This year has flown by! When I agreed to lead this District, I knew Laurie and I would be getting to know Rotarians throughout D5020. What I didn’t expect is how many friendships would be made in the process. From the smallest villages to the largest cites, we found dedicated Rotarians helping their communities and having a great time doing it. We started the year on July 1st in the Comox Valley, and we were surprised the entire town threw a parade in our honor (some say the parade was in celebration of Canada’s 150th birthday, but I prefer to believe AG Stu Tunheim, who said it was in our honor). Falling off a roof reminded me District Governors are indeed human and seeing the great work our clubs are doing every day reinforced the concept that we are a club-based organization. I want to thank those who attended our 2018 Conference and Training in Tacoma last month; I truly believe clubs can dramatically improve their performance and impact by ensuring several members attend each year.
Photo Caption: Tom Carroll & Laurie Schouboe Carroll, Yours in Rotary
In just a few weeks my lease for guiding this great organization expires, and Governor-Elect Craig Gillis will bring his vision, priorities and compassion to the role. I know he will do a fine job leading the Rotarians of what I believe to the best District in the world. I look forward to working with each of you as we continue in this amazing organization we call Rotary!
Unwelcome Behavior. Because Rotary is focused on protecting children in our programs, most Rotarians are aware of our Youth Protection policies. But with increased awareness highlighted by Facebook’s “Me Too Movement”, I have received several questions regarding Rotary policies regarding unwelcome behavior between adults. For that reason, I am providing the following excerpts from relevant Rotary Code of Policies sections:
2.120. Conduct for Rotary Events and Activities.
Rotary is committed to maintaining an environment that promotes safety, courtesy, dignity, and respect. All Rotary club members and individuals attending or participating in Rotary events or activities have the right to an environment free of harassment, including unwelcome physical contact, advances, or comments. Rotarians and their guests shall demonstrate good character, integrity, and leadership by fostering a professional environment at club events and activities.
Rotary is committed to maintaining an environment that promotes safety, courtesy, dignity, and respect. All Rotary club members and individuals attending or participating in Rotary events or activities have the right to an environment free of harassment, including unwelcome physical contact, advances, or comments. Rotarians and their guests shall demonstrate good character, integrity, and leadership by fostering a professional environment at club events and activities.
Allegations of unwelcome physical contact, advances, or comments at Rotary events or activities shall be reviewed by the club board and responded to within a reasonable timeframe. If the offending individual is a member of the club board, he or she is expected to recuse himself or herself from the discussion. Any allegation of criminal behavior should be referred to local law enforcement. Failure to adequately address allegations of inappropriate behavior may be referred to the district governor. (June 2017 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 177)
19.010.1. District Governor Code of Ethics.
5. Governors will foster an environment in the district that promotes safety, courtesy, dignity, and respect and shall refrain from performing or tolerating unwelcome physical contact, advances, or comments.
5. Governors will foster an environment in the district that promotes safety, courtesy, dignity, and respect and shall refrain from performing or tolerating unwelcome physical contact, advances, or comments.
19.010.2. Allegations of Unwelcome Behavior.
Allegations of unwelcome physical contact, advances, or comments at Rotary events or activities shall be reviewed by the governor, or a committee appointed for this purpose, and responded to within a reasonable time-frame. If the district governor is the offending individual, the immediate past district governor (or most recent past governor), directly or by appointment of a committee for this purpose, shall review and respond to the allegation.
Allegations of unwelcome physical contact, advances, or comments at Rotary events or activities shall be reviewed by the governor, or a committee appointed for this purpose, and responded to within a reasonable time-frame. If the district governor is the offending individual, the immediate past district governor (or most recent past governor), directly or by appointment of a committee for this purpose, shall review and respond to the allegation.
Any allegation of criminal behavior should be referred to local law enforcement. The president [of Rotary International] shall be informed of any allegations of unwelcome physical contact, advances, or comments by district governors, governors-elect, and governors-nominee. Failure to adequately address allegations of inappropriate behavior may be referred to the president. (June 2017 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 177)
Rotary Theme for June: Fellowship. June is designated Rotary Fellowships Month to recognize the importance of international fellowship and goodwill among Rotarians with similar interests, promote increased participation in fellowships, and increase understanding of this program.
Fellowship provides opportunities for Rotarians to make lasting friendships outside their own Club, District or country. Fellowships contribute to the advancement of world understanding and peace. Also, Fellowships serve as an incentive for attracting new members to Rotary and retaining our existing members. Indeed, Rotary Fellowships serve as an effective tool in promoting membership. When we talk about "Rotary Fellowships", we actually refer to the groups of Rotarians, Rotarian spouses and Rotaractors who join together to:
- Share a common interest in worthwhile recreational activities (sports, hobbies, etc.);
- Further their vocational development through acquaintance with others of the same profession;
- Make new friends around the world;
- Explore new opportunities for service; and
- Have fun and enhance their experience in Rotary.
Examples of Rotary Fellowships include: Rotarians on the Internet (ROTI), International Fellowship of Rotarians of Amateur Radio (ROAR), International Computer Users Fellowship of Rotarians (ICUFR), International Fellowship of Rotary Convention Goers, International Golfing Fellowship of Rotarians, International Fellowship of Rotarians Musicians, Rotary Global History Fellowship, etc.
The fields are varied, and include marathon running, scuba diving, flying, bird watching, chess, doll lovers, environment, Esperanto, gourmets, lawyers, magic, nurses, police and law enforcement professionals, recreational vehicles, singles, stockbrokers, venture capitalists, wine and yoga. There are many Fellowships, and they are detailed on https://www.rotary.org/en/our-programs/more-fellowships.