Clean Water and Sanitation - the Rotary theme for March is such a big part of life. Thank you for everything you continue to do that makes life healthier, happier, and more successful. We might take these things for granted but we know others are not so fortunate. That’s where Rotary makes a big difference. Your gifts to The Rotary Foundation provide funding for grants that might help build cisterns, purchase water filters, and much more. Let’s keep up the good work going through Foundation giving.
It seems to be a natural flow to move from clean water and sanitation to Child and Maternal Health as a monthly theme. There are opportunities of service in all these areas, near our homes or elsewhere.
Rotarians from all over the Midwest met in Itasca, IL early in March when they gathered for a weekend of training at Midwest PETS. Presidents-Elect, Nominees and other leaders returned home ready and eager to move on into the new Rotary year on July 1st. Let’s give everyone all the support we can so their year is fulfilling and successful.
Rotary Youth Programs are alive and well and growing in District 6220. Rotary clubs in Rhinelander, Stevens Point, Sturgeon Bay and Waupaca are currently sponsoring Interact Clubs. The newest club, the Interact Club of North Appleton is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Appleton. Interactors are students 12-18 years of age. Other clubs are working on plans to start an Interact club in their community.
Rotary clubs in Houghton and Hancock sponsor a Rotaract club at Michigan Tech University, the 3 Marquette Rotary Clubs sponsor Rotaract in their community. Rotaractors are young adults 18-30, sometimes college students, other times young adults working in their community wanting to be of service. A Rotaract Club can be a combination of both!
Our district has a strong Rotary Youth Exchange (RYE) program with an outstanding leadership committee. These exchanges are both long term (during the school year - up to 10-11 months) and short term exchanges (usually one month in another country with a host brother or sister and family and then a month here in our country.) These exchanges often blossom into life long friendships.
We are fortunate to have a strong Rotex group in district 6220. Rotex is a group of former exchange students who want to stay connected to Rotary. Many of these younger adults are college students, others are currently in the work force. They have their own meetings raise their own funds and are a big help at RYE conferences. They share their exchange experiences with the students (and their families) who are going out on exchange. The energy of all these young people is amazing. They are the future of Rotary as well as the world. Our support of these programs will help them grow. This is our investment in the future.
Congratulations to clubs that are collaborating with others to make an impact in their communities and around the world. The Rotary Club of Ishpeming is forming a partnership with local government offices and others to create a beach area at a lake nearby. This will be a good improvement and make this lake a “go to place” for families.
The Rotary Club of Shawano was recently awarded a grant that will be used in partnership with others in that community to make improvements on the Mountain Bay Trail.
The Rotary Club of Appleton, Appleton Breakfast and Appleton continue to collaborate with clubs in Neenah and Menasha. The club presidents meet monthly to plan and implement projects that benefit the entire Fox River Valley area. When clubs join forces the impact just multiplies!
A reminder to join us at DUALCON 2019, our district conference May 17-18th in Wisconsin Dells. Go to www.DUALCON2019.com to register and learn more.
Thank you for your service and dedication, you are Inspiring!