Celebrating 75 Years of Joint International Service
On Saturday there was a terrific line up of guests for an incredible live program that focused on the joint service between Rotary and The UN. If you missed it the link is at the end of this summary. It’s worth watching!
Rotary is a global network of 1.2 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves. The United Nations (UN) serves as a global forum where countries raise and discuss the most difficult issues, including problems of health, climate, education and peace.
The United States delegation invited 42 non-governmental organizations to participate in the United Nations Conference on International Organization, in San Francisco (often known as the San Francisco conference) in an official consultative capacity—Rotary International was among the organizations.
Today, Rotary holds the highest consultative status offered to a nongovernmental organization by the UN’s Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), which oversees many specialized UN agencies. Rotary International is formally associated with the Department of Global Communications (DGC) as a DGC-associated Civil Society Organization. The Rotary Representative Network maintains and furthers Rotary’s relationship with several UN bodies, programs, commissions, and agencies.
There are a variety of initiatives that were touched on during the program: The UN Refugee Agency – Syrian Refugees is the front of mind event; UNICEF [United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund]; EndPolioNow; The Children of Russia Project; Colors of Kindness.
We all have a “Rotary moment” when we knew we were Rotarians. When special guest Tea Leoni was asked about “UNICEF moment” (she is an ambassador) she shared an experience many of us have had, collecting pennies for UNICEF using the “orange box” that had thousands of children learning global service at Halloween!
Dr. Sylvia Whitlock: Rotary's first female president of a Rotary Club
From the Rotary Club of Guelph:
Our Rotary Club was honored to host Dr. Sylvia Whitlock as guest speaker, via Zoom from her home in California. What an entertaining and informative story she told about how women members were finally admitted to Rotary only after it actually became a 'civil rights issue' that went all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court in 1987. The court ruled that Rotary did not meet the definition of a 'private club' and therefore could not exclude female members.
While Rotary International lost its legal battle to remain a 'men's club' it proved fortuitous, as history shows. That same year, Sylvia became Rotary's first ever female president of a Rotary Club, thus breaking the glass ceiling for hundreds of thousands of women who have served in Rotary ever since.
Sylvia also described how she is still a "Rotary Geek" serving humanitarian causes and encouraging absolutely everyone she meets to become Rotarian - as should we all.
Sylvia's personal and engaging story is on this video (36 minutes) where she is introduced by Jennifer Jones. Jennifer (a Canadian!) will become Rotary International's first ever female president in 2022-2023. Rotary has come a long way since its founding in 1905.
An advocate, a trailblazer and a humanitarian — these are just a few words people used to describe her. Born in New York City, she attended high school in Kingston, Jamaica. She returned to New York City and earned a BA in Psychology from Hunter College. She worked at the United Nations as a Statistical Clerk before moving to California to pursue a career in education, having earned a Masters’ Degree in Education from California Polytechnic University at Pomona. She earned her PhD in Education from Claremont Graduate School and another Masters’ Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Azusa Pacific University. She became an elementary school principal in Duarte, California in 1982 and served as an educator for 40 years before beginning a second career as a family therapist.
While she is perhaps best known for being the first woman ever to become president of a Rotary club, she did a lot more besides. She actually served as club president twice at her Rotary Club of Duarte and at various times served as club secretary, treasurer and Foundation Representative. At district level, she chaired the Ambassadorial Scholarship Committee for six years, has been assistant governor, presenter at Institutes and a speaker at Rotary Clubs, Conventions and meeting in the US as well as overseas.
Sylvia is a recipient of many awards including the Rotary Foundation District Service Award. She has supported an orphanage in Mexico, sunk wells in Nigeria and raised nearly $90,000 to educate girls in India.
She is a multiple Paul Harris Fellow and benefactor. A world traveler, Dr. Whitlock talked about how thrilled she was to have met the Queen in Nigeria, Jamaica and Calcutta.
At the urging of many supporters, she eventually wrote a book describing the history of Rotary admitting women to its membership.
When asked by a person at our meeting if she would please consider running for President of the United States, she claimed she didn't have time ... she now spends every possible moment with her grandchildren when she isn't graciously sharing her story and inspiration with clubs like ours.
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“Make Someone’s Day: A Guide for You and Your Organization” Author to speak at our Meeting on Tuesday
Managers and leaders need new ways to support their staff, teams and colleagues in a positive, uplifting way. How can they become a great boss who is so empowering that people who work for them would give up a kidney for them? (True story!)
What if by doing that, it also comes back and motivates the manager? That’s what the book is all about, doing something so powerful, at the right time, in the right way that it is exactly what someone needs to go forward. And the boomerang effect the sender receives.
This book is needed and most timely because of the anxiety and worry that people are feeling. People want to be inspired and excited about what they do and Make Someone’s Day is the concept that will help them do so. It is aimed for work and can also definitely be used throughout people’s lives.
Howard will share examples from his forthcoming book, Make Someone’s Day, as well as share some insights into publishing.
ABOUT HOWARD:
Howard Prager is President of Advance Learning Group, an author, speaker, executive coach and leadership consultant who strengthens people and organizations through insightful leadership and management programs. With extensive experience working with small tech organizations to F500 companies, and a leader in executive education, Howard has earned 8 professional awards for his work. Howard is a sought after speaker, a weekly sports columnist, and tuba player bringing his varied skills and insights to all his work.
He is also an active volunteer, facilitator and mentor in higher education, professional associations, and youth organizations. He is a thought leader advancing the field of leadership development and is the author of the soon-to-be released book “Make Someone’s Day: A Guide for You and Your Organization.”
Call for Volunteers for the Golf Hole Sponsorship in June!
The Public Image Committee is looking for volunteers to help with planning, preparing and coordinating our participation for the Golf Hole Sponsorship.
Our hole will feature our Rotary branded tent, a table with a few “branded” Rotarian volunteers to help answer questions. We are going to raffle off a 1-year Rotary membership. Since most golfers do NOT carry business cards at this event we will be prepared to sign them up for the raffle. We might give away our 4-way test cards printed with our club contact info, etc. as we can add an item to the Golfers Swag Bag.
We will have an outline soon, but here are some things needed: coordination of day-of, on-site delivery, set-up, and manning the tent, tear down; (we heard Scott volunteer for this…). We also need pre-event assistance to work on give-a-ways; signage; media outreach, etc.
This opportunity will allow us to promote membership and corporate membership in Rotary, along with creating awareness of all our initiatives, and share our mission!
Since it is not a budgeted item – we are asking our club members to make a special contribution to help us cover the sponsorship and associated fees. Simply log on to this link and use the “other” and add the word golf https://form.jotform.com/201886330634960 to donate any amount.
The Annual Chamber Golf Outing is on Friday, June 11th at the Glenview Park Golf Club.
