Programs and Projects: RI Calendar Serves to Guide
RI has a new "special observations" calendar. It can help clubs select and plan projects as well as weekly programs. The observations focus on the "Areas of Focus" plus "Vocational Service" and "Youth Services." Read the article. Apply your creativity. Call President Jean or Program Chairman Frank.
Read this and then contact Jean or Frank with your innovative suggestions.
Rotarians are always providing suggestions and ideas regarding efforts to make Rotary International and Rotarians around the world more effective. As Paul Harris said, “Rotary is not an organization for retrospection. It is rather one whose worth and purpose lie in future activity rather than past performance.”
Past District Governor Karen Oakes has provided information about a recent action by the Rotary International Board of Directors. Specifically, they have modified the Rotary International Calendar of special observances.
The intent of this modification seems to provide a framework for what we, at the local level, might give more effort or attention. The modifications purposefully highlight the “Areas of Focus.”
The special observation months are:
September – Basic Education and Literacy
October – Economic and Community Development
December -- Disease Prevention and Treatment
January – Vocational Service
February – Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution
March – Water and Sanitation
April – Maternal and Child Health
May – Youth Services
Only January, with focus on vocational service, and May, with focus on youth services, depart from the “Areas of Focus.” And for good reason; both are foundational activities of Rotary clubs around the world. It is because of the diversity of the vocations of Rotarians that service projects, at any level, are successful. Furthermore, “Youth Services” is the most effective way to ensure the continued development of international peace, goodwill and understanding.
Therefore, as we enter the next six months of activity in this Rotary year, let’s be guided by the RI “special observation months” recommendations. We might not have time to redirect our projects, they take some planning that has already been initiated, but we can focus our weekly programs.
Think about programs for:
January with focus on Vocational Service, e.g., classification talks
February with focus on Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution,e.g., a speaker who is a law enforcement conflict resolution trainer
March with focus on Water and Sanitation, perhaps a speaker on the issues faced within the Buffalo River watershed
April with its focus on Maternal and Child Health, it might be interesting to hear from one of the ob/gyn or pediatric Docs at the Southgate Med Center
And in May, when the focus it on Youth Services, could be a great time to hear from one of the students who attended SLAPSHOT or RYLA.
Think about it. Contact Jean or Frank if you have recommendations.