Our District 7070 newsletter is meant to keep everyone in our Rotary family up to date on latest news from around the Rotary world, from the clubs in our District, from the various committees in District 7070 and beyond. We send it out to all active Rotarians and post it on to our District Facebook page. We ask that you share this letter and keep our entire Rotary family and friends informed. Make sure they all get a copy. The deadline for your story submissions is always 4 days prior to the end of the month. Check out our District 7070 Facebook Page, Twitter, Instagram accounts and our District 7070 website for the latest news about Rotary here in southern Ontario and around the world.
Posted by Iosif Ciosa, District 7070 Governor , 2022-23
In his April 2023 Newsletter, District Governor Iosif Ciosa talks about protecting the environment during Rotary's Environment Month, and encourages us to plan events to protect the environment and to participate in the third Annual Great Lakes Watershed Cleanup along with hundreds of Rotary Clubs on both sides of the border that surround the Great Lakes ..........
Posted by Rotary District 7070 Membership Chair Joan Barrett
Welcome to the Special Edition of the District 7070 Membership Newsletter for the spring of 2023.
In this issue, we are spotlighting clubs working together to do good in the world - Spotlight Number One: The Rotary Club of Parkdale, High Park, Humber. Spotlight Number Two: the Rotaract Club of the University of Toronto Scarborough Campus together with the Rotary Club of Scarborough.
Here are two quotes that you can use whenever you are telling your Rotary story: " I joined Rotary to make a difference. I stayed because I am." AND "Be Active. Be Creative. Be a Rotarian".
For more information on how you can grow your club membership and how you can retain members, be sure to contact District 7070 Membership Chair, Joan Barrett at jdbarrett67@gmail.com.
Please Read more to see the Special Edition of the District 7070 Membership Newsletter.....
Posted by Jennifer Jones, Rotary International President 2022-23
In President Jennifer Jones' April 2023 Message, she talks about her good friend Anniela Carracedo who turned her panic attack into a Rotary Youth Network when she turned project ideas during the pandemic into action by inspiring and connecting with 5,000 youth in 80 countries during the quarantine period of the covid -19 pandemic ...........
Posted by Ian Riseley, Chair of the Trustees , Rotary Foundation 2022-23
In the Chair of the Trustees of The Rotary Foundation (and Rotary International Past President) Ian Riseley's April 2023 Newsletter, Ian talks about protecting the environment , especially on Earth Day, April 22 and he asks clubs to partner with other clubs and districts on a larger-scale project funded through The Rotary Foundation. Ian says, "The more our clubs work together on larger projects, the more we accomplish." He encourages us to Act big which is also one of the main ideas behind the Rotary Foundation’s Programs of Scale. Programs of Scale grants are among the most exciting developments of Rotary and its Foundation in recent years. They will have a big impact on the world. Remember that Programs of Scale grants take nothing away from your Foundation grant projects; the money invested is a relatively small portion of the Foundation’s total. In addition, The Rotary Foundation designed Programs of Scale to foster greater partnerships, which can include co-funding the initiative......
Posted by Drew Kessler, Rotary International Director , Zones 28 & 32
To embrace current technology and to be a resource to all members of Zone’s 28/32 the current newsletter is being transitioned to an interactive blog style format that will be managed and moderated by the Zone leadership team. Look for the In The Zone April 2023 video from Drew Kessler, our Rotary International Director, available on April 1,, 2023 in the April 2023 District 7070 Newsletter version that will be published on our District website or on the Rotary Zone 28 and 32 website . ......
I am writing to you this afternoon to share some very exciting news! On March 28, 2023, I received notice from Rotary International that the Rotary Club of Toronto Tibetan, Ontario, Canada has been chartered! Our District 7070 just added a new club to our Rotary Family!
Every time a New Rotary Club is created, it validates the work Rotary does in our communities, serves as testament to the the dedication in making a difference in the world and the unrelenting commitment to service above self.
Rotary is relevant!
New Rotary Clubs add more diversity, bring new ideas, new enthusiasm, energy and new perspectives; it makes us stronger!
A Charter Celebration Evening is being organized, I ask you to come out to share in the exuberance with our new Rotary members. Please stay tuned for more info. Please give a warm welcome our Newest Club in our Great District!
Posted by Nilam Bedi, Chair, Rotary District 7070 Environmental Action Committee
With Environmental Sustainability taking root within Rotary as the 7th Area of Focus, Rotary has designated April 2023 as the Environment Month. Check the link below to see what Rotarians around the world are doing to improve the health of planet.
Within District 7070, most clubs are participating in the Great Lakes Watershed Cleanup. On Saturday April 22, 2023 (EARTH DAY), thousands of Rotarians & Non-Rotarians alike, on both sides of the Canadian and U.S. border will roll up their sleeves to collect refuse along the shoreline, and innumerable waterway tributaries to the Great Lakes basin......
Posted by Past District Governor Bob Wallace, Chair, District 7070 Rotary Foundation Committee
Dear Fellow Rotarians in District 7070,
Rotarians in District 7070 have been committed over the past nearly 40 years to raising funds to immunize children worldwide and our efforts are paying off. You should be proud of the difference that Rotary has made in the lives of millions of children by eliminating this dreadful disease.
I want to thank you for your past efforts and ask that you recommit to helping us raise funds to finish Rotary’s number one initiative of eradicating polio. Rotary is still committed to raising $50 million a year for this effort.
As such, we are launching the District 7070 Polio Plus Society and are inviting you to join our efforts to continue to raise funds to eradicate polio. To become a member of the District 7070 Polio Plus Society you are asked to commit to making an annual donation of $100 USD or more to The Rotary Foundation’s Polio Plus Fund until the last two countries, Afghanistan and Pakistan, are certified free of the wild polio virus.
Posted by Past District Governor Bob Wallace, Chair , District Rotary Foundation Committee
Dear fellow Rotarians in District 7070,
Rotarians in District 7070 have been committed to The Annual Programs Fund of the Rotary Foundation. You should be proud of the difference that Rotary have made in the lives of millions of people throughout the world by the project funded by The Rotary Foundation.
I want to thank you for your past efforts and ask that you recommit to helping us raise funds for The Annual Programs Fund of the Rotary Foundation.
We are inviting you to join our efforts to continue for The Annual Programs Fund of the Rotary Foundation. To become a member of the District 7070 Paul Harris Society you are asked to commit to making an annual donation of $1000 USD or more to The Annual Programs Fund of the Rotary Foundation.
We hope that with your commitment in joining the District 7070 Paul Harris Society, we will make a significant difference in our world.
Posted by Susan Hunter, Chair District 7070 Rotary Leadership Institute
In 2022-23 we are staying with our Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) programming in the virtual format. Although we all appreciate that videoconference will never replace the personal connection that we get from meeting face-to-face, RLI is a very successful program with overwhelming response and enthusiasm from Rotarians across our District. Rotarians new to Rotary and even those with many years of service benefit from learning how we can create strong clubs with vibrant members who are engaged and committed to Service Above Self. REGISTER TODAY FOR PART THREE.
Posted by Neil Phillips, Past District 7070 Governor
The Wilf Wilkinson Peace Award was inaugurated following Wilf’s year as President of Rotary International. It was commissioned to honour him for his specific efforts in supporting the 4th Object of Rotary, namely the advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace.
Past winners include the late Jack Layton, War Child, and The Canadian Centre for Refugee and Immigrant Health Care. Rotary Clubs in District 7070 are invited to forward nominations for this award on an annual basis. Nominees can be Rotarians, Rotary Clubs, friends of Rotary, or organizations in our district.
Submissions should include a biography of the individual or group, and answers to the following in as much detail as possible: ......
Posted by Neil Phillips, Past District 7070 Governor
The Doctor Bob Scott Disease Prevention Award was inaugurated following Bob’s retirement as Chair of Rotary’s Polio Eradication program.
It was commissioned to honour him for his significant leadership in efforts to reach The Rotary Foundation’s primary goal, namely the eradication of polio from the face of the earth. Rotary clubs in District 7070 are invited to forward nominations for this award on an annual basis.
Nominees can be Rotarians, Rotary Clubs, friends of Rotary, or organizations in our district.
Submissions should include a biography of the individual or group, and answers to the following in as much detail as possible: .....
The Rotary Club of Toronto is holding a big lunch on May 11, 2023. Details will follow soon.
Here is the big story...The Rotary Club of Toronto has joined forces with the Homes for Heroes Foundation to create a village of tiny homes in the GTA to be occupied by veterans who are experiencing difficulties in adjusting to civilian life and, as a result, are facing homelessness.
The tiny homes are 300 square foot, self-contained living units that are complete with bathroom and kitchen facilities. Occupants benefit from a caring support team that helps them re-establish dignity, and the ability to live independently once again. It is expected that the veteran’s stay in the village will last one to three years and, upon graduation, their place will be taken by another veteran also facing homelessness. The tiny homes are clustered around a central courtyard to foster a sense of community. Residents are both male and female and are expected to pay rent.
Homes for Heroes Foundation is a Canadian Registered Charity which has already built villages of this sort in Calgary and Edmonton and is in the process of doing the same in Winnipeg and Kingston. Here is their website: https://homesforheroesfoundation.ca Anyone interested in learning more about his endeavor should contact either June Brown (june.brown554@gmail.com) or Michael Morgan (michaelmorgan@rogers.com )
Posted by Rachel Boyd, Bowmanville Rotary Club President and District 7070 Insurance Liason
March 9, 2023 Insurance Is Fun 101 - District 7070 Presentation to Rotary Club Treasurers by Rachel Boyd, Bowmanville Rotary Club President:
On March 9, 2023 District 7070 Treasurer Larry Whatmore introduced Rachel Boyd who presented the major elements of our club insurance policy. Take a look at the column on your left at review the video and the powerpoint presentations both entitled "March 9 2023 - Insurance is Fun 101". Thank you to Larry and Rachel.
Posted by Johanna de Boer, Rotary Club of Whitby Sunrise
District 7070 International Women's Day 2023 was another outstanding success. The event was broadcast LIVE to the world from the Rotary Global Classroom at Durham College in Oshawa, Ontario CANADA, on March 8, 2023 International Women's Day. Johanna deBoer, Chair of the IWD23 Committee welcomed the LIVE audience and those watching from all over the world. Rotary District 7070 Governor Iosif Ciosa thanked everyone for attending and stressed the importance of Women in Leadership Roles in Rotary.
Dr. Elaine Popp, Vice President of Durham College welcomed the world-wide audience to Durham College in Oshawa, Ontario and to the Rotary Global Classroom along with the founder of the Classroom Professor Lon Appleby who hosted the event at no charge to Rotary.
All four speakers told their Rotary stories and how important Rotary is in their lives and in their communities: Assistant Governor Elizabeth Compton (Past President of the Toronto Leaside Rotary Club), Rotary District Governor Nominee Designate Niecy Dillon-Tyrovolas (Past President of the Rotary Club of Whitby Sunrise), and Rachel Boyd (President, Rotary Club of Bowmanville), and Kaitlynn Almeida , Rotaract Club of Toronto and General Secretary of Rotaract Canada. To see more details and get a link to the recorded broadcast........ Please Read more .....
Posted by Prince Kumar, District 7070 Strategic Planning Chair
17 Rotarians attended the first session , conducted by Prince Kumar , our District 7070 Strategic Planning Chair, of the Marketing & Membership Apprenticeship Program. Attendees will super charge their Club’s Public Image & Membership with hands on tools and strategies. President Elects, Membership and Marketing Committee Members - as Rotary or Rotaract Club members are part of the inaugural program where they will get tools to help them with increasing their membership, awareness and online fundraising? They are learning tried practices that have been game changers in Rotary. This three part series - 90 minutes sessions each from 6:30 pm to 8 pm, give the attendees a chance to setup and learn tools and techniques that simply work.
Part 1 – Introduction & setup the tools for your Club – Thursday Mar 23
Part 2 – Test the tools - Thursday April 13
Part 3 – Accelerate your Marketing - Thursday May 18
What they are learning: How to attract more members, a redefined new member process, how to do social media posts effectively, how to save as a non-profit or charitable Rotary or Rotaract club. Apply the newly learnt skills and watch the magic unfold in 2023-2024!
They will practice: Social Media strategies; Linktr.ee; Create a Join Us button & form; Create & be ready to post on your social media live with Canva and more; Did you know you can use Artificial Intelligence to help?
Skills needed: Basic computer and social media skills are helpful . Stay tuned..... perhaps we can get Prince to conduct another Marketing & Membership Apprenticeship Program in the fall of 2023.
Posted by District 7070 Chairs Dave Andrews and Bob Wallace
With just a few days to go before the Public Image & Technology Workshop, we had to postpone the workshop until the Fall of 2023.
There were just a handful of registrants despite every effort to get more attendees.
Please stay tuned. We will reschedule and be sure to let you know.
Based on your Club's Website and Social media, would YOU join your club?
That is what prospective members are viewing today.
Perhaps it is time to BOOST your public image and come to our 2023 joint Public Image / Technology Workshop filled with tips and “how to’s” regarding club public image , club websites, club social media, MyRotary, & Clubrunner .
Bob Wallace and Dave Andrews are setting up a 2023 joint Public Image / Technology Workshop filled with tips and “how to’s”
Here are just some of the topics we will be covering:
Your Clubrunner website
Clubrunner app
MyRotary
Club Social media - Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc
Getting Media coverage for your club – Do’s and Don’ts & some tips
Rotary Brand Center (media examples, logos, photos)
Writing stories
Using photos (do’s and don’ts and trademarks)
The 2022-23 website refresh program: has your club website been refreshed - prospective members are checking you out
Note: All D7070 Rotarians have been asked to send list of what they wanted to see at the workshop. Just send your list to Bob and Dave (get your suggestions in to us TOODAY).
Workshop will be no charge to register , but $40 invoice if “no show”.
Posted by Mary Barry, Chair Host Organizing Committee
The Host Organizing Committee is very excited to welcome Rotary members and guests to Melbourne for the 2023 Rotary International Convention. Known as one of the world’s most livable cities, you will enjoy what we take for granted, a beautiful, vibrant and cosmopolitan city.
NOTE ON VISAS: Canadian's now require a visa to enter both New Zealand and Australia including if you're just transiting through the country. New Zealand is Easy, download the NZeTA application to complete. Generally issued within a few hours or less if everything is complete and there is a fee. Australia doesn't make it as easy to find but now having found the process, download the Australian ETA app snd then the process is quite simple, they just don't make the information as easy to find as they should. There is also a fee to apply for this snd if the application is complete, they issue the certificate in minutes. Both Visa's must be applied for from outside of the country so people need to make application prior to departure. In order to apply, you will need to have your passport available as they require the App to scan the passport as part of the process. As Canadian's prior to COVID did not require Visa's for either country it is important we communicate this to all attending or thinking of attending. Also, when I booked my flight nothing was mentioned in this regards and has the potential of catching some people off guard........
Rotary Zone 28 & 32 Finally, our Alaska "Life on Land" symposium has been postponed until August 31-September 3, 2023, at the Anchorage Sheraton and Spa, with 3 days pre and post-event opportunities.
The weather will be warmer, still plenty of daylight but also darkness for any northern lights. We will have great speakers on the Arctic and Environmental Sustainability, dinner in a home hosted by Rotarians, a special tour to see glaciers and wildlife, and the ability to match with a company for a one-way cruise from or to Alaska (some September deals are great!) or travel further north to meet up with local Rotarians in Fairbanks or Utqiagvik.
There's plenty of time to get ready, so grab your friends and start planning! Details coming soon on the Zone website, www.rotaryzones28-32.org.
It is always with great sadness when we loose members of our District 7070 Rotary family. Everyone in District 7070 wants to expresses their deepest sympathies to our extended Rotary family. Please send your notices to Newsletter Editor Dave Andrews at dave.f.andrews99@gmail.com .....
Posted by Bob Wallace, Past District Governor, Past Rotary Zone Coordinator, and Chair of District 7070 Rotary Foundation Committee
In his Arpil 2023 letter to Rotarians, Past District Governor Bob Wallace, Chair of the District 7070 Rotary Foundation Committee, encourages every Rotarian to set and meet their club and personal goals and make a conscious effort to make a donation to The Rotary Foundation, whatever you can afford, to the Annual Programs Fund, the PolioPlus Fund, the Disaster Response Fund, and to the Endowment Fund. .......
Patrick Asiñero has been selected to be a Rotary Peace Fellow and will study at the Rotary Peace Centre at Duke University. In Patrick's own words, he says that after long months of waiting, he finally got the notification from Duke-UNC Rotary Peace Center that he got both the Rotary Peace Fellow scholarship and the admissions at Duke University for it's Master in International Development Policy.
More importantly, Patrick says that he is truly happy and grateful, and he wanted to celebrate this moment with Past District Governor Lynda Ryder, our District 7070 Peace Scholar Chair, who has been so instrumental with Patrick's application. Please Read more to meet Patrick.....
Posted by Past District Governor. Lars Henriksson, District 7070 Grants Chair
May 31, 2023 is the deadline for Clubs to apply for a District Grant for the 2023-24 Rotary year. The application must be made on the application form found on the District’s website, www.rotary7070.org
One requirement for Clubs that want to apply for a District or Global Grant is that they must be qualified. The qualification is valid for one year; a rule set by The Rotary Foundation. The process is quite simple. To become qualified, Clubs must
have at least two of its members take the online training and/or attend a District-run grant seminars such as the one held on November 19, 2022, and
submit an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) to the District, signed by the Club President and President-Elect.
Access to the two training modules incl. related quizzes, the MOU form and the District Grant Project Application form can be found by using the following link
Rotary International President-elect Gordon McInally invites you to join him in Scotland in August 2023 for the Royal Edinburgh – Rotary Foundation Million Dollar Weekend. Donors who make an outright gift to The Rotary Foundation of US$100,000 or more, or a bequest commitment of US$250,000 or more, will have the opportunity to register to attend – at no cost to Rotary – a specially curated experience hosted by Gordon and Heather McInally in their home country of Scotland.
𝑷𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒂𝒍 𝑮𝒊𝒇𝒕𝒔 𝑫𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑱𝒆𝒏𝒏𝒊𝒇𝒆𝒓 𝑱𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔’ 𝑷𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒂𝒍 𝒀𝒆𝒂𝒓 In recognition of her commitment to supporting the long-term financial stability of Rotary, Jennifer Jones has requested that gifts to her Presidential Fund support the Endowment-World Fund. Gifts are not requested, however those wishing to make a Rotary Foundation gift in appreciation for RI President Jennifer’s participation in an event are requested to make a gift to the Jennifer Jones Presidential Fund – Endowment-World Fund. The World Fund is the primary funding source for global grants which support large international activities with sustainable, measurable outcomes in Rotary’s areas of focus. The World Fund provides the necessary funding for our highest priority activities around the globe. For further information and to download an information sheet visit: https://trfcanada.org/.../jennifer-jones-presidential-fund
Raise for Rotary is a platform that allows individuals, clubs, and districts to create online fundraisers that benefit The Rotary Foundation. It is a great way to celebrate personal events and special occasions. Organizers can share their fundraisers through social media, email, and text, so family, friends, colleagues, and supporters can donate online...... Please Read more....
During World Immunization Week, April 24-30, join us in advocating for polio eradication and the importance of vaccines. As one of the greatest advances of modern medicine, vaccines are safe, effective, and save millions of lives each year. Our progress in the fight to end polio is proof that vaccines work. The Global Polio Eradication Initiative estimates that the polio vaccine has saved more than 20 million children around the world from paralysis. However, approximately 12.5 million children are totally unvaccinated. They are known as zero-dose children, and vaccinating them is critical to stopping polio for good. We need to continue vaccinating the world’s children against polio, because polio anywhere is a threat everywhere....
In 2020, the GPEI launched a revision of the strategy for polio eradication. Partners and stakeholders collectively identified remaining obstacles to polio eradication, in order to inform a revised and strengthened plan. They then developed optimal approaches to reaching the goal, adapted to the global health context and based on lessons learned.
The strengthened plan aims to achieve and sustain a polio-free world through a focus on implementation and accountability. Emphasis will be on cutting outbreak response times; increasing vaccine demand; transforming campaign effectiveness; working systematically through integration; increasing access in inaccessible areas; transitioning towards government ownership; and improving decision-making and accountability.
Many of the new tactics and strengthened approaches outlined in this plan are already operational, and the plan will officially replace the current Polio Endgame Strategy in January 2022.......
Posted by Diana Edwards, Rotary Zone 28 & 32 Regional Membership Officer
As your Regional Membership Officer, I can assist you in developing and implementing membership development strategies by helping you analyze and understand membership data, create and deliver membership training sessions, and discover relevant resources and tools to meet your membership goals.
Here are several key membership topics that we can discuss to help you strengthen membership in your zone, district or club:
Attraction and recruitment
Engagement and retention
Membership/ club flexibility
Diversity, equity, and inclusion
Insert personalized info here about languages spoken, skills, specific areas of expertise, etc
HERE is the link. It is also included in the Membership tab (See the Membership Resources page) of the District 7070 Website.
Past District Governor Mike Cooksey once told me that if you want more Rotary members, you have to ask. He told everyone he saw to "Get your Ask in Gear". His words certainly reflect one of the Strategic Plans that District 7070 has this year. Our goal is to receive 100 inquires from the "Join Us" or "Interested In Joining Us?" button on the District 7070 Website. Here is our challenge to your club: By the end of this Rotary year we want over 40 Rotary Clubs have a "Join Us" or "Interested In Joining Us?" button on their own club website AND have a "member conversion process" from these inquiries. It's up to you.
If you have been already been part of the District 7070 Website Refresh Program, then you will remember Melissa Wells talking about adding a "Join Us" button to the front page of your club website. This is your way of "asking" anyone who sees your website to learn more about Rotary and join your club.
Past District Governor Bob Wallace of our District 7070 Technology Team did this to our District Website. Instead of "Join Us" , Bob put an "Interested in Joining Us" button right up front on the menu tab. To see how we have done , Please Read more........
Leveraging Local Events to Grow Rotary: A Membership and Marketing Guide is now available. It explains each step of creating a strategic plan to turn the increased interest that comes from big Rotary events into membership growth. You’ll find tips for creating a strong leadership team, getting clubs ready for growth, planning promotions, and approaching prospective members. The guide also has links to these new resources:
Use these customizable scripts to communicate with prospective members assigned to your club through the Manage Membership Leads page in My Rotary. Modify the text based on your needs and update the prospective member’s status at each step. It’s important that every club have a process to manage the membership leads assigned to them. We want each prospective member to receive a response and have a positive interaction with Rotary.
Brian Goerdt is pretty good at figuring out how things work. A computer consultant, he’s built his business on managing complex projects and streamlining business needs. So when he was 2021-22 president-elect of the Rotary Club of Bettendorf, Iowa, he wanted to analyze what factors helped the club succeed. He calls what he found the "secret sauce" of membership growth. It has, he says, three ingredients:
Invite people to join.
Connect with them.
And engage them in projects that serve the community.
That secret sauce must be making Rotary membership in Bettendorf a tasty proposition. Read more to find out how.....
Early in the new year, Rotary International sees a big increase in inquiries about joining Rotary. District and club leaders, remember to follow up with these prospective members to ensure that they have a positive experience. You can gain a better understanding of how to turn leads into members by taking the Online Membership Leads course. Use the Refer a new member form if you know someone who might be interested in joining. The updated form allows all Rotary members to refer a prospective member to their own club or to a different club.
Many clubs face challenges related to three things: attracting new members, keeping members engaged, and finding meaningful ways to contribute to their communities. Use the Club Planning Assistant to get tailored advice for addressing your club’s challenges. Club leaders, you’ll receive an instant response with links to the resources we recommend to help you address your club’s most pressing challenges. You can then build these suggested strategies into your club’s membership plan.
New and different club models will attract diverse leaders to Rotary.Rotary clubs continue to demonstrate their value by staying connected to members and responding to changing needs in the community. Read about clubs around the world who are finding ways to adapt to new challenges and meeting online. Use these resources to increase your club's value:......
New Webinar Series! Cultivating Effective Projects
Join us for the Cultivating Effective Projects webinar series: All Rotary members are invited to participate in an exciting five-part webinar series designed to support you as you cultivate effective projects that will create a sustainable impact in your community and around the world. These webinars will offer tools and strategies to help you plan, find resources for, implement, and evaluate your projects, including youth service projects. Dates: March 23; April 6; April 20; May 4; and May 18
Learn more about the specific topics and register now:....... Please Read more...
Richard Mewhinney met with PDG Ron Dick, PDG Bob Wallace, and Prince Kumar to initiate a trial of a project board utilizing the Rotary Showcase as a platform. We need the help of every club in District 7070 to add projects to the Rotary Showcase. They will not only appear on the Project Database for the entre Rotary world to see (and perhaps help you with your project) but also act as part of our Rotary District 7070 Project Board. Log into MyRotary , go to the online tools and click Rotary Showcase. Rotary members and program participants are improving lives in communities around the world every day through thousands of service projects. Explore the good work that we’re doing locally and globally, and share these projects through social media.
Posted by Ron Denham, Past District 7070 Governor and Director and Chair Emeritus WASH Rotary Action Group
Need help with your WASH project—here’s how!!
The Rotary club of LaSalle-Centennial wanted to support the RC of Mzuzu (Malawi) to bring water to a rural community, but the cost was more than the club, and its partners could raise. Enter the Canadian Rotarian Water Foundation (CRWF). In discussing the project with Elvira DiGesu-Iarusso, of the LaSalle club, the CRWF team realised that one of the goals was to bring safe water to a village clinic serving 700 households. It qualified for funding under CRWF’s WASH in HCF (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, in Health Care Facilities) program. This program offers up to $Cdn 8000 or 10% of the project value, whichever is the lesser, for any WASH project bringing safe water, sanitation and/or hygiene to a hospital, clinic or nursing station, in which a Canadian Rotary club plays a significant role........
Posted by Courtney Doldron, Rotary Club of Willowdale
Imagine communities where every child has access to quality education. In many countries, across all education levels, children with disabilities are more likely than their peers to be out of school. World-wide, an estimated 1 of 3 children not attending school have a disability. Throughout Africa, less than 10% of children with a disability are enrolled in primary school (WHO, World Bank) School access and participation can be hindered by factors such as a lack of understanding of student needs, trained teachers, absence of classroom support or accessible facilities (UNICEF)
Rotarians are mobilized to ensure that all children in their communities do have access to education - no mater their abilities. In this issue of the BELRAG newsletter, learn about Rotarians in Brazil who are providing an innovative therapeutic approach to enable children with Downs Syndrome learn to read. Rotarians in Medellin Colombia are using distance education to provide access to learning for students with Spina Bifida. Travel with Rotarians from Tasmania as they support blind and deaf students in Nepal. It is inspiring to learn of the variety and the scope of BEL programs that Rotarians support to ensure that every child can go to school and learn to his or her fullest ability.
Enjoy this BELRAG Newsletter and let it inspire you to Imagine Rotary's Impact for Learning!
Posted by Courtney Doldron, Rotary Club of North York
Please scroll down and see just some of the highlights of the March 2023 RAGFP Newsletter. Be sure to check out their website for even more info, and how to join. https://rotaryactiongroupforpeace.org .....
Our 3rd Annual Great Lakes Watershed Cleanup Event (GLWC) is quickly approaching! Please mark your calendar for Saturday April 22 (Earth Day). More information to come from your District Environmental Action Committee. Thank you - Dan Coombes - Chair GLWC (dancoombes4@gmail.com)
What is your club doing ? At The Second Marsh in Oshawa, Ontario, the Rotary Clubs of Oshawa, Oshawa-parkwood and Courtice are helping the Friends of The Second Marsh. The SECOND MARSH is a 137 ha coastal wetland located in the southeast portion of Oshawa, (Regional Municipality of Durham), Ontario, Canada. The combination of Second Marsh with the adjacent areas of McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve and Darlington Provincial Park represents nearly 400 hectares, one of the largest publicly accessible waterfront spaces available in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). It is located on the north shore of Lake Ontario in a major urban center, and is unique in being the largest remaining wetland in the GTA.
Rotary is dedicated to causes that build international relationships, improve lives, and create a better world. Our areas of focus address some of the world’s most critical and widespread humanitarian needs.
Posted by Meg Schmieder , Community Program Coordinator, ShelterBox Canada
In her April 2023 Newsletter, Meg Schmeider, Community Program Coordinator at ShelterBox Canada, provides an update on how Rotararact and Shelterbox are working in Turkiye. Here's more of her newsletter.....
Posted by Karen Somerville, Toronto East Rotary Club
Toronto East Rotary is holding a fundraiser in support of ShelterBox Canada and its work in Türkiye following the deadly earthquake. The event will be held on Saturday, April 15th, 2023, 6:30, at the Eastminster Campus of East End United, at 310 Danforth Avenue (a block from Chester subway).
Posted by John Currie, Executive Director, Honouring Indigenous People
Here is the latest Honouring Indigenous People Rotary News and Events, projects, blogs, photos, films, and resources. There are many major initiatives and resources available to you and your Rotary club. Your Club can help. Our District 7070 Action Committee's Areas of Focus Coordinator is Bill Empey from the Rotary Club of Toronto If you have a good news story, please send it to Bill. Here are some highlights .........
Attention - Rotarians and Rotoractors! Interested in helping our district youth? Want to make lifelong friendships? The District Rotary Youth Exchange Committee welcomes you to join us! We meet monthly to select and support our District’s Rotary Youth Exchange Inbound and Outbound Students. Contact PDG Beth Selby (selbyandvail@gmail.com) or Trevor Hagerman (trevorshelley2020@gmail.com).
Rotaract club presidents are now able to report current and incoming secretaries, treasurers, and committee chairs to Rotary International. Reporting these appointments will help assure your club leaders get the latest news and resources to support club-led activities. Log in to My Rotary and access the Club Administration section of your account.
Here are a few ideas from Rotary International for strengthen Rotary's brand...
Making Rotary's public image a priority:
As a Rotary public image advocate, you help others understand who we are and how we make a difference. Publicizing your club’s efforts and sharing the impact you make helps attract members, volunteers, and donors. Thank you for making public image a priority and strengthening Rotary's brand.
Brand News is a newsletter about public image and branding sent quarterly to Rotary leaders. If you know someone who would like to receive it, please have them write to pr@rotary.org
It's TIME TO GET YOUR CLUB NOTICED. Prospective members are checking YOU out - What will they see? Don't be left behind. REGISTER TODAY. To assist the Rotary Clubs of District 7070 GET NOTICED, at the request of District Governor Iosif Ciosa, the District Public Relations Committee is continuing the Rotary Club ClubRunner Website Refresh Program and Promotional Half Back Discount, NOW available for your club in 2022-23.The first 25 Rotary clubs have completed the refresh program in 2021-22. These club websites are getting noticed by the public and by potential members. When a prospective member looks to join a club, they look at your club website. REGISTER TODAY. Please Read more.......
About The Course: Social media offers a powerful way to promote Rotary and your club to people who are already involved, as well as to partner organizations, possible donors, and prospective members. Learn the basics of using various social media platforms and how to create posts that will connect with people.
Other courses you can take: Building Rotary's Public Image; The Rotary brand; Promoting Your Club as People of Action; Our Logo: Representing Rotary; Public Relations and Your Club
Posted by Rotary International President Jennifer Jones
Nearly a decade ago, while I was the chair of the Strengthen Rotary’s Brand Committee, we conducted in-depth research to better understand how the public viewed Rotary, our members, and our work. What we learned was that we needed to reposition the Rotary brand by focusing on clear, consistent messages and a unified visual identity. Based on the committee’s recommendation, the Board of Directors approved new brand guidelines, which included how clubs should use the Rotary logo.......
Rotary’s public image is shaped by the actions of every member, from how we conduct ourselves in meetings to how we represent Rotary at events and respond to needs in our communities. The club public image committee’s role is to create and implement a plan to tell Rotary’s local story, promote the club’s activities in the area, and raise awareness of Rotary’s work around the world. This list will help you assess how well your committee is shaping Rotary’s image.
Check the Club Public Image Checklist. See how many checks you have accomplished , and start working on the rest of the checks. Here is the checklist.
Posted by David Andrews, Chair, District 7070 Public Image Committee
I have noticed that some Rotary Clubs in our District are altering the Rotary logo for use in the marketing and promotion of their various events and projects.
This sends the wrong signal to the public. Many do not know who we are now and with different “looks” to our logo just makes it worse. Please use the Rotary Voice and Visual Guidelines ( see : https://my.rotary.org/en/document/tell-rotarys-story-voice-and-visual-identity-guidelines-rotarians ) and USE ONLY THE ONE ROTARY LOGO in your marking and public relations initiatives. That would include your website , all social media sites and any signs you may have created. We continue to strive for One clear consistent look and message in all that we do, to ensure that everyone knows our “Rotary” message.....
Posted by Past RI President Holger Knaack and Past TRF Chair Ravi Ravindran
Here is a letter from Past Rotary International President Holger Knaack and Past Rotary Foundation Chair of the Trustees Ravi Ravindran. It is a Call To Action. It is more relative in 2023 than ever before. They are asking Rotary, Rotaract and Interact clubs to update their logos to align with our brand standards. This means using the template in the Rotary Brand Center to create a club logo and then using it consistently, like on club websites, social media accounts, and signage, to name a few.......
Rotary’s social and digital media specialist offers some tips: Social media makes expanding your club’s reach easier than ever, but how? There are tips, tricks, and tools for creating content for social platforms, and the goal is simple: connection. A well-built social media presence will help you create connections in your community and beyond, from building awareness of your club’s presence to showcasing its success. To help boost your social media savvy, we’ve put together the following eight tips and tools. — HANNAH SHAW.....
Posted by Julie Johnson, District 9510 Rotary Public Image Chair
When your club makes public image a priority, be prepared to see engagement rise. Showcasing how your projects make an impact in the community and touch people's lives gives the public an understanding of what Rotary does. Even better, it inspires people to get involved, says Julie Johnson, District 9510 Rotary Public Image Chair.....
Short instructional videos make learning new skills or navigating websites easier. That’s why we’ve created “Getting Started,” which walks you through the recently updated Brand Center home page. The video will also show you how to save assets to your computer, share items, access the tools you need to create professional communications, and more. You’ll find the “Getting Started” video on the Brand Center home page. Watch it today!
With the rise of social media and the decline of attention spans, the use of images to attract an audience is key. Photos are ideal captivators, whether for a social media post, flyer, ad, or brochure. For your People of Action stories, you’ll want images that instantly convey the good work your club members are doing....
Calling all District 7070 Rotary, Rotaract, and Interact clubs! Increase your club’s visibility. Tag us in all appropriate social media posts (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter) so we can share your news and events. We have lots of followers who would like to see your posts!
District Social Media Tags: Facebook: @rotary7070 Instagram: @rotaryd7070 Twitter: @rotary7070
Follow all Rotary International social media accounts and be sure to turn on notifications. This way, you won’t miss a post. And follow all Rotary District 7070 Facebook, Instagram and Twitter posts and share them on your social media pages. There is more....
Posted by Evan Burrell, a member of the Rotary Club of Turramurra, New South Wales, Australia
Maybe you spent much of last year banging away on social media to gain exposure for your club (because everyone says you should), but you felt like you were getting nowhere fast. It’s still early in the year. Why not take a step back, make an honest assessment of your approach, and determine what you could do better.
Here are six social media resolutions I think you should make this year to elevate your club’s social media exposure......
Posted by Evan Burrell, a member of the Rotary Club of Turramurra, New South Wales, Australia
Did you know more than a billion people use social media every day?
Social media is readily accessible, instantaneous, cost effective and user friendly. It offers your Rotary club a fantastic opportunity to communicate more effectively with members and supporters and can energize the way you promote your club and find new members.
Here are just a few examples of ways your club can use social media:
Posted by Melissa Ward, Rotary Club of Twin Bridges, Southern Saratoga, New York, USA and chair of the Rotarians on Social Networks Fellowship
A Facebook page gives your club a voice on Facebook. With so much other “noise” on social media, there are several things you can do to raise your club’s page above the distractions. ......
Posted by Evan Burrell, a member of the Rotary Club of Turramurra, New South Wales, Australia
The most engaging posts on social media are the ones that include images. That isn’t a statement, it’s a fact! Out of all of the social media networks, I have to say Instagram is my favorite. Why? Because photos equal fun! Although Facebook is currently the most popular social network, other platforms have been gaining ground, especially visual platforms like Instagram, which allows users to share photos after applying edits and digital filters. After uploading your photo, you can share it on your club’s social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook. Instagram is awesome when it comes to showing your creativity and it has 300 million active users.
So why should your club be on Instagram? Because “a picture is worth a thousand words.” There are so many things you can do with photos to showcase your vibrant club and promote Rotary. Before your jump in:
Posted by Rob MacArthur, District 7070 Public Image Committee
In the Summer of 2020, we asked Rob MacArthur, our District 7070 Public Image Public Investigator to carry out an investigation on all 55 Rotary clubs with respect to their club's Public Image. Rob looked at your club's basic web site setup as well as social media channels and the way they were being used. A spreadsheet of the results was made available for our District Leadership Team and Assistant Governors to look at in the Fall of 2020. The Pie Chart included shows a graphical representation of the results. Where do you "think" your club fits in this chart? What is the Image that the public have, about your club? ASK ROB.... Please Read more....
Posted by David Andrews, Chair, District 7070 Public Image Committee
District 7070 Public Image Committee is calling for both Rotaractors and Rotarians in the District to join the District Public Image Committee. Our scope is to boost Rotary's Public Image and to assist Rotary Clubs in D7070 to do the same.
We are looking for Rotaractors and Rotarians who have experience in the field of Public Relations, Social Media platforms, and news writing. We want you to use those attributes to assist clubs and our Committee . Are you that Rotarian? Are you that Rotaractor? If you are interested, please contact Dave Andrews at dave.f.andrews99@gmail.com and we can set up a time to chat about your interests.
Be sure to see the Public Image menu tab on our District Website and check out our District Facebook Page , Twitter account and Instagram account and this Dsitrict Newsletter too, for some idea of what we do.
Do you have events or fundraisers that you want other clubs to know about? Perhaps a project with which you need their assistance? Here are just three ways you can get your event, your message , a story about your club, or your "ask for help" out to your neighbouring Rotary Clubs, RIGHT HERE IN THIS NEWSLETTER:........
Due to the SELL OUT of our last very successful Rotary event featuring Joshua Jay at Jokers in Richmond Hill, we are doing it again on Thursday, May 4th with new (and better, is that possible?) talent. The funds raised will go to the North York food bank and help in paying for the trees our club plants every spring along the Don Valley IN Willowdale. Rotary is our community.
The event will be at Jokers in Richmond Hill and start at 6 pm for those that want to have dinner and a drink (not included in the ticket price) before the show that starts at 8:30 pm. See the attachment and the video link below. The ticket price for the show is $60 each and you can NOW purchase them online!!
Posted by Mark Blackmore, Secretary, Rotary Club of G.O.A.L.S.
Rotary Club of G.O.A.L.S. is hosting its first annual Rotary Softball Tournament fundraiser to raise funds for Global Medic's work in Ukraine and local projects on Saturday, July 29, in Whitby. Rotarians, their family, and friends are encouraged to participate in this day of fun, fellowship, and exercise all to raise funds and awareness for a great cause! It's an inclusive experience where rules are geared for participation and fun - no previous playing experience needed! Teams and individual registrations are both welcome!
Please email Rotary Club of G.O.A.L.S. at RotaryClubOfGoals@gmail.com or call/text at 905 626 8742 by March 15 to make inquiries!
The Rotary Citation awards recognize the hard work clubs do throughout the year. Taking action toward achieving the citation goals helps clubs engage their members, stay relevant in their communities, and run more efficiently. A welcoming and engaging club also reflects the values of Rotary. When clubs achieve citation goals, they contribute to the overall health and culture of Rotary for generations to come.Your Rotary, Rotaract, or Interact club can earn a Rotary Citation for achieving goals that strengthen Rotary and your club. Goals include increasing club membership, developing sustainable service projects, giving to The Rotary Foundation, and building awareness of Rotary in your community.
Posted by Lars Henriksson, Past District 7070 Governor
COVID has thrown a wrench in many Clubs’ plans. As we are returning step by step to a more normal life, it may be time to also look at the plans for the future for our Clubs. Club Visioning offers a process to develop an Action Plan for the Club. Each member of the Club is invited to participate, and the session can be either on-line or in person. Interested? Please, contact Lars Henriksson at pdglars.henriksson@gmail.com to find out more about the Club Visioning program.
Rotary Clubs, like most other organizations, will benefit from having a plan for the next couple of years. What are your goals? What do you want your Club to be like - two or three years down the road?
Strategic planning consists more or less of these three steps.
A description of where you are now, the Club’s status.
As a group, you and your club members decide what and where you want to be in two, three years.
By developing an Action Plan, you and your club members map out how to reach your goals.
Posted by Past District Governor , Bob Wallace, Chair District 7070 Technology Team
This is to introduce the District 7070 Technology team. Let's meet our team members. We are a team that can provide answers to any of your queries about MY ROTARY, CLUBRUNNER, ZOOM, and social media.
If you have any questions or problems that we can help with please contact me.
If your club would like any training in these areas, also please let us know. We recognize that these software programs are a great help and want you to get the most out of them.......
We now have a new and refreshed District 7070 Website. Be sure to take a look at the change over the next short period of time. Be sure to register for your club's website refresh too. In the meantime, check out the resources and articles available to you today. Use them on your club website, and as posts in your social media accounts.
Have you checked out the up-to-the-minute scrolling stories that you can share with your members and post on to your club website and social media pages? Have you checked out the new concise menu tabs? Have you seen all of the links at the bottom of the page? There's more good news here... Please Read more.....
Rotary International Zones 28 & 32 (formerly Zones 24 & 32) is a community of Rotarians, spanning two languages, four countries and seven time zones: Bermuda, Canada, France and the United States. It is you and me.
The Zone Website is filled with news from around the Rotary world, and even in our own backyard. Please take a look at theZone websiteand you will find monthly Beyond Borders Newsletters, letters from our Rotary leaders, dates and sites of our Rotary Zone Conferences which you can attend, Rotary events in our own backyard, Resources on membership, The Rotary Foundation and Public Image, and a section called Great Ideas To Share (Best Practices you can use and share with your members), membership webinars , and up to the minute news and download files. Enjoy.
The speakers at the 2023 Rotary Convention in Melbourne are transforming health care, advancing the cause of peace, and working to protect our environment.
al Edition of the District 7070 Membership Newsletter for the spring of 2023.
With Environmental Sustainability taking root within Rotary as the 7th Area of Focus, Rotary has designated April 2023 as the Environment Month. Check the link below to see what Rotarians around the world are doing to improve the health of planet.
Rotary Zone 28 & 32 Finally, our Alaska "Life on Land" symposium has been postponed until August 31-September 3, 2023, at the Anchorage Sheraton and Spa, with 3 days pre and post-event opportunities. 
In his Arpil 2023 letter to Rotarians, Past District Governor Bob Wallace, Chair of the District 7070 Rotary Foundation Committee, encourages every Rotarian to set and meet their club and personal goals and make a conscious effort to make a donation to The Rotary Foundation, whatever you can afford, to the Annual Programs Fund, the PolioPlus Fund, the Disaster Response Fund, and to the Endowment Fund. .....
Past District Governor Mike Cooksey once told me that if you want more Rotary members, you have to ask. He told everyone he saw to "Get your Ask in Gear". His words certainly reflect one of the Strategic Plans that District 7070 has this year. Our goal is to receive 100 inquires from the "Join Us" or "Interested In Joining Us?" button on the District 7070 Website. Here is our challenge to your club: By the end of this Rotary year we want over 40 Rotary Clubs have a "Join Us" or "Interested In Joining Us?" button on their own club website AND have a "member conversion process" from these inquiries. It's up to you.
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Here is the latest Honouring Indigenous People Rotary News and Events, projects, blogs, photos, films, and resources. There are many major initiatives and resources available to you and your Rotary club. Your Club can help. Our District 7070 Action Committee's Areas of Focus Coordinator is Bill Empey from the Rotary Club of Toronto If you have a good news story, please send it to Bill. Here are some highlights .........
Rotaract club presidents are now able to report current and incoming secretaries, treasurers, and committee chairs to Rotary International. Reporting these appointments will help assure your club leaders get the latest news and resources to support club-led activities. Log in to My Rotary and access the Club Administration section of your account.
Calling all District 7070 Rotary, Rotaract, and Interact clubs! Increase your club’s visibility. Tag us in all appropriate social media posts (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter) so we can share your news and events. We have lots of followers who would like to see your posts!
The Rotary Citation awards recognize the hard work clubs do throughout the year. Taking action toward achieving the citation goals helps clubs engage their members, stay relevant in their communities, and run more efficiently. A welcoming and engaging club also reflects the values of Rotary. When clubs achieve citation goals, they contribute to the overall health and culture of Rotary for generations to come.
Rotary International Zones 28 & 32 (formerly Zones 24 & 32) is a
