This is the most difficult Rotary message I have had to deliver in my 23 years as a Rotarian. Group Study Exchange, (known in our district at Group Vocational Service Exchange) has come to an end; there will be no exchange with Germany in 2018 and no exchanges in the future. An explanation follows:
In 2013 RI stopped their support of the GSE program, which started in 1965. In spite of RI's change in policy, over the past five years we have organized exchanges with districts who desired to continue with traditional GSE. We were successful in this endeavor, having exchanged with Scotland, Argentina, Czech and Slovak Republics, Australia and Taiwan. However, without RI administrative and financial support, districts keep dropping out of the program. And now D1890, Germany, cancelled our exchange with them for 2018. After discussion with our district leadership team, it has been decided to terminate our GSE (Group Vocational Service Exchange) program.
I know that many of you are disappointed. Your experience as a team member, team leader, committee member, host family, etc. has left you richer as a Rotarian and as an individual. And I have been blessed to have worked with the best group of Rotarians ever.
Peg Sennett, GVSE Chair