Guest Speakers January 16, 2019

RTE members Jackie, Norma, and Gunizi – Proposed Twinning with Beyoğlu Rotary Club in Istanbul

Laura introduced our speakers.
 
Gunizi started the presentation by telling us about Istanbul. It is a large, modern, multi-cultural city that has preserved many of its ancient and beautiful sights. This includes the Galata Tower, Sophia Museum, and Grand Bazaar. There is also many ruins, some as old as 12,000 years.
 
 
Jackie explained that Twinning is not common in North America, when compared to Europe. However, three clubs in our district have twinned with others.
 
About the Beyoğlu Rotary Club in Istanbul
 
The club was founded on the 7th of May, 1981, and chartered on May 23rd, 1985. There are currently  27 members, and 24 speak English as a second language. The members come from a variety of professions that include engineers; architects; economists; lawyers; doctors; and management
 
This is an active club facing challenges similar to all Rotary Clubs. These challenges include:
 
  • Increasing membership
  • Ensure participation of members and their partners
  • Develop friendship between members
  • Invite interesting speakers
  • Organize socials to include partners and potential members
  • Encourage member participation in District Assembly, Conferences and Conventions
The Club is involved in many community, youth, and international projects that include:
 
  • Raise funds to send students to Commemoration Day of Ataturk
  • Donate 300 books to Library of Love
  • Support KOYE project:  literacy courses
  • Projects for disabled people
  • Support social projects with our Rotaractors
  • Support Friends of Education Platform and carry out at least 5 projects
  • Organize domestic professional trips with Rotaractors
  • Organize a Costume Ball for children with Cancer Free Life Association
  • Work with Rotaractors on “Bridge of Books Project”
  • Provide 2 Rotaractors for each meeting to increase communication
  • Work with Rotaractors in their many “Winter Need Projects”
  • Increase cooperation with international clubs- make 2 trips abroad
  • Communicate with and invite a Rotary Club from abroad
  • Ensure International visitors coming for friendship are hosted in our meetings
  • Encourage at least 3 members to become members of International Friendship & Hobby groups or Rotary Action Groups
Why Twinning?
 
To emphasize the International avenue of Rotary Service and Friendship, and to further international understanding and foster good will through greater understanding of the culture and traditions of another country.
It also creates partnership opportunities to exchange project ideas and club program ideas, participate in a Rotary Friendship Exchange, and undertake a joint international service projects. It also fosters fellowship and service through vocational contacts with Rotarians in the same classifications.
 
Why Twin with the Rotary Club of Beyoğlu?
 
  • A geographical area of interest to some of our members
  • The Beyoğlu Club is interested in working with an International Club and holding cultural exchanges
  • A member of our club was a member of the Beyoğlu Club and is familiar with the current membership
  • Some similar projects-focus on Youth and Community:   STEM in secondary Schools, RYLA, and supporting student travel & literacy
  • They have an interest in applying for a Global Grant, to work internationally and we have expertise in that area
  • Similar Challenges – the need to increase membership and increase involvement with Rotary International
  • We have met the President elect and share similar goals and outcomes for twinning
What are the obligations of Twinning?
 
  • To have a group of interested Rotarians in both clubs
  • Personal participation of several Rotarians to do careful planning and share clear communications
  • Agree to communicate regularly about club goals and projects and provide advice and assistance upon request
  • Provide home hospitality for visiting Rotarians
  • There are no financial obligations
Comments or questions? Please contact Jackie, Gunizi, or Norma.
 

To see a copy of today's PowerPoint presentation, CLICK HERE

Julian thanked our speakers.
 
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