Posted by Beth Selby, District 7070 Governor , 2019-20

Dear fellow Rotarians in District 7070,

Happy New Rotary Year!

People often ask me how I became involved in Rotary.  While my official Rotary involvement began in 2004 as a member of the Rotary Club of Belleville, my Rotary experience started in 1993 when my husband, Barry (then a member of the Rotary Club of Whitby Sunrise), and I were counselors to the first of five students involved in the Rotary Youth Exchange program.  This experience is ‘My Rotary Moment’......

Rotary International President Mark Maloney’s theme for the 2019-2020 Rotary year is ‘Rotary Connects The World’.  I can’t think of a better program to connect the world than Rotary Youth Exchange.

District 7070’s involvement in Rotary Youth Exchange dates back to the early 1970’s.  Since 2001, the District has exchanged with 21 different countries, and supported approximately 235 Inbound and 235 Outbound Students.  That’s a total of 470 students impacted by this incredible Rotary program.

Rotary Youth Exchange Students experience a new culture, perhaps learn a new language, are hosted by a Rotary Club, guided by a Rotary Club Counselor, live with Host Families, and build lasting friendships with other Youth Exchange Students from around the world.

Students in the program unlock their potential and become global citizens.  They travel, explore, discover, grow, learn, and have fun.  Just ask any one of our students about their experience and the significance of the pins on their jackets!

One of my goals this year as District Governor is to support the Rotary Youth Exchange Committee of District 7070 to realize its goal of 20 in 2020 - 20 Outbound and 20 Inbound Students in the 2020 Rotary year.  Let’s help them realize this goal.

I’m looking forward to meeting you as I visit our District’s Clubs during the months of July, August and September.  In addition to attending your Club events as your guest, I look forward to being involved in Clubs’ service projects as my schedule permits.

All the best for an outstanding Rotary year!  See you soon.

 

Yours in Rotary,

Beth

Beth Selby, District Governor 2019-20

 

P.S. The 2018-19 Rotary Year has ended and it's time to make plans to celebrate 2018-19. And this includes all members of our Rotary family! Our year-end celebration and changeover party will take place on the afternoon of Sunday, July 7 at the Scarboro Golf Club. Please click here to register. If you're not part of our ClubRunner database (e.g. Youth Exchange students, RYLA grads), please register as a guest. Hope to see you there!