I often look to, and point to, the district’s north star. Our north star is our mission - to strengthen and support clubs. In every interaction with your district, we hope that the experience will leave you strengthened and supported. That is our district’s only measure of success.
Our mission is fulfilled in a relationship with you. We are responsible to you. You are responsible to us.
Our invitations to events and meetings will satisfy your need for strength and support, because exploring what’s offered meets an interest of yours. Our grants will satisfy your need for strength and support because the focus and funding help you improve and execute what you are already planning to achieve.
Our encouraging words and stories will satisfy your need for strength and support because they ring true with your own hopes and dreams. Our ideas for service and partnership will satisfy your need for strength and support because you are already curious about refreshed service and new partners. Our club visioning work will satisfy your need for strength and support because you have the energy to move forward in an intentional way.
We are serving.
Our service to you will improve when it fails to satisfy your need for strength and support because you communicate honestly, directly, and constructively about your experience.
We are listening.
We need each other. The need draws us into club-district partnerships that are full of strength, respect, appreciation, action, and growth. And growth is our shared success.
Read on for more from your district leaders – and be sure to check out the news of a key role filled. We are proud and happy to welcome District Governor Nominee Designate Todd Restel!
Together we.
P.S. Sitting in the office of Rotary Club of Fort Atkinson President Margaret and chatting about updates, I asked, “Do you have kids?” In response she showed me this. So yes, yes, she does have kids. I’ve never laid eyes on a family quite like hers.
It puts me in mind to tell you to watch for our 6250’s response to President Shekhar’s emphasis on Empowering Girls. Watch for more in February or March. We’ll champion our “girls” and the allies around them that encouraged their empowerment. Maybe you’ll share your story with us.
November is Rotary Foundation Month. It’s a time to focus on the opportunity available to Rotarians to make positive change around the world through our support and collaboration with The Rotary Foundation.
The Rotary Foundation was created in 1917 with an endowment of $26.50 given by Arch Klumpf, the 6th President of Rotary International. In 2020, our Rotary Foundation reported grants totaling over $307 million dollars to support District Grants, Global Grants, PolioPlus, Rotary Peace Centers, and Disaster Grants. This is all possible because of the generosity of individual Rotarians and our Clubs.
Rotarians are asked to give $100 per year to the Annual Fund/SHARE program. This program is the basis for matching grants from the District and our Rotary Foundation. The “Every Rotarian Every Year” program encourages our support and provides opportunity to customize your giving in ways that fit your budget and timing to contribute.
Contributions to PolioPlus are bringing us closer to a world without polio. In 2021, there have only been two cases of polio attributable to the wild polio virus. It’s possible we can reach this goal in the next few years through continued vaccination and monitoring in areas of the world that remain at risk.
The Rotary Foundation offers opportunity to support approved projects in Rotary’s seven areas of focus, Rotary Peace Scholars, or through donations to specific global grants. Our Rotary Foundation has so many ways you can support the work of Rotarians that aligns with your goals for people and communities around the globe. Detailed information about the programs and performance of The Rotary Foundation is available at www.Rotary.org.
Please join me and Rotarians throughout District 6250 to support our Rotary Foundation. Through October 2021, we have achieved 19.5% of the Annual Fund/SHARE goal set by our clubs. Thanks in advance for making your contribution to The Rotary Foundation one of your charitable priorities this year!
Dwight Heaney
Rotary Club of Fort Atkinson
District 6250 Foundation Committee, Incoming Chair
Winter District Grant Applications Being Accepted
Our District 6250 Grant Committee is pleased to offer matching grants through a one-time pilot project through the rest of 2021-22. $33,453 is available on a first-come, first-served basis until all funds are granted. There is no change to the criteria used to review and approve applications. Project reports are due by May 15, 2022.
According to Liz Evans, District Grant Committee Chair, “This pilot project is intended to give our clubs the ability to apply for a grant at any time a project is identified as long as funds are available. We hope this gives Rotarians more flexibility to consider projects that might be difficult to fund with short-term notice. It can also help to provide more timely responses due to the shortened time available to complete projects.”
This pilot project will be evaluated at the end of the year to determine if there is positive impact for District 6250 Clubs. If this process works well for our clubs, we will consider using it in years that District Designated Funds are available after the June review period.
Qualified clubs can submit an application at any time to D6250Grants@gmail.com. Applications materials and supporting information are available on the District 6250 website under the Foundation header. Questions about the application process, can also be sent to the email above.
WHY ROTARIANS RIDE BICYCLES
Some Rotarians ride bicycles for fun, some for their health, some to get to work, and some even ride for a cause. The cause that drew District 6250 leaders to their bikes on November 6th is the fight to eradicate polio.
From Chippewa Falls to Madison and Mt. Horeb riders came to Verona to mount their bicycles and stay in place. Because the goal is to get to a polio free world, and your bike doesn’t need to move to reach that goal.
District Governor Karen Hebert arrived with her game face on, literally. She sported an End Polio Now tattoo on her cheek. Joining her in a matching tutu with flashing lights was DGN Dr. Michelle McGrath, who sported pigtails designed to bob in the breeze created by the whirring of bike wheels.
Representing Madison South Rotary were District Polio Chair Randy Sproule and club Secretary Lee Ann Dillis, also wife of AG Mike Dillis the driving force behind the ride.
Rocket Bicycle with Madison South Rotary Club hosted the first annual District 6250 Ride to End Polio. Rocket Bicycle and SBR Endurance provided high-tech bike stands that transform moving bicycles into stationary bicycles, temporarily. Rain or shine Rotary would ride to end polio on November 6th.
The teams arrived by 8 AM to check out “the course” and calibrate their bikes to the sophisticated tracking equipment that would provide second by second feedback about speed, miles, and more. Ahead of the riders, spanning nearly the full length of the wall, was a dynamic display of information projected in giant numbers. A graphic silhouette of hills (more than one) revealed which rider was leading and how the team was progressing as they raced to add miles as the minutes ticked up to the limit of 45. Only 45 minutes had been allocated for the ride this year. Pledges rode on each push of a pedal.
And just as can happen on the open road, only ten minutes into the ride Lee Ann realized this just wasn't going to be her day. Like the athlete she is, she listened to her body and got off her bike. Never fear. The ride was not over for Team B.R.A.T. As she dismounted her bike, Lee Ann spied Club President Erin West, who had stopped in just to cheer on the team standing there watching. In the true spirit of a team player and without missing a beat, Erin shed her coat, handed off her coffee, and stepped onto Lee Ann’s bike. But the next 35 minutes were far from the biggest challenge for President Erin. Lee Ann is of modest height and Erin towers over her. So the fit was awkward. Add to this size mismatch that Lee Ann had clip-in pedals which require clip-in shoes, of which Erin had none. So pedaling on her toes for the next 35 minutes Erin West rode one for the team.
Riding on the open road nine cyclists from West Towne-Middleton met in Verona in the afternoon on November 6th and rode for 14 miles.
And in the end what did the District 6250 Ride to End Polio achieve?
Team Tutu: $12,534.00
Team B.R.A.T $13,053.00
Team M-WT $500.00
Total: $26,087.00
With the Gates match: $78,261.00
Madison South Rotary's Service Above Self Award Winner
In 1989 the slogan "Service Above Self" was formally established as the principal motto of Rotary because it best conveys the philosophy of unselfish volunteer service that defines our mission and purpose. Each year Madison South Rotary awards The Service Above Self Award to a member who demonstrates their commitment to helping others by volunteering their time and talents.
This year’s recipient has been a Rotarian in different Clubs in different parts of the country since 2005 and joined Madison South Rotary in 2015.
In addition to her passion for International work in Guatemala, she has also been engaged at the District level as District Rotary Peace Fellowships Subcommittee Chair 2015 through 2020 and also District Scholarship Subcommittee Chair 2015 through 2020.
She has also been a long-term financial supporter of Rotary with Major Donor status, Bequest Society Level 2, Paul Harris Fellow +8, and Every Rotarian Every Year (EREY) 15 of the last 18 years.
We continue to have a net positive of 48 members in our district membership. This is the 2nd highest net growth in our zone. Keep up the good work!
December 1st is the deadline for the Membership Growth Grant. We will give away two $1,000 grants and ten $300 grants will be provided to clubs requesting funds to help with membership retention, recruitment, starting a new club, promotion, etc. Go to https://rotary6250.org/page/member-grant-program for information about the grant and to apply. Keep in mind, this is different than the New Member grant, so you do not need to have recruited any specific number of people to qualify.
We are getting very close to chartering the new Changemakers Rotary Club. Please show your support and “like” their Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/D6250ChangemakersClub That way they stay top of mind with you for when you come across family and friends where this new “Passport” club model may be a better fit than your club. Also, the Changemakers Club is looking to partner with other clubs in our district on Volunteering and other Club events and meetings. For any collaboration ideas, please reach out to their club president LeRoy at lkemnitz@gmail.com.
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 with the other clubs!
We form opinions in many ways. We hear, we experience, and we watch. Sometimes we don’t get the whole picture.
For example: if someone sees a group of people picking up trash on the side of the highway. What do they think? Well, if the group is wearing identifying clothing like a logo T-shirt, then they may think, ‘Oh, Rotary (Kiwanis, Lions, Optimists, etc) picks up trash’. And they would be correct. But they don’t have the whole picture of the group. None of the groups just pick up trash. BUT, if the ONLY time they see your group is when you’re picking up trash, then how would they know that there’s more?
Public Image is perception.
We all know that Rotary is more than one activity, one service project, one lunch, one bike ride, one anything. How can we show the outside world what else we do?
We can start by sharing with our friends, co-workers, and family when we talk about the what we’ve been doing, remember to add the why. Because the why opens the window, the door, the whole world of Rotary.
Remember to share why when talking about what.
November is Foundation Month, and The Rotary Foundation is a proven path to incredible stories of service. A project that touches you may not have been your’ s or your club’s and that’s okay. They are ALL Rotary projects, Rotary stories, and we are ALL Rotarians.
We can all be part of expanding and enriching Rotary’s Public Image by sharing stories about what’s meaningful to us about Rotary. That’s your why, and each of us has a why.
Lynn Perez-Hewitt,
District 6250 PI Chair
perezhewitt@hceonline.com
Rotary Short Term Exchange Program is more accessible for students than you think!
Rotary’s STEP Short Term Exchange Program is a very affordable family to family summer exchange that offers a unique opportunity for students to expand their knowledge of the world and create life-long friendships! Spend a month overseas living with a student and their family, then return home with them to continue your experience hosting in your home for one month. It is a direct exchange program.
STEP is open to students aged 15-18 who live in Rotary District 6250 (western and southern Wisconsin; southeast Minnesota). Participants must be of good character, be adaptable, mature and want to experience life in another country and culture.Children of Rotarians and non-Rotarians are equally eligible.
Countries available in the Rotary STEP
Brazil
Czech Republic
England
France
Germany
Italy
Netherlands
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
The STEP program is very affordable. The application is only $250. You purchase your flight and if available, your family may use frequent flyer miles. The only other expenses you will need are for spending money for items you want to purchase yourself.
Host families are asked to offer interesting experiences for the exchange student while they are here. Spending time in our city, state and county parks, viewing museums, and attending live music and cultural events are all cost effective experiences.
We are now accepting applications for the 2022 Summer program.
We hope that you can spread the word about this opportunity with friends, colleagues and families in your communities.
Rotary District 6250 Short Term Youth Exchange Coordinators:
For an (Interact) instant we turn our attention to Baraboo where fellowship and service are full of life! An October blood drive met a very important need and invited the community to do their part.
Creating International Connections to Make a Difference
In late 2020 a group of Rotarians representing southwestern Wisconsin and Southeastern Minnesota came together for a singular goal, to complete a Rotary Global Grant to bring benefit within our own communities.
While we got busy fundraising for our local Mobile Clinc, we felt our next biggest obstacle was our International Partner. To foster and build fellowship across borders, Rotary requires that all Global Grants have an international Rotary partner from another country.
Finding an international partner with significant resources can be challenging...but District Rotarians stepped up. We requested assistance in finding an international partner through the District International Service Committee (ISC).
Through their contacts we were able to utilize an existing relationship in the Netherlands to make our pitch. We were very excited to find such great partners for this project and for future projects!
Those relationships begun through one program continued to grow and help us all make the world a better place.
Josh Mansee
International Service Committee
Do you want to meet Rotarians from around the world?
Do you want to meet Rotarians from around the world (these days even possible from the comfort of your own home)? Do you want to get involved in an International Rotary Project and see that project result in Friendship Exchanges, Youth Exchanges, Interact Partnerships and other exciting Rotary off-shoots? Does your club want to focus on your local community but also engage, to some degree, with the wider world that is Rotary? The District International Service Committee exists to help you get started on all of these Rotary adventures.
We are a group of District Rotarians that works to leverage existing connections and Rotary’s massive international network to zero in on what you and your club want to do internationally. Gone are the days when we say “it sure would be nice to do something internationally” and hello to the new world of Rotary where your club can decide when, where and what you want to participate in internationally. 2022-23 Club Presidents and Boards … drop a note to your District International Service Committee chair Chuck Hanson at CEH@haleskemp.com and let us help you get the international Rotary ball rolling!
Note: The “Read More” section contains further details on the District 6250 International Service Committee’s role and operation.
Our District 6250 Board meets four times a year. We focus on governance, finances, policy, and strategy. After each meeting your District Governor will write a summary of the meeting for the Dispatch. You are invited to discuss anything that interests you with any board member. You can find our names and contact information on the district website.
Welcome
We warmed up with a list of what makes for a great board meeting. Here’s our list: Interactive, valuable committee reports, organized, efficient, meaningful, laughter, as expected, true to agenda, flow, collaborative, progress, structure, generous.
Report Highlights
Finance. We reviewed the June 30 financials (year-end) on a budgeted $72.6k loss, we finished with a profit of $17.9k. This pattern is not unusual.
Youth Exchange and Rotary Friendship Exchange. Most activity is paused due to the pandemic.
Ethics. Planning to create opportunities to share “R‐O‐T‐A‐R‐Y Framework for Ethical Decision‐Making”.
Rotaract. We have 40 Rotaractors in two clubs. Hoping to grow membership, number of clubs, Rotaractors’ Rotary awareness, and connection with the district.
District Governor. Reviewed district and DG goals, updated board on: Days of Environmental Service, club visits. Board resolved to partner in Operation Pollination
District Governor Elect. Assistant Governor meetings are continuing monthly with 30 minutes for presentations and 30 minutes for collaboration
District Governor Nominee. Vibrant Club Workshop planning is proceeding. Enthusiasm is high. Keynote speaker is Tei Street.
Membership. Committee wants 70% of clubs to meet goal. Need District Membership Chair for 3-year term beginning July 1, 2022.
Foundation. We were over our Annual Fund Goal by 7%, under Polio Plus goal by 15%. Half the clubs reached 100 EREY. About 2/3 DDF was granted. The rest will be granted in winter. 3/4 of clubs have Foundation Chairs.
International Service. Committee hopes every club is engaged in international service. ISC consults with interested clubs.
Community Service. No report.
Public Image. Communication via Dispatch, emails to club chairs, and presentations on-going. Website has been updated to offer a way to request PI assistance.
Youth. 12 clubs will welcome exchange students. Carol Hermann has agreed to serve as District Interact Chair. Interact advisors are encouraged to greet their returning students.
Old and New Business
Hybrid Task Force Grants. The grant recipients were listed. Notes on the process were shared.
Reserve Calculation. The amount of excess reserves available for investment or return to clubs was discussed.
Annual Meeting Minutes. Approved
Association Management Update. Work on strengthening the 6250 – Morgan Data Solutions partnership was described.
Meeting Adjourned
DG Karen
Welcome Todd Restel, DGND!
On behalf of your District Governor Team, District Leadership, and District Rotarians, I welcome Todd Restel, Rotary Club of La Crosse, as our District Governor Nominee Designate. Todd will stand for election by our clubs’ delegates at our 6250 District Business meeting the morning of Friday, August 29th, before TriCon2022 kicks off at noon.
Todd was chosen as DGND by our Nominating Committee, led by Past District Governor Edwin Bos. Interviewing candidates and selecting a nominee is an exercise in gratitude and integrity. Your Nominating Committee takes the responsibility seriously. The role of Governor is an important one, and every Governor will tell you success depends on every 6250 Rotarian.
Todd has important leadership experience within and outside of Rotary. “Rotary plays an extremely important role in our lives,” Todd reflected. Todd’s wife, Eva Marie Restel, is also a Rotarian and serves currently as La Crosse Downtown’s President Elect. Todd’s and Eva Marie’s entire family has benefited in, and from, Rotary service.
Todd was invited into Rotary fellowship by Jack Haase. Jack was wearing his Rotary pin when he and Todd struck up a conversation waiting to board a flight at the Minneapolis airport. To this day, Todd keeps a Rotary pin on each of his sport coats in case it opens a conversation Rotary. Todd keeps the idea that Rotary is primarily a membership organization - a place for fellowship in service to an important mission – top of mind.
Todd describes his leadership philosophy as an intention to grow a buy-in to vision and allowing each team mate to imagine their own path and work to the vision’s fulfillment. On a related note, Todd has a strong commitment to diversity – experienced first in a martial art setting, and most recently in the La Crosse community’s exploration of growth in diversity, equity, and inclusion.
“All of our efforts in service will drive our world to peace,” Todd responded when asked about his vision for Rotary. Todd has experienced this first-hand thanks to youth exchange, international service, participation in a National Immunization Day, and fellowship in a vibrant club.
We thank you, Todd, for your continued service to Rotary and we look forward to supporting your path to District 6250 Governor, 2024-2025.
Karen Hebert
District Governor
District 6250 Hybrid Meeting Task Force
Do you remember the name Sully Sullenberger? He is best known for when, in his role as pilot, he successfully ditched a fully loaded plane in the Hudson River off Manhattan after both engines were disabled by a bird strike. Miraculously all 155 people aboard survived. Truly a success!
So, what does this have to do with hybrid meetings you ask? As a pilot Sully never fully trained for a water landing yet in the time of crisis, as the pilot and man in charge he did not hesitate to take control and work towards the best possible outcome, getting everybody on his plane safely on the ground. During the Rotary Regional Zone Conference recently held in Houston, John Crudele from District 5950 delivered a 25 minute keynote speech in which he used the story of Sully Sullenberger to help make the point about taking charge and reimagining what a crisis makes possible. I encourage you to invest 25 minutes to watch the hyperlinked presentation. If you have been hesitant to embrace this “new normal” and consider how hybrid technology can be a game changer for your club, John Crudele will help you more clearly see the benefits.
In last month’s Dispatch we asked you two questions. One being; “What is your biggest question or concern about hybrid meetings?” Responding to a question which was about member engagement, here are three engagement takeaways you may want to try out:
Have one of your virtual attendees (Zoomers) lead the pledge of allegiance or the four-way test.
Depending upon the number of virtual attendees, assign them to a breakout room when they sign on so while the in-person attendees are eating lunch or getting settled, the Zoomers can enjoy their own conversation at their own virtual table.
If in-person members have announcements to make, and depending upon what your club has for cameras and microphones, be sure that your Zoomers can hear and see the person making announcements. This is true also for the opposite scenario. In person attendees should be able to hear and see any Zoomer making an announcement.
To share your thoughts on these questions please contact me at mdag6250@gmail.com.
Mike Dillis
District 6250 Hybrid Meeting Task Force Chair
Discover New Horizons in Houston June 2022
Houston, which calls itself “the city with no limits,” reflects the limitless impact of our work in Rotary. Create change within yourself, your community, and the world. Join your family, friends, and fellow Rotary members and explore what’s possible at the Rotary International Convention.
No matter who you are or where you’re from, you’re bound to find inspiration throughout the convention. It’s an experience unlike any other Rotary event, and it will renew your commitment to service and leadership. Make new friends and connect with old ones while exploring the diverse city of Houston or the House of Friendship. Make global connections that ignite local action at all the convention events.
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.
Register now without worry* and save!
To receive the early registration savings, register by 15 December at convention.rotary.org.
*If for any reason your plans need to change or the convention is cancelled, refunds will be granted.
Dwight Heaney
Some Rotarians ride bicycles for fun, some for their health, some to get to work, and some even ride for a cause. The cause that drew District 6250 leaders to their bikes on November 6th is the fight to eradicate polio.
The teams arrived by 8 AM to check out “the course” and calibrate their bikes to the sophisticated tracking equipment that would provide second by second feedback about speed, miles, and more. Ahead of the riders, spanning nearly the full length of the wall, was a dynamic display of information projected in giant numbers. A graphic silhouette of hills (more than one) revealed which rider was leading and how the team was progressing as they raced to add miles as the minutes ticked up to the limit of 45. Only 45 minutes had been allocated for the ride this year. Pledges rode on each push of a pedal.
In 1989 the slogan "Service Above Self" was formally established as the principal motto of Rotary because it best conveys the philosophy of unselfish volunteer service that defines our mission and purpose. Each year Madison South Rotary awards The Service Above Self Award to a member who demonstrates their commitment to helping others by volunteering their time and talents.
Todd has important leadership experience within and outside of Rotary. “Rotary plays an extremely important role in our lives,” Todd reflected. Todd’s wife, Eva Marie Restel, is also a Rotarian and serves currently as La Crosse Downtown’s President Elect. Todd’s and Eva Marie’s entire family has benefited in, and from, Rotary service.
