Opportunities for Rotary Hour

Opportunities for Rotary Hour 
Ideas from Guelph Trillium – Forwarded by Brenda Whiteside, President Rotary Guelph Trillium
 
There are four potential areas of focus for the Rotary hour: volunteering; connecting; thanking; and, learning. 
 
Volunteering
 
Many club members are asking how they can help their community during COVID 19. Your ability to volunteer will depend upon your personal circumstance. Some of you may be comfortable leaving your house and volunteering for organizations in need while others will want to stay inside and find ways to volunteer on-line. Hopefully you will be able to find something that works for you. 
 
A good place to start would be the People and Information Network (some of you will remember it as the Volunteer Center). They have some great ideas for ways to connect as well as a link to search for volunteer opportunities.
 
You can find a lot of information by going to their website: https://pinnetwork.ca/covid19/ 
 
You may want to start with your own neighbors. For instance, can you order groceries and provide a porch drop off.
 
The government is also trying to coordinate volunteers to help with case tracking and contact tracing, something you can do from your own home. If interested go to: 
 
Connecting
 
  1. Spread human kindness. As Brene Brown states, ‘we are all hard-wired for connection’. That includes all of us. Take care of yourself so you can take care of others.
  2. Send a daily big wave from across the street, share inspirational quotes in your window or online.
  3. Start with your immediate social circles; family, friends, neighbours. Check in, connect and call by phone or video.
  4. Be creative about socializing. Host an on-line dinner or social, coordinate an on-line yoga class or cooking/baking class, host a book club or a travel club, play cards with friends using some new on-line games. 
Thanking
 
There are a number of ways in which you can thank essential workers:
 
  1. The Guelph General Hospital has a new initiative called the White Heart Project, allowing you to thank the tireless work of their staff. Individuals can send a supportive message through a link. These messages will be printed off and posted on their front door/front window with their words of thanks.
  2. You can show your appreciation for health care workers through the daily evening pots and pans thank you at 7:30PM or help grow the ‘gratitude garden‘
  3. Hang some blue ribbons to show your appreciation for your health care workers. 
Regarding the ribbon colour…there appears to be several definitions for the meaning of the ribbon colour. Apparently, white or blue is for Health Care workers and those frontline workers who are courageously and tirelessly working and putting themselves in harm’s way so we can stay safe.  For some, rainbow colours signify unity, working together and optimism.  Our tree in the front garden is now decked with ribbons!  I don’t think it matters.  I’m hoping our whole neighbourhood will adopt the idea!
 
Enriching Yourself
 
Not everyone has down time right now. Some people are actually working harder than ever to protect our community and to keep the flow of goods and services continuing. We thank those of you who are in this position. For others, some are experiencing lots of downtime. This provides an opportunity to develop the mind and body and spirit. 
 
This might be a great time to educate yourself on Rotary. If you log into My Rotary, you will find a wealth of resources under Learning and Reference. If this is the first time you've logged in, you will need to create a password. Find the information that best meets your role as a Rotarian. 
 
This is also a time to take care of yourself. Isolation can be very difficult. Find ways to exercise and to connect with others. Don't feel guilty about reading a good book. Reach out to others if you're struggling. We are here for you.