In this Issue: Message from Chair Dong-Joon Lee World Understanding Month Rotary Celebrates 106 Years of Service

RI Rotaract and Interact Committee Get Recognition for your Club World Rotaract Week Interact Video Contest Grand Prize Winner Rotaract Moments Focus on: MultiDistrict Information Organizations Focus on: 2010 Asia-Pacific Regional Rotaract Conference Upcoming Events 2011-12 RI Theme NOLA 2011Will you be there? New Generations Newsletter 1

Rotaract and Interact Newswire RI Rotaract & Interact Committee News

February 2011 Volume 3, Issue 2

Chair Dong-Joon Lees Message

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As Rotary celebrates its anniversary on 23 February, there could not be a better time to pause and reflect upon Rotarys spectacular accomplishments thus far. Since the list would be far too long for this newsletter, though, I want to focus on the tremendous impact that Rotary has had on its younger participants, in particular through Interact and Rotaract. During these past few months, I have had the privilege of meeting diverse Interactors and Rotaractors from around the world who all share one key trait: an inspiring commitment to service. And it is through the Interact and Rotaract programs that this commitment can be transformed into positive actions. Rotarys youth programs allow participants to discover more about themselves and the world by participating in community projects, leadership training, or cultural exchanges. Young people also learn about the principles of ethics, service, and fellowship that Rotarians exemplify. Interact empowers young people ages 12-18 with such opportunities, while Rotaract empowers young people ages 18-30. And life-long friendships are made in the process. Just look at the submissions to the Rotary Internationals 2010 Interact Video Contest, and you will see how accomplished and motivated Interactors can be. Special congratulations go to the grand prize winner, the Interact club of Syosset High School, New York, USA (District 7250); and to the two first place winners, the Interact clubs of A.M.M. Matriculation Higher Secondary School, India (District 3230), and Jefferson High School, New York, USA (District 7120). These works capture the impressive accomplishments and enthusiastic attitude of our Interact youth. Meanwhile, Rotaractors ideas and achievements will be showcased at our upcoming Rotaract Preconvention Meeting on May 20-21 in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. I encourage all Rotaractors and Rotarians to attend this important gathering in order to learn best practices, hear from inspirational speakers, and enjoy great fellowship (and delicious Cajun and Creole cooking)! Rotaractors will also have the special opportunity to participate in the first ever Rotaract Council on May 20, where they can vote on nonbinding resolutions, submitted by Rotaract clubs, to improve the Rotaract program. During World Understanding Month in February, in addition to Rotarys anniversary, I encourage Interactors and Rotaractors to renew their commitment to international service, possibly by reaching out to an overseas club, hosting an international festival highlighting diverse cultures, supporting an RI international project, or embracing an international cause. Through efforts like these, we will all be taking important steps towards the building of peace and goodwill around the world. Together, Rotaractors, Interactors, and Rotarians form a strong Rotary family, united by a fundamental commitment to service. We can all learn from and help one another, and by doing so, we will truly have a reason to celebrate. PDG Dong-Joon Lee, Chairman Rotaract and Interact Committee Rotary International

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2010-11 Rotary International Theme

Help us to share the exciting and informative information contained within this newsletter we want it to reach as many Interactors, Rotaractors and Rotarians as possible but we need your help. Forward this newsletter to all your Club/District/Region/MDIO members Add the newsletter to your Club/District/Region/MDIO website Send this newsletter to the Rotarians in your sponsoring Rotary Clubs & District Governor Create a note on Facebook and link it to this newsletter

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Rotaract & Interact Newswire

February is World Understanding Month

The month of February is special in the Rotary calendar since it is designated World Understanding Month. The month also includes the anniversary of the first meeting of Rotary held on 23 February 1905, now designated World Understanding and Peace Day. In designating World Understanding Month, the Rotary International board asks all Rotary clubs to plan programs for their weekly meetings and undertake special activities to emphasize understanding and goodwill as essential for world peace. World Understanding Month is a chance for every club to pause, plan and promote the fourth Avenue of Service - Rotarys continued quest for goodwill, peace and understanding among people of the world. To observe this designated month, many clubs arrange international speakers, invite Youth Exchange students and international scholars from schools and universities to club meetings, plan programs featuring former Group Study Exchange team members, arrange discussions on global issues, present entertainment with an international cultural or artistic theme, and schedule other programs with an international emphasis. Many clubs take the opportunity to launch an international community service activity or make contact with a Rotary club in another country. It is a good month to initiate a Rotary Friendship Exchange, a 3-H project or encourage support for PolioPlus and other Rotary Foundation programs. Source: http://rotaractvillage.blogspot.com

Rotary Celebrates 106 Years of Service

By Mamadou Doumbia, Jr.

On the 23rd of February 2011, Rotary International will celebrate its 106-year history and community service. In fact on 23th of February 1905 Paul Harris, Gustavus Loehr, Hiram Shorey and Silvester Schiele held a meeting for the first time. There, Paul Harris unveiled his project and the first service organization was created. 106 years later, this global organization gathers 1.2 million Rotarians in 33,000 Clubs through 200 countries and geographical areas. Among members about hundred different languages are spoken. They are from all political, philosophical, political and religious trends! Rotary, Rotaract and Interact clubs will celebrate this day also known as Rotary Day through inventive activities. The 23rd of February, 2011 will be an occasion to celebrate the 106th birthday of Rotary International. It will be a day of happiness and an occasion to remember all of the achievements of Rotary for humanity, especially the youth. Great achievements of Rotary in 106 years The achievements of Rotary are countless because of the overwhelming importance of local actions carried out by clubs and Districts around the world. Inter-club and Inter-District partnerships have also contributed to the success of various projects and programs. It is important to note that: - In 1943, a Rotary conference in London dealing with education and cultural exchange led to the creation of UNESCO. - In 1985, a global program regarding the eradication of polio was launched. As of 1 January 2011, the goal has almost been reached. There are four remaining endemic countries (Nigeria, India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan) which continue to export the virus to polio-free areas. Through the Rotary Foundation, this global network of volunteers carries out educational and humanitarian activities with the aim to enable Rotarians to advance world understanding, goodwill and peace as well as improving global living conditions. Since 1947, the Foundation has spent approximately $ 2 billion for these humanitarian, educational and cultural programs. On February 23rd, Rotaract and Interact Clubs around the world should celebrate the 106 years Rotary has promoted peace, goodwill, and volunteerism!

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Who are the 2010-2011 Rotaract and Interact Committee?

Below are the members of the 2010-2011 Rotaract-Interact Committee, if you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact any of them.
Chair: Dong-Joon Lee (USA)
(Term ends 30 June 2011)

Vice Chair: Martin Bridge (UK)

(Term ends 30 June 2012)

Member of Rotary Since: 1984 Email: rotarian [at] computer.org

Member of Rotary Since: 1975

Email: pdg1992-rotary [at] yahoo.co.uk

Members
Eva Brodehl (Germany)
(Term ends 30 June 2011)

Filippo Maria Pirisi (Italy)

(Term ends 30 June 2012)

Member of Rotary Since: 2005 Email: eva.brodehl [at] gmx.net Faik Tokatlioglu (Turkey)
(Term ends 30 June 2013)

Member of Rotary Since: 1977 Email: pirisi [at] unica.it Jos Luiz Toro da Silva (Brazil)
(Term ends 30 June 2013)

Member of Rotary Since: 1991 (Rotaractor 1983-85) Email: faik [at] tokatlioglu.net

Member of Rotary Since: 1988 (Rotaractor 1983-88) Email: toro.alp [at] terra.com.br

Rotaract Representatives
Lisa Hunter (England) (Term ends 30 June 2011) Member of Rotaract Since: 2000 Email: lisa [at] rotaract.org.uk Mamadou Doumbia (Cte d'Ivoire) (Term ends 30 June 2011) Member of Rotaract Since: 2004 Email: doumbiajunior [at] gmail.com

Florante Espiritu (Philippines) (Term ends 30 June 2011) Member of Rotaract Since: 2005 Email: floespiritu [at] gmail.com Bettsy Hernandez Pizana (Mexico) (Term ends 30 June 2011) Member of Rotaract Since: 2002 Email: bettsypizana [at] gmail.com

Andrea Tirone (Canada) (Term ends 30 June 2011) Member of Rotaract Since: 2004 Email: anget09 [at] gmail.com

Note: As of July 1, 2010 the Rotaract Committee is now the Rotaract and Interact Committee. The Committee is now expected to provide guidance and advice to the Board on all aspects of both the Rotaract and Interact programs. The Committee also remains responsible for developing the program content for the Rotaract Preconvention and to promote attendance at the 2011 meeting in New Orleans.

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Rotaract & Interact Newswire

Get recognition for your club

Rotaractors around the world take part in some amazing projects throughout the Rotary Year, exemplifying the theme Building Communities, Bridging Continents so why not shout about them and get recognition at the same time? As you help the Rotaract clubs in your district, we encourage you to familiarize yourself with the awards and recognition available to Rotaract clubs throughout the 2010-11 year. Please review this information and all relevant deadlines carefully, sharing it with all those involved in your programs. Rotaract Presidential Citation RI President Klinginsmith encourages all Rotaract clubs to strive for a Rotaract Presidential Citation. Rotaract clubs are asked to complete the a questionnaire to test their activities, available at: http://www.rotary.org/ RIdocuments/en_pdf/pres_citation_rotaract_en.pdf. Clubs that score at least 30 points, out of a possible 50 points, will qualify for the 2010-11 Presidential Citation. The questionnaire is to be reviewed and signed by the sponsoring Rotary club president to certify the Rotaract clubs achievement and then sent to the district governor (not to Rotary International). The completed questionnaire must be received by the district governor no later than 31 March 2011 for the club to be eligible for the Presidential Citation. The answers to all questions on the questionnaire are subject to The Four-Way Test! World Rotaract Week Recognition Every year, World Rotaract Week (7-13 March 2011) honors the chartering of the first club in 1968. World Rotaract Week is a time for Rotaractors and Rotarians around the world to come together to celebrate the success and importance of the Rotaract program. This event is also an excellent opportunity to inform members of your community about the amazing work that Rotaract clubs do, and give them an opportunity to get involved. Rotaract clubs and their sponsor Rotary clubs have the freedom to explore a variety of methods of participating in World Rotaract Week. Rotaractors can decide the best way for their club to celebrate the Rotaract program completing one, two or an entire weeks worth of activities. After the club has completed its World Rotaract Week commemorative events, the sponsor Rotary club or district Rotaract chair can download a certificate of recognition for presentation to the Rotaract club. Suggestions for these activities include: Conduct a joint project with a Rotary club. Plan a literacy day to be held annually Invite Rotaractors to Rotary club meetings and vice versa. Give a presentation about Rotaract to a Rotary club that does not sponsor a Rotaract club. Publicize Rotaract in local media. Conduct a fundraiser for Rotary's US$200 Million Challenge. Encourage cross-promotion between Interact, Rotary Youth Exchange, RYLA, and other community youth organizations. Partner with international Rotaract clubs. Establish monitoring programs between Rotaractors and Interactors, as well as, with Rotarians. Introduce potential members to Interact by inviting them to a meeting or a project. We encourage districts to hold a ceremony to recognize participating Rotaract clubs and their sponsor Rotary clubs when presenting these customizable certificates. Download the World Rotaract Week Certificate of Recognition. (.zip U.S. letter and A4 paper sizes). Update Club Contact Information Please provide the contact information for your Rotaract President or contact person by May 1, 2011. You can access and fill out the electronic form here.

World Rotaract Week 2011 (March 7-13)

By Bettsy Hernandez Pizaa

As World Rotaract week approaches, here is a list of Rotaract Facts you can use during your club meetings leading up to the celebration! 1. The first club began on March 13, 1968 and was the Rotaract Club North Charlotte, North Carolina, USA. 2. The next day, the second Rotaract Club, Universidad La Salle in Tacubaya, Mexico was founded 3. In the Rotary year (1967-1968) the number of Rotaract Clubs increased from 21 to 289. 4. There are more than 8, 200 clubs in over 170 countries worldwide. 5. The first Rotaract Clubs admitted members aged 17-24 years of age 6. Since 1971, Rotaract has allowed youth between the ages of 18-30. 7. Since July 1, 2010 Rotaract is now part of the newest Rotary Avenue of Service, New Generations. McGill Rotaract (Canada) celebrates with cake! 8. The rules governing the implementation of Rotaract are made by the RI board, who is advised by the Rotaract and Interact Committee. 9. At the 2011 Rotaract Preconvention in New Orleans, Louisiana the first Rotaract Council will take place. Attendees will discuss non-binding changes to the Rotaract program. 10. During the week of March 13, 2011 Rotaract will celebrate 43 years of Fellowship through Service!

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By Ryan Hyland

Interact Video Contest Grand Prize Winner

The Interact Club of Syosset High School, New York, USA, is the grand-prize winner of the 2010 Interact video contest with its entry, "How Do You Interact?" Over the past seven years, members of the Syosset club have raised more than $100,000 for Gift of Life International, a nonprofit that provides free lifesaving heart surgeries and cardiac care for young children whose families cannot afford treatment. The video shows the club's efforts during 2009-10, when the Interactors raised $42,000 for the organization. The funds covered the cost of four surgeries for children in El Salvador. Lindsey Murphy, past club president and producer of the video, and club adviser Carisa Steinberg traveled in April to El Salvador to visit children awaiting surgery, including the four sponsored by the club. Murphy included photographs of her trip in the video. "Seeing the end result of our club's hard work strengthened my belief in what Interact can accomplish," says Murphy. "Meeting the children and their families was a profound experience." The 250-member club raised money through Blue Jeans for Babies, a school fundraising effort that sells pins made out of denim to benefit Gift of Life. Other initiatives included lollipop and bracelet sales, a pancake dinner with food donated by a local International House of Pancakes, a bowl-a-thon, and a Gift of Life Walk. Murphy, who graduated in the spring, says the club's video will help promote the project and generate support in the future. "It's hard to put into words what this project has meant to our club," she says. She hopes the video can show how important and effective we can be. The second annual Interact video contest received 28 entries from Interact clubs and their sponsor Rotary clubs in 14 countries. Entrants were asked to create a short video (three minutes or less) about how they Interact. Entries were judged by a panel that included members of the 2010-11 Rotaract and Interact Committee and RI staff. In addition to the grand-prize winner, two clubs were selected as first-place prize winners: the Interact Club of A.M.M. Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Tamil Nadu, India, and the Interact Club of Jefferson High School, New York. View the first place prize winners and all video entries on YouTube at Rotary International's Interact Video Contest channel.
Source: www.rotary.org

Rotaract Moments
Rotaractors attend the ERBOPECH Conference November 11th-14th, 2010 Ecuador

Rotaractors gather to promote an Indian National Immunization Day in January 2011

Rotaractors enjoy a gala dinner during the January 2011 Rotaract European Meeting in Belgrade, Serbia

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Rotaract & Interact Newswire

Focus On: Multi-District Information Organizations Connecting Rotaractors Beyond Borders

By Flo Espiritu

Rotaract, being a phenomenal youth program of Rotary International, embodies a dynamic, diverse, and unified dedicated servant leaders of this new generation. As numerous innovative undertakings humbly begin in an empowered home club level, these significantly contribute in strengthening a clubs membership base, further making its home District robust, indeed. A certain club is further nurtured with care of its sponsor club which it coexists with, as well as the District it belongs to on another level of Fellowship through Service with the other clubs therein. The internationality of Rotaract has enabled its members in reaching out to fellow Rotaractors and constituent communities beyond the District. Significantly, it has even been paved with an avenue of another official connectivity the Rotaract Multi-District Information Organization (MDIO). Rotaract MDIOs function as a regional resource center for Rotaractors. They are comprised of Rotaract clubs in two or more Districts, within a country or across several countries. MDIOs are formed with the official approval of District Governors and RI Board to disseminate information and facilitate communication among Rotaract clubs in the participating Districts. Rotaract MDIOs are excellent vehicles for communicating program updates, local and international news, and event bulletins. Likewise, they play a significant role in uniting Rotaractors from different clubs and Districts within a particular region. MDIOs do not have any decision-making or legislative power among their member-Districts. However, to concretely realize their thrust to be a central information resource repository, various undertakings should be mutually agreed upon and carried out. Accordingly, each member-District duly represented by its District Rotaract Representative or its designated liaison officer, is entitled to one vote to reach a certain decision (Rotaract Statement of Policy 24.b). Interestingly, although structure of the organization varies for each regional setting, they all end up serving the common purpose. There are numerous ways Districts benefit from MDIO membership. Primarily, they are provided with an interface to access their respective MDIOs common information gateway. This may be in form of publications, Internet services, and direct links with RI staff. Apparently, apart from the universal English language as standard medium of communication, other major regional languages are used to effectively connect and reconnect with each other. Likewise, other multi-district service projects and activities may be sponsored and hosted in conjunction with MDIOs. Information sharing is even furthered by sourcing out on a readily accessible pool of speakers and facilitators to various Rotaract seminars, trainings, and conferences in a regional and international setting. Moreover, MDIOs have even paved the way for a collaborative disaster response effort in different regions. Collectively, MDIOs transcend geographical and cultural frontiers in reaching out to others. Currently, there are 18 MDIOs duly-registered with RI from both sides of the world, with Rotaract Australia being the newest addition to the list.

1. ACCT - America, Canada, Caribbean Together Districts 2. AIRAC - Agencia Informativa Rotaractiana Andina Centro 3. AIRAUP - Agencia Informativa Rotaractiana Argentina, Uruguaya and Paraguaya 4. CRN - Contactorgaan Rotaract Nederland 5. DANIO - Rotaract Danmark 6. ERIC - European Rotaract Information Centre 7. KORO - Korean Rotaractor Organization 8. NRMIO - Nigerian Rotaract Multidistrict Information Organization 9. OMIR - Organizao Multidistral de Informes de Rotaract Clubs do Brazil 10. Pilipinas Rotaract - Philippines Rotaract MDIO 11. RDK - Rotaract Deutschland Komitee 12. REM - Agencia Informativa Rotaract en Mxico 13. RGBI - Rotaract in Great Britain and Ireland 14. Rotaract Australia 15. Rotaract France - Coordination Nationale Rotaract France 16. Rotaract Norge - Norwegian Rotaract 17. Rotaract South Asia 18. SEARIC - South East Asia Rotaract Information Center

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During the recently concluded 7th Asia Pacific Regional Rotaract Conference (APRRC) in Sydney, Australia, Rotaract leaders from all over the Asia Pacific region have convened to formally start organizing another MDIO which is expected to be formally launched as Asia Pacific MDIO during the 8th APRRC at Subic Bay, Philippines on September 29 October 2, 2011. With functional MDIOs worldwide, Rotaractors concretely exemplify this years RI theme Bulding Communities, Bridging Continents; hence, every single component collectively contributing in making Rotaract Bigger, Better, and Bolder, indeed. To get in touch with your respective key MDIO officers, please refer to your CD copy of the 2010-11 Worldwide Rotaract Directory or click here to be redirected to their websites.

Focus On: Asia-Pacific Regional Rotaract Conference

By Jeremy Charles

Rotaractors from around the Asia Pacific and Beyond gathered at Sydneys Olympic Park in November for the 7 th Asia Pacific Regional Rotaract Conference. Started 7 years ago, APRRC has become the most important fixture on the Asia Pacific Rotaract calendar. APRRC definitely serves to fulfill the RI theme for the year with by building and strengthening the Rotaract community and bridging the 5 continents represented. Highlights of the conference were the keynote speakers and breakout sessions including Sandy Blackburn-Wright and Ramesh Ferris, the Great Aussie Bush dance to welcome people on the first day, the Sunset Sydney Harbour cruise and movement towards an MDIO for the Asia Pacific Region [www.rotaractasiapacific.org] The speakers were definitely the highlight of APRRC said Conference Director PDRR Jeremy Charles, Australia is a long way to travel so the pressure was on us to deliver a first class program. After the Opening ceremony Sandy Blackburn-Wright, now managing sustainability and community at Westpac bank, shared her story of being in South Africa during apartheid and working with NGOs to develop the region. She left us with a great African saying, If you want to walk fast, walk alone. If you want to walk far, walk together Ramesh Ferris (www.cycletowalk.com) a Polio survivor who hand cycled across Canada to spead the message of Polio Eradication, Education and Rehabilitation. Ramesh told us about how he contracted polio at 6 months of age, simply because he didnt receive 2 drops of a readily available vaccine. He impressed all of us with his commitment and determination and the delegation was delighted to have Ramesh attend the conference including the harbor cruise to give people the chance to meet him and discuss polio eradication. Other speakers included Glenn Gerryn, a motivational speaker who challenged all delegates to expect more from themselves and dream big plus Sean Webber a paralympic gold medalist and Melissa Abu-Gazaleh who founder the Best Catch Foundation which empowers young men to volunteer. Delegates also participated in exciting team building activities and an Amazing Race style Rotaract Rampage as well as sharing information about their countries and districts during the country reports. The last night of the conference was APRRC cultural night where each country was invited to do a performance showcasing their countries culture. The performances were very creative and colourful as was the national dress for each countries ranging from ornate to, well, Bogan (Google it).. APRRC 2010 also saw the first major steps being taken to form an Asia Pacific MDIO and an Asia Pacific MDIO working group, with representatives from across the Asia Pacific, established to gain approval of the MDIO from RI. There was a MDIO forum during APRRC where leaders discussed what the MDIO would look like, how it will operate and what it will do for Rotaractors in the Asia Pacific. The Asia Pacific MDIO has been an idea for a couple of years now and with the MDIO working group established it will soon become a reality. More information on the Asia Pacific MDIO at www.rotaractasia pacific.org As well as senior Rotaractors from throughout the Asia Pacific, APRRC was attended by Haris Sofradzija who was contributed invaluable information straight from RI including information about the 2011 Rotaract Council in New Orleans. RI Director Stuart Heal was also present for the APRRC closing ceremony and both representatives from RI were witnesses to the APRRC sister pact agreement that is signed by districts in attendance every year. Hosting APRRC was a huge momentum builder for Rotaract in Australia and along with Australias new MDIO, Rotaract is set for a bright future down under. The next APRRC will be held in Subic Bay, Philippines in late September 2011.

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Rotaract & Interact Newswire

Event

Upcoming Events:

Location
Hamburg, Germany

Date
8-10 April, 2011

Details
This annual meeting is hosted by Rotaractors in District 1890. Rotaractors from across Germany are invited to attend. This annual Preconvention meeting is held immediate before the International Rotary Convention. A series of workshops and plenary sessions will address Rotaractrelated topics and will provide numerous opportunities for club and member development. This annual meeting is hosted by Rotaractors in District 1900 (Germany). Rotaractors from across Europe are invited to attend. This triennial worldwide meeting of Rotaractors is hosted by the Rotaract Clubs of Egypt. The program includes workshops on Rotaract-related topics, a project promoting peace, visits to historical and cultural attractions in Cairo, and numerous social events. Hundreds of Rotaractors from around the world are expected to attend.
By Joseph Derr

Rotaract Deutschland Konferenz (DEUKO) Rotaract Preconvention

New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

19-20 May, 2011

European Rotaract Convention (EUCO)

Dortmund, Germany

8-12 June, 2011

Interota

Cairo, Egypt

29 June5 July, 2011

Reach Within to Embrace Humanity is 2011-12 RI Theme

RI President-elect Kalyan Banerjee will ask Rotarians to Reach Within to Embrace Humanity during the 201112 Rotary year. Banerjee unveiled the RI theme during the opening plenary session of the 2011 International Assembly, a training event for incoming district governors. He urged participants to harness their inner resolve and strength to achieve success in Rotary. "In order to achieve anything in this world, a person has to use all the resources he can draw on. And the only place to start is with ourselves and within ourselves," Banerjee said. Once Rotarians find their inner strength, he continued, they can accomplish great things in their communities and around the world. "Discover yourself, develop the strengths within you, and then unhesitatingly, unflinchingly, go forth and encircle the world, to embrace humanity," he said.

Banerjee emphasized the family as a starting point in serving others. "The communities we live in are not built of individual people but of families -- families living in homes together, sharing their lives and their resources and their common destinies. Good families lead to good neighborhoods, and good neighborhoods build good communities." Rotarians can focus on projects that support families, such as those that provide safe housing or improve maternal and child health, he said. Continuity in Rotarys work, including polio eradication, is also important, Banerjee said. "There are so many things we are indeed good at: working for clean, safe water; spreading literacy; working in so many ways with the New Generations, our youth, in our newest Avenue of Service and assisting them to become the leaders of tomorrow." Citing Mahatma Gandhis call to "be the change you wish to see in the world," Banerjee said Rotarians should also focus on change. "If we wish for peace, we start by living in peace ourselves, in our homes and in our communities," he explained. "If we wish environmental degradation to stop, if we wish to reduce child mortality or to prevent hunger, we must be the instrument of that change - and recognize that it must start within us, with each of us." The theme inspired the roomful of Rotary leaders, including Jogesh Gambhir, governor-elect of District 3250 (India). It is a touching theme, but also very purposeful and meaningful, said Gambhir. Im sure we can inspire the clubs into action to solve the problems in the community. Thats the ultimate goal of Rotary. There are no words for me to describe how remarkable it was. To me, he was right on and weaved everything together beautifully," said Jane Millar, governor-elect of District 6290 (parts of Ontario, Canada, and Michigan, USA). "I am so thrilled to be a district governor when this man is president. I loved the focus on family, continuity, and change," she added. "Family is the center of everything, and not just our immediate family. Its also about the family of Rotary and the world as one big family." Source: www.rotary.org

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New Orleans 2011 - will you be there?

Do you want to strengthen your Rotaract club? Learn more about excellent Rotaract service projects? Build lasting friendships with fellow Rotaractors from around the world? If so, youll want to attend the Rotaract Preconvention Meeting and discover how we can work together to Build Communities and Bridge Continents! At the 2011 Rotaract Preconvention Meeting, you will have the opportunity to exchange ideas on a wide range of Rotaract topics in interactive workshops and listen to interesting and informative speakers, all designed to support and enhance the Rotaract activities underway in your communities. Why should I attend? There are many reasons to attend the Preconvention and Convention. First, it is a chance to see the world of Rotary and Rotaract in a whole new light. You know that Rotaract is an international organization, but when you attend a worldwide meeting, you really see that aspect of Rotaract differently. You will also learn more than you thought possible, get new ideas for your club, make lifetime friends, and have a BLAST. Its hard to do justice to the experience with words. Its something you have to experience for yourself! Rotaractors will also have the opportunity to visit the House of Friendship this year as it opens during the Preconvention. We are looking for volunteers to help staff our New Generations booth so please sign-up today! Rotaractors from every district are encouraged to attend the Rotaract Preconvention Meeting. This year Rotaractors can register for the preconvention as a stand-alone meeting with a registration fee of only US$50. Rotaractors who would like to attend the RI Convention, 21-25 May, can also register for this event before 31 March with an additional early registration fee of US$75. In addition to the official program, there are social events specially planned for Rotaractors by local Rotaractors on the "Rotaract Host Organizing Committee." Their job is to make sure there is plenty of fellowship! For more information on the fellowship events being organized in New Orleans visit: http://rotaractnola2011.com

Register before March 31st, 2011 for the RI Convention and save!
You can access the registration form here. Registration of Rotaractors and Interactors is only possible through the post, through fax, or by emailing your completed PDF to ri.registation[at]rotary.org.

Statistics for Rotaract and Interact as of December 2010: Interact: 13,009 Clubs and 299,207 Members Rotaract: 8,440 Clubs and 194,130 Members

Have a story you want to add?

If your Rotaract or Interact Club has a story it would like to see in the next issue of the Rotaract & Interact Newswire, let us know. Due to limited space, it cannot be guaranteed that every story will be included, but we will try our best. For more information or to make a submission, email Rotaract Representative, Andrea Tirone anget09[at]gmail.com

New Generations Email

Rotary International have started producing a New Generations e-newsletter each month. New Generations is a monthly e-newsletter designed to inform program participants and Rotarians about news and developments in Interact, Rotaract, and RYLA and to give you ideas on how to get more involved with these programs in your communities. To be added to the distribution list for the e-newsletter, please click on this link: http://visitor.constantcontact.com/d.jsp?m=1101424972933&p=oi When the web page has loaded enter your email and click on submit. On the next page select New Generations_ Rotaract from the list and complete the other information, following the instructions on the screen.