up. With the help of a Disaster Relief Grant from Rotary District 6250, the Rotary Club of Mayville provided needed cleaning and personal hygiene supplies— including 35 handmade face masks—along with entertainment items, to P.A.V.E for use in their shelter.
We are Rotarians. We are People of Action. We believe in Service Above Self. Together, we EMPOWER.
Twenty years ago a man named Chuck Hanson, an attorney that worked in downtown La Crosse, invited me to join Rotary. Back then, that was the common practice. A business person invited you to join Rotary because he thought it would be good for business and good for the community, and you said yes.
If It was not for Chuck (yes… that one – our past District Governor) it is unlikely I would be a Rotarian.
August is Membership and Extension month. In District 6250, our Membership Committee thinks every month is August – they are continually focused on helping clubs grow and thrive. More to come from John Locke and the membership team later. Be sure to use this valuable district resource to make your club stronger and more vibrant.
Growing a vibrant membership was my entrance into Rotary at a beyond-my-club level. For three+ years, I was the District Membership Chair. I focused on traveling around our district with my sidekick Joe Ruskey (yup – also a past District Governor) on how strong clubs create a strong Foundation… and vice-versa. During my travels, I crafted ten tips to attract and retain members. These tips proved effective: our District had growing membership during two of these three years – and the third year was flat. So If you’re looking to add members to your club, consider taking a page from these 10 tips...
On behalf of the Rotary District 6250 Foundation Committee, thank you all for your service and gifts of time, talent and treasure this past Rotary year!
While there are always obstacles, this year has been particularly challenging with the pandemic. While we work to adapt to limited social interactions, travel and in many ways a new lifestyle, our District continues to do its good work in our communities and abroad almost without pause. This is only possible because of the efforts of each of our committee members, and our many amazingly generous Rotarians in District 6250.
Read a few highlights of our Foundation team's accomplishments in the past Rotary year.
1. How does the environment fit into Rotary’s areas of focus?
Any project in any area of focus will benefit from having environmental sustainability as one of its watchwords. It’s a lot harder to supply clean water to people if your watershed is compromised— if your river is full of industrial, human, and animal waste. Basic education and literacy is a challenge when kids are sick because the school well is contaminated. Health is affected when insects carrying diseases expand their geographic range due to changing climate patterns. Water wars and climate refugees will make achieving peace and conflict resolution more complicated. Economic development is slowed when there’s not adequate energy. Rotary would do a huge service to the world if it moved every water project from a diesel pump to wind or solar. That’s a project that’s scalable.
The Rotary Foundation Trustees and Rotary International Board of Directors have both unanimously approved adding a new area of focus: supporting the environment.
Welcome to the 2020-2021 Rotary Year! This year, the Rotary theme is “Rotary Opens Opportunities”.
Each month, District Governor Bill Pritchard will share some thoughts and goings on from around the district. Click on the link below to read Bill's July message.
Rotarians who were able to attend our District Annual Meeting at TriCon were invited to take a tree home. These little friends were representatives of District 6250 – our biodiversity and dependence on Rotary Life that motivates our fellowship and service. We take action to create lasting change – but we don’t control anything. We are stewards. When it works, we stand back amazed and grateful. When it doesn’t, we stand back amazed (or is that just me?) and adjust. Rotary Life grows us individually and together, and produces service, integrity, and peace.
Not what I had planned.
Together, Nila and Irma are leading efforts to do the most good in the best way for the people and soldiers in Zaporizhzhia. Devastated by battles, without access to medical care, in desperate need of intensive humanitarian aid, Rotary Club of Olstyn Varnia, plans to send first aid kits in two sizes. The small kit will be designed to strap to a belt and the large kit will fill a backpack. The kits are intended for use not only by medics, but also by other people in the conflict area who are able to provide emergency first aid, saving health and life. The kits have been conceived and designed in consultation with military and medical leaders serving on the front line.
We hope to raise $30,000 in 30 days – half of the project’s total cost. Gifts can be sent to our 6250 Foundation via the link below or by scanning the graphic. Whether or not you have given to help Ukraine, we hope it will be your pleasure to help again. No gift is too small.
In a recent survey, Rotary International learned that engaging members and delivering value was a challenge that 42% of respondents said was the toughest. Engaged Rotarians have found something that is valuable and that is why they stay members and invite others to join. Understanding (and being at peace with) where you are as a club is a first step. A quick second step is to plan how you’d like to move forward. Hear are some great resources to help you do all of that.
Katrina Kalcic, the 2021-2022 Global Scholar sponsored by District 6250 and the Janesville Morning Rotary Club, attended the Thames (UK) District Conference this spring. Katrina is pictured here kneeling in the front row, far right. She is in her final term of her Master’s Degree at Oxford University in the Blavatnik School of Government. The Windsor & Eton Club is her host in the UK.
Our Future International Leaders
Since completing his Peace Fellowship in Thailand (https://www.rotarychula.org/), Solomon Ochieng has been busy putting his knowledge to work. Solomon works at DAY AFRICA, helping women escape human trafficking and become self-sufficient. Learn more at 
Introduction: Oksana initially worked with Madison After Hours (later Fort Atkinson) and Madison Downtown on a Global Grant that is currently under review at the Rotary Foundation. The following from Oksana Tjupa regarding the actions being undertaken by her club.
Introduction: Irma and her entire club made a virtual appearance at our 2019-20 Virtual Conference to tell us about the Social Kitchen Global Grant they did with the help of Beaver Dam, Mayville, Columbus, and Waupun Rotary Clubs. She attended the District 6250 dinner party at the Rotary International Convention in Hamburg and she was planning a Friendship Exchange with our District until recently. The following from Irma Kaminska regarding the actions being undertaken by her club.
When I was a little girl, my family lived in Northern Wisconsin. We lived in the country (nearly everyone lived in the “country” there) and I had a long bus ride to and from school each day. I loved it! It was an opportunity to sit and talk with my friends.
It was the Spring of my Junior year in high school and time for candidates to announce for the leadership of the student body for the coming school year. The previous fall the student body had experienced both a tragic death of one student and serious injury to another. We all grew up quickly that November.
At the beginning of my senior year in high school, my class was gearing up for creating a legacy through our yearbook. A few of us were in the crosshairs of our classmates’ vision as they elected the six-member yearbook staff. I remember being honored and thrilled that my class wanted me to be a co-editor. The thrill soon wore thin as the overwhelming task of actually creating our yearbook came into view.
Having the opportunity to start working at age 12 was the first step to my early empowerment. That was how I began to make choices about the future.
My father was an officer in the Army so I moved every one to three years throughout my entire childhood. Can you imagine moving eleven times before you went to college? That meant changing schools six times from kindergarten through my senior year, always having to make new friends, and having to settle a home quickly. It was hard to establish one's presence anywhere when you moved that often. Now, that is not to say it was a terrible life. I got to experience living in different parts of the United States including Alaska and Hawaii. Additionally, I lived in Germany while I was in high school. We were a strong family unit and I relied heavily upon my parents for my self-confidence, but never realized what others saw in me as a leader until I was in college.
St. Agnes Elementary School took my education and molding seriously. Staff knew just what to do – push me, reward me, and penalize me when I was out of line. I responded very well to pushing and rewarding – and not well at all to the penalizing. It was a love-hate relationship from all sides.
Last month, the Rotary Club of Madison, hosted the organization Braver Angels as their speaker at a club meeting. Their presentation was inspiring, informational, and something that the club wanted to continue to pursue as a priority. This led to efforts to provide an event for their club and the clubs in District 6250.
Our club has historically been a leading donor to our Rotary Foundation but has not always taken advantage of the many opportunities to leverage monetary grants available to us. Since we’d never used a grant to fund a similar project and since several members of our club were planning to travel to Haiti to assist with the construction, this project seemed tailor-made to apply for a $5,000 
January is Vocational Service month. The idea of vocational service offers a simple, powerful, and emancipating view of Rotary life – a view that I hope our district, and many clubs, will embrace.
Beginning in 2019, it took much longer than expected to install all the equipment, due to Covid, but the clinics were up and running by the end of 2020. We received photos of the chairs and units, but I wanted to take some dentists over to see what they accomplished. We returned from our trip to Greece in the end of October. It was great meeting all the Greek Rotarians and seeing the clinics in action. The refugees have now moved elsewhere, but the clinics are treating poor Greek citizens with full time dentists.
It starts with one. One man, one mom, one Christmas, and one Rotary Club. The Madison South Rotary Club.
, and a whole lotta fun. And what’s more fun than BINGO? BINGO with cash prizes!! Add food, lap blankets, trays of tasty holiday treats...a Holiday tradition is born.
Other than a little, or a lot, of Holiday Cheer, what does a senior citizen want? A little warmth. Cue RSVP and generous gifts of handcrafted lap quilts. Even a global pandemic will not stay the arrival of these personal warmth delivery devices.
Preparing for something important and valuable is half the fun – if conditions are right. The awaited event must have the right risk-return balance, so we are willing to stake our resources on planning for it. And we must believe that we have enough resources to stake – or almost enough if you take a little magic into account.
Dawn had a choice between a nap and attending a random breakout session. She dragged herself to the breakout. She didn’t know anything about human trafficking, and she wasn’t searching for information or something more to do. But there in that unexpected moment her eyes opened, her soul was crushed, and the deepest part of her was called to act. Her Rotary district conference set in motion a chain of events she would have filed under “Impossible”. Afterwards, about the last thing on her mind was a nap.
Our own Karen Kendrick Hands talking about the new 7th area of focus - the Environment. 5 Questions on Environmental Projects 