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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.
 
Long Live Rotary.
 
 District Governor Karen
 
Read more...
 

Vision Realized

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.
 
With Respect and Admiration,
District Governor Karen
 
 

District Grants

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.
 
 
 
 

 

 
 
 
 

 

 
Dwight Heaney
Rotary Club of Fort Atkinson
District 6250 Foundation Committee Chair
 

Youth Message

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
 
 
 
Read more...

International Service Committee

Ukraine Humanitarian Assistance
 
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.
 
With your donation to our Disaster Response Fund, we can support communities and help rebuild lives during this tragic time.  https://my.rotary.org/en/donate
 
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
 
 
Yours in Rotary Service,
Chuck Hanson, ISC District Chair
ceh@haleskemp.com
 

 
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.
 
 

Karen Hebert
DG 2021-22
District 6250
Empowered • Collaborative • Innovative

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March Membership Update

Dear Rotarians,
 
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.
 
Have a great month!
 
 
John Locke
D6250 Membership Chair
608-385-7954
 

I care what other people think about Rotary

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.
 
 
 
Lynn Perez-Hewitt
District 6250 Public Image Chair 2021-2022
(520) 400-4966
 
 

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!

 

Ben Bauer

District Governor Elect (2022-2023)

District 6250 Hybrid Meeting Task Force

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.
 
Mike Dillis
District 6250 Hybrid Meeting Task Force Chair

 

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!  

 

Register now at www.convention.rotary.org without worry!

*If for any reason your plans need to change or the convention is cancelled, refunds will be granted.

 

Ben Bauer
District Governor Elect (2022-2023)
UPCOMING DISTRICT EVENTS
Presidents Leadership Series | March
Zoom
Mar 16, 2022
4:30 PM – 5:30 PM
 
2022 Annual Meeting
Osthoff Resort
Apr 29, 2022
10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
 
TriCon Conference
Osthoff Resort
Apr 29, 2022 12:00 PM –
Apr 30, 2022 4:00 PM
 
TriCon Bonus Fun
Osthoff Resort
Apr 30, 2022 4:00 PM –
May 01, 2022 12:00 PM
 
View entire list
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