This past week some of us would have participated in ANZAC DAY. A national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand that broadly commemorates all Australians and New Zealanders "who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations" and "the contribution and suffering of all those who have served.
Locally there were many “driveway” services with neighbours safely socially distancing.
Last week we had another successful ZOOM meeting with a few new faces joining us. Patty Hewitt told us all about her visit with the choir for ANZAC day. It was a very interesting talk with lots of remembrance. THANK YOU Patty and Happy Birthday for last Wednesday…. your special 80th celebration.
Here is an article from Rotary that we can talk about further at one of our Zoom meeting when we have had time to look at the links.
4 ways to engage members online
Are you looking for ideas to engage members while we’re physically distancing ourselves from each other? Has your club started meeting online? Here are some of our favorite resources to help:
Watch membership webinars and speeches from recent conventions and the International Assembly in the new Club Programming collection on Vimeo.
Greetings Grafton Midday Rotary Members and Guests
Our Club now has a paid subscription for the next meeting Wed 29 April at 7:30pm. This is a recurring meeting and you can ZOOM on in with the same meeting ID and password.
Had to make a long-time-planned trip to Queensland for medical reasons and even though we had the appropriate pass, were still concerned with its efficacy. Our fears were allayed when we were allowed through, however the overnight hotel reception was less “accommodating”. It was an eerie feeling being the almost sole occupants in a typically busy establishment with more than one hundred rooms and usually high occupancies and reception desk queues. We missed our usual restaurant dinner, having to settle for a take-out, but enjoyed the lesser road traffic. I sympathise for the hoteliers and restauranteurs, and am amazed at the empty fuel stations.
In terms of COVID-19 I believe our government is doing an amazing job in unenviable circumstances with our postcode still registering low positive results. Given our pastime is often consumed by criticizing government, I think this time they deserve a tick along with all the medical teams for their untiring efforts. Give that; I could not restrain myself from seeking information and providing advice to Kevin Hogan to which he responded promptly and assured my comments would go to Canberra as I requested! Could members explain to me what an office WPB is??
Hope members are enjoying their relaxation and time off because it won’t last!
It seems that all around the world, not a single person or community is unaffected by COVID-19. In Rotary, the pandemic has changed our daily routines and forced the cancellation of many in-person meetings and events. But for more than a century, Rotary has connected the world through fellowship and service. Even when we can’t hold our usual events as planned, we can still stay engaged, connect with one another, and continue to serve our communities.
Here are just a few ways clubs have adapted:
A psychologist and member of the Rotary Club of Roma Polis in Italy spoke to the club in an online meeting about how to focus on mental and emotional health during the COVID-19 crisis. The meeting was open to everyone.
To help people stay connected despite social isolation, the Rotary Club of Metro Bethesda in Maryland, USA, is creating a list of members and neighbors who live alone and developing a “telephone tree.” Volunteers will contact five people by phone, daily or weekly, and drop off colorful plants at their doorsteps, which can be left outside or brought into the home.
Members of the Rotary Club of Schaumburg-Hoffman Estates in Illinois, USA, made the difficult decision to reinvent their biggest fundraising event of the year. Instead of an in-person gathering, they hosted a Facebook Live event, which brought in more than $120,000 — about the same amount they would have raised with their usual fundraiser.
After canceling its weekly in-person meetings, the Rotary Club of Singapore hosted its first webinar. A medical epidemiologist and an infectious disease specialist responded to members’ questions and concerns. The club, which plans to continue holding online meetings as needed, is also hosting a donation drive to collect essential items for the community.
The Rotary Club of Brescia Veronica Gambara in Italy researched and purchased urgently needed equipment for frontline medical workers at local hospitals.
We encourage you, as leaders in your community, to find creative ways to connect with one another and local residents, and to find innovative, safe ways to provide whatever assistance your community needs at this time. Contact your local health authorities to learn what your Rotary club can do to help respond to the COVID-19 outbreak. Check with local education officials to see how you can support teachers or schools offering alternative learning options. Connect with your local labor bureau to find ways to support small businesses and their employees. Research what local nonprofits are doing and explore opportunities for club members to get involved safely. Get inspiration from other clubs’ projects or share your own service story on Rotary Showcase.
How is your club or district keeping members engaged during the COVID-19 pandemic? Share your ideas and resources or join a discussion in the Meeting Online group in learning topics.
In the midst of a phone hookup with my Specialist he mentioned that people working from home should be wearing the face masks!
That way they stop eating too much!
