Kia Ora Ano
Last weekend our District 9940 Presidents-Elect were in Auckland to receive training in preparation for leading their clubs as part of DGE John Mohi’s 2019-20 team. We have a committed and future-focused group of incoming presidents who have returned to their clubs with the message that ‘Rotary Connects the World’ and with the determination to make that happen.
Mark Maloney’s ‘Rotary Connects the World’ theme will follow RI President Barry Rassin’s theme this year ‘Be the Inspiration’. To be an inspiration we need to be aware of how we are perceived as Rotarians and Rotary Clubs. If we are seen as an inclusive, relevant, dynamic organisation committed to creating lasting change, we will inspire others and make many opportunities to connect the world.
Myself, Governor Elect John and Governor Nominee Gillian Jones are working as a team to ensure smooth succession in District leadership and ongoing and accessible support for our clubs. I urge you all to take advantage of training opportunities as seminars are offered at a location near you. Our District Club Development and Membership Committee, our District Webmaster and the Rotary Learning and Information facilitators – to name a few - are all volunteers who give up their weekends to offer you their knowledge and experience to enhance your experience as a Rotarian and to support your club.
March is Rotary’s Water and Sanitation month – an ideal time to plan a project to provide a community with clean water, to raise awareness of water conservation, to help an isolated community develop a sewage treatment plan, or maybe initiate handwashing awareness close to home.
The week of 7 to 14 March is also Rotaract Awareness week. If you are in Palmerston North or Wellington, connect with one of our District’s 2 Rotaract clubs – find out what they are doing and maybe also find out how you can partner with them for the benefit of both Rotarians and Rotaractors.
Next month we will celebrate 30 years of women in Rotary. This is a milestone in the history of Rotary well worth celebrating. Since being ‘officially’ admitted to Rotary in 1989, women have made major contributions at every level of the organisation, most especially at club level. In District 9940 we will be holding a celebration in Wellington on Saturday 6 April. Meeting outside Wagamama in the Meridian Building, 33 Customhouse Quay at 11 am, we will walk along the waterfront the short distance to Frank Kitts Park. Bring a picnic lunch and at Frank Kitts Park we will listen to some music and hear a few short reflections on the history of women in Rotary. Everyone is welcome to join the celebration!
Reminder – registrations are open for our District Conference in Wanganui over the weekend of 17-19 May. With the theme ‘Light My Fire’ and a line-up of inspirational presenters, it will be a conference not to miss! As there was a lot of interest shown at our Presidents-Elect training last weekend, Earlybird pricing has been extended until midnight on Sunday 10 March – a very reasonable $200 per person – and there are special rates for Rotaractors and students. Go to https://rotary9940.org/page/conference2019 for full details and I’ll see you there!
Marion