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 even more of the latest news about Rotary here in southern Ontario and around the world.
Posted by Virginia O'Reilly , District 7070 Governor , 2024-254
In her December 2024 Newsletter, District 7070 Governor Virginia O'Reilly has been WOWed by the Magic of Rotary stories Rotarians have shared with her, their own Members and visitors. Virginia asks that we all share our Magic of Rotary stories. What a wonderful way to spread awareness for all the good we do as Rotarians ....... .
Posted by Stephanie Urchick, Rotary International President 2024-25
In President Stephanie Urchick's December 2024 Newsletter, she talks about how having to adapt, as laid out in Rotary’s Action Plan, we must occasionally step out of our comfort zone and try something new. Shoe provides us with two examples of clubs that adapted — one with heart and one through critical thinking and strategy - to engage members and grow membership. Stephanie encourages you to reach out to members of your club and of the community around you. Ask them about the club experience and what you can do to improve. ........
Posted by Mark Daniel Maloney, Chair of the Trustees , Rotary Foundation 2024-25
In the Chair of the Trustees of The Rotary Foundation (and Rotary International Past President) Mark Daniel Maloney's December 2024 Newsletter, Mark asks us to consider giving a gift with an enduring impact, one that extends beyond these holidays, lasting for generations. Gifts to The Rotary Foundation Endowment are extraordinary gifts that create extraordinary change. By supporting Rotary’s Endowment, you help ensure that RI will have the resources it needs to develop and implement sustainable projects today and in the years to come. Mark says, " Our Endowment is only strong when we all support it. Because it is essential to our success, we have set an ambitious goal: to build our Endowment to $2.025 billion in net assets and commitments by June 30, 2025. ".......
Posted by Christine Etienne, 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 has been transitioned to an interactive blog style format that will be managed and moderated by the Zone leadership team. Look for the "In The Zone" November 2024 video from Christine Etienne, our Rotary International Director, in our December 2024 District 7070 Newsletter , Chris and all of the members of the Zone 28 and 32 committees bring holiday greetings . ..
Editor's Note : As soon as Chris' "In The Zone" December 2024 video is available, it will be inserted into the District 7070 December Newsletter that appears on our Rotary District 7070 website and also on the Rotary Zone 28 and 32 website . ....... Please Read more...
What is your Rotary Club doing to focus your efforts on Disease Prevention and Treatment?
Rotary's top priority is the eradication of polio, but our members take on far greater responsibilities to fight disease. They set up health camps and training facilities in undeveloped countries and in communities struggling with HIV/AIDS and malaria. They also design and build the infrastructure for doctors, nurses, governments, and partners to reach the one in six people in the world who can't afford to pay for healthcare.....
Posted by District 7070 Governor Virginia O'Reilly
District 7070 is looking for Rotarians who are interested in leading our District as Governor in the 2027-28 Rotary year – July 1, 2027 to June 30, 2028.
All Rotary Clubs in District 7070 are invited to submit suggestions to me on or before Friday, January 10th, 2025. Nomination forms should be scanned and sent by email to vorontheroad@gmail.com. Receipt of each form will be made by return email. Please retain the original form. Please use the attached nomination form, noting that each club may suggest only one of its own members as a candidate for the position of Governor-Nominee (term of office begins July 1, 2027) as per Rotary International By-Law 12.030.3. Also attached are District Election Guidelines provided by Rotary International. As per District 7070 Policies & Procedures Point 5.4.2, page 5 of 22, such a submission shall be in the form of a resolution, adopted at a regular meeting of the club, properly certified by the secretary, and accompanied by a resume or biographical sketch of the suggested Rotarian
Duly-nominated candidates will be interviewed on the morning of Saturday January 25th, 2025 in Meeting Room 2 at the Whitby Public Library. ....
November 14, 2024 was a special day at Queen’s University, Kingston. It was 2024 Queen’s University Kingston Convocation Fall Conferrals.
Our very own Jennifer Jones, Past Rotary International President was conferred a Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree from Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario and now Dr. Jennifer Jones in recognition for her non-tiring work in making our world a better, safer and just place through Rotary. Gordon Dowsley (from The Rotary Club of Oshawa and Dr. William “Bill” Leggett nominated Jennifer for this prestigious recognition......
This month is December - Disease Prevention & Treatment Month and here is the "Course of the Month" from the Rotary Learning Center. We are asking YOU to focus on a course that aligns with the theme of the month. We encourage you to take the course so that you have a better understanding and become even more effective in the success of your club. .
Here is the course: The Importance of Eradication Polio: Course description: Eradicating polio is Rotary's top humanitarian priority. Since Rotary and our partners formed the Global Polio Eradication Initiative in 1988, the incidence of wild polio cases has decreased by 99.9%. But polio anywhere in the world puts children everywhere at risk. Learn about why it’s so important that we maintain our efforts to end polio and how you can take action.
Log in to MyRotary , under the Knowledge and Resources tab , scroll down and click on the Learning Center, and View The Rotary Foundation Courses and you will see this course listed there. Click on the course and Enjoy !!
The Rotary magazine Photo Awards return in the June 2025 issue. It’s your chance to share your vision of the world, be it in glorious color or classic black and white. Members of Rotary and their families may submit photos until 31 December. But don’t wait: Send us your images today. Submit your photos at rotary.org/photoawards.
2025 Rotary Rose Parade Committee Float Theme: On The Road With Rotary
Every year, the Rotary Rose Parade Float Committee has a viewing audience of over 41 million households in the United States and 28 million households around the world in more than 243 countries/ territories - Rotary's biggest Public Image event every year . The Tournament estimates that more than 700,000 are present live on the parade route, over 22,000 view the floats as they are decorated; and almost 122,000 view the post-parade floats. That's what we call boosting Rotary's public image . Tune into KTLA for the best coverage of the Parade and see the 2025 Rotary Rose Parade Float on January 1, 2025 as early as 10 am (Toronto Time). Read more for the rest of the story ......
Posted by Rotary Club of Scarborough Passport President Dr. Raffy Chouljian
Brush-a-mania is a not-for-profit program designed to promote oral health and awareness among young children from Junior Kindergarten to grade 6. It was started in 2001 by the Scarborough Rotary Passport Club and has already reached over 650,000 students. Our purpose is to educate and motivate children and to bring together dentists, Rotarians, teachers and parents to create a celebration around proper dental care. Read more about this great project and see how you and your Rotary Club can help next year.....
One year after earthquakes struck Turkey and Syria – the deadliest to hit the region in 80 years – Rotary staffers traveled to Turkey to see the relief efforts for themselves. Listen to the two-part podcast on Rotary Voices.
District Governor Elect NIECY DILLON TYROVOLAS INVITES YOU TO 2025 DISTRICT 7070 CONFERENCE on OCTOBER 24-26, 2025.
We are thrilled to announce DGE Niecy Dillon's 2025 Conference at the beautiful Fern Resort in Orillia. Take this opportunity to book your ticket for fun and fellowship by copying this link.
Registrations are now open. Rooms are limited - only 102 of them - many of them on the waterfront and are suitable for singles, doubles and groups. We do hope that you will join us.
Stephanie A. Urchick, 2024-25 Rotary International president, is asking district and club leaders to focus on peace this year and build on Rotary’s long history of peacebuilding. Connect with others who are committed to this cause at the 2025 Rotary Presidential Peace Conference, Healing in a Divided World. Urchick will lead this special one-time event in Istanbul, Türkiye, 20-22 February. Topics will include peace in a polarized world; making peace last; technology, media, and peacebuilding; and environmental issues in peacebuilding. The conference will also recognize the launch of our newest Rotary Peace Center, in partnership with Bahçeşehir University in Istanbul. Learn more.
A note from District Governor Virginia O'Reilly: The 2018 Rotary International Convention was a blast in Toronto! And we have another one in Canada!! Expect an exhilarating journey of connections and inspiration at the 2025 Rotary International Convention in Calgary! Engage in riveting discussions, learn from distinguished speakers, exchange best practices, discover innovative projects, and form lifelong connections with fellow Rotarians from around the world. Take part in this transformative event and experience the Magic All Around at the 2025 Rotary International Convention in Calgary, Canada 21-25 June 2025. Register by 15 December to take advantage of the early registration discount!
For more information, CLICK HERE! And watch this video from Convention Chair Bryn Styles to see why everyone should join us in Calgary!
Posted by Tracy Varvek, Zone 28 and Zone 32 Promotions Team
The Calgary Convention Information session on November 18th was a wonderful event. So many Rotarians joined us! Many have asked for the link to the recording to share with others. It is available here.
We appreciate your questions and have added the links below so you can easily access the details! ......
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 Current Chair of District 7070 Rotary Foundation Committee
In his December 2024 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. Are you a member of the Paul Harris Society OR the PolioPlus Society? Did you attend the November 16 Rotary Foundation Grant Qualification Seminar? Please Read more.........
We’re writing to address recent media coverage that has misrepresented an unfortunate legal matter. We encourage you to discuss the following information with members of your club who may have questions or concerns.
At the same time, we are actively engaging with Canadian media to clarify these misunderstandings. If a member of the media contacts you regarding this matter, please refer them to Rotary International’s Media Relations Lead Michael VanDam at Michael.VanDam@rotary.org, so we can ensure clear and consistent communication......
At the Rotary District 7070 Conference , on October 26, Bob Wallace and Jim Louttit announced a new Rotary District 7070 Goal for The Rotary Foundation called "The Magic of Millions". Our goal is to raise, by June 30, 2025, is $1 million . Please appoint an ambassador for your club to help you promote the Magic of Millions . Throughout the year, please encourage your members to donate to : the Annual Programs Fund, the Polio Fund, The Disaster Response Fund and to the Endowment Fund. Come to the Rotary Foundation Grants Seminar in Oshawa on November 16 to find out even more how you can help us reach that Magic of Millions.
For the 16th consecutive year, The Rotary Foundation has received the highest rating — four stars — from Charity Navigator, an independent evaluator of charities in the U.S. The Foundation earned the recognition for adhering to sector best practices and executing its mission in a financially efficient way, demonstrating both strong financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency. “We are delighted to provide the Rotary Foundation with third-party accreditation that validates their operational excellence,” said Michael Thatcher, president and CEO of Charity Navigator. “The Four-Star Rating is the highest possible rating an organization can achieve. We are eager to see the good work that the Rotary Foundation is able to accomplish in the years ahead.”
Charity Navigator analyzes nonprofit performance based on four key indicators, referred to as beacons. Currently, nonprofits can earn scores for the impact and results, accountability and finance, culture and communities, and leadership and adaptability. Charity Navigator is the largest and most utilized independent charity evaluator in the U.S. Since 2001, the organization has been an unbiased and trusted source of information for more than 11 million donors annually.
Posted by Past District Governor Lars Henriksson, Chair, District 7070 Rotary Foundations Grants Committee
On Saturday, November 16, 2024, some 75 members from 30 Rotary Clubs in District 7070 spent time in Oshawa, learning about the Rotary Foundation and its grants program. Those who attended the program to the end will count towards their Clubs’ qualification for the 2025-26 Rotary year to take part in District and Global Grant project next year.
Clubs that want to apply for Rotary Foundation District or Global Grants must be qualified. District 7070 is requiring interested Clubs to have at least two of its members take the training, which can be either attending the Oshawa workshop or complete the online training, which will be launched March 1, 2025. In addition, the President and President Elect of a Club must submit a signed copy of the MOU – Memorandum of Understanding – to the District......
Posted by Lars Henriksson, Past District Governor and District 7070 Rotary Foundation Grants Chair
Everyone working on a Global Grant application is looking to add DDF – District Designated Funds – to the funding of the project. Without DDF, the Rotary Foundation will not provide any funds to the project.
D7070 has guidelines for matching Club cash contribution with our DDF. At the same time, the amount of DDF the District has is limited. It is based on the funds we raised three years back for the Annual Fund. There are also many areas where we can and want use our DDF.
Effective immediately, we are therefore requiring everyone looking for DDF to a Global Grant project to complete and submit a DDF Request Form. The form is available on the District’s website, under the Rotary Foundation tab.. Projects that have not submitted a DDF Request Form run the risk of not receiving any DDF.
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 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 Paul Harris Society, we will make a significant difference in our world.
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....
Congratulations to the Rotary Clubs of Oshawa-Parkwood and Oshawa and the World Polio Day Committee for hosting the 6th annual World Polio Day Live from the Rotary Global Classroom at Durham College in Oshawa, Ontario Canada on October 18, 2024, on behalf of all 10 of the Durham Region Rotary Clubs where we will celebrated World Polio Day with leaders from around the world, hosted by the Rotary Clubs of Oshawa and Oshawa-Parkwood, and Durham College. We watched Stephanie Urchick (Rotary International President 2024-25) and Mark Maloney (Chair of the Trustees of The Rotary Foundation 2024-25), Michael McGovern, Rotary’s International Polio Plus Chair who provided an update and our job ahead. he also was part of the distinguished panel that included Jennifer Jones (Rotary International President 2022-23), Valarie Wafer (Rotary International Director 2020-22, Rotary International Vice-President in 2021-22 and our very own Past District 7070 Governor 2013-14) and Dr Tunji Funsho (Member of the Rotary International PolioPlus Committee and member of the WHO Africa Region). The panel will answered questions and updated all of us about Rotary's efforts with our Global Polio Eradication initiative Partners to End Polio Now. be sure to see the photos in the photo ablub on the District 7070 website.
Start planning your 2024 World Polio Day event. Use the event guide in the Brand Center to help your club plan a successful event.
Forward this email to other members in your club. Encourage people to subscribe to the End Polio Now newsletter and thank those who have already done so! To opt in to the newsletter, people can sign in to My Rotary and select MANAGE SUBSCRIPTIONS on the Newsletters page.
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 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 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.
For Rotary leaders, putting the diverse skills of our members to good use can be the key to making an impact. The larger our organization, the greater the potential impact, so let’s work on growing Rotary and Rotaract membership. Find ideas for sustainable growth in the newly updated presentation on The State of Membership. The slide presentation shows how we’re doing as of 1 July, reveals the latest membership trends, and is easy to customize for your region. To learn more about the data in the presentation, play the recording of The State of Membership webinar. The comprehensive webinar, which covers various strategies for attracting and retaining members as well as establishing new clubs, is invaluable for anyone involved in managing membership.
Did you know that each year more than 30,000 people visit rotary.org/join and express interest in joining a Rotary or Rotaract club? Right now, these membership leads are sent to district leaders, who assign each one to the club that they think will best meet the person’s needs. To improve how all of this works for our club and district leaders, and to more quickly and easily connect prospective members with clubs, Rotary will launch a new membership leads management system this Rotary year. The new system, using technology from Salesforce, will connect prospective members with clubs based on their location and meeting preferences. Those prospective members will select the club that they find to be the best fit. That club’s president, membership chair, secretary, and executive secretary/director will then be notified by email that their club has a new lead and will be asked to contact the prospective member through the membership leads management system. District leaders will still be able to offer support if the match isn’t the right fit. Club and district leaders, watch for updates to learn when the new system is being launched.
Please read more form Brian King, Director of Membership Development, Rotary International.........
The experience your club offers people affects how they feel about the club. By asking members for feedback regularly and then responding to it, you’re showing your openness to change and empowering them to help create their ideal club experience. The Member Satisfaction Survey can help you gather feedback so you can use it to ensure that members are enjoying their experience.
WHAT YOU’LL GAIN : Conduct this assessment and act on its results to: • Identify what your members like and dislike about their club experience • Develop an action plan that builds on what people enjoy and that ends or changes what they don’t.
Just as routine doctor visits help people identify health risks before they become serious, Rotary’s club health check can diagnose problem areas and prescribe remedies. Club leaders will find a checklist to assess their club’s well-being in the areas of club experience, service and social events, members, image, and business and operations, along with an array of resources to treat any problem areas. Regularly consulting those resources can help maintain your club’s health and preserve its value for club members and the community. A few examples follow, but review the entire document through the website listed below to ensure you’re taking full advantage of these valuable tools.
Past District Governor Mike Cooksey once told me that if you want more Rotary members, you have to ask. He told every Rotarian he saw to "Get your Ask in Gear". His words certainly reflect one of the District 7070 Action Plans. 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 45 Rotary Clubs have a "Join Us" or "Interested In Joining Us?" button on their own club website AND for your club to have a "member conversion process" from these inquiries. It's up to you.
To see how we have done , Please Read more........
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. Clubs and districts can take many approaches to membership growth. Rotary research tells us the most important factor is a club experience that attracts prospective members and engages current ones. A strong identity can help your club offer that kind of experience. The recently updated Club Types, Formats, and Models resource describes the many combinations of experiences that Rotary and Rotaract clubs worldwide are adopting as their club identities. One type of club is a satellite club, which can be started by fewer members and supported by another club. You can learn more about satellite clubs in the updated Guide to Satellite Clubs. Further strategies for membership growth are outlined in the new Strengthening Your Membership guide. The newly updated presentation on The State of Membership covers the latest membership trends and offers sustainable growth ideas. Membership growth also requires us to tell others about Rotary. During Membership and New Club Development Month in August, several experts shared advice on crafting compelling Rotary stories. Read more on the Rotary Voices blog. Please Read more for even more resources......
The Service Project Center, Rotary’s new digital platform for service activities, has launched. It gives members more opportunities to manage service projects and share stories, best practices, and interests.
With the introduction of this platform, Rotary Showcase has been retired. All Rotary and Rotaract service projects have been transferred to the Service Project Center.
The Service Project Center is faster than the old system and offers a consistent experience across devices and screen sizes. It collects more accurate project location data and provides project management access to all club officers. Users can manage projects from mobile devices and easily share project links in email and on social media platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, and LinkedIn.
In the future, the platform will include a world map of projects, the ability to search for projects by language, and additional resources to help implement projects.
The Service Project Center is a significant asset in Rotary’s effort to engage participants more effectively and increase impact. Users can tell project stories more fully, demonstrating their effectiveness to potential members, partners, and donors. There are more opportunities to provide photos and details, making the project process more transparent and giving members more ways to feel pride in their results.
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
Here is just one example of the magic of Rotary from past District Governor Ted Morrison:
We started the current Kids Against Hunger by me (with 4 original clubs - the Rotary Clubs of Oshawa, Oshawa-Parkwood, Whitby, and Whitby Sunrise) in 2018 (adding Bowmanville and Ajax this year) . These events have packed 182,736 meals. This is impressive. However, even more impressive. The Ajax Rotary Club started back in 2014 and over the years they have packed 400,032 meals- that is fantastic!! Rotary clubs in our district hosted events dating back to 2012 have packed a whopping 1,307,448 meals.
We all should take pride in the support we have shown as Rotarians for assisting in feeding the people in need around the world. And that's the Magic of Rotary.
Posted by Ally Buck, Rotary and Community Fundraising Coordinator with ShelterBox Canada
Please welcome Ally Buck, the Rotary and Community Fundraising Coordinator with ShelterBox Canada. She is getting to know the Rotary Clubs and Rotarians that support ShelterBox. She is originally from Pictou County, Nova Scotia where she attended the Nova Scotia Community College’s Social Services/Community Development program. In 2018 she relocated to Kingston, Ontario to attend Queen’s University where she graduated with her BA in Global Development Studies and is a member of the Rotaract Club of Kingston.
Posted by Bill Empey - Honouring Indigenous People, Rotary District 7070 Coordinator
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, or want to help starting a project, please contact Bill. Here are some news highlights .........
Posted by Bill Empey, Honouring Indigenous People, District Coordinator, Rotary District 7070
Honouring Indigenous Peoples (HIP) continues to celebrate the success of the 2024 National Youth to Youth program in British Columbia. Our District Conference featured two, full breakout sessions highlighting the students and their experience. Many clubs have hosted the students and delighted in their stories. Listen to their excitement on this wonderful video; https://youtu.be/az5i0E-xtHM . See how participants, this year, made new friends, learned first-hand the experience of the elders and enjoyed hands-on opportunities for weaving, dancing and drumming. Returning, they feel a new sense of empowerment and talk about their roles as future leaders..
Rotary members provide Basic Education and Literacy to their home communities and communities around the world. Be sure to see the latest issues of the BELRAG newsletter, learn how Rotarians are committed to improving basic education and literacy. See our website for more information: https://belrag.org/. Thank you to Joan Barrett for linking us up with the Newsletters.
Enjoy past Newsletters as you support BEL programs..
Posted by Past District Governor Mark Chipman, Chair of District 7070 RYLS
Empowering young leaders to develop new skills and take action. The D7070 Rotary Youth Leadership Symposium gathers youth ranging from ages 16 to 20 for an immersive program focused on diversity, leadership, and action. The 2025 dates are April 10-13, 2025 at Ganaraska Forest Centre. we are accepting applications now until March 1, 2025. The cost is $399/participant, only $14 increase over last year - a great price point!
We hope this message finds you well and thriving in your service to our communities! As we continue to inspire and empower the next generation, we are excited to share an incredible opportunity that aligns perfectly with your Rotary values - the Rotary Youth Exchange program.
The Program is more than just an adventure. It’s a transformative experience that fosters international understanding, cultural appreciation, and personal growth. By promoting the Program with our District’s Rotary Clubs, we can provide young people the opportunity to explore a new culture, develop lifelong friendships, and enhance their leadership skills. .....
Rotary and Rotaract clubs can now designate a Programs for Young Leaders contact. And Interact club presidents can (with a parent’s consent) complete an optional self-registration form to receive resources and support directly from Rotary International. Both of these changes will help clubs and youth programs expand and grow stronger in part by enabling RI to distribute tools and information to club contacts. The Programs for Young Leaders contacts will stay connected with all of the youth programs their club sponsors, amplifying participants’ ideas and input and advocating for safe, inclusive programs. They will also serve as the main contact for any Interact clubs their club sponsors, attend Interact meetings, and find opportunities for Interactors to attend the sponsor club’s meetings and activities. Learn more about the Programs for Young Leaders contact. ....
Rotaractors now have access to Rotary Club Central — Rotary’s free and easy-to-use goal planning and tracking platform. Club leaders can use the tool to add and track goals, while club members can track their club’s progress. Rotaract clubs can also earn this year’s Rotaract Club Excellence Award (formerly the Rotary Citation*) by entering their goals directly into Rotary Club Central.
It’s not too late to start planning your club’s future. Determine what your club wants to achieve and then go to Rotary Club Central (rcc.rotary.org) to set annual goals that can help your club reach its vision.
*Immediate past officers: still have the details from your paper form? You can also log in, switch back to 2023-24 and enter your goals and achievements to help add to your club's historical data!
We are a new Rotaract club in the district. We are an e-club that spans over the entire district 7070. We’ve approached you today to let you know we are actively recruiting future Rotaractors. So if you know any individuals who might be interested feel free to get them to sign up using our sign-up sheet in our bio or by emailing us directly. We are looking forward to learning more and creating a partnership with your club. Feel free to reach us at rotaract7070eclub@gmail.com If interested.
Our goals:
- To give Rotaractors a home after they graduate from a university-based Rotaract club
- To address service area gaps in Rotaract programs
- To foster and grow Rotaract in the District
- To be a central club that allows for tracking numbers and coordinating large-scale events like the Rotaract District Conference
- To be an access point between Rotaract and Rotary Clubs
- To be an inclusive space that builds goodwill and better friendships
- To foster Rotarians of the future
- To be a fun club where young professionals and university students get to network, and develop under rotary.
We look for your support in making this a reality.
Additionally below is our Linktree containing our social media and Sign-up Sheet, please circulate it to your club and networks.
The last two District Conferences featured our exchange students, I am sure you are all wanting to get in on the fun and excitement and get YOUR OWN EXCHANGE STUDENT.
At the Stirling Rotary Clubhouse , the Rotary Clubs of Stirling, Trenton, Brighton & Campbellford held a joint information session for prospective outbound students. We had 16 interested students and most students brought both of their parents. If you need a copy of the live presentation please contact trevor@thlogistics.ca . Do you need more information ? Please contact co-chairs Beth Selby selbyandvail@gmail.comor Trevor Hagerman trevor@thlogistics.ca
If August 2025 might work for your club, please contact us TODAY .. we can do a presentation via Zoom or possibly in person visit to your club.
Chairs
Beth & Trevor
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).
Nearly a decade ago, while Jennifer Jones was the chair of the Strengthen Rotary’s Brand Committee, Rotary International 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 Rotary International Board of Directors approved new brand guidelines, which included how clubs should use the Rotary logo.......
Posted by Laura Spear, Rotary Zone 32 Public Image Coordinator
Dear District Governors, District Public Image Chairs in Zone 32, and everyone interested in Rotary Public Image,
Here is the monthly Public Image update for November / December:
Brand Center: New resources are always being added to the Brand Center. It should be your single source of truth for brand-compliant logos, brand elements, and templates.
Rotary's Public Service Announcement (PSA) campaign has reached millions of Americans through TV, radio, and print ads, with a total donated media value of $38.8 million and counting. Keep the momentum going by expanding PSA distribution in your area, through your own media connections, or by contacting local TV and radio station program directors. Learn more by downloading the How to Work with Media Outlets to Get Coverage for Your Club presentation from Brand Center and accessing the full suite of People of Action PSA campaign assets at the PSA Download Center.
Many members struggle to answer the question, "What is Rotary?" The Learning Center features a course called Promoting Your Club as People of Action. The People of Action narrative provides a simple and consistent answer and rallies us around a single idea.
The Learning Center has launched a new course, The Importance of Eradicating Polio. This course is a great resource for introducing members and your community to Rotary's polio eradication efforts.
The Rotary Foundation has a new thank you video (in Brand Center) for donors. You can share it with clubs or use it in public forums and fundraisers that focus on projects funded through district or global grants. (in Brand Center).
Starting in November, all Rotary member pins sold by licensed vendors will feature current Rotary branding. Members can still wear the old “Legacy Emblem” logo pins, but won’t be able to buy them. The Legacy Emblem’s retirement is an ideal opportunity for clubs and districts to review their logos and promotional materials to ensure the correct logo and logo lockups are being used. Visit the Brand Center to ensure your club is using the Rotary logo and logo lockups correctly. Access Your Logos and graphics.
For a better understanding of Rotary’s trademarks and wordmarks, take the new “Using Rotary’s Trademarks” course in the Learning Center (but first log into My Rotary, then type "Using Rotary's Trademarks" in the search bar). The course uses specific examples to explain how your club, district, or other Rotary entity can correctly use Rotary names and trademarks. After taking this course, you’ll have more confidence using Rotary’s trademarks when you plan events, promote your club, and create branded merchandise.
Posted by David Andrews, Chair, District 7070 Public Image Committee
The Rotary International Board of Directors has made it very clear. A brand is more than just a logo, but a logo is a big part of our visual identity. When the public sees it throughout their community, they begin to think of Rotary members as people of action. Using the same visual elements unites Rotary, Rotaract, and Interact and allows us, as a diverse global organization, to tell our story with one voice.
The RI Board of Directors is asking every club to update its logo to align with Rotary’s brand guidelines
Unfortunately,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 different “looks” to our logo just makes it worse. Please use the Rotary Brand Center ( see : https://brandcenter.rotary.org/en-us) and USE ONLY THE ONE ROTARY LOGO in your marketing and public relations initiatives. That would include your website , all social media sites and any signs you may have created.
A consistent voice and unified visual identity are essential components of a strong brand. Learn how to use Rotary’s communication and design elements to build awareness and recognition of Rotary and to tell the story of people of action. We continue to strive for One clear consistent look and message in all that we do, to ensure that everyone knows our “Rotary” message.....
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. Your 2024-25 Club President already has a copy. Here is the checklist.
Posted by Virginia O'Reilly, District 7070 Governor
To Rotarians in District 7070:
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 Virginia O'Reilly, the District Public Relations Committee is continuing the Rotary Club ClubRunner Website Refresh Program and Promotional Half Back Discount.
THIS PROGRAM IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR YOUR CLUB in 2024-25. Thirty-two of our District 7070 Rotary clubs have already completed the refresh program. These club websites are getting noticed by the public and by their potential members who are checking them out. When a prospective member looks to join a club, they look at YOUR club website. GET YOUR CLUB WEBSITE REFRESHED - REGISTER TODAY.
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? Here is what Rob found out... Please Read more....
Posted by David Andrews, Chair, District 7070 Public Image Committee
Our District 7070 Public Image Committee is calling for YOU (Rotaractors and Rotarians in the District) to join our 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 YOU, Rotaractors and Rotarians who have experience in the field of Public Relations, Social Media platforms, and news writing. We want you to use those very special talents to assist clubs and our Committee . Are you that Rotarian? Are you that Rotaractor? Are you 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 the District Newsletters 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:........
Have you purchased your tickets yet? Performance Date: Sunday, December 08, 2024 , 1:30 pm. Our 7th annual concert, featuring a diverse lineup of artists from across the Durham region in support of Feed the Need in Durham. Presented by the Rotary Clubs of Durham. All Ages. General Admission Seating. Doors 130PM. Show 2PM. Sponsored by the Rotary Clubs in Durham Region.
Planning and anticipation are key during a two-month concert countdown. Start by securing your tickets and marking the concert date on your calendar to ensure you don't miss out. Use this time to familiarize yourself with the artist's latest album and explore their past hits to enhance your concert experience. Consider organizing pre-concert gatherings with friends or fellow fans to build excitement and create lasting memories. Additionally, plan your concert outfit, keeping comfort and venue guidelines in mind. As the date approaches, confirm travel arrangements, whether it’s booking accommodations or planning transportation, to ensure a stress-free arrival. Lastly, keep an eye on the artist's social media channels for any updates or special announcements. Enjoy the countdown and get ready for an unforgettable musical experience!
For over a decade, Feed The Need In Durham has remained at the forefront of Durham Region’s response to food insecurity. Working in partnership with 65 hunger relief programs, hundreds of volunteers, and thousands of community supporters, Feed the Need in Durham distributes 2 million pounds of food each year. With your help, Feed the Need in Durham can provide nutritious meals to thousands of individuals who are experiencing food insecurity.
It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Joe Runza on 23rd of September 2024, a true champion for those facing cancer. Joe's dedication to supporting oncology patients at Michael Garron Hospital through the Skate-to-Ice-Cancer fundraiser has made a lasting impact on countless lives. His legacy of compassion and community spirit will continue to inspire us all. We invite you to join us for the Annual Skate-to-Ice-Cancer on Thursday, December 19th, 2024, at 9:30 am at the East York Memorial Arena. This event, which Joe founded seven years ago, helps provide short-term direct financial support for oncology patients at Michael Garron Hospital who are in need of assistance for basic living expenses during their treatment.....
Night of A Thousand Dinners – MARCH 6, 2025 - Proceeds to the Canadian Landmine Foundation , Officers' Mess, Colonel R. S. McLaighlin Armoury , 53 Simcoe Street North. SAVE THE DATE : Tickets price to be announced. Bar opens at 6 pm. Dinner at 7 pm. Fundraiser for Canadian Landmine Foundation by the Oshawa Rotary Club. Call Gordon Dowsley for tickets, when we have more info available at 905-576-3636 and at gdowsley@yahoo.com . Many Rotary Clubs in Canada support Canadian Landmine Foundation. Join us. See:https://canadianlandmine.org/ .....
In keeping with the Action Plan, we’re shifting our approach to knowledge and skill building by moving from a training model to a learning model. You will notice this shift in titles for various key roles within Rotary, such as club learning facilitator, district learning facilitator, and district learning committee. It’s more than just semantics. Training involves someone with information delivering that knowledge to a group of participants. Participant-centered learning is an active instructional approach in which a facilitator guides participants who build on their knowledge and experience to share ideas, reach a goal, or solve a problem. We’re putting participants at the center of the learning experience an empowering them to take ownership of their learning and development. Club, district, and regional leaders are encouraged to consider how this shift from training to learning affects their activities and to make changes where needed. Learn more about the differences between training and facilitation in the Becoming an Effective Facilitator course in the Learning Center.
As Rotary’s approach to building knowledge and skills shifts from a training model to a learning model, we’re putting participants at the center of the learning experience so they can direct their own learning and skill development.
Watch our webinar that was shown on February 13, 2024 to explore how to create dynamic learning experiences through facilitated dialogue and idea sharing.
Posted by Iosif Ciosa, Past District Governor and District 7070 Learning Chair
Welcome to your Rotary District 7070 Learning in the 2024-25 Rotary year. The District 7070 Learning committee is bringing all learning sessions under one umbrella.
The learining sessions (events) on the district website are one colour – red
A form to be used by our District Committees when putting together a training/learning session to tell you all about the learning session. This form (see the attached form in the next story in this newsletter) will be sent to Iosif and to Bob Wallace posting on to the District website
We have also created a NEW section in the Monthly District Newsletter that will show the learning session in the upcoming month
District Governor Virginia O'Reilly will also add any learning sessions to his weekly message.
Please Read more to see just some of the future learning sessions already planned for YOU....
There are lots of tips and tools of the trade when it comes to Public Image, Membership, The Rotary Foundation and Governance, when it comes to you and your Rotary or Rotaract club. This is exactly what we have in store for you.
On Tuesdays, on a monthly basis , we will be presenting learning opportunities, in one-hour zoom sessions, for you and your club members, to help you with many ways that you can learn more about Rotary and really help your club.
TUESDAY NOVEMBER 19, 2024 - REGISTER TODAY FOR ANOTHER GREAT LEARNING TUESDAYS ON MEMBERSHIP. Go to the District website calendar and register today.
In 2024-25, we will have 9 sessions ( No sessions in the months: July, December & June) with sessions allocated as follows: 2 sessions on Governance; 2 sessions on Membership; 1 session on The Rotary Foundation; and 1 session on Public Image. Watch the District 7070 Calendar for the time and date. Stay tuned for more details, these sessions are being developed as we speak.
Posted by Iosif Ciosa, Chair District 7070 Learning Committee
To District 7070 Committees: From: Committee Chair: Iosif Ciosa
Learning 2024-25 Description Form : Please use the 2023-24 form until a new one is developed.
Here is the 2023-24 Learning Description Form that we would like you to fill out and sent to Iosif Ciosa when you create the learning event that we will put on the District Website.
You may attach pictures, flyers, artwork or graphics (please make sure that pictures or graphics are not copywritten and are royalty free).
The Action Plan is a sustainable approach to creating and maintaining healthy clubs. President Stephanie A. Urchick and the Action Plan champions are asking all members to use the Action Plan framework to help address challenges and meet your club’s and district’s goals. Visit rotary.org/actionplan to use the Action Plan Toolkit today.
One thing successful clubs have in common is effective goal setting. When club leaders plan for the future, they give the club a sense of direction. Whether you aim to welcome more members, complete more service projects, or improve the experience your club offers members, setting goals motivates members to work toward a common purpose. Rotary Club Central makes it easy for Rotary and Rotaract clubs to plan and track their goals. Club leaders can now set yearly goals for up to three years and record the club’s accomplishments, and all members can view the club’s progress. Plus, future leaders can use past goals to make informed decisions about the club’s direction. It’s never too late to start planning for your club’s future. Visit Rotary Club Central and get started.
Start the new year right by taking a course in the Learning Center. As a district leader, what better resolution can you make than to brush up on your Rotary knowledge? You’ll find plenty of opportunity to do that quickly and effortlessly in the Learning Center. Our Learning Center staff members recommend these courses in advance of the coming season of learning events designed to prepare incoming leaders for their terms in July:
Did you know that Rotary’s Action Plan can help you address your club and district challenges and leverage opportunities? Use Rotary’s Strategic Planning Guide to get ready for the upcoming Rotary year.
The Rotary Club Excellence Award (formerly Rotary Citation) is the most important award for Rotary clubs. It recognizes clubs that pursue activities that support organizational priorities. The number of clubs that can earn this award is unlimited. A newly chartered club is not precluded from earning this award.
Nomination process: A club officer selects at least 50% of the club goals in Rotary Club Central, achieves them with the club during the year, and reports the achievement in Rotary Club Central.
Nomination period: Club officers set and achieve goals during their Rotary year. The achievement of the goals must be reported in Rotary Club Central by 30 June, 2025.
Eligibility criteria: Clubs must be in good financial standing, meaning they must pay both dues invoices and any balances in full within 60 days of receiving the invoice. Club must also show they have achieved at least 50% of the goals in Rotary Club Central. Even if clubs achieve these goals, they aren’t eligible if their achievement isn’t reported by 30 June.
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.......
Posted by Lars Henriksson, Past District 7070 Governor
As we are returning step by step to a more normal life, after COVID, it is now time to also look at the plans for the future for YOUR CLUB. 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.
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.
Massive wildfires in Southern California, USA, have destroyed at least 12,000 buildings, razed neighborhoods, and displaced tens of thousands of people
This story appeared in the February 2018 issue of Rotary magazine. It’s a crisp, sunny day in late October, and school groups are touring the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library in
Signature events at the 2025 Rotary convention include dinner at Rotarians’ homes, a country music jamboree, and boot-stompin’ celebrations of the Western culture in Calgary.