Several of us from the District had the opportunity to attend the Rotary International Conference in Hamburg, Germany and I would like to share some of the information I learned.
Will We Fall Short of Our Commitment to Raise $50 Million
I attended 3 breakout sessions on our work to eradicate polio but the one that was most troubling was whether we would meet our commitment to raise $50 million and receive the full 2:1 match from the Gates Foundation. At the time of the RI convention, we had raised $35.5 million and they anticipated that another $9 million would be received during June based on last year’s contribution. That would leave us short by about $5.5 million.
This week, I received an urgent email that we will be about $4 million short which means that we would also loose the $8 match from the Gates Foundation.
I am asking:
Clubs that have not submitted their contributions for Polio Plus to do so before the end of this month. Also, Clubs may decide to make an additional donation.
Individual Rotarians to consider making an additional one-time donation. This can be done on line at https://my.rotary.org/en/donate
Rotary International & Toastmasters International’s Emerging Partnership
For the past several years, Rotary International and Toastmasters International have had discussions on how the two organizations can benefit and support each other. Recently, both boards approved an agreement to move forward with this partnership. Toastmasters International is dedicated to improving the world through building communication and leadership competencies in individuals. RI President Barry Rassin has said that the leadership and public speaking toolkit developed by Toasmasters would be an asset to Rotarians, Rotaractors and Interactors to help enhance their communication abilities, with positive impact on leadership, service and professional skill sets. Toastmaster participants will in return be welcome to undertake community service work together with members of the Rotary Family and have numerous opportunities to practice speaking skills in a variety of situations.
More information will be shared when it becomes available.
2019 Council on Legislation – Essential Changes for Clubs and Districts
Attendance - Make ups - Rotarians can make up for an absence at their club meeting within the same Rotary year. (19-35)
Club Board - President - A club president’s term can be extended for up to one year when their successor has not been selected. (19-22)
Club Finances - Financial reporting - The annual meeting for the election of officers includes the club’s mid-year financial report with current and previous year income and expenses. (19-24). Satellite club financials - A satellite club’s financial statement may be audited or reviewed. (19-29), Club dues increased - In 2019-20, member dues are 34.00 per half year. To improve service to clubs, RI semiannual dues were increased by $.50 for each of the next three years — to US$34.50 per half year in 2020-2021, US$35.00 per half year in 2021-2022 and US$35.50 per half year in 2022-2023. (19-82)
Changing Club Name or Location - Notification extension - Proposed changes to a club’s name or locality are provided to each member and the governor at least 21 days (currently 10 days) before changes are voted on. (19-26), Modernized language - There are no longer classification restrictions on forming a club in a locality. A club may be formed even if one or more clubs are already organized in the locality. The locality of a club that conducts its activities primarily online shall be worldwide or as the club board determines. (19-28)
Club Rules - Modernized language - The Standard Rotary Club Constitution’s language was modernized and streamlined to help with flow and readability. No substantive changes were made to the policies. Download the new easy to understand version, which all clubs are required to use. (19-30 and 19-116)
District Finances - Deadline extension - Within one year of serving as governor, an independently reviewed annual statement and report of district finances is provided to clubs in the district for their approval. (19-57)
District Leadership - Without a vice governor - If a governor is unable to serve and no vice-governor has been designated, only a past governor will serve as acting governor. (19-53)
Elections - Club voting strength - A club’s voting strength is determined by the number of members on its 1 July club invoice. (19-49), Challenge deadline - When a valid challenging nomination for governor is received, voting for candidates occurs in a ballot by mail or at the district conference if the challenge remains valid for 30 days. (19-52), District dues - Clubs may only participate in voting for the member and alternate member of the nominating committee for director, for the selection of the governor-nominee, or by electors at a district conference, if they have paid their district dues and are not indebted to the district as determined by the governor. (19-54)
Membership - Rotaract clubs - Just like Rotary clubs, Rotaract clubs are now members of Rotary International. While there are no operational changes for Rotaract clubs or the Rotary clubs that sponsor them, this provision elevates the status of Rotaract clubs and allows RI to increase support and resources to help them grow. (19-72), Diversity - Clubs need a well-balanced membership that celebrates diversity. (19-18), Classification - The classification limitation has been removed, so clubs may now determine for themselves the appropriate number of members in a particular classification. In addition, elected or appointed public officials are no longer prohibited from joining a club using the classification associated with their office. (19-37 and 19-39), Small clubs - A governor may request the RI Board to terminate clubs with fewer than six members. (19-70)
138 High School seniors attended the 59th annual Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) Conference held from June 9 to 13, 2019 at Messiah College in Grantham, PA. Rotary District 7390 holds this annual conference for seniors who are selected and interviewed by the 42 Rotary Clubs in the District. Rotary District 7390 encompasses 7 counties: Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry and York.
The 5 day conference is filled with interesting speakers, team building activities and fun. At the end of the conference, the students vote on the top 8 conferees. Seven of the students receive the Lloyd Bollinger Award which is a $500 cash award. Those students were: Ian Mills (Hershey High School), Cody Perrin (East Pennsboro High School) Angelina Torres (Middletown High School), Erin Williams (Palmyra High School), Matt Keebler (Lancaster Catholic High School), Frankie White (Dover High School), Lucas Winslow (Annville-Cleona High School). The top Conferee is awarded the William E. and Violet W. Nitrauer Leadership Award which is a $750 cash award. The recipient this year was Lindsay Aluquin (Hershey High School).
The Rotary Club of Mechanicsburg invites students from six schools to attend club meetings for a month during the school year. Each month a new group of students is invited. At the end of the school year, the club awards $2,000 scholarships to a student from each school based on an application which they submit and the interactions that occur at the meetings. Students who continue their education in Pennsylvania also have an opportunity to receive a $2,000 matching grant from PHEAA (Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency) based on need.
The scholarship winners presentation was held during an evening Student Scholarship Recognition Dinner at Messiah College on June 5th. Along with the student were their family members.
Past District 7390 Governor, Una Martone, who is also President and CEO of Leadership Harrisburg Area, attended the event and gave the keynote address. She spoke to the group with remarks addressed mostly to the students. She made three points titled history, current, and future with advice on how to be successful in life. The history piece was based on a 1899 essay titled "A Message to Garcia" with the main point being "do what you agree to do, do it with enthusiasm, and do even more than you have been asked." The current piece talked about attitude and showing courtesy toward others and the importance of things like smiling and greeting. The future piece addressed a person's digital ID and how it is as permanent as an ink tattoo on the body.
We congratulate the students and their families and wish them the best as they pursue further education.
Pictured: Left to right, front row, scholarship winners: Madison Scialanca - Messiah College; Horia Tagouma - Mechanicsburg High School; Michael Ginder - Northern High School; Christopher Lehigh - West Shore Christian Academy; Lauren Seubert - Trinity High School; and Hailey Ott - Cumberland Perry Area Vocational Technical School. Back row: Mike McConahy, Club President; and Amy Bockis and John Petrie, Scholarship Committee.
Join us for the installation of the 2019-20 District Leadership Team, Assistant Governors and Club Presidents!
Thursday, June 27, 2019
Wyndridge Farm (885 S. Pleasant Ave, Dallastown)
5:30 p.m. Cocktails & Hors D'Oeuvres
6:30 p.m. Dinner & Program
Dinner will consist of slow cooked herbed roast of beef with dijon glaze and oven roasted salmon with grilled pineapple chutney. Both will be served on the same plate with creamy risotto and brussel sprouts.
138 High School seniors attended the 59th annual Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) Conference held from June 9 to 13, 2019 at Messiah College in Grantham, PA. Rotary District 7390 holds this annual conference for seniors who are selected and interviewed by the 42 Rotary Clubs in the District. Rotary District 7390 encompasses 7 counties: Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry and York.
