Into the Future With the Empowering Girls Initiative

Posted by Carol Tichelman & Mary Shackleton, Zones 28 & 32 Empowering Girls Ambassadors
We are excited to report that Rotary International President-Elect Jennifer E. Jones and Rotary International President-Nominee Gordon R. McInally have both agreed in principle to extend the Empowering Girls Initiative beyond June 30th.   In keeping with next year’s Presidential Theme, we ask you to “Imagine Rotary” doing even more to enable young women to reach their full potential in the coming years.
 
Here are three suggestions as to how we move forward:
  • Get involved at the Zone, District, and Club level.  We are always looking for your input and service on our Zones team.  District Governors-Elect should appoint a “District Champion” as you finalize your leadership teams.  We will hold an upcoming town hall to collectively “imagine” this new role. Be the one who speaks up about the Empowering Girls Initiative in your club.
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  • Build upon proven projects and turn the spotlight on success stories.  We have continued to stress that the Rotary clubs already sponsoring many projects that are directly related to this initiative and have provided specific examples.  Why not use this initiative as a catalyst to assess the impact of your existing efforts, tweak or refocus when appropriate, and report what works on The Rotary Showcase?
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  • Involve Interactors in the planning of your club’s other projects.  For many, younger members of the Rotary family are welcome hands and feet serving alongside us.  Why not give them a seat at the table and a voice in planning your next event or project?  This will build their confidence and leadership skills.  They might also begin to imagine themselves as Rotaractors and Rotarians when the time comes.  Who knows what you will learn from them?
We look forward to your questions, comments, and continued service.