Chumsum Doh and Rotary
Posted by Shirley Hulin
Chumsum took the mystique out of Rotary and talked about the leadership & structure of Rotary International and the Foundation.
Rotary International is governed by the RI President, President elect and 17 directors. By the way did you know that the Rotary president is required to live in Evanston, IL during his year as president? It's a good bit of trivia to know if the Fine Mistress is asking.
This year's RI president is John Kenny from Scotland (another bit of trivia John is a member of the Rotary Club of Grangemouth, Scotland), his president-elect is from Missouri, USA and there are 17 Directors with representatives from Finland, Brazil, Taiwan, Japan, Australia, Korea, England, Germany, Sri Lanka, Mexico and the USA has 6 directors. The only woman director is Catherine Noyer-Riveau from France, my new Rotary heroine. Each director serves two years.
The Rotary Foundation has 12 Trustees all past presidents who serve four years through Foundation grants and programs, Rotarians help change the world. They can finance a well for a village that lacks clean water, improve the environment, or provide scholarships to educate the next generation. The grants and programs available to Rotarians allow them to realize Rotary's humanitarian mission throughout the world, including its number-one goal of eradicating polio
Chumsum also talked about our District and Zone, we are in Zone 26 which includes Central & Southern California, Southern Nevada, Arizona and Hawaii. There are 14 districts in Zone 26 with California and Nevada making up 7 of those districts. Our district, 5240 includes 72 clubs and 3800 members from Cambria to West Lake Village and from Los Osos east to China Lake.
Another aspect of Rotary that many members don't know about are the 'Fellowship' groups. Chumsum himself belongs to the Choir/Music Fellowship group as well as our own Bill & Clytis Pitzer. There are many different 'Fellowship' groups such as, Flying, parachute jumping, motorcycles, hikers, runners, campers, theatre, wine-tasting, etc. Any hobby or interest there is a 'Fellowship' group to join within Rotary. When I attended the LA Rotary convention, I saw first-hand how much fun these Rotarians were having.
Chumsum promoted our District conference in Ventura on Oct 23-25. He suggested that we attend at least one day; Saturday will have the 'Flag Ceremony' with all the exchange students carrying their country's flags. It's a beautiful ceremony and very inspiriting.
Chumsum said he is a Rotarian because of the philosophy of service, the fellowship, the commitment to community and friends around the world. Chumsum believes Rotary makes you a better person.
Chumsum is a past president, past district governor and an active member of the Morro Bay Club.