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.
HERE IS WHAT IS INSIDE THIS MONTH. YOU CAN CLICK ON EACH TOPIC TO READ THE WHOLE STORY RIGHT HERE IN THE INDEX ....
Posted by Stephanie Urchick, Rotary International President 2024-25
In President Stephanie Urchick's November 2024 Newsletter, she talks about the Rotary Foundation and how it helps us transform dreams into reality and how it helps eradicate polio, build peace, and invites us to the Peace Conference in February 2025 in Istanbul. She talks about district grants, global grant , and youth programs . She encourages us all to donate to the Rotary Foundation, and to the Endowment fund in particular, to try and reach the goal of $2.025 billion by June 30, 2025. .......
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 November 2024 Newsletter, Mark asks us to look for ways you and your club can support Foundation-led efforts like polio eradication, disaster response, or the Rotary Peace Centers. He urges us to get involved in global grant or district grant projects. And if you have never had the experience of giving to our Foundation, he invites us to join other Rotary members as a Foundation donor. Our support will mean the world to both Rotary members who want to help and to the individuals and communities who need it. Mark adds, "The Rotary Foundation is not a place or a building. It is an experience, one that lives in our hearts and hands as we do good in the world. The Rotary Foundation is all of us." .......
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 November 2024 District 7070 Newsletter as she focuses on The Rotary Foundation ..
Editor's Note : As soon as Chris' "In The Zone" November 2024 video is available, it will be inserted into the District 7070 October Newsletter that appears on our Rotary District 7070 website and also on the Rotary Zone 28 and 32 website . ....... Please Read more...
Posted by Chris Etienne, Director , Rotary International
As you are probably aware, many of our Rotary friends in Zones 33 and 34 have been impacted significantly by Hurricane Helene. Below please find a message from Rotary International Director Patrick Eakes. Please share with your members.
The Rotary Clubs of Whitby-Sunrise and the Rotary Club of Etobicoke unveilled Peace Poles to recognize September 21 as the International Day of Peace. A Peace Pole is a monument that displays the message May Peace Prevail On Earth in the language of the country where it is placed. It usually displays 3 to 7 additional languages meaningful to the host site. The message is referred to as an affirmation of peace and its placement furthers Rotary's goal of building a culture of peace throughout the world.
Please Read more to find out about the unveillings.....
Congratulations to the Rotary Club of Newmarket's Laura Bradford and her committee for hosting an outstanding Rotary District 7070 Foundation Walk on October 6, 2024 at Fairy Lake, in Newmarket. Great walk, great fellowship with new and old friends and lots of funds raised by all of our clubs for the Rotary Foundation. Please check out the Photo album on the District 7070 website. Lots of friends and family. And Rotary Youth Exchange students too. Be sure to get your donations in to the Rotary Foundation. Use these forms to help make that donation:
Register now for the upcoming webinar Ethical Storytelling on Wednesday 9 October at 10:00 AM Chicago Time. Click here to see the event details in your time zone. A recording will be available to everyone who registers.
During this session, participants will:
Learn to identify the characteristics of ethical storytelling
Consider the importance of ethical storytelling for Rotary
Brainstorm ideas for incorporating these principles into our communications. Please Read more
Posted by Susan Hunter, , Chair District 7070 Rotary Leadership Institute
In a complex, fast-changing world, excellent Rotary club leadership is essential to the future of Rotary. One of the best ways to strengthen your Club is to give your members the tools and skills to be better Rotarians. Rotary Leadership Institute is the solution. This is your opportunity to learn more about Rotary and share your ideas with other Rotarians, and it is a great learning experience for newer Rotarians, for your incoming Board of Directors, and for any Rotarian who wants to learn more about Rotary. For the 2024-2025 Rotary year, we are pleased to announce the dates for the Fall and Spring programs. Please REGISTER TODAY for PART III which will start on November 6 . Here is more of the story........
The Rotary District 7070 Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee invites YOU to Join a conversation with a Rotarians in District 7070 whose story will draw us together and remind us that we have more in common than we may know. A brief discussion about creating a place for all members to belong, thrive and serve will follow. This learning event is open to everyone who is interested in creating an inclusive space.
1. Share in the lived experiences and stories of Rotarians from the district 2. Learn strategies for making your club inclusive and welcoming for new and existing members
Please Read More for all of the details and Please REGISTER TODAY.....
As part of Rotary’s ongoing commitment to adaptability and increasing our impact, the annual presidential theme is evolving into a strategic presidential message tied directly to our Action Plan. This change will take effect 1 July 2025. The RI president will still promote an annual message.
What will be different:
A presidential message aligned with the Action Plan
New approval process with a broader group of stakeholders, led by the Executive Committee of the Board
No separate presidential logo
Message of future president-nominees previously determined by the Board
What will stay the same:
The big annual reveal at the International Assembly by the president-elect
Presidential materials: year colors, scarves, ties, and more
The president’s inspirational message for Rotary members each year
The Board of Directors unanimously approved three years’ worth of messaging at their May 2024 meeting. President-elect Mário César Martins de Camargo will unveil the first of these messages at the 2025 International Assembly. If you have any questions, please write to ri.comms@rotary.org.
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.
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.
The Canada to Scotland Rotary Curling tour has been providing an opportunity for International Rotary Fellowship since 1956. Every other year teams have gone “across the pond” to curl for several weeks and deepen connections within Rotary.
The 2024 Canada to Scotland Curling team is eager for our trip this November 2-24. Our 18 team members from Rotary Clubs across Ontario will enjoy 13 games of curling against Scottish Rotarians. We will enjoy the hospitality of Rotarians across their beautiful country and know it will be an experience of a lifetime.....
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.
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 November 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? Have you Registered for the November 16 Rotary Foundation Grant Qualification Seminar? Please Read more.........
Posted by Past District Govenror Bob Wallace, District 7070 Disaster Response Chair
Here is a note from Past District Governor Bob Wallace who is also our Disaster Response Coordinator here in District 7070. he has been in touch with Rotarians in the west. As a matter of fact, as you have heard and seen already, the mayor of Jasper, a Rotarian, has lost his home
In response to the tragic Jasper Wildfire, the Rotary District 5370 Charitable Foundation is establishing the Jasper Fire Relief Fund, similar to what we did for the Ft. McMurray Wildfire in 2016.
There are currently several governmental agencies and NGOs working towards providing immediate relief to the residents of Jasper affected by this wildfire. Unlike these, our fire relief fund is intended to provide community agencies with funding to help rebuild the very necessary programs in the longer term after the fire. Grants from the fund will be disbursed to organizations offering programing related to mental health, sports, food supply, social programs and the many other necessities of a healthy community.
Donations to our Ft. McMurray Fire Relief Fund exceeded $1 million and we were able to assist over a dozen community agencies in rebuilding after that fire. With your help, we are hoping to see significant donations to the Jasper Fire Relief Fund. All donations qualify for a charitable receipt for tax purposes. Here's how to Donate.....
Posted by Past District Governor Lars Henriksson, Chair, District 7070 Rotary Foundations Grants Committee
Rotarians and Rotaractors in District 7070 are invited to the Foundation Qualification Seminar on Saturday November 16, 2024, at the Oshawa & District Shrine Hall, 1626 Simcoe St N, Oshawa, 8.30 am to 2 pm.
The seminar is an opportunity to learn about our Rotary Foundation, including
the structure of the Rotary Foundation
how money is raised and where it goes.
Global and District grants, what they can be used for and how to apply.
case presentations of Global and District grant projects
In addition, there will be an update on the Polio Eradication Program. ......
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.
It’s not too early to begin preparing your concept note for a Programs of Scale grant. Concept notes were due 1 August 2024 for the 2025 Programs of Scale grant competition. For the next award cycle, Programs of Scale proposals must include a minimum of US$500,000 in cash contributions from one or more external program partners. Register for these webinars to learn more about the process:
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....
With the approach of World Polio Day on 24 October, you have a great opportunity to try out the new event templates to help promote your club's World Polio Day event. You can also visit the Brand Center for social media graphics, videos, public relations templates, and more to help your club raise awareness and donations for PolioPlus. Additional resources will be added throughout September and October, so be sure to check back often. HERE is the link.
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.
Our Rotary International President Stephanie A. Urchick is calling upon Rotary members to make their clubs “simply irresistible” to community members seeking service and fellowship. She calls on members to use Rotary’s Action Plan to assess where they are and where they need to go. Stephanie Urchick talks about her priorities in an interview with Rotary magazine. Tom Gump, presidential aide to President Stephanie, further breaks down the concept in his blog post for Rotary Voices..... Please Read more .....
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........
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. 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......
Economic and Community Development is one of the Seven Areas of Focus that Rotary has asked all clubs to focus on, especially in October.
What is your club doing? If you are looking for ideas , or wish Chair Khalid Hasan to speak to your club, please contact our very own District 7070 Areas of Focus Action Committee: Community Economic Development. Chair - Khalid Hasan, Rotary Club of North York Email: khalid.hasan@resint.ca Phone: (647) 537-2444
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
Posted by Programs and Engagement staff, Rotary International
Rotary and Rotaract clubs can get more done when we partner with outside organizations and use our combined strengths to increase our impact. But how do you get organizations to work with your club? RI’s Service and Engagement staff members recently compiled 10 tips to help club leaders find and secure partners, including these:
Commit to bold ideas.
Use the district resource network and other experts to refine your ideas.
Start with a small project and collect data to prove your concept to large donors, nonprofits, and government agencies that can help scale up your initiative.
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 looking forward to 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 last June 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 .........
We are excited to invite you to celebrate HIP's 10th Year Anniversary! Help us mark this special milestone with a donation and a personal message of congratulations. Your heartfelt message will be proudly displayed on our website and shared across our social media platforms, showcasing your support for a decade of fostering reconciliation and empowering Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth. Join us in making a difference by sending your well wishes and contributing to HIP’s continued impact as we look forward to the future. Every message and donation counts! Share your message HERE. And then JOIN US ON NOVEMBER 1 .... Please Read more to see the details......
Night of A Thousand Dinners – FEBRUARY 13, 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/ .....
Posted by Amy Taghavi-Tekieyeh Co-President of the Rotaract Club of Willowdale
The Roratact Club of Willowdale is delighted to share the outcome of our 2024 Sumer Book Drive leading up to Basic Education and Literacy Month. With the support of our Club mentor, Courtney Doldron, our Sponsor Club the Rotary Club of Willowdale and community members, our team was able to collect 423 books! Surpassing our Club goal of 250 books. One of the areas of focus for our Club is equal access to education, as such, we were very excited to undertake this project. Three beneficiaries received books from this drive:
1). 120 children's books were donated to the Yorkwoods After School Program by the Salvation Army. This program is hosted at the Yorkwoods Community Church where they offer emergency food bank, homework and after school club, Christmas assistance program and residential summer camp for children.
2). 45 like-new condition teen and adult books were donated to Pegasus Community Project. Pegasus is a grassroots organization that supports adults with developmental disabilities. They provide an opportunity for adults with developmental disabilities to participate in meaningful activities and community engagement. Pegasus' mission is to facilitate growth, dignity and choice for these individuals. All books donated will be available for purchase at the Pegasus Shoppe, at 931 Kingston Road, Toronto M4E 1S6.
3). 258 gently-used teen and adult books were donated to the East Scarborough Storefront. The East Scarborough Storefront uses the power of collaboration to support people and build community in an inner suburban neighborhood in East Scarborough. Services offered include: legal advice, youth groups and settlement services, assist residents connect with local employment and economic opportunities. In addition, they help facilitate integration of institutions like The University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC) to nurture innovation and integrate residents into community based activities.
We look forward to our Summer 2025 Book Drive and sincerely thank everyone across D7070 that shared about and donated books to this project. Please Read more to see the photos
Posted by Amy Taghavi-Tekieyeh, Co-President, Rotaract Club of Willowdale
The Rotaract Club of Willowdale is delighted to share our second annual Halloween for Hunger initiative. Please see attached for project flyer. From October 1st - 31st, our club will be accepting donations and non-perishable goods in support of the North York Harvest Food Bank. Non-perishable goods can be delivered to:
33 Kentland Cres, Toronto, ON M2M 2X7 (North York); OR
9 Bigioni Lane, Maple ON L6A 0H6 (Vaughan).
Pickup will be available in the final week for North York locals donating more than 10 non-perishable items.
Monetary donations:
E-transfer: willowdalerotaracts@gmail.com; OR
Cash: Deliver to 33 Kentland Cres, Toronto, ON M2M 2X7 (North York)
Cheque: Mail or deliver to 33 Kentland Cres, Toronto, ON M2M 2X7 (North York) made out to Rotaract Willowdale Inc.
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.
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.
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.......
Did you know Rotary’s improved Brand Center has more than 200 high-quality videos featuring our areas of focus, polio eradication work, and more? These videos highlight diverse voices, tell compelling stories, and use visuals to communicate that we’re people of action, saving you the time and expense of creating them. They’re ready for you to use to enhance your meetings and promote Rotary on social media and at club events. Visit Rotary.org/brandcenter today to explore our broad video selection using the search bar or filters. Browse the videos HERE.
It’s never been easier to create a flyer or social media graphic to help promote your events! Six new customizable templates for Rotary, Rotaract, and Interact events have been added to the Brand Center. These templates can be formatted with your club or district’s text, photos, logo, as well as sponsor or partner logos. Find them on the Brand Center and use them to promote service projects, guest speakers, meetings, and more. HERE is the link to customize your events.
From April through June 2024, the public relations team collaborated closely with Rotary members to enhance their messages, secure interviews, and develop content that appeared in national and regional media in more than 21 countries. Rotary’s brand was amplified through 92 pieces of media coverage in outlets with a combined audience of 1.3 billion that reached an estimated 2.31 million and generated thousands of comments, likes, and shares on social media. Major news drivers included diverse Rotary initiatives that resonate globally, such as World Immunization Week and the Rotary International Convention in Singapore, When you’re ready to tell your story, use the public relations resources in the Brand Center to work with the media to increase visibility in your community. Click HERE to explore our Public Image Resources.
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 October / November:
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.
One often-overlooked brand element is the typography or font that you use in your communication materials. When you use Rotary’s typography, or fonts, you help keep our communications cohesive and distinctive. Build recognition for your club and Rotary by using these fonts. You can use the free options when the licensed options aren’t available or are cost-prohibitive: Open Sans or Arial.
The Learning Center has new resources for public speaking, created in partnership with Toastmasters. (Login with your rotary.org credentials.) These include:
Rotary Leadership Institute offers a variety of courses to help Rotary members learn more about Rotary from each other. In September, RLI Northeast America launched a new 2024-2025 graduate course called "Capturing the Value of your Impact." This course explores the meaning of IMPACT, including topics that relate to building a positive Public Image:
Here is the recording of the 3 Actions to impact Public Image: https://youtu.be/J_4aXFdJqr4 It is also available (with slides) on the Rotary Zone 28 and 32 website.
“We Are Rotary” and “Vaccinating Every Child Under Five,” two new radio ads that show the public who we are and what we do, are now available in the Brand Center. You can download the ads in various formats for your promotional campaigns. “We Are Rotary” shows how our members solve problems and address community needs and invites others to take action with us. “Vaccinating Every Child Under Five” publicizes the effectiveness of vaccines and the steadfast work Rotary and our partners do to eradicate polio. To get both, go to the Brand Center and search for radio ads.
Posted by Laura Spear, Rotary Zone 32 Public Image Coordinator
The Rotary Brand Center: New resources are always being added to the Brand Center. Check out:
This two-part video series focuses on public relations skills to help you get positive news coverage for your projects and events. In the videos, Deborah Buks, a Houston PR professional who helped promote the 2022 Rotary International Convention, shares her expertise, including tips on working with local media.
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.
Podcasts have soared in popularity in the last decade in part because they provide opportunities for unfiltered connection and community-building. The global audience for podcasts is expected to reach 504 million listeners this year, almost double what it was in 2019, and the “Rotary Voices” podcast is part of this remarkable growth. Since its debut in May 2022, Rotary Voices has reached 250,000 listens and features interviews with thought leaders, Rotary news updates, and “read-alouds” from Rotary magazine. The podcast is a great way to engage others in Rotary and raise awareness and understanding of what we do. We encourage you to listen wherever you get your podcasts and to share episodes with colleagues, friends, and Rotary participants.
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.
Posted by David Andrews, District 7070 Public Image Chair
Looking For A Place to Find Speakers? Got a good Speaker you have recently heard? Well, you've come to the right place!
We want this to be a great resource for speakers for your club. The speakers listed have been all recommended by clubs in our District. The list will be updated often, so you may want to "bookmark" this page! Speakers are listed by category as shown on the District 7070 website "Speakers Corner" page under the Our Work Tab.
Just follow the instructions on the Speakers Corner Page and then contact Rotary District 7070 Public Image Chair Dave Andrews at dave.f.andrews99@gmail.com. with the speakers (and their info on this form) that you wish to add to Speaker's Corner for all of the clubs to enjoy.
OUR GOAL: We would like to see each club in our District recommend at least one speaker that other clubs would just love to hear. Please use the form and send it to Dave TODAY. Let's really build a significant Speaker's Corner.
Note: The Speakers Corner Page is only accessible by Rotarians and Rotaractors with a clubrunner ID and password and not available to the general public . (to respect the privacy to the speakers who have volunteered to speak to other Clubs)
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:........
ROTARY NORTHUMBERLAND 500 TREES PROJECT. ROTARY IS TACKLING CLIMATE CHANGE!
In an unprecedented collaborative effort, all six Rotary clubs in Northumberland County have joined forces to combat climate change through the Rotary Northumberland 500 Trees project.
This Fall, the 6 Rotary clubs – Port Hope, Cobourg, Northumberland Sunrise, Colborne, Brighton and Campbellford will be spearheading this initiative to plant 500 trees in Northumberland County......
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).
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.
Rotary is committing US$500,000 to bolster the initiative, channeling these funds through a dedicated Polio Outbreak Response Fund. This contribution represents Rotary's sustained support to the World Health Organization in combating polio globally.
The Canada to Scotland Rotary Curling tour has been providing an opportunity for International Rotary Fellowship since 1956. Every other year teams have gone “across the pond” to curl for several weeks and deepen connections within Rotary.
In his November 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? Have you Registered for the November 16 Rotary Foundation Grant Qualification Seminar? Please Read more.......
With the approach of World Polio Day on 24 October, you have a great opportunity to try out the new event templates to help promote your club's World Polio Day event. You can also visit the 
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.
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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, or want to help starting a project, please contact Bill. Here are some news 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.
Rotary International Zones 28 & 32 (formerly Zones 24 & 32) is a
