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PETS? Over the last weekend in February, Mario attended the President Elect Training Seminar in Stanthorpe. Here is his report:The overall thrust of the seminar was related to engaging and inspiring members, plan and set annual goals. Particularly, emphasis was given to Youth Programs and Youth Protection, Membership Development, The Rotary Foundation, Social Media & Public Image, Risk Management, as well as RAWCS (Rotary Australia World Community Service) and one of its major divisions, Donations in Kind.
To pick just one segment: I gained a better understanding of The Rotary Foundation, how the grants for both District and Global Grants are given and how they are an integral part of the fund. To illustrate: a few years ago, a Rotarian from our district in his will bequeathed $400,000 to the Foundation. This will be making its way back into the grants over the next few years. Thus, we should consider applying for a Global Grant to fund projects. To this end, I had discussions with the President Elect of Broadbeach, Dr Graham Sivyer, a Medical Doctor, who is interested in building a Medical Facility in an outer island in Vanuatu. I indicated that our club may be interested in working with them. Subsequently, Rowan Johnstone, the President Elect of Gold Coast also indicated that their club may be interested in joining with us on a project of this nature. I see the role of Surfers Sunrise to be in the design and manufacturing of the Building. The other clubs would take on the role of organising the funding and medical expertise. On site construction could be achieved jointly. This would be exactly what is needed to keep our Project Shed busy and generate fresh interest and impetus. Naturally, members will be consulted and need to support the project to proceed.
In essence, it was an extremely busy weekend. I learnt lots, met some very interesting people and it opened my eyes to what a fabulous organisation Rotary is and how it involves the members in achieving our goals of serving the community.