District Governor Visits Portage Rotary Club
District Governor Pat Chernesky discusses Rotary International's goals
Members of the Portage la Prairie Rotary Club have a clear idea of the the international organization's goals, following last night's meeting. The meeting featured a presentation by district governor Pat Chernesky of the Nipiwan, Saskatchewan Rotary Club. She notes while much of Rotary's goals have remained the same, it's important to make sure each club's on the same page.
"There's a different international president every year, and that president sets his goals and expects districts to follow behind. The goals do change every year. Polio's been a goal for a long time but sometimes, depending what's happening in Rotary, the goals are prioritized differently. We need to bring that to each district, to each club and hopefully they'll follow and pursue those goals."
One of the highlights of Chernesky's presentation included an update on the eradication of polio. Chernesky says while the disease used to be much more prevalent, the efforts of those across the world have started to pay off.
"It's a big deal. Like I said, it's a cornered rat right now in the most difficult corners of the world to eradicate. We're really hoping it's going to be eradicated."
She notes many of the countries that were previously struggling with vaccinations have started to become more comfortable with the immunizations.
She also discussed the vaccinations in Canada. While she says about 80 to 85 per cent of Canadians are currently vaccinated for polio, they're hoping to see more than 90 per cent immunized. She explains one of the challenges they're facing is the lack of education regarding immunizations, and some of the myths surrounding vaccines. She encourages anyone with questions regarding the safety of immunizations to talk to a health professional.
Another one of the goals mentioned was the need for more members. Chernesky says while they've seen fewer members over the last few years, things are starting to pick up.
"We're seeing here that I think we're picking up a little bit. Clubs are very concerned about keeping members they have and about bringing in new ones. They're working very hard. I said one member per club, so 47 (in the district), I think we'll do better, I have a feeling. This club is awesome, this club is a wonderful club in the community. They're very visible and they're doing a super job."
On top of getting some new members, they're also hoping to attract younger members. Chernesky explains that while the youth may be our future, they're also our present.
"One of our Rotary presidents said 'We always say youth are our future.' He said 'He said youth are our now, we need to get them involved now, in service, in volunteerism and all of things that they're doing'. This club's doing great in terms of many, many youth programs and leadership training in youth and so on."
Chernesky's district includes most of Saskatchewan, all of Manitoba, and northwestern Ontario.