2018 District Conference. Over 550 people are already registered for the 2018 Conference, so don’t be left out! Conference has sold out for the past two years, so please take a moment to register now: https://portal.clubrunner.ca/50092/SitePage/2018-district-training-and-conference Contact Jennifer Durham at jdurhamrotary253@gmail.com if you have questions.
Photo Caption: The Rotary Club of Gateway -Thurston County charters a new Interact club by partnering with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Thurston County
Rotary International Convention, Toronto Canada. The Rotary International Convention will travel to Toronto, Ontario, Canada, where there’s Inspiration Around Every Corner, 23-27 June. Toronto is a diverse city with lots to offer, including vibrant cultural, art, entertainment, and culinary scenes. You’ll learn about new ideas, hear different perspectives, and gain new skills through engaging speakers, breakout sessions, and exhibits in the House of Friendship. Don’t miss out on the most inspiring convention yet! Find out more here: http://www.riconvention.org/en
District Youth Protection Update. Our District Youth Protection program has just completed an exhaustive review, and a new Youth Protection policy has been drafted. The district council will review the draft at its May 3rd meeting and will provide feedback to the team before the final version is approved. The new policy will align District Youth Protection policies with the recently revised Rotary International policy.
Rotary.org wins Webby People's Voice Award. The people have spoken. With a majority of internet user votes, Rotary.org won the prestigious Webby People’s Voice Award for best association website. The International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences announced the winners on 24 April. This year, internet users cast over 3 million votes worldwide. And with over 13,000 entries from nearly all 50 U.S. states and more than 70 countries, this year’s contest is the biggest Webby Awards ever. Winners will be recognized at the Webby Awards’ 22nd annual ceremony 14 May in New York, New York, USA. Read more here: https://www.rotary.org/en/rotary-website-wins-webby-award
Rotary Theme for May: Youth Service. Rotary International’s Structured Programs for Youth Service are Interact, Rotaract, Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, and Youth Exchange. The month of May is designated as “Youth Service Month” to focus on all Rotary activities that support the development of young people up to the age of 30.
Interact. Interact clubs bring together young people ages 12-18 to develop leadership skills while discovering the power of Service Above Self. Find out how serious leadership can be seriously fun. Interact clubs connect with leaders in local communities and around the world.
Rotaract. Rotaract clubs bring together people ages 18-30 to exchange ideas with leaders in the community, develop leadership and professional skills, and have fun through service. In communities worldwide, Rotary and Rotaract members work side by side to take action through service. From big cities to rural villages, Rotaract is changing communities for the better. Rotaract clubs decide how to organize and run their club, manage their own funds, and plan and carry out activities and service projects aligned with causes that are important to your community. Rotary club sponsors offer guidance and support and work with the Rotaract club as partners in service.
Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA). RYLA is an intensive leadership experience organized by Rotary clubs and districts where young people develop leadership skills while having fun and making connections. RYLA events are organized locally by our district for high-school aged participant. District 5020 hosts two RYLA sessions, one in the Tacoma Washington area and one on Vancouver Island in British Columbia. Typically, events last 3 days and include presentations and activities covering a variety of topics.
Youth Exchange. Rotary Youth Exchange builds peace one young person at a time. Students learn a new language, discover another culture, and truly become global citizens. Exchanges for students 15 to 19 years old are sponsored by Rotary clubs in more than 100 countries. Long-term exchanges last a full academic year, and students attend local schools and live with multiple host families. Short-term exchanges last from several days to three months and are often structured as camps, tours, or homestays that take place when school is not in session.